Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a city rich in history, culture and natural beauty, which makes it a tourist destination full of interesting places to explore.

Beautiful beaches? Certainly, Salvador offers stunning beaches, such as Praia do Porto da Barra and Itapuã. But other cities also have beautiful beaches, so what makes Salvador special?

Colonial architecture and historical landmarks? The Pelourinho, with its rich colonial architecture and its history as the first capital of Brazil, is a major attraction. However, other historic Brazilian cities, such as Paraty and Ouro Preto, also have a colonial architectural legacy.

Unique local culture? Salvador shines with its deep-rooted Afro-Brazilian culture, where music, cuisine, religion and the arts create a vibrant atmosphere. The city is the birthplace of samba-reggae, capoeira and candomblé. However, cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are also rich cultural centres.

What sets Salvador apart is the perfect fusion of all these elements. It’s hard to find another place that so harmoniously combines natural landscapes, historical heritage, authentic cuisine and an effervescent cultural life, all in one destination.

Tourists visiting Salvador can enjoy a varied itinerary: start the day on the beach, stroll through the Historic Centre, savour typical dishes such as acarajé and moqueca, and end the night at one of the countless parties and Carnival block rehearsals, such as Olodum or Ilê Aiyê.

Interesting places in Salvador

• Bahia Marina: Located on Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia Marina is an elegant spot in the city, ideal for quiet strolls, with great restaurants, bars and a spectacular view of the sunset. It is also an important venue for cultural events and water sports.
• Elevador Lacerda: One of Salvador’s most iconic landmarks, the Elevador Lacerda connects the upper city with the lower city. With a beautiful view of the Baía de Todos os Santos and the Mercado Modelo, it is an unmissable attraction for those who want to admire the landscape and the bustle of the harbour.
• Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado: Located in Pelourinho, this foundation preserves the memory and work of the renowned Bahian writer Jorge Amado. It houses exhibitions and documents about his life, works and characters, such as the famous Quincas Berro d’Água and Dona Flor.
• Mercado Modelo: One of the largest handicraft centres in Bahia, the Mercado Modelo is a must for those who want to buy typical souvenirs or try the local cuisine in one of the restaurants overlooking the Bay of All Saints.
• Morro do Cristo: Morro do Cristo is one of Salvador’s most iconic sights, offering spectacular views of Baía de Todos os Santos and Farol da Barra, as well as the city of Salvador.
• Solar do Unhão: On the shores of Todos os Santos Bay, this 17th-century colonial architectural complex is now home to the Bahia Museum of Modern Art (MAM). As well as modern art exhibitions, the Solar offers beautiful sunsets and hosts cultural events such as the traditional Saturday jazz festival.
• Castro Alves Theatre: One of Bahia’s main centres of culture and the arts, the Castro Alves Theatre hosts major music, dance and theatre performances. Its modern architecture contrasts with its historic surroundings, and the theatre is also home to important events such as the Summer Festival and Carnival.
• Pelourinho: The historical and cultural heart of Salvador, with its cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and colourful mansions. The Pelourinho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Afro-Brazilian heritage, with countless artistic and cultural manifestations.
• Igreja de São Francisco: With its breathtaking baroque interiors.
• Farol da Barra: One of the city’s postcards, where the sunset is unmissable.
• Dique do Tororó: A green space with floating orisha statues, perfect for a peaceful stroll.

In Salvador, there is a wide range of cultural and natural options, many of them free, which guarantee unique and unforgettable experiences for all types of travellers.

So, as the locals say: ‘Smile, you’re in Bahia!’

The Ponta do Humaitá in Salvador is one of the most beautiful places in Salvador.

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See also Sightseeing spots in Salvador and Palaces in Salvador to visit and appreciate the history.

