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Enjoy Salvador’s parks and squares. Explore the rich variety of green areas and enjoy moments of leisure, culture and relaxation.
Green areas and open spaces are a good alternative to explore in the city’s parks to enjoy the atmosphere and your leisure time, as well as enjoying contact with nature, cultural attractions and bike rides.
Parks and Squares in Salvador de Bahia
- City Park
- Costa Azul Park
- Sculpture Park
- Abaeté Metropolitan Park
- Dique do Tororo Metropolitan Park
- Pituaçu Metropolitan Park
- Castro Alves Square
- Sé Square
- Retiro Square
- Lovers’ Garden Park
- Boca do Rio Leisure and Sports Park
- Dunes Park
- Winds Park
- Dinosaur Pond
- Cairu Square
- Largo do Bonfim
See also Sightseeing in Salvador
1. City Park
Avenida Antonio Carlos Magalhães, s/n, Itaigara
Fully wooded, Parque da Cidade offers an immense green area for leisure and sporting activities. It has running and walking tracks and a playground, open daily from 6am to 8pm.
Popularly known as City Park, the Joventino Silva Park brings together natural elements such as the Atlantic Forest and white sand dunes, as well as various leisure options spread over its 73 hectares.
The park has a reception square with 20,000 square metres, which includes cafeterias, areas for rental of leisure equipment, playgrounds and an amphitheatre with capacity for 600 people.
With grassy areas, trees and bike paths, the City Park is a great option for the whole family. The place is ideal for cycling, rollerblading, scootering and skateboarding, as well as being perfect for walking and outdoor picnics, with almost 4,000 metres of track.
Parque da Cidade is one of the few areas in the Bahian capital where you can find several species of ornamental and fruit trees, due to the transition from the Atlantic Forest to the dunes.
Species such as Oiti, Ipê, Pau-Brasil, as well as jaqueiras, mango trees and sapotizeiros, are easily found there.
The grassy areas are an invitation to relax and enjoy the birdsong. The place is also perfect for activities such as yoga. Due to the pandemic, the park is open from Monday to Saturday, from 5am to 10pm, with free admission.
2. Costa Azul Park
Avenida Adelaide Fernandes da Costa, s/n, Costa Azul
With 55,000 m², the park is a large area dedicated to sport, culture and leisure. The space has sports courts, equipment for physical exercise, playgrounds with bike racks, cycling paths, co-op tracks, a pavement promenade, and an open-air amphitheatre with capacity for 600 people.
There are also restaurants with a choice of typical and international food, pasta and meat. The park is open 24 hours a day.
This urban park is a leisure and entertainment complex, offering a football pitch, cycle paths, running tracks and a gastronomic village with various restaurant options, all located close to the seafront promenade, providing a complete leisure and well-being experience.
3. Sculpture Park
Avenida do Contorno, s/n, Graça
Surrounding the Solar do Unhão is the Park of Sculptures, an extension of the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAM). This space is a veritable open-air museum, where art meets nature.
Built in the 17th century, the park is home to sculptures by some of Bahia’s most representative artists. Among the highlights are works by Mário Cravo, Siron Franco, Carybé and other great names in Brazilian art. Their creations are spread over a stretch of hillside, facing the sea, in harmony with the natural environment.
One of the main attractions is the sculpture of Antônio Conselheiro, made of wood by Mário Cravo, which is installed in a setting that evokes the sertão semárido.
The park is bordered by a walkway by the sea, from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Baia de Todos os Santos. In addition to the sculptures, the site has an exhibition hall and offers art workshops, making it a meeting point for art and culture in the capital of Bahia.
4. Abaeté Metropolitan Park
Rua Alto do Abaeté, s/n, Itapuã
The Lagoa do Abaeté, located in Itapuã, is an important ecological leisure centre in Salvador. As well as being an outstanding natural attraction, the site offers a landscape made up of dunes, bars, restaurants and the Casa da Música, which houses documents that tell the story of Bahian music.
With its 12,000 square metres, the park preserves native vegetation, dunes and several lagoons, including the iconic Lagoa do Abaeté, which gives the park its name.
