Best Things to Do in Salvador, Brazil (Beyond Pelourinho)
Salvador da Bahia is the kind of city that grabs you by the senses and never quite lets go. The pounding rhythm of drums echoing through cobblestone alleys. The scent of palm oil sizzling in a street vendor's pan. The Atlantic crashing against a 16th-century lighthouse at sunset. For many visitors, Salvador begins and ends with the colorful facades of Pelourinho — but the truth is, the historic center is only the opening chapter.
This guide is for the traveler who wants to go deeper. We will walk you through the neighborhoods, flavors, islands, and experiences that make Salvador one of the most culturally rich cities in all of the Americas — and share practical tips so you can navigate it all with confidence.
Start Where Everyone Starts: Pelourinho (But Do It Right)
Yes, Pelourinho is touristy. But skipping it entirely would be like visiting Rome and ignoring the Colosseum. The key is knowing how to experience it beyond the surface.
The Historic Center — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 — is a grid of steep, stone-paved streets lined with pastel-colored colonial buildings. Churches like the gold-encrusted Igreja de São Francisco and the striking blue-tiled Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos are architectural treasures you will not find duplicated anywhere.
On Tuesday evenings, the neighborhood transforms. Olodum, the legendary Afro-Brazilian percussion group that once collaborated with Paul Simon and Michael Jackson, performs free open-air concerts in Pelourinho's main square. The energy is electric, and the crowd — a mix of locals and visitors — dances in the streets until late.
Insider tip: Visit Pelourinho on a weekday morning before the tour buses arrive. You will have the churches, plazas, and photo spots almost entirely to yourself. And having mobile data on your phone makes it easy to look up opening hours and navigate on the spot — something worth sorting out before you land.
Ride the Elevador Lacerda Between Two Worlds
One of Salvador's most iconic landmarks is not a church or a beach — it is an elevator. The Elevador Lacerda connects the Cidade Alta (Upper City) to the Cidade Baixa (Lower City) in a 30-second ride that covers a 72-meter cliff face.
Built in 1873 and Art Deco-renovated in the 1930s, the elevator carries over 900,000 passengers per month. At the top, you step out to a sweeping view of the Bay of All Saints — the largest bay in Brazil — with ferries, sailboats, and the islands of Itaparica and Frades dotting the horizon.
The ride costs just a few reais and deposits you steps away from Mercado Modelo, Salvador's most famous market.
Browse and Bargain at Mercado Modelo
Sitting at the base of the Elevador Lacerda in a grand 19th-century customs house, Mercado Modelo is a sensory experience. More than 250 stalls sell handmade lace, wooden Orixá sculptures, leather goods, cachaça, and Bahian spices.
Bargaining is expected and part of the fun. On the building's lower level, you will often find capoeira performances — the Afro-Brazilian martial art that blends dance, acrobatics, and music. It was born right here in Bahia, and watching a roda (circle) of skilled capoeiristas is mesmerizing.
Pro tip: If you want to share what you find with friends and family back home in real time, having reliable data on your phone is a game-changer. International roaming charges in Brazil can be brutal, and buying a local SIM usually requires a CPF — a Brazilian tax identification number that foreigners do not have.
Chase the Sunset at Farol da Barra
Ask any local where to watch the sunset and the answer is almost always the same: Farol da Barra. The 17th-century lighthouse — one of the oldest in the Americas — sits at the tip of a rocky point where the Bay of All Saints meets the open Atlantic.
The ritual is simple. Grab a coconut water or a cold beer from a nearby vendor, find a spot on the rocks or the seawall, and watch the sun melt into the ocean. When it dips below the horizon, the crowd applauds. It happens every clear evening, and it never gets old.
The surrounding Barra neighborhood has a relaxed, walkable vibe with plenty of restaurants, ice cream shops, and the excellent Museu Náutico da Bahia inside the lighthouse itself.
Discover Salvador's Best Beaches
Salvador has over 50 kilometers of coastline, and not all beaches are created equal. Here are three worth prioritizing:
Porto da Barra
Consistently rated one of the best urban beaches in the world. A small, sheltered crescent of calm turquoise water, perfect for swimming. It gets crowded on weekends — go early on a weekday.
Stella Maris
Further north, with wider sand and bigger waves. Popular with surfers and families. The beachside barracas (shack restaurants) serve grilled seafood and ice-cold drinks with table service on the sand.
Praia do Flamengo
Even further north, this is where Salvadorans go to escape the crowds. Clear water, natural reef pools at low tide, and a quieter, more local atmosphere.