Interesting Places in Salvador de Bahia

1. Bahia Marina
2. Elevador Lacerda
3. Jorge Amado House Foundation
4. Mercado Modelo
5. Christ Hill
6. Solar do Unhão
7. Castro Alves Theatre
8. Pelourinho
9. St Francis Church
10. Barra Lighthouse
11. Tororó Dock

1. Bahia Marina

The Bahia Marina is an important nautical and tourist complex in Salvador, which welcomes boats from all over the world.

Located in a privileged spot, it offers breathtaking views of Todos os Santos Bay, one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

In addition to maritime activities, the marina offers a complete experience with haute cuisine restaurants and an atmosphere that combines the charm of coastal life with the cultural buzz of Salvador, making it a meeting point for locals and international tourists alike.

2. Lacerda Lift

Opened in 1873 and built by engineer Antônio de Lacerda, the Elevador Lacerda transports around 28,000 passengers between Salvador’s Upper and Lower Towns every day. Among them are hundreds of tourists who never tire of photographing the marvellous view of the Bay of All Saints.

The Elevador Lacerda came about to solve a problem that had existed since the city’s inception: its great unevenness. Since then, as well as helping residents, it has become one of Salvador’s greatest assets.

History of the Lacerda Lift

The Elevador Lacerda was inaugurated on 8 December 1873. Its history begins with the plan of transport entrepreneur Antônio de Lacerda (1834-1885).

Before we talk about the birth of the Lacerda Lift, it’s important to remember why it was created. The level of the Bahian capital, called the escarpment, was a major challenge during the construction of the city, making it difficult to get around, which became increasingly problematic over time.

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, cargo was transported by cranes, and people had to move along long staircases and steep hillsides, which made everyday life difficult.

It wasn’t until the beginning of the 19th century that the project for the Lacerda Elevator began to take shape. With the help of his father, a partner in the Companhia de Transportes Públicos, and his engineer brother, Antônio de Lacerda conceived the project. Construction began in October 1869.

Initially, the lift was named Elevador Hidráulico da Conceição da Praia, popularly known as ‘Parafuso’. The name was changed in 1869 to honour its creator, Antonio de Lacerda.

The Elevador Lacerda soon became the main means of transport between the Upper City, where the historic centre is located, and the Downtown, Salvador’s area of commercial and financial activity.

Architecture of the Lacerda Lift

The construction of the Elevador Lacerda was a major challenge for the time. It was necessary to drill two tunnels in the Ladeira da Montanha: one vertically, to house the tower, and the other horizontally, to give access to the street.

The nickname ‘Parafuso’ came about due to a large spiral piece that propelled the lift’s two cabins. Despite the innovation, the project received some criticism, especially from foreigners, who pointed out the insufficient use of iron, a symbol of the engineering development of the time.

When it was inaugurated, the Elevador Lacerda was 63 metres high and had only one tower with two cabins, powered by a steam engine.

In 1930, the lift underwent a major renovation, designed by the architects Fleming Thiesen and Adalberto Szilard, with the collaboration of the American company Otis Company. It was during this period that the Elevador Lacerda gained a second tower and two more cabins, as well as a steel and concrete walkway connecting all the structures.

The remodelling also brought in elements of the art deco style, such as the pilasters and the thin spans of the towers. After the changes, the lift became 72 metres high and had a span of 71 metres on the catwalk. Its transport capacity increased from 32 to 128 people per journey.

The interior of the Elevador Lacerda has also been modernised, with granite floors and walls and the addition of electronic tickers, making it a true icon of Salvador, both for its historical value and its architecture.

See the Lacerda lift before and after

3. Jorge Amado House Foundation

The government of Bahia has transformed a Baroque mansion into one of the state’s most important cultural centres. As well as preserving the collection that illustrates Jorge Amado’s literary career, the space maintains a constant programme of activities aimed at encouraging new writers.

The Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado occupies a large house facing the Largo do Pelourinho, in Salvador. It is a vibrant cultural institution, with various activities and a research centre that holds documentation on Jorge Amado, Zélia Gattai and Bahian literature.

