Things to do in  Salvador da Bahia

Our Lady of Mount Serrat Fort, located in Salvador, Brazil, is a 16th-century fortification that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. Overlooking the Bay of All Saints, it stands as a testament to Salvador's colonial history and offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Salvador’s oldest and largest market, the Mercado Modelo is housed in the reconstructed 19th-century Customs House, looking out over the harbor. Behind its lemon-yellow facade, around 200 stalls tempt shoppers with local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

With its jumble of colonial buildings, cobblestone lanes, and pastel-painted façades, Pelourinho (aka Pelo) is Salvador da Bahia’s oldest and most colorful neighborhood. Despite a dark past—Pelourinho was the location of Brazil’s first slave market—the historic district is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important cultural center.

Warm waves and slow tides make the star-shaped Frades Island (Ilha dos Frades) one of Salvador de Bahia’s most popular destinations. Enjoy beaches that boast white sand and turquoise water, or hike to remote waterfalls and hilltops that offer panoramic views of the bay.

Salvador’s picturesque Dique do Tororo is a popular escape for locals and visitors alike. This artificial lake is surrounded by lush greenery, sculptures of orixas (African deities), and Arena Fonte Nova stadium. Open to the public 365 days a year, the Dique do Tororo is a pleasant place to take a stroll, jog, or picnic.

The beautifully restored art deco Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda links Salvador’s Comercio and Cidade Alta neighborhoods, traveling 236 feet (72 meters in under 30 seconds. The ride has become a highlight in Salvador da Bahia, offering an easy means of transportation paired with stellar views from its apex.

In addition to showcasing the colonial baroque style, the 17th-century São Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador, Brazil, holds immense cultural significance among locals. While relatively plain on the outside, the building's spectacular interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and iconic azulejo tile panels.

Perched on a grassy peninsula at the western edge of Barra Beach, the Barra Lighthouse (Farol da Barra) has been guarding the rocky shores of All Saints Bay (Todos os Santos) since 1698—making it the oldest lighthouse in the Americas. One of Salvador’s most photographed landmarks, it’s also a historic site and museum.

Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church (Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim) is a religious landmark in Salvador do Bahia, Brazil. Situated atop Montserrat Hill, the iconic 18th-century church is famous for its Baroque-style carvings, annual Festa do Bonfim celebration, and blending of Catholic and African religions.

This massive stadium, which seats some 55,000 sports fans, was built in 2013 to host the World Cup in 2014. Teams from Spain, Nigeria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands have all graced the green of this iconic field. In 2016, Fonte Nova Stadium again posed as a global soccer stage during the Summer Olympics.

Perched on the stunning coast of Salvador, Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra is a historic sentinel overlooking the Atlantic. Home to the Nautical Museum of Bahia, the stories etched into the walls and cannons of this well-preserved fort make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking a picturesque setting.

Within day-trip distance of Salvador, the silken sands and palm-lined shores of Praia do Forte are renowned for their biodiversity. Set around a high reef, the coast is dotted with tide pools and rocky coves—a natural haven for marine life, with calm, shallow waters perfect for families with young kids.

Set in a mansion in the upscale neighborhood of Vitória, the Carlos Costa Pinto Museum (Museu Carlos Costa Pinto) illuminates the luxurious, decadent lifestyle of Salvador da Bahia’s sugarcane aristocracy. Exhibits focus on the history of colonial and imperial Bahio from the 17th to 19th century, with permanent installations and a rotating selection of cultural activities.

Cachoeira, a small colonial town on Brazil’s Paraguacu River, is a significant remnant of Portuguese colonialism. With its thriving African culture, spectacular UNESCO-listed architecture, impressive churches, colorful markets, and natural landmarks, the town entices visitors on popular day trips from nearby Salvador.

At the northern tip of Tinharé Island, idyllic Morro de São Paulo is reachable only by boat or plane. Flanked by sandy shores and coconut palms, the car-free island town is a thriving resort, with jungle hikes, festive nightlife, and some of Bahia’s most gorgeous beaches.