Salvador da Bahia Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Salvador tours, the soulful first capital of Brazil and heart of Afro-Brazilian culture: wander the colourful colonial streets of the Pelourinho, feel the rhythm of capoeira, samba and drumming, explore the mysteries of Candomblé, sail the Bay of All Saints to tropical islands, and feast on Bahian cuisine. Compare top-rated activities and plan your perfect Brazil trip.
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Explore Salvador da Bahia by interest
Whatever brings you to Salvador da Bahia — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Pelourinho
Colonial old town.
ExploreAfro-Brazilian culture
Capoeira & Candomblé.
ExploreBay of All Saints
Island schooner tours.
ExploreBahian food
Acarajé & moqueca.
ExplorePraia do Forte
Coconut Coast beaches.
ExploreSamba & drumming
Bahian rhythm.
ExploreMorro de São Paulo
Car-free island.
ExploreSão Francisco Church
Golden baroque.
ExploreTop attractions in Salvador da Bahia
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Pelourinho
Colonial old town.
Capoeira & Candomblé
Afro-Brazilian roots.
Bay of All Saints
Island schooners.
Lower City & Market
Lacerda & Mercado.
Bahian Food
Acarajé & moqueca.
Praia do Forte
Coconut Coast.
Morro de São Paulo
Car-free island.
Barra Lighthouse
Sunset point.
Salvador in 1 day
- 1Pelourinho
- 2São Francisco church
- 3Capoeira & culture
- 4Bahian dinner
Salvador in 2 days
- 1Day 1: Pelourinho & culture
- 2Day 2: bay islands
- 3Schooner cruise
- 4Beach time
Salvador in 3 days
- 1Day 1: Pelourinho & culture
- 2Day 2: bay islands
- 3Day 3: Praia do Forte
- 4City, sea & coast
Salvador with kids
- 1Pelourinho colours
- 2Bay schooner cruise
- 3Praia do Forte turtles
- 4Drumming show
In city awayPelourinho
Colonial old town.
In city awayAfro-Brazilian Culture
Capoeira & Candomblé.
Day trip awayBay of All Saints
Island schooner.
1.5 hrs awayPraia do Forte
Coconut Coast turtles.
Catamaran awayMorro de São Paulo
Car-free island.
In city awayBahian Food
Acarajé & moqueca.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Salvador da Bahia visitor asks before booking.
The sweet-spot months
The drier, sunny months from roughly September to March are ideal for the beaches, bay and city.
Carnival (Feb/Mar)
Salvador’s Carnival is one of the world’s biggest street parties, with trios elétricos and huge crowds — thrilling but very busy.
Summer (Dec–Mar)
Hot, lively and great for the beaches and bay, though it’s the peak and Carnival season.
Rainier months (Apr–Jul)
Autumn and winter see more rain, often in short showers, with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Warm year-round
Being tropical, Salvador stays warm all year, so there’s no bad time for culture and city sights.
Festas Juninas
June brings lively São João celebrations with music, food and bonfires across Bahia.
One day
The Pelourinho and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Two days
Add a Bay of All Saints island cruise.
Three days
The sweet spot: city, bay and Praia do Forte.
Island escape
Add nights at Morro de São Paulo.
Culture deep-dive
Linger for capoeira, Candomblé and music.
Carnival
Plan extra days if visiting at Carnival.
On foot
The Pelourinho and historic upper city are best explored on foot, though hilly and cobbled.
Lacerda Elevator
The historic Lacerda Elevator links the upper and lower cities, a quick, iconic way to move between them.
Taxis & apps
Taxis and ride apps are the easiest way to get around the spread-out city, especially at night.
Tours & transfers
Bay cruises, Praia do Forte and Morro de São Paulo trips include transport or boats.
Getting there
Salvador’s international airport connects to Brazil’s main cities, about 30–40 minutes from the centre.
Stay aware
As in any big city, keep valuables discreet and use taxis or apps at night.
Brazilian real
Brazil uses the real; cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for markets, street food and small vendors.
Explore the Pelourinho by day
Enjoy the colourful old town and churches in daylight; at night, stick to lively, busier areas or join a tour.
Experience the culture
Don’t miss a capoeira, drumming or samba show, and consider a respectful Candomblé-focused tour.
Try acarajé
Sample acarajé from a baiana and a moqueca seafood stew for the real taste of Bahia.
Book bay & island trips
Schooner cruises and Morro de São Paulo transfers have set departures — book ahead.
Mind Carnival dates
If you want Carnival, book far ahead; if not, check the dates and plan accordingly.
City & culture tours
Pelourinho and Afro-Brazilian tours are popular — book ahead.
Bay schooner cruises
Island day cruises have set departures — reserve early.
Praia do Forte trips
Coconut Coast day trips fill up — pre-book.
Morro de São Paulo
Catamaran transfers are limited — book ahead.
Food tours
Small-group Bahian food tours sell out — reserve early.
Carnival
Carnival experiences book out far ahead — plan early.
City tour
Around €18–45 for a guided Pelourinho and city tour.
Culture experience
About €25–60 for an Afro-Brazilian culture tour or show.
Bay schooner
Roughly €35–70 for a Bay of All Saints island cruise.
Praia do Forte
About €35–70 for a Coconut Coast day trip.
Food tour
Around €30–60 for a Bahian food tour or cooking class.
How to save
Join group tours and explore the walkable Pelourinho on foot.
Salvador da Bahia through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Beaches, bay, Carnival.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak; book ahead.
- Best for
- Sunny, drier, value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Great shoulder.
- Best for
- Fewer crowds, São João.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- More rain.
- Best for
- Mild, quieter.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Some showers.