Open to visitors, the Foundation organises courses, seminars, workshops, conference cycles, lectures, book and disc launches, and exhibitions, always with a focus on the literary, artistic and human sciences areas.

Pelourinho Square
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.

4. Mercado Modelo

The Mercado Modelo, one of Salvador’s most traditional tourist attractions, occupies the old customs building, built in 1861. Today, the space houses more than 250 craft shops, as well as restaurants and bars, where visitors can admire the Elevador Lacerda and the beautiful sea view.

History of the Mercado Modelo

Founded in 1912, the Mercado Modelo emerged as a supply centre in the Downtown, with a strategic location on the edge of the Baia de Todos-os-Santos.

In 1969, the most destructive of the market’s five fires led to the demolition of the original building. On 2 February 1971, the market was transferred to the current building, the former neoclassical customs house, which is listed by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute (Iphan).

A sculpture by Mário Cravo Junior was erected on the site of the old Mercado Modelo.

Other fires occurred in the years 1917, 1922, 1943, and 1984. After the last fire, the building underwent a major renovation and was reopened the same year.

Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 7pm; Sundays, from 9am to 2pm.

5. Morro do Cristo

The Morro do Cristo is one of Salvador’s most iconic sights, offering a spectacular view of the Baia de Todos os Santos and the Farol da Barra, as well as the city of Salvador.

Morro do Cristo is located in the Barra neighbourhood, a very busy and famous area of Salvador.

The main attraction of Morro do Cristo is the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, similar to the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro, but on a smaller scale. The statue was inaugurated in 1974 and represents a point of faith and contemplation for locals and visitors. The image of Christ is an important religious and cultural symbol for the city.

The statue of Christ was sculpted in Carrara marble by the Italian Pasquale de Chirico and brought to Brazil in 1920.

6. Solar do Unhão

Solar do Unhão is an important historical and cultural landmark in Salvador, with a rich history dating back to the 17th century.

History of Solar do Unhão

• Building and Structure: The plantation lord Pedro de Unhão Castelo Branco built the property on a landfill in the seventeenth century. The manor house, made of stone masonry with brick arcades on the ground floor, has three floors, the last of which was built in the 19th century.
• Architectural Features: The building follows the functional layout of the time, with the ground floor used for services and the main floor for residences. Access to the manor house is via a bridge with four arches and baroque Portuguese tiles. The Chapel of Our Lady of the Conception has typical features of the parish churches of the time, with a nave and chancel of the same width and height. Its late Rococo façade, probably dating from the 1800s, includes a fountain, aqueduct and a sandstone fountain with a frown and superimposed shells.
• Transformations and Functions: After serving illustrious characters, the manor house functioned as a snuff factory (1816-1926) and trapiche (1928). In 1962, it was adapted to house the Museum of Popular Art of Bahia, with a project by Lina Bo Bardi. Its facilities are currently occupied by the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia. In the basement of the big house, now transformed into a museum, there is a charming restaurant that replaces the old slave quarters.

Location: Avenida do Contorno, s/n, Graça.

7. Castro Alves Theatre

Built in 1958, the Castro Alves Theatre underwent a major challenge when it suffered a fire the day before its inauguration. After nine years closed, the theatre was finally opened to the public on 4 March 1967.

Important Moments

Farewell Concert: One of the defining moments in the theatre’s history was the farewell concert by Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil in 1970, before they both left for a period of exile in England during Brazil’s military dictatorship.

Location: Ladeira da Fonte, s/n, Campo Grande.

8. Pelourinho

The architectural, landscape and town planning ensemble of the Pelourinho, located in the historic centre of Salvador, is one of the most important examples of Portuguese overseas urbanism. Set in an acropolis, it is distinguished on two levels:

• Administrative and Residential Functions: Located at the top of the hill.
• Port and Commerce: Located on the seafront.

With a unique topography, the landscape of this area is mainly made up of buildings from the 16th to the 19th centuries, with monumental ensembles of religious, civil and military architecture standing out.

