Things to do in Salvador

No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Brazil

Pelourinho

Pelourinhois located on the hilltop of the old town of Salvador, Brazil, and has become an important cultural symbol for the entire historic district, which is named after the square. The square spreads out, following the undulating terrain of the old town, with cobblestone streets extending along the slopes. Densely distributed around it are brightly colored colonial-era buildings; the goose-yellow, powder-blue, and brick-red walls contrast with the colorful doors and windows, creating a highly recognizable streetscape in the old town of Salvador. The striking view within the square comes from the colorful old buildings surrounding it. The building facades retain a rich historical character, and the vibrant walls, traditional facades, and cobblestone streets work together to create a distinct historical atmosphere. Strolling along the slopes, your view constantly changes with the undulating roads, and from different angles, you can see the buildings layered and spread out.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Bahia

Church and Convent of San Francisco

Church and Convent of San Francisco is a historic building renowned for its Baroque style, attracting numerous tourists and architecture enthusiasts. The church features a three-aisle floor plan, which is relatively rare among Franciscan churches in northeastern Brazil. Compared to traditional single-aisle churches, the interior space is more expansive and has a more prominent sense of depth. Upon entering the church, the first visual impact comes from the gold decorations spread throughout the space. The walls, columns, vaults, and ceilings are covered with exquisite gilded wood carvings. The golden luster and intricate carvings are layered, giving the entire interior a magnificent Baroque artistic atmosphere. Walking slowly along the cloister, you can observe the details of the tile paintings from different angles and experience the unique style that combines Portuguese tile art with Brazilian colonial architecture.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Bahia

Elevator Lacerda

Elevator Lacerdais located between the cliffs in the city center of Salvador, Brazil, and is one of the iconic public transportation facilities connecting the Upper City and the Lower City. The elevator was completed in the 1870s and is approx. 72m high. It not only serves the daily transportation needs of local residents traveling between the Upper and Lower cities, but also, with its striking architectural form, has become a highly recognizable landmark in the Salvador cityscape. The entire facility is cleverly embedded into the steep urban terrain, transforming the significant elevation difference between the Upper and Lower cities into a convenient vertical transportation space. The interior of the elevator features elevator cars and upper and lower station halls as its core, and it operates efficiently and simply.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Bahia

Barra Lighthouse - Santo Antônio da Barra Fort

Barra Lighthouse - Santo Antônio da Barra Fort is located in the Barra district of Salvador, Brazil, and is one of the city's iconic historical landmarks. The Barra Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Brazil, originally built in the 17th century, and holds significant historical importance. The museum displays a rich collection of maritime artifacts, including ancient navigational instruments, ship models, and documents related to Brazil's maritime history. These exhibits vividly recount Brazil's role during the Age of Discovery, as well as the development of Salvador as an important port city. In addition to the extensive exhibits, the museum offers interactive displays and educational programs, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of marine science and navigation technology. Visitors can explore the different levels of the lighthouse to learn about its role in navigation and maritime safety. Its location also offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Standing at the top of the lighthouse, visitors can overlook the coastline of Salvador and enjoy the pleasant sea breeze.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Bahia

Mercado Modelo

Salvador's Mercado Modelo is located next to the Elevador Lacerda and features a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. Mercado Modelo has experienced two fires. After the fire in 1984, the interior of the building was almost completely renovated, and it has maintained its current appearance ever since. Mercado Modelo houses hundreds of shops where visitors can buy a wide variety of goods, such as various accessories, local delicacies, and handicrafts.

Basílica Do Senhor Do Bonfim

Bonfim Cathedral is a church of great religious and cultural significance in Salvador, Brazil. Built in the 18th century, it is famous for its Baroque and Rococo architecture, attracting many tourists and pilgrims. Although the exterior is simple, the interior is richly decorated, especially the gilded altar and murals, which are breathtaking. One of the features of the church is the "Bonfim Ribbon", these colorful ribbons symbolize faith and hope. Visitors can buy them outside the church and tie them on their wrists or iron fences to pray for good luck and blessings. Every January, a grand "Baptism Festival" is held here, attracting thousands of believers and tourists. The church is located on the Itapagipe Peninsula in Salvador, and is easily accessible. Visitors can take public transportation or taxis to get there. It is recommended to visit in the early morning or evening to avoid the peak flow of people and enjoy the quiet atmosphere around the church.

Fonte Nova Arena

The new water source stadium is a football stadium located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, with a capacity of 50,000 to 55,000 people. Construction of the stadium began in 2010 to replace the old Waterhead Stadium. In 2013, the construction of the stadium was completed and it opened on April 7. On May 27 of the same year, the stadium was damaged by heavy rain. The Xinshuiyuan Stadium will be used to host the 2013 Intercontinental Nations Cup, the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics football matches.

Cathedral of Salvador

Cathedral of Salvador construction began in 1657 and took five years to complete. Its Baroque-style exterior is considered the most beautiful church in Bahia. The interior is magnificently decorated, including altars and ceramics adorned with extensive gold leaf, as well as many religious artworks such as murals, sculptures, and paintings. These are rich in color, ancient, beautiful, and a historical treasure.

Porto da Barra Beach

Morro do Cristo

Morro do Cristo is a hilltop attraction that blends natural beauty with religious culture. Atop the hill stands the Christ (Cristo) statue, a symbol of faith and protection, providing a space for prayer and contemplation for locals and tourists alike. The winding trails lead visitors through the lush greenery and offer panoramic views of Salvador and the Atlantic Ocean. The hill's surroundings are well-preserved, with abundant vegetation and fresh air, making it ideal for leisurely hikes and scenic photography. Morro do Cristo is not only a religious symbol but also a window into local culture and history. It attracts a large number of locals and tourists annually, especially during religious festivals, when celebrations create a solemn and festive atmosphere.