The park is also home to the Casa da Música, a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Bahian rhythms, where the Fobica, the world’s first Trio Elétrico, created by Dodô and Osmar, is parked.
In addition to the cultural and historical attractions, the space offers a leisure area with kiosks, restaurants and live music, providing a complete experience of contact with nature and local culture.
5. Dique do Tororo Metropolitan Park
At the Dique do Tororó, eight figures from candomblé, designed by the artist Tati Moreno, dance on the water mirror around a fountain that shoots water from 40 metres high. These sculptures are representations of candomblé deities, bringing a cultural and religious touch to the site.
The dyke itself was built by the Dutch in the 18th century and, in its origins, played a strategic role, serving for military defence manoeuvres against Portuguese attacks.
Today, the space combines history, art and spirituality and is one of Salvador’s main tourist attractions.
6. Pituaçu Metropolitan Park
Inaugurated in 1973, the Pituaçu Metropolitan Park is Salvador’s largest ecological reserve, located close to the seafront. With 450 hectares, the park is one of the main spaces for leisure and free tourism in the Bahian capital, receiving between four and five thousand visitors at weekends.
The park offers a variety of activities, such as sports courts, an 18-kilometre cycle path, skating and skate rinks, a children’s playground, as well as a pedalo pier. The works of the artist Mário Cravo also embellish the space, providing a combination of art and nature.
With an entrance on Rua Manoel Antonio Galvão, s/n, Pituaçu, the park also has bike hire, bars, restaurants and communal areas for the whole family, making it one of the most important environmental and leisure spots in Salvador.
7. Castro Alves Square
Rua Chile, s/n, Pelourinho
The Castro Alves Square is a tribute to the Bahian poet Castro Alves and is one of the great stages of the Salvador Carnival.
The highlight of the square is the imposing bronze and granite sculpture of Castro Alves, signed by the Italian sculptor Pasquale Di Chirico.
In addition to its historical and cultural value, the square is a centre point for artistic and cultural events, and is especially important during Carnival, when it becomes a place of gathering and celebration.
8. Praça da Sé
Praça da Sé, s/n, Pelourinho
Praça da Sé is one of the most emblematic tourist attractions in Salvador’s Pelourinho. Located in the heart of the historic centre, this square is known for its colonial charm and important historical attractions.
Tourist Attractions
- Catedral Basílica de Salvador: The majestic cathedral, also known as the Church of São Salvador, is one of the square’s main landmarks. Its baroque architecture and richly decorated interior make it a must-see.
- Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos: A historic church that, along with other buildings around the square, contributes to the colonial charm of the area.
- Largo do Pelourinho: The square is situated in one of Salvador’s most famous areas, Pelourinho, known for its cobbled streets, colourful buildings and vibrant cultural life.
- Casa de Jorge Amado: The former home of the famous Brazilian writer, now transformed into a cultural centre and museum, is nearby and is an excellent stop for those interested in literature.
- Centro de Cultura da Barroquinha: A space dedicated to promoting culture and the arts, often offering exhibitions and cultural events.
- Museu de Arte da Bahia: Although it’s not exactly on the square, it’s close by and is a great place to learn more about the art and history of Bahia.
Praça da Sé is a great starting point for exploring Pelourinho, with its rich history and vibrant cultural life.
9. Largo do Retiro
Largo do Retiro is a 5,000 m² space where a square and a sports court have been built, as well as weight training equipment and a children’s playground.
Largo do Retiro is a significant historical and cultural space.
Attractions and points of interest in the area
- Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos: This historic church, located in Largo do Retiro, is known for its importance in the history of enslaved blacks and its cultural contributions. The building is an outstanding example of colonial and baroque architecture.
- Igreja de São Lázaro: Another important church in the region, known for its architecture and relevance to the local community.
- Praça dos Mártires (Praça da Sé): Next to Largo do Retiro, this square offers a charming setting with its colonial architecture and vibrant cultural life.
- Museu de Arte da Bahia: Although not exactly in Largo do Retiro, the museum is close by and is an excellent stop for those wishing to explore the art and history of Bahia.
- Cultural Centre: Sometimes there are cultural events and temporary exhibitions taking place in or near Largo do Retiro, providing an immersion in the local culture.
