The First Brazilian Capital
Salvador, once the Capital of Brazil, has a rich history with its African heritage as well as being one of the oldest cities in the Americas. A vibrant city that represents the centre of Afro-Brazilian culture, music and cuisine.
This Salvador travel guide gives you tips on activities to do, where to stay, budget and safety tips to help you plan your trip to this historic city!
How much time do you need?
Salvador can be explored with as little as a weekend, but also over several weeks. During a weekend you can hit up most of the famous spots, hang out on the beach and catch some live music during the night. However, if you really want to slow down and experience the real “vida baiana”, then you need to stay longer to really soak up their way of life.
Top Activities
There are plenty of activities to do in Salvador, and something for everyone. Here are some of my favourites.
Pelourinho
The historic part of Salvador known for its colorful Portuguese architecture an immortalized by Michael Jackson in his music video for the song “They Don’t Really Care About Us”. A must visit when in Salvador, and a place full of life, music and history.
Farol da Barra
Farol da Barra is a popular point for watching the sunset. A beautiful place to gather with a group of friends for a picnic as the sun sets. Often there are bands playing live music to give that perfect addition to the sunset!
Relax on the Beach
Salvador has many beaches to enjoy, including Praia do Rio Vermelho, Praia de Ituapã and Praia da Barra. The beaches in the Barra neighbourhood is super relaxed and nice, perfect for an afternoon enjoying a few drinks, some food and saltwater in the sun!
Wander Historic Centre
The historic centre is worth a little wander as well. Close to and similar to Pelourinho, this place is full of colourful buildings, cobblestone streets and lots of history. Also, there are plenty of stalls for you to buy souvenirs, or try some of the famous street food from Salvador.
Try Comida Baiana
Speaking of street food. Comida Baiana is famous in Brazil with its African influences, the food can be a bit spicy for foreigners, but absolutely delicious. Try Acarajé from one of the stalls, attended by a Baiana in traditional clothing.
Itapuã
Spend an afternoon in Itapuã as the famous Brazilian singer Vinicius de Moraes sang in his song. A bit further from the Centre you find Itapuã, a famous spot in Salvador. A great way to enjoy the beach and some time away from the big crowds.
Live Music
Salvador is perfect for a night out with live music, dancing and some good drinks. Ask your hostel or hotel for recommendations, as there are always something going on. In the months before Carnaval, many of the Samba Schools head out into the streets of Pelourinho to practice. An incredible experience to join and enjoy having a few cold ones!
Budget
You can visit Bahia for about $40 a day. This includes staying in dorms, eating local food and using local transportation. The majority of touristic things to do in Salvador does not need to cost a lot of money. Just wandering around this historic city is worth a visit, and will not break the bank.
Food
One of the main reasons to go to Salvador is to try the local food. The African influence is present, as is the proximity to the sea. Acarajé and Moqueca are some of the most famous dishes from the region. Head to any stall in the city center and try out Acarajé, a fried dough filled with shrimps and spices.
Moqueca is a fish stew and full of flavour. It combines the African spices with the local conditions. Most of the traditional food from the region are based on spices from Africa, coconut, oil from palm tree, shrimp and seafood.
Accommodation
For a bed in a dorm expect to pay around $15, depending on which area you will stay. I recommend to stay in the Barra neighbourhood, a chill and charming part of town with plenty of beaches and places to watch the sunset. A short Uber ride from the historic centre as well.
Transportation
Not that many options in this historic centre. There are local buses that takes you around the city for about $1. For most tourists the better option will be to just use Uber whenever you need to go somewhere, or walk if you are in the centre.
When to go
Salvador can be visited year round with warm temperatures and water throughout the year. Visiting during Carnaval is a once in a lifetime experience, and one of the best in Brazil. If you want a more relaxed time without so many people, avoid Carnaval and the summer months between December and February, as many locals are on holiday.
Safety
Salvador is like any city in Latin-America. Walking around alone at night is not recommended, especially in the Historic Centre and Pelourinho area. By taking some precautions though you will have a wonderful time in this energetic place! Just remember to never travel without travel insurance.
Safety Tips:
- Always have some cash at hand in case someone wants to rob you. Better to hand over a few notes than to be caught with nothing or lose your credit card.
- Always keep your valuables safely on you on night buses and never put your backpack in the overhead compartment.
- In large crowds be careful with your belongings. Things in your pocket can easily be taken, but also smaller backpacks, bum bags etc. Make sure you secure them to avoid pickpockets in these situations.
- Do not wander around alone at night in places you are not familiar with. If you have to, stick to well lit streets as much as possible. Preferable where there are more people. If you need to use your phone for maps, do it discreetly and never wave your phone or wealth around.
- Don’t wear flashy things and leave your expensive jewellery at home.
- Bring a padlock and use the lockers in hostels for all your valuables.
- Be careful with how much you drink, accepting drinks from others or the use of drugs. There are many stories out there, so try not to overdo anything unless you have people with you to take care of you.
By taking some precautions you will be fine in Salvador, and come back with wonderful memories of this beautiful little paradise.
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to Salvador? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
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