Private Walking Tour of Salvador
Description
Walking through the cobbled streets of Pelourinho is an exciting experience. In this 3 hours walking tour, you will be living and feeling a blend of culture with the strong African influence, that makes this Old Town unique and one of "must-see" places in the world.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Historical Tour takes place at the vibrant old city, Pelourinho, a UNESCO heritage site since 1985. The tour starts at Terreiro de Jesus Square, one of the 3 important squares in the old city. There is located 3 churches, including the Cathedral of Salvador, and a building where was the first Medical School in Brazil. We recommend a visit to the Cathedral and its beautiful decoration and Sacristy (Admission fee not included). On the way down to Pelourinho Square, we walk through the cobbled streets, seeing craftwork, admiring the colorful colonial houses, feeling the rhythm of the city.
Pelourinho Square is the main square in the old city and one of the landmarks of Salvador. There we see The Mother of Rosary from the Blacks Church, or “The Blue Church”, a very important monument from the period of slavery in Brazil. From there we can also see the other side of the old city, named Carmo, with the view of 3 Churches. We walk up to the Carmo Street, where we see the N. Sr. dos Passos Church and its famous stairs. Usually, this square is a busy area, with tourists and locals, where you can feel the rhythm of drums from the unique Afro-Reggae music.
From there we walk up, always through the cobbled streets, to the 3rd. main Square, Cross Square. There is located one of the most impressive and rich churches of Brazil, the Saint Francis Church and Convent, with its exuberant gold-leafed Baroque interior, and a porch with the famous Portuguese hand-painted tiles. We recommend a visit (entrance fee around 1 Euro). It will be given about 20 minutes free at this square, so you have time to drink a refreshing coconut water if you like, and enjoy the area.
On the way to the Praça Tomé de Souza (Municipal Square), we walk through Sé Square with the old Bishop House, the Sé Belvedere where there is the Falling Breaking Cross sculpture and Bay view. Once we get at the at the Municipal Square, we enjoy a famous landmark of Salvador, the view from the Lower City and the All Saints Bay, by the Lacerda Elevator. The City Hall, the City Council, from the colonial time, and Rio Branco Palace, from the beginning of the 20th Century, are all there.
It´s a famous square, specialy in Carnival time. Beutiful view of All Saints Bay and luxury hotel area.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(12)
Salvador is the city where Brazil characteristics started. I loves every second in thr city which you live in a festival and full with cultures are combined.
Ana was a great guide and very knowledgeable. She took us around and even helped us see things we hadn’t planned!
We had very good experience with our tour guide Carlos through the city of Salvador. He was very nice, competent and speaks good English. He showed us the best places in the city and gave us very interesting facts about the Brazilian history.
Salvador is vibrant and alive with music, culture, and history! This tour gave us an in-depth view of the city’s Afro-Brazilian roots, colonial history, and stunning coastline.
I am suspicious of commenting because I love Salvador, I have a very strong connection with the historical and cultural heritage of this city, I am passionate about Sacred Art and the Bahian capital presents a vast number of temples in short space, characteristic this originating from Portugal.
Ana met us at the cruise terminal and quickly began describing the history and culture of Salvador. We took the elevator up to Pelourinho to see several several interesting spots including a craft market and several churches. She did a great job of keeping us informed along the way. We found Ana's tour to be a great value, much better than the 40-person excursions offered by our cruise.
Salvador is a very interesting city and worth exploring with a guide if it’s your first visit. Gabriela will provide lots of tidbits, advice and recommendations.
It was wonderful! Not only that we saw the most beautiful places in Salvador, but also the dedication in telling stories and knowledge about the history of the city, were really great at Ana! We also visited corners that you can only see if you know exactly about Salvador and its special corners and the culture. So, a clear recommendation and always back!
You need to take this tour with Ana! She is so well informed of the city, culture, and food. Oh my goodness. We did not expect much from this port city on our cruise but Ana opened our eyes and taste buds to the amazing city Salvador Bahia is. She knows the locals. She grew up here. You will get everything and more with Ana at your side. Don’t miss the St. Francis church! Or the coconut milk with lime!!! Can’t say enough about Ana and the city! ENJOY!!!
A unique experience to meet Salvador through the hands of a Bahiana in love with the city. Super guide, with a lot of historical knowledge that she manages to connect to the local culture. It was two days with Ana, a panoramic tour and another walking in the historic center, we took great advantage, ending with a delicious moqueca in a restaurant recommended by her.