- Fairs and Local Market: At certain times of the year, Largo do Retiro can host fairs and markets offering local products, handicrafts and typical foods.
Largo do Retiro is an area rich in history and culture, with several attractions that reflect Salvador’s historical and cultural legacy.
10. Parque Jardim dos Namorados
The Parque Jardim dos Namorados is one of Salvador’s most important urban parks.
The Parque Jardim dos Namorados is located close to the waterfront and offers panoramic views of the sea, providing a relaxing and beautiful setting.
The park is known for its extensive lawns and beautiful gardens, providing a peaceful and pleasant environment for walks and picnics. The landscaping is well-kept and offers a natural space in the middle of the city.
Created in the 1960s and reopened in the 1990s, the park underwent a revitalisation that included the construction of an amphitheatre, porticos, murals and sculptures by Bahian artists, as well as sports courts and gym equipment.
With an area of 110,000 m², located in the Pituba neighbourhood, the park offers an ample structure for cultural events, children’s recreation, contemplation, and sports practices such as cycling, cooperative track, patination and skate.
The space also has a restaurant, parking, and kiosks selling coco and the traditional acarajé. It’s a complete leisure centre, offering various options for outdoor activities.
11. Boca do Rio Leisure and Sports Park
Avenida Octávio Mangabeira, s/n – Boca do Rio, Salvador
The Boca do Rio Leisure and Sports Park is an excellent place for those who enjoy outdoor activities and sports in Salvador.
Park attractions
- Sports Infrastructure: The park offers various sports facilities, such as football, basketball and volleyball courts, as well as running and walking tracks.
- Leisure Areas: There are ample green spaces and picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Playgrounds: The park has modern and safe playgrounds, making it a great destination for families with children.
- Exercise Equipment: The park has outdoor exercise equipment, allowing visitors to keep fit while enjoying the view.
- Events and Activities: The space frequently hosts community events, fairs and cultural activities, offering something extra for visitors.
- Natural Beauty: With a location that provides good integration with nature, the park offers a pleasant and well-kept environment, ideal for relaxing and having fun.
- Accessibility: The park is very accessible and has adequate infrastructure for people with special needs.
It is an excellent place for those who want to play sports, exercise or simply spend time outdoors in a well-maintained and pleasant environment.
12. Parque das Dunas
Avenida Orlando Gomes, s/n – Itapuã, Salvador
The Parque das Dunas is an ecological reserve of 6 million square metres, administered by the Universidade Livre das Dunas e Restinga de Salvador (Unidunas), in the vicinity of Stella Maris.
The park plays a fundamental role in the environmental balance and the preservation of the quality of life in Salvador, with a rich diversity of fauna and flora.
It was the first environmental conservation area in Salvador to receive a title from Unesco, emphasising its importance in preserving the ecosystem. The park offers several ecological trails, on which visitors are accompanied by guides who explain the characteristics of the dunes and sandbanks along the way.
In addition to the trails, the park has a complete infrastructure, including auditorium, classrooms, composting centre, restinga garden, library, minhocário, lanchonete, projection room, cultural centre and a recreational square. It is a place dedicated to environmental education and biodiversity conservation.
13. Parque dos Ventos
Avenida Dorival Caymmi, s/n – Itapuã
The Parque dos Ventos is a leisure and conservation area located in Salvador, known for its dunes and panoramic views.
With 85,000 square metres facing the sea, the Parque dos Ventos, located in the orla da Boca do Rio, next to the Salvador Convention Centre, offers a wide variety of activities aimed at leisure and sports, including options for professional athletes.
With 14 leisure areas, the park was designed to cater for all ages, offering inclusive equipment and toys.
One of the highlights is the ten metre high structure for activities such as rapel and climbing. In addition, the park has a street skateboard track with ramps and handrails, a three-kilometre cycle path, a pump track (a continuous circuit track with bumps and curves) and an area dedicated to the practice of parkour.
The park also has a playground adapted for people with disabilities, basketball courts, volleyball courts, areas for contemplation and picnics, as well as an amphitheatre with a capacity of between 100 and 150 people.
