Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Salvador?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Salvador?
Many visitors spend three to four days in Salvador during their visit. If you're not sure how much time you might need here, we have the answers because there's so much to see and do. This city offers a number of attractions to explore, including the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the restaurant scene, and the nightlife.
Salvador is the capital city of the state of Bahia. It has a historic area that is filled with colonial architecture that dates back to the Portuguese colonial period. Today the city's culture still reflects its Afro-Brazilian roots. The city also runs along the coastline and is home to several beautiful, sandy beaches.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Salvador? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Salvador?
With only three days, you might feel a bit pressed for time when exploring the main attractions. After all, Salvador, a small city brimming with sights and attractions, holds immense popularity among tourists. To fully embrace Salvador, a longer visit is better. Most travelers tend to allocate three to four days to relax at the beach, browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar. Nevertheless, if your schedule is limited, we can provide some suggestions