9. Church of St Francis

Largo de São Francisco, Pelourinho, Salvador.

The Church of St Francis is one of Salvador’s main tourist attractions and an outstanding example of the Brazilian Baroque. Located in the historic centre of the city, in the Pelourinho, the church is famous for its exuberant architecture and richly ornamented interior.

Main Attractions

• Baroque Architecture: The church was built at the beginning of the 18th century and is known for its impressive façade and interior richly decorated with gold. The work in gilt tile is considered one of the best examples of Baroque in Brazil.
• Interior Ornamentation: The interior of the church is full of intricate details, including high altar, retables and Portuguese tiles that add a unique beauty to the space.
• Chapel of Miracles: Attached to the church, the Chapel of Miracles is a smaller but equally decorated space that houses sacred images and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Museum of Sacred Art: The church also houses the Museum of Sacred Art of Bahia, which has a collection of sacred art and religious objects, providing a deeper insight into the history and religious culture of the region.
• Events and Masses: The Church of St Francis continues to be an active place of worship, holding missals and religious events, which allows visitors to experience the local religious life.

A visit to the Church of St Francis offers a rich cultural and historical experience, providing a fascinating insight into the Brazilian Baroque and the religious tradition of Salvador.

10. Barra Lighthouse

Praça do Farol da Barra, Salvador, BA.

The Farol da Barra, officially known as the Farol da Barra or Farol de Santo Antônio da Barra, is one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in Salvador, Bahia. Located in the Forte de Santo Antônio da Barra, the lighthouse offers not only a rich history, but also breathtaking views of the Baia de Todos os Santos.

Main Attractions

• History and Architecture: Built in 1698, the lighthouse is one of the oldest in Brazil and has a striking architecture. The original structure, in the shape of a cylindrical tower, has been enlarged and restored over the years. The fort that houses the lighthouse also has a rich military history.
• Bahia Nautical Museum: The lighthouse houses the Bahia Nautical Museum, which offers a vast collection of nautical artefacts, antique maps, uniforms and other items related to the region’s navigation and maritime history. The museum provides a detailed overview of the evolution of navigation and maritime explorations in Brazil.
• Panoramic View: The lighthouse lookout offers one of the best views of the city. From here, visitors can enjoy the Baia de Todos os Santos, the Historic Centre of Salvador and the Horizonte in the background. It’s a popular spot for photographs, especially at sunset.
• Praia da Barra: The lighthouse is situated on Praia da Barra, one of Salvador’s best-known and most frequented beaches. The beach is great for a relaxing stroll or for enjoying seaside activities.

11. Dique do Tororó

Av. Magalhães Lima, Salvador, BA.

The Dique do Tororó is one of Salvador’s most iconic and pleasant sites, offering a mix of natural and cultural beauty. Located in the city centre, the dike is an artificial reservoir that combines leisure areas with a rich cultural tradition.

Main Attractions

• Recreational Area: The Dique do Tororó is a popular spot for outdoor walks. With an extensive green area around the lake, it is ideal for walks, picnics and outdoor activities. The space also has cycle paths and areas for practising sports.
• Orixás Statues: One of the most striking attractions of the Dique do Tororó are the Orixás Statues, which represent figures from African mythology and the Candomblé religion. The sculptures are by the artist Tales Lessa and are a tribute to the cultural traditions of Bahia. They are located on islands within the lake, creating an impressive and photogenic setting.
• Lago: The Dique do Tororó lake is a focal point of the area, and its boat trips are a popular way to explore the space and enjoy the views of the statues and surrounding vegetation.
• Leisure Spaces: The site has several leisure areas, such as kiosks, praças and playgrounds, making it an excellent destination for families and visitors of all ages.
• Culture and Events: Dique do Tororó often hosts cultural events and festivals that celebrate local music, dance and cuisine. These events are a great opportunity to experience Salvador’s vibrant cultural life.

See Pelourinho Tourist Sites

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