Salvador da Bahia attractions

Lush, verdant forests, stunning ocean views, and some 25 miles (40 km of white sand beaches await on tropical Itaparica Island. The island offers a more rural escape, where tiny villages, scenic waterfronts, and old school churches take the place of colorful beach umbrellas, pushy vendors, and tourist-filled stretches of sand.

From teaching about enslavement to honoring the influence of African culture on modern-day Brazil, Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian Museum (Museu Afro-Brasileiro) provides insight into the country’s African roots. Filled with colorful artworks and historic artifacts, its eclectic collections come from all around Africa as well as Brazil.

Salvador da Bahia’s largest theater, Castro Alves Theater (Teatro Castro Alves) is both an architectural landmark and the heart of the city’s performing arts scene. Housed in a contemporary building, the 1,500-seat theater is home to Salvador’s orchestra and ballet company and hosts regular live performances.

Mangue Seco is a stunning coastal village on the Atlantic Ocean near Salvador, Brazil. Known for its untouched natural beauty, this hidden gem offers visitors a serene escape from the city. Pristine sand dunes, turquoise waters, and towering palm trees enhance the destination’s allure.

With its lattice of cobbled lanes, dotted with historic churches, colonial-era landmarks, and brightly painted buildings, the Upper City (Cidade Alta) is the historic core of Salvador da Bahia. Perched on an escarpment with views across the bay, it’s also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the popular Pelourinho district.

Just south of Salvador de Bahia, the rural villages and tranquil sandy beaches of Tinharé Island (Ilha de Tinharé) are an idyllic retreat from the city. Reachable only by boat, the small, car-free island is home to some of Bahia’s most beautiful beaches and spectacular snorkeling spots.