Top Things to Do in Salvador

About the City

Standing vibrant on the coast of Bahia, Salvador is a vivid canvas splashed with the colors of history, culture, and unabashed joy. Picture the palpable pulse of Samba and Axé music filling the air, swirling with the scents of acarajé, a local street food gem. Its historic center, the Pelourinho, is a kaleidoscopic journey through cobblestoned streets, punctuated by colonial architecture in cheerful hues and the occasional capoeira circle beneath ornate church steeples. Amidst this, the omnipresent Bahian spirit weaves tales of Candomblé and a rich African heritage. Yet, for every sunlit beach and festive carnival procession, challenges persist. Infrastructure cries for improvement, and the disparity gap widens, with poverty grappling parts of this coastal city. Urban sprawl paints a less picture-perfect scene, and safety becomes a shapeshifter, especially after the sun dips below the horizon. The traffic? Let's just say it can be as tangled as the rhythms of a good samba. Salvador's embrace is warm, but its grasp can be tight, hinting at a complexity as deep as the blue of its bay. It's a city of contrasts, simultaneously singing a siren song of beauty and whispering tales of grit beneath the surface.

Things to Do in Salvador

Pastel Plunge

Food & Drink

Dive into the deep-fried delight of Pastel! These crispy, golden parcels come with a medley of fillings that range from zesty cheese or ground beef to heartwarming hearts of palm. It's the ultimate sn...

Paragliding Panorama

Outdoors

Ready to tickle the clouds? Strap into a paraglider and catch the thermals for a sky-high tour of Salvador's stunning coastline. With your heart thumping and the wind in your sails, you'll see the cit...

Mystery Food Hop

The Unexpected

Time to turn your tastebuds into detectives! Prowl the city with a mission to discover hidden culinary gems. From secret seafood spots to back-alley bakeries, each bite's a clue to the next flavor adv...

Chillaxing in Chapada

The Unexpected

For a day away from the city bustle, take a hike in scenic Chapada Diamantina. Discover breathtaking waterfalls, mystical caves, and panoramic views that'll make your heart sing (and your feet possibl...

Crafty Creatives

The Unexpected

Flex those DIY muscles by participating in local arts and crafts workshops. Get your hands all painty and glittery while making one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Warning: You might just discover a new hobby!

Rhythms of the Night

The Unexpected

Dance the night away to live music ranging from sizzling samba to forró, funk, and more! Find the coolest joints and secret music spots where locals go to sway and spin until the sun comes up.

Hang Gliding High Five

Outdoors

Ever dreamt of flying? Seize the day and glide over the captivating coastline of Salvador with hang gliding! Soar like a bird, catch some thermals, and high-five the clouds. Don't forget to wave to th...

Botanical Garden Bash

Outdoors

Unleash your inner botanist and wander through Salvador's lush botanical gardens! Marvel at the tropical flora, make friends with the cheeky little butterflies, and enjoy a picnic surrounded by the bu...

Rollerblading Rendezvous

Outdoors

Strap on those skates and glide along with the palm-lined paths of Salvador's promenades! Feel the breeze in your hair and ocean by your side as you roll to the rhythm of the waves - just try not to m...

Cycling the Coastline Craze

Outdoors

Saddle up for a two-wheeled tour de force along the breezy beachfront bike paths! Battle the headwinds, conquer the coast, and claim your crown as the pedal-pushing monarch of the seaside!

Tapioca Terrace

Food & Drink

Ever fancied a snack that's both a crowd-pleaser and a chameleon? Tapioca is your go-to! Stroll the streets and savor these gluten-free crepes, with fillings from the simplest coconut shavings to a sa...

Street Art Stroll

Sights

Let the dynamic street art guide your adventure through Salvador! Every mural and graffiti piece tells a story. Snap some pics and admire the creative pulse of this culture-rich city.

Lighthouse Quest

Sights

Take a trek to the stoic Farol da Barra, standing tall at the tip of Salvador. Climb to the top to catch a breeze and a priceless panorama of the coast. Don't miss the museum inside for a quick time t...

The Magnificent Mercado

Sights

Ready, set, explore the São Joaquim Market! It's a labyrinth of local life, bursting with fresh produce, mystical herbs, and vivid handicrafts. Chat up with the ever-so-charming vendors and get your h...

Solar Sightseeing

Sights

Embark on a brilliant journey to Salvador's Solar do Unhão, a blissful waterfront estate housing the Museu de Arte Moderna. Imagine sipping on a coffee while feasting your eyes on contemporary masterp...

Mansion Mystique

Sights

Sneak a peek into the grandiosity of Bahia's antique mansions at the Palacete das Artes. Lounge in the glorious garden statues or ogle at the orate rooms inside. It's like stepping straight into a byg...

Quench Your Thirst with Agua de Côco

Food & Drink

It's hydration with a tropical twist! Pop a straw into a chilled green coco and take a gulp of the refreshing agua de côco. It's nature's energy drink, perfect for recharging your batteries under Salv...

Moqueca Mix-Up

Food & Drink

The mission? To savor the saucy sensation of Moqueca Baiana! This seafood stew is simmering in dendê oil goodness, cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and coconut milk. Each spoonful transport...

Pastel Plunge

Food & Drink

Dive into the deep-fried delight of Pastel! These crispy, golden parcels come with a medley of fillings that range from zesty cheese or ground beef to heartwarming hearts of palm. It's the ultimate sn...

Jazz Breeze Evening

The Unexpected

Imagine sipping on a local brew while the smooth sounds of live jazz tickle your ears. Doesn't that sound like music to your soul? Find one of Salvador's intimate jazz spots for an evening where the t...