Best things to do in Salvador

Salvador's Absolute Essentials

Salvador’s heritage unfolds through its coastal landmarks and historical sites. The 17th-century Barra Lighthouse and Santo Antonio da Barra Fort guard the entrance to the Bay of All Saints, the largest bay in Brazil. Religious history is preserved at the Sister Dulce Memorial and the Hill of Christ statue. Natural highlights include the dark-water Abaeté Lagoon and the reef-protected waters of Praia da Barra, while Ponta do Humaitá provides panoramic views over the Itapagipe Peninsula.

Bob Jones / CC BY-SA 2.0

Barra Lighthouse

A true landmark of Salvador. This 22-meter high lighthouse was built in the 17th century to shine its signals to passing ships to help them…

Fotos Gov/Ba / CC BY 2.0

Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum

A majestic fort with a lighthouse and an amazing well run nautic museum, this place is a must visit for anyone visiting Salvador.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

The Hill of Christ

A huge statue of Jesus Christ is the dominant feature of the hill that offers spectacular views of the sea surrounding Salvador.

Luan / CC BY-SA 4.0

Praia da Barra

Urban beach situated between the Barra Lighthouse and Morro do Cristo. It features calm waters protected by reefs, which create natural pools during low tide.

Toluaye / Public domain

Abaeté Lagoon

A beautiful lagoon and a park, its dark waters create stunning contrast with white sandy beaches. Also features a rare specimen of orchids.

SCamargos / CC BY-SA 4.0

Frades Island

Ilha dos Frades is an island in the Bay of All Saints. It is administered as part of the city of Salvador in the state of Bahia.

Ponta do Humaitá

Scenic point on the Itapagipe Peninsula featuring the 16th-century Church of Our Lady of Monte Serrat and a small lighthouse. It offers panoramic views across the Bay of All Saints.

Frans Post / Public domain

Bay of All Saints

The Bay of All Saints, also known as All Saints' Bay and Todos os Santos Bay, is the principal bay of the Brazilian state of Bahia, to…

Fotos GOVBA / CC BY 2.0

Sister Dulce Memorial

The Charitable Works Foundation of Sister Dulce, known by its Portuguese acronym as OSID, is a private non-profit philanthropic…

Antigo Mercado do Peixe - Rio Vermelho

Revitalized gastronomic complex in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood, formerly a traditional fish market. It houses multiple kiosks and restaurants specializing in Bahian cuisine and regional snacks.