Top Things to do in Salvador
What to do and see in Salvador, State of Bahia (BA): The Best Free Things to do
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. 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'.
2. Praia do Porto da Barra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,990 reviews
Porto da Barra is one of the few points of land in Brazil that face west over the Atlantic Ocean (due to its unique geography near the entrance to the Bay of All Saints). Because of this, Porto da Barra Sundown Show features sunsets which are both spectacularly beautiful and endearing because of the way people (visitors and local residents alike) applaud, cheer, whistle and sing while the sun sets over the sea. Porto da Barra Sundown Show also features various styles of live music at world-famous Hot Dougie's Rendezvous on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The water at Porto da Barra Beach is quite calm and perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, ad and other water sports. Even on days when other beaches in Salvador are empty, there is typically a good crowd at Porto da Barra Beach. Porto da Barra also features Portuguese forts (recently renovated as multimedia museums) dating back to the 17th century and number of good restaurants, bars, shops including used book and record stores, and a State of Bahia agency which promotes the production and sale of quality hand-made artisan products, and others.
Reviewed By chelslynne - Pensacola, United States
I stayed in barra two nights and was happy I did. Sunsets are fantastic and there are lots of dining options. Take a coconut down to the beach and enjoy the soft ocean waves.
3. MAM Museu de Arte Moderna
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,110 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Visiting Salvador's "Museu de Arte Moderna" is absolutely a must! Located at historical "Solar do Unhão", the museum follows a modern concept of museology, including permanent and temporary exhibitions, film sessions, art classes, a sculptures park and jazz sessions on special days. A café and awesome sunsets over "Baía de Todos os Santos" complete the scene. "Solar do Unhão" dates from the 17th century and has been restored over the years. Acclaimed Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi undertook the task to restore, back in 1959, the old manor house. A monumental staircase located right inside of the main exhibition hall was designed by her. Its wood fittings follow the same techniques used on the manufacturing of ancient ox carts. Amazing! Try to visit - if it is opened - the lovely chapel at the museum's entrace: "Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição". Before going, call and check opening hours. Use taxis at all times and do your best to be there for sunset. You won't regret! Enjoy!
4. Palacete Das Artes Rodin Bahia
5. 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.
6. Basilica e Santuario Nossa Senhora da Conceicao da Praia
7. Sister Dulce memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 861 reviews
Reviewed By nelsoncerqueira1 - Salvador, Brazil
Sister Dulce, today Saint Dulce of the Poor, canonized by Pope Francis, is a real case of miracles delivered by a fragile small woman who spent the life helping and curing dispossessed people. From scratch, she built a tremendous health center and hospital. If you come to Salvador, pay her a visit. Really emotional.
8. Sao Bento monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 187 reviews
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
Reviewed By angeladH2788OE
Saint Benedict Basilica is a beautiful neoclassic church in Salvador’s central area, beautifully kept, where the old city gates used to be. It currently holds baroque and neoclassical art restoration courses as well as a beautiful choir.
9. Museu de Arte da Bahia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
Tue-Fri 2pm-7pm, Sat-Sun 2.30pm-6.30pm
10. Praia Farol da Barra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,720 reviews
Reviewed By MelBr75 - Curitiba, Brazil
The Farol da Barra Beach is located right next to Farol da Barra, a must-visit lighthouse and tourist attraction in Salvador. Beautiful beach.