The structure also includes four hills interconnected by laminated wood bridges and natural slides. For visitors’ convenience, there are kiosks, skating areas, walking spaces and toilets.
The car park has 150 spaces, a concierge and a small ambulatory. The park also guarantees security with the permanent presence of the Municipal Civil Guard (GCM), 24-hour camera monitoring and LED lighting.
14. Dinosaur Lagoon
Avenida Dorival Caymmi, Itapuã
The Dinosaur Lagoon is a tourist attraction located in the Itapuã region.
The Dinosaur Lagoon is known for its natural formation and the presence of large rocks and formations that resemble dinosaur tracks. These formations are the result of natural geological processes over time.
The Dinosaur Lagoon, located in the Stiep neighbourhood, is an especially interesting attraction for families with children and fans of the film Jurassic Park.
The lagoon has life-size replicas of dinosaurs that enchant visitors.
The park is the result of the redevelopment of the Lagoa dos Frades and features several dinosaur replicas, including:
- Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Velociraptor
- Dilophosaurus
- Dilophosaurus Sinensis
- Brachiosaurus
- Pteranodon
- Ankylosaurus
The dinosaurs have presence sensors and are equipped with a system that emits sounds when someone approaches, increasing visitors’ immersion and experience.
The site offers an educational and entertaining experience, mixing the charm of prehistoric times with modern technology.
15. Visconde de Cairu Square
Praça Visconde de Cairu, also known as Praça Cairu, is an important square located in the historic centre of Salvador, in the Pelourinho region.
Attractions and Surroundings
There are several points of interest around the square:
- Mercado Modelo: One of the city’s main centres for commerce and handicrafts.
- Nautical Terminal: Facilitating maritime transport and tourist activities.
- Elevador Lacerda: Offering a panoramic view of the city and connecting the Upper and Lower Towns.
- Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição da Praia: One of the city’s historic churches.
- 2nd Naval District: Important to Salvador’s military history.
The area has been given new prominence with the inauguration of the City of Bahia Music Museum, one of the state’s main instruments of cultural valorisation.
The museum is a 100% audiovisual space, with more than 750 hours of content, including 260 exclusive testimonies about Bahian music. The collection is curated by Gringo Cardia and Antonio Risério and includes four floors with a store, library, media library, café, and permanent exhibitions that portray the past, present and future of the sound production of Brazil’s first capital.
The square is one of the main points of visit for tourists arriving via the Nautical Terminal.
History
Praça Visconde de Cairu was built between the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century, when the Mercado Modelo still functioned as the city’s customs house and part of the Cidade Baixa had not been completely levelled. The square is an important historical and cultural site, attracting visitors and tourists interested in Salvador’s rich history and vibrant culture.
16. Bonfim Square
Bonfim, Salvador
Largo do Bonfim is one of Salvador’s most emblematic sites and is known for its religious and cultural importance.
Here are some details about Largo do Bonfim and its attractions:
- Church of Bonfim: The main attraction of Largo do Bonfim is the Church of Our Lord of Bonfim, one of the most famous shrines in Brazil. The church is an important place of pilgrimage and is known for its ribbons (lavagens de bonfim) that the faithful tie to the temple’s railings as a way of making requests and promises.
- Lavagem do Bonfim: One of the city’s most traditional and famous events, the Lavagem do Bonfim takes place every year in January. It is a celebration that mixes religiosity and folklore, where devotees, dressed in white, make a procession from Senhor do Bonfim to the church, performing a kind of symbolic washing of the temple steps with scented water.
- Crafts and Local Trade: In Largo do Bonfim, you can find several stalls and shops selling local crafts, including the famous Bonfim ribbons and other souvenirs.
- Cultural Environment: Largo do Bonfim is a vibrant point of Bahian culture and offers an authentic experience of the city’s religious and festive spirit.
- Visitation and Access: Largo do Bonfim is easily accessible and well located in the Bonfim neighbourhood, with public transport and parking options nearby.
It’s a great place to get to know one of the most profound aspects of Salvador’s culture and religiosity, as well as take part in one of Brazil’s most iconic festivals, the Lavagem do Bonfim.
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