Things to do in Salvador

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A plaza with palm trees, a historic building with a dome, and people sitting at tables.
A cobblestone street lined with colorful buildings, a man sitting on a step, and a sign for 'Casa da Gamba' restaurant.
A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, marina, and historic buildings.
A historic church with two bell towers and a central facade.
A coastal cityscape at dusk with a marina filled with boats, historic buildings, and a prominent market building labeled 'Mercado Modelo'.

Things to do

Tour Praia do Forte and Guarajuba, Leaving Salvador-Bahia.

Tour Praia do Forte and Guarajuba, Leaving Salvador-Bahia.

￥6,296
per adult
Tour Praia do Forte and Guarajuba, Leaving Salvador-Bahia.
Guarajuba Beach on a sunny day

Praia Do Forte & Guarajuba Beach Day Trip

￥7,518
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Praia Do Forte & Guarajuba Beach Day Trip
Picture 2 for Activity From Salvador: Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica

From Salvador: Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica

￥6,296
per adult
From Salvador: Schooner Tour to Frades Islands and Itaparica
Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo

Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo

￥4,474
per adult
Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Drumming

Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Drumming

￥6,871
per adult
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Drumming
Cultural Night Experience Capoeira, Samba and Drumming

Cultural Night Experience Capoeira, Samba and Drumming

￥4,794
per adult
Cultural Night Experience Capoeira, Samba and Drumming
Tour to Praia do Forte and Guarajuba

Tour to Praia do Forte and Guarajuba

￥5,433
per adult
Tour to Praia do Forte and Guarajuba
Pelourinho

City Tour Salvador Historica

￥3,196
per adult
City Tour Salvador Historica
Salvador Cultural Treasure Samba de Roda

Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Samba

￥6,871
per adult
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Samba
See all activities in Salvador
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Salvador must see attractions

1. Farol da Barra Beach

Take a break from the sights of Salvador’s Historic Center and spend a day at Farol da Barra Beach (Praia do Farol da Barra). This central beach is a seaside destination loved by both locals and tourists. Swim in the warm water, top up your tan, surf in the gentle waves and enjoy scenic coastal walks. Farol da Barra Beach takes its name from the lighthouse (farol) that sits atop a headland.
Learn more
A historic fort with a lighthouse, surrounded by a grassy hill and a beach.

2. Porto da Barra Beach

Get away from the architectural treasures of Salvador’s city center and spend the day at Porta da Barra Beach (Praia do Porto da Barra). This attractive city beach was included among the world’s best 50 beaches for 2014 as ranked by CNN. Porto da Barra Beach attracts a heady mix of tourists, families and Salvador’s hip and beautiful crowd. Come to swim in crystalline waters, top up your tan and dine at the restaurants and food stands.
Learn more
A crowded beach with people swimming and sunbathing, a large building with a tower, and palm trees.

3. Flamengo Beach

Salvador is a city revered for its beaches, and Flamengo Beach (Praia do Flamengo) is among its finest. This untamed stretch of fine golden sand sits framed by rolling dunes and swaying palms and has the Atlantic Ocean lapping at its shores. Visit Flamengo Beach to escape the crowds of Salvador’s urban coastline and enjoy the stunning scenery while dining at beachside bars.
Learn more
A beach with white umbrellas and chairs, a palm tree, and the ocean.

4. Arena Fonte Nova

Savor the feverish passion of Brazilian soccer fans while watching a game at the Fonte Nova Stadium (Arena Fonte Nova). Sing along with huge crowds at concerts by big-name acts and have some family-friendly fun at traveling fairgrounds. Fonte Nova Stadium was refurbished and modernized in 2010 in order to be used as one of the host stadiums for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Learn more
A lake with statues of figures in colorful costumes, a modern stadium in the background, and surrounding trees.

5. Mercado Modelo

Visit the Mercado Modelo to see an all-encompassing collection of Bahian arts, crafts and curios. Opened in 1912, the market originally served as a center for the storing and trading of cigars, fresh produce, spirits and wines, among other goods brought to the city’s port. The Mercado Modelo is housed in Salvador’s old custom house, a heritage building inaugurated in 1868 and rebuilt several times after damage caused by fires.
Learn more
A building with the sign "Mercado Modelo" and a flag.

What to do in Salvador

Stay near popular Salvador attractions

A historic fort with a lighthouse, surrounded by a grassy hill and a beach.

Farol da Barra Beach

9.0/10 (511 reviews)
This golden-sand beach sits at the foot of Salvador's historic lighthouse. Swim in natural tide pools, then linger for Brazil's most spectacular sunset views over the bay.
See properties

Where to stay in Salvador

Find the best Salvador areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Salvador
Learn more about Salvador

Jauá

When in Jauá, you can plan a visit to Jaua Beach and Busca Vida Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

A sunset over a rocky beach with a white railing and trees.

Barra

Barra is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Barra Shopping Mall or Farol da Barra Beach.

A beach with a building, boats, and a rocky shoreline.

Rio Vermelho

Unique features of Rio Vermelho include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Paciencia Beach or Rio Vermelho Beach while you're exploring the area.

A coastal road lined with palm trees and a modern building with a blue facade.

Ondina

Ondina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ondina Beach and Praia da Sereia.

A beach with palm trees, a lighthouse, and blue umbrellas.

Itapuã

Unique features of Itapuã include the beaches and gardens. Make a stop by Itapuã Beach or Stella Maris Beach while you're exploring the area.

Popular day trips from Salvador

An aerial view of a coastal town with a river, surrounded by greenery and a clear sky.

Camaçari

A beach with clear blue water, sandy shore, and palm trees.

Lauro de Freitas

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, industrial facilities, and a dense forest area.

Madre de Deus

An aerial view of a coastal town with a beach, houses, and a hilly landscape in the background.

Saubara

Frequently asked questions

Is Salvador worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Salvador is visit Rio Vermelho Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's views and coastal beaches.
How do I spend a day in Salvador?
Kick your day off with a visit to Rio Vermelho Beach and Boa Viagem Beach. Then, explore other areas of Salvador for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salvador?
Don't go home without visiting Rio Vermelho Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Salvador.
Is three days enough to stay in Salvador?
You can easily visit top sights like Rio Vermelho Beach, Boa Viagem Beach and Museum of Modern Art of Bahia with a three-day escape to Salvador. On average, most travelers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Camaçari.
Is Salvador a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in Salvador. Several sights, like Rio Vermelho Beach and Boa Viagem Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Salvador's neighborhoods, Salvador Centro is 0.32 kilometers away from downtown, while Barra is 3 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Salvador with kids?
Whether you're traveling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Salvador with kids.

What to do in Salvador for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Salvador, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Administrative Center of Bahia or House of Rio Vermelho.
Are there free things to do in Salvador?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Salvador. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Rio Vermelho Beach is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their traveling adventures.