10 Best Things to Do in Salvador, Brazil

Looking for what to do in Salvador? Brazil’s original colonial capital blends Afro-Brazilian culture, baroque architecture, tropical beaches and rhythms that spill into every street. Known for its soul, spirituality and music, Salvador offers one of the richest cultural experiences in South America. From pastel-coloured colonial districts to lively markets, candomblé traditions, coastal islands and iconic Bahian cuisine, the city rewards travellers who take time to wander slowly and immerse fully.

Whether you’re here for culture, beaches, history or nightlife, these are the best things to do in Salvador to make your trip unforgettable.

1. Wander the colourful streets of Pelourinho

Pelourinho is Salvador’s historic heart — a UNESCO-listed maze of pastel houses, cobblestone lanes and ornate 17th-century churches. Its name references the colonial-era whipping post that once stood here, but today the district is lively, musical and full of energy. Drummers rehearse on the streets, artists sell paintings from doorways, and capoeira groups perform in open squares.

Don’t miss the Church of São Francisco, one of Brazil’s greatest baroque masterpieces, covered floor-to-ceiling in gold leaf. Explore Largo do Pelourinho, browse artisan workshops and stop for an icy caipirinha while soaking up Bahia’s distinctive Afro-Brazilian identity.

Planning tip: Visit in the late afternoon when music groups begin warming up for the evening — Pelourinho transforms after sunset.

2. Try Bahian cuisine — one of Brazil’s best

Food is essential to understanding Salvador. Bahian cuisine blends African, Indigenous and Portuguese influences, creating some of Brazil’s most iconic dishes. Start with acarajé, a deep-fried black-eyed-pea dough ball filled with shrimp, vatapá and chilli — sold by the legendary Baianas in white dresses along Salvador’s streets.

Other must-try dishes include moqueca baiana (coconut-based fish stew with dendê oil), xinxim de galinha (a rich chicken-and-peanut dish) and abará, a steamed cousin of acarajé. For a sit-down experience, try traditional restaurants along the Rio Vermelho neighbourhood or Pelourinho.

Planning tip: Bahian food can be spicy and rich — pair it with a fresh maracujá (passionfruit) juice.

3. Visit the Elevador Lacerda and Praça da Sé

Salvador is famously divided into the “Upper City” and “Lower City.” The historic Elevador Lacerda — one of the world’s oldest urban lifts — connects the two and offers sweeping views across Baía de Todos os Santos. At the top, Praça da Sé and Praça Tomé de Sousa provide open spaces framed by colonial buildings, sculptures and viewpoints.

This is where Salvador’s skyline comes into focus: pastel houses tumbling toward the sea, church towers rising above hilltops and cargo boats drifting on the bay below.

Local tip: Combine the elevator with a short walk to the Mercado Modelo afterwards.

4. Shop at Mercado Modelo

At the foot of Elevador Lacerda sits Mercado Modelo, Salvador’s largest craft market. Inside the 19th-century warehouse, you’ll find stalls selling lace dresses, religious carvings, drums, paintings, jewellery, woven baskets and bright Bahian souvenirs. It’s the best place to pick up handmade gifts representing Afro-Brazilian culture.

Upstairs, restaurants overlook the port — a great spot for seafood, cold beer and views of the Lower City.

Planning tip: The market is touristy but fun. Always negotiate politely; vendors expect it.

5. Relax on Porto da Barra Beach

One of the best beaches within Salvador, Porto da Barra offers calm turquoise water, golden sand and an urban-yet-tropical vibe. Locals gather here for morning swims, sunset beers and weekend leisure. It sits beside historic forts and colonial walls, giving the beach a unique blend of scenery and culture.

Grab a beach chair, order fresh coconut water and watch vendors pass by selling grilled cheese, tapioca crepes and cold drinks. The sunsets here are some of the best in Brazil.

Local tip: It gets packed on weekends — weekdays are quieter and more relaxing.

6. Explore the coastal forts of Salvador

Salvador’s coastline is dotted with Portuguese forts built to protect the city from Dutch and French invasions. Two of the most picturesque are Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra (Farol da Barra lighthouse) and Forte de São Diogo. These forts offer historical exhibits, panoramic sea views and excellent sunset photography spots.

Farol da Barra’s sweeping viewpoint sits at the tip of the peninsula, where the Atlantic meets the bay — a dramatic place to take in Salvador’s maritime history.

Planning tip: Visit near sunset for golden light and ocean views that stretch for kilometres.

7. Experience candomblé and Afro-Brazilian spirituality

Salvador is the spiritual centre of candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion brought by enslaved West Africans. Many travellers join evening ceremonies (open to respectful visitors) where drumming, dance and white clothing honour the orixás — deities linked to natural forces like wind, fire and the sea.

Cultural centres throughout Salvador offer workshops on music, dance, percussion and spiritual traditions, giving visitors a deeper understanding of Bahia’s identity and heritage.

Respect tip: Photography is usually forbidden inside ceremonies; always ask beforehand.

8. Visit the Church of Bonfim

Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim is Salvador’s most important religious site and a symbol of devotion across Brazil. Visitors flock here to tie colourful ribbons (fitas) to the church gates, each representing a wish. Inside, the church blends Portuguese tilework, gold altars and votive offerings from families seeking miracles or giving thanks.

The annual Lavagem do Bonfim festival — when Baianas wash the steps of the church — is one of the city’s most spectacular cultural events.

Local tip: Tie the ribbon with three knots — one wish per knot.

9. Take a boat trip to Ilha dos Frades or Itaparica

When you need a break from the city, Salvador’s bay islands are perfect tropical escapes. Ilha dos Frades is the most scenic, with Caribbean-style water, palm-lined beaches and excellent swimming. Itaparica, much larger, offers quiet villages, beaches and local restaurants with fresh seafood.

Boats depart from Salvador’s ferry terminals and tours can be booked for half-day or full-day excursions.

Planning tip: Go early to secure a shaded beach spot — it gets hot quickly.

10. Enjoy nightlife in Rio Vermelho

Rio Vermelho is Salvador’s nightlife capital — a district packed with bars, music venues, seafood stalls and late-night energy. Live samba, forró and modern DJ sets spill into the streets, especially around Largo da Mariquita and Largo de Santana. The atmosphere is local, friendly and full of rhythm.

This is also one of the best places to try Bahia’s famous acarajé, served by the renowned Baianas who have been selling food here for decades.

Local tip: Start the night with a drink at a beachfront bar, then move inland as music picks up.