Top Things to do in Salvador
Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Salvador, State of Bahia (BA)
Brazil's former capital is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Known as "the Capital of Joy," because of its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, Salvador brims with contemporary music and art amid architecture that has gone untouched since the 17th century.
Restaurants in Salvador
1. Mansao do Caminho
2. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,210 reviews
This famous church dominates Pelourinho Square with its unmistakable blue façade.
Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland
Not far from the Largo do Pelourinho is one of the most interesting churches of Salvador - in its full Portuguese name: Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos. It was built over a long period, starting in the 17th century, by a brotherhood of slaves and freedmen of African descent, who did all the work themselves in their free hours. The church is attractive from its exterior, with its two towers by the facade and all painted in blue, as well as from the interior, with pleasantly much less gold than one sees in the other churches of the town. By the entrance are information boards, also in English, about the phenomenon of the black brotherhood, the 'Irmandade de Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Homens Pretos'.
3. Sao Francisco Church and Convent
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,242 reviews
One of the most spectacular churches in the world, this famous church is richly adorned inside with gold, silver and precious stones and has ceiling art that has been compared to that of the Sistine Chapel.
Reviewed By MelBr75 - Curitiba, Brazil
It’s a world heritage by UNESCO. It’s an important colonial period church. It’s interior is very beautiful and full of details. Exuberant inner decoration, mostly executed in the first half of the 18th century. All surfaces inside - walls, pillars, vaults and ceilings - are covered by golden sculpted gilt woodwork and paintings.
4. Basilica Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 552 reviews
Daily 8:30am-5pm
Reviewed By CaliGuy01 - San Francisco, United States
Beautiful ornate cathedral in the town square center. The artwork is spectacular and is a must see. Besides the main part of the cathedral there are many other open parts of the cathedral.
5. Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,646 reviews
6. Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,001 reviews
Housed in Fort Santo Antonio da Barra, a fine exemple of 16thcentury portuguese military architecture, that is the site of Santo Antônio Lighthouse, better known as the "Farol da Barra", the first beacon for shipping in the Americas, the Museu Náutico da Bahia (Maritime Museum of Bahia) contains a rich collection that reflects Brazil's seafaring history, particularly of colonial period. Housed in the Museum you will find a significant numbers of archeological treasures retrieved from the undersea site of the Portuguese Galleon "Santíssimo Sacramento", sank off the coast of the city of Salvador in 1668. Open Tue-Sun 9.00am-6pm (all days in January and July).
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Right on the ground floor of the iconic "Forte de Santo Antônio" and its "Farol da Barra" lighthouse, you will find a small and nice museum - the "Museu Náutico da Bahia". Administered by the Brazilian Navy, it displays a valuable collection of maritime items, including archaeological findings, nautic instruments and several miniatures. The fort and its lighthouse are really beautiful and were officially appointed, in 1938, as Brazilian National Heritage Monuments. You will certainly love your visit to these iconic postcards of Salvador! Enjoy!
