Top Things to Do in Salvador, Brazil - Salvador Attractions
Things to Do in Salvador
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Salvador.
Top Attractions in Salvador
Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Pituba
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
City Center
Flea & Street Markets
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Observation Decks & Towers
City Center
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Churches & Cathedrals
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Speciality Museums • Art Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
What travellers are saying
- Iasmin SobralDublin, Ireland46 contributionsa trip to Ilha dos Frades is an amazing option for a day off. tours from R$ 50 will take you all day long to amazing beaches close to Salvador. the boat has live music and board service, with fruits included for free in the price and they sell lots of cocktails and beers. don’t miss out the roskas with seasonal fruits, they’re delicious and costs R$ 15. make sure you’ll enjoy a lot this trip!Written 17 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Nicole BPorto Alegre, RS1,000 contributionsBeautiful and colorful UNESCO neighborhood in Salvador. Vibrant, with drums and music almost continuously. Large police presence and lighting around main areas is a plus. Stay away at night, especially from side streets.Written 23 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- MelBr75Curitiba, PR1,754 contributionsThis used to be the house of Jorge Amado and Zelia Gatai, both great and world known writers. It’s very well preserved and it’s collection is beautifully displayed. It’s a must see!Written 8 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Sebastian PSweden61 contributionsA beach with easy access, good infrastructure with a few good restaurants nearby.
The beach itself has small natural pools within the reef so waves are not a problem for smaller children.Written 28 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - SeanBsbSao Paulo, SP260 contributionsPraia do Forte reminded me of Búzios, RJ. It has a great atmosphere with all the stores and restaurants in its old centro. Lots of nice condos in the region. I found the beach just ok; warm water but brownish.Written 12 April 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Nomad68San Francisco, CA189 contributionsBeautiful views, calm water for swimming. Vendors who were not intrusive while offering their items. Historical sites in the vicinity. Lots of restaurant options.Written 5 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Edward D.Lucena, PB2,926 contributionsPraia da Barra, where the sea is strong & excellent for surfers, is one of the most sought after in the city. It is here that one of the postcards of Salvador, Farol da Barra, is located in the Santo Antônio da Barra Fort, at the end of the beach. The construction belongs to the Navy of Brazil and was initiated by the first grantee of the Captaincy of Bahia (Francisco Pereira Coutinho, in 1536), originally having the form of a tower with ten sides. Expanded and renovated between 1583 and 1587 by Manoel Teles Barreto, it underwent changes between 1602 and 1702, including gaining its embankment.
The fortress, also known as Vigia da Barra and Forte Grande, was built in the beginning of the 16th century, in a strategic position to guard the Bay of Todos os Santos. At that time, the tradition was that all places of war were dedicated to a saint, who would protect the place from the reach of enemy artillery.
The first official record that Santo Antônio was elected to sanctify the fort in Barra dates from 1705, when Governor Dom Rodrigues da Costa issued an order to establish a captain's square to Santo Antônio da Barra. As a soldier, the saint was also entitled to a salary, which would be paid to the liquidator of the Convento de São Francisco. In September 1810, the saint was promoted to the rank of major and lieutenant colonel in November 1814.
The Santo Antônio da Barra Fort is considered the first fortress built in Brazil and houses the Nautical Museum, with a collection consisting of maps, navigation equipment, models of old Portuguese and Spanish ships and caravels, and findings from the Galeão Sacramento, sunk in the entrance to the Bay of All Saints.Written 1 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - chelsealynnePensacola, FL904 contributionsThis is a lovely church worth a quick walk around the interior for 5 reals. The cloister wasn’t open to your unfortunately.Written 24 January 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- SF GuySan Francisco, CA789 contributionsThis is a spectacular arena across from the park where the beautiful orixas are located. It is definitely a must see.Written 28 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jorge cBuenos Aires, Argentina12,526 contributionsIt's definitely worth a visit. I'd say you can go easily by yourself with an Uber or walk from the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Church (aprox. 1 km).
It's a really nice place to take sunset pictures and enjoy the views of Salvador city from another angle, and the All Saints Bay.Written 24 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Mariano LBrasilia, DF106 contributionsThe lighthouse is located in Barra, a nice neighborhood in Salvador. It’s walking distance to three public beaches. The museum is really interesting, including replicas of cool maps from the 17th and 18th centuries, historic navegation devices, history of Brazil and Bahia, etc. It has a nice terrace (fort area) and you can also visit the top of the lighthouse. It took us 2 hours. Cost: 15 reais (3 USD).Written 21 November 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- FernandosouzafilhoSao Paulo, SP53 contributionsIt's calm and not filthy like other Salvador beaches (Ex.: Itapoã). Tip: go there before 9h30 AM: water is calmer and there are lots of "natural pool" all over de place. Great for swimming! In the afternoon the waves are higher and good to see. At 5h30 AM is already clear and warming enough to go to the beach. REALLY!Written 30 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- jorge cBuenos Aires, Argentina12,526 contributionsInmersing yourself in the huge array of culture, art and social tragedy that this place represents, it's surely one of the greatests spots to any Salvador visit.
Our guide was kind and attentive and did almost a one and half hour visit, just for both of us, explaining in a very detailed manner all aspects of the particular collection of objetcs that you can find inside.Written 24 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - RandyRossRidgetown, Canada9,018 contributionsThis pretty blue church was built by black slaves and freemen over a period of more than 100 years. Like almost everything else on Feb. 26th, it was closed as people recovered from Carnaval.Written 14 May 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Edward D.Lucena, PB2,926 contributionsForte de Santo Antonio da Barra is a fort located in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. It was constructed to guard the entrance to the Bay of All Saints (Bahia de todos os Santos), during the time of the Portuguese Empire. The first Portuguese fortification erected in Bahia was likely built in 1501, on the same area now occupied by the Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra. The foundation stone of that first fortification was placed in an area called Ponta do Padrão, now known as the Largo do Farol da Barra, the broad public square in front of the fort. The fort also houses the 22 meter (72 ft)-high Barra Lighthouse and the Nautical Museum of Bahia. The Santo Antônio da Barra Fort is protected as a historic structure by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage.Written 1 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Salvador
- The top attractions to visit in Salvador are: See all attractions in Salvador on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Salvador according to Tripadvisor travellers are: See all outdoor activities in Salvador on Tripadvisor
- The best day trips from Salvador according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica, Leaving Salvador - Bahia
- Salvador Essencial Private 6 Hour Tour
- Day at Morro de Sao Paulo - leaving Salvador
- Historical African oriented City Tou
- Praia do Forte and Tamar Project (PRIVATE)
- The most popular things to do in Salvador with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Salvador on Tripadvisor