Getting between beaches is easy by ride-hailing apps like 99 or Uber — both of which require mobile data to work. A travel eSIM like FlyConnecta activates the moment you turn on your phone in Brazil, so you are connected from the airport without hunting for WiFi or a SIM card shop.
Take an Island Day Trip
The Bay of All Saints shelters dozens of tropical islands, and several make for unforgettable day trips from Salvador.
Ilha dos Frades
A protected environmental area with pristine beaches and virtually no development. The water is impossibly clear. Boats depart from the Terminal Náutico in the lower city.
Ilha de Itaparica
The largest island in the bay, reachable by a scenic 45-minute ferry from the Terminal São Joaquim. It has colonial churches, quiet beaches, and a slower pace of life that feels worlds away from the city.
Morro de São Paulo
Technically not in the bay but on the island of Tinharé, about 2–3 hours south by catamaran. A car-free village with four numbered beaches, each with a different personality — from lively bars to near-deserted stretches of white sand. Many travelers spend 2–3 nights here.
Navigation note: Booking boats, checking schedules, and communicating with local operators is much simpler with a working phone connection. Airport WiFi in Salvador is unreliable, and public WiFi networks carry real security risks for banking apps and personal data.
Eat Your Way Through Afro-Brazilian Cuisine
Salvador's food is unlike anything else in Brazil. The cuisine of Bahia is the product of West African, Portuguese, and Indigenous traditions fused over centuries, and it revolves around palm oil (dendê), coconut milk, fresh seafood, and spices.
Must-Try Dishes
- Acarajé — Deep-fried balls of black-eyed pea dough, split open and stuffed with vatapá (shrimp paste), caruru (okra sauce), and dried shrimp. Sold by Baianas de acarajé — women in traditional white dresses and turbans — on nearly every street corner.
- Vatapá — A thick, creamy paste made from bread, shrimp, coconut milk, palm oil, and ground peanuts and cashews.
- Moqueca baiana — A rich, slow-cooked fish or shrimp stew in a clay pot with coconut milk and dendê oil. Different from its Espírito Santo cousin — the Bahian version is bolder.
- Bobó de camarão — Shrimp in a velvety cassava and coconut cream sauce.
Where to Eat
- Dinha's Acarajé (Rio Vermelho) — An institution. Lines form early.
- Restaurante Yemanjá (Rio Vermelho) — Classic Bahian seafood in a generous, well-priced spread.
- Casa de Tereza (Santo Antônio) — Refined Bahian cuisine with stunning bay views.
Explore the Afro-Brazilian Soul of the City
Salvador is the largest city of African descent outside of Africa. Over 80% of the population identifies as Black or mixed-race, and Afro-Brazilian culture is not a niche here — it is the mainstream.
Candomblé
This Afro-Brazilian religion — rooted in Yoruba, Fon, and Bantu traditions brought by enslaved people — remains a living, breathing part of daily life in Salvador. Some terreiros (temples) welcome respectful visitors during public ceremonies. The Terreiro Casa Branca, founded in the 19th century, is a recognized cultural heritage site. Always ask permission before photographing and follow the dress code (typically white clothing).
Museums and Cultural Centers
- Museu Afro-Brasileiro (Pelourinho) — Outstanding collection exploring the African roots of Bahian culture.
- Fundação Pierre Verger — Dedicated to the French-Brazilian photographer who documented Candomblé and Afro-Bahian life for decades.
Wander Through Rio Vermelho
If Pelourinho is Salvador's historical heart, Rio Vermelho is its bohemian soul. This lively coastal neighborhood is where writers, musicians, and artists have gathered for generations — the novelist Jorge Amado lived here for years.
Today it is one of the best areas for nightlife, with bars and restaurants spilling out onto sidewalks and live music on most nights. The Largo de Santana square is the epicenter, especially on weekends.
During the day, Rio Vermelho has a laid-back neighborhood feel. Visit the small fishing harbor, grab an acarajé at Dinha's, and browse the local shops. On February 2nd, the neighborhood hosts the Festa de Yemanjá, one of Salvador's most important religious celebrations, when thousands of people bring flowers and offerings to the sea.
Getting Around Salvador
Salvador is spread out along the coast, and getting around requires some planning.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, 99): The most convenient option for most visitors. Affordable and widely available — but they require mobile data.
- Buses: Cheap but confusing for newcomers. Google Maps works well for routing if you have data.
- Taxis: Available but always agree on the fare or insist on the meter before getting in.
- Walking: Great within neighborhoods (Pelourinho, Barra, Rio Vermelho) but not practical between them — distances are long and some areas between neighborhoods are not pedestrian-friendly.
- Ferries: For island trips, ferries depart from the Terminal Náutico and Terminal São Joaquim.
Connectivity matters here. Navigating an unfamiliar city is dramatically easier with real-time maps, translation apps, and the ability to call a ride from wherever you are. With a travel eSIM from FlyConnecta, you land in Salvador already connected — no store visits, no paperwork, no CPF required. It works on the Vivo, Claro, and TIM networks, which means solid coverage across the city and the islands.
Safety Tips for Salvador
Salvador is a vibrant, welcoming city, but like any major urban destination, it pays to be street-smart.
- Avoid displaying expensive electronics — especially in Pelourinho and the Lower City. Use your phone discreetly.
- Stick to well-trafficked areas at night. Barra, Rio Vermelho, and Pelourinho's main squares are generally safe in the evenings.
- Use ride-hailing apps after dark rather than walking long distances.
- Keep copies of your documents — a photo on your phone is sufficient. Leave originals in your hotel safe.
- Be cautious with ATMs. Use machines inside banks or shopping malls during business hours.
- Trust your instincts. If a street feels empty or uncomfortable, turn around. Locals are overwhelmingly friendly and will often go out of their way to help.
Best Time to Visit Salvador
Salvador is warm year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C (77°F).
- September to March — Dry season. Sunny skies, ideal for beach days and island trips. December and January are peak season with higher prices.
- April to August — Rainy season. Showers are typically short and tropical, and the city is less crowded. Prices drop.
- Carnival (February/March) — Salvador's Carnival is the largest street party on Earth. Six days of non-stop music, dancing, and blocos (street bands). It is an extraordinary experience, but the city is packed and prices triple. Book months in advance.
- New Year's Eve — Massive celebrations on the waterfront. Another high-demand period.
Salvador works as a destination any time of year. The culture, food, and energy are constants — only the weather changes.
Salvador is generally safe for visitors who take standard precautions. Stick to well-known neighborhoods like Barra, Rio Vermelho, and Pelourinho during the day. Use ride-hailing apps at night, avoid flashing valuables, and you will likely have a trouble-free trip. The city's tourism infrastructure has improved significantly in recent years.
How many days do I need in Salvador?
A minimum of four full days allows you to explore Pelourinho, enjoy the beaches, take an island day trip, and sample the food scene. If you want to add Morro de São Paulo, plan for six to seven days total.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to get around?
English is not widely spoken outside of upscale hotels and tour agencies. Having a translation app on your phone with a working data connection is extremely helpful. Basic Portuguese phrases — "obrigado/a" (thank you), "quanto custa?" (how much?) — go a long way and are always appreciated.
Can I buy a local SIM card in Salvador?
You can, but it typically requires a CPF (Brazilian tax ID), which most foreigners do not have. Some shops may sell prepaid SIMs without one, but availability is inconsistent. A travel eSIM is the most reliable option — FlyConnecta offers plans for 7, 15, or 30 days that activate instantly, with no documents or store visits required.
What is the best way to get from Salvador airport to the city?
Salvador's airport (SSA) is about 30 km north of the city center. Uber and 99 are the cheapest and most convenient options (around R$60–80 to Barra or Pelourinho). Airport taxis are more expensive. Having mobile data active when you land means you can request a ride immediately.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Salvador?
It is generally not recommended. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Restaurants and hotels serve filtered water as standard.
What currency is used, and can I pay with credit cards?
The Brazilian Real (BRL). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, street vendors, small markets, and some barracas on the beach are cash-only. ATMs are widely available.
Is Salvador worth visiting outside of Carnival?
Absolutely. In many ways, visiting outside of Carnival gives you a more authentic experience — the city is less chaotic, prices are lower, and you can engage more meaningfully with the culture, food, and neighborhoods. The music and energy of Salvador exist year-round.
Stay Connected From the Moment You Land
Salvador is a city best explored with curiosity and spontaneity — ducking into a side street because you heard drumming, hopping on a ferry because the weather is perfect, or tracking down the best acarajé stand based on a local's recommendation.
All of that is easier when your phone just works. No fumbling with SIM cards at the airport. No hunting for cafe WiFi to load a map. No international roaming bills that rival your flight cost.
FlyConnecta travel eSIMs give you reliable mobile data in Brazil from the second you land. Choose a 7, 15, or 30-day plan, install it before your flight, and activate it when you arrive. No CPF, no store visits, no paperwork. Just connection — on the networks Brazilians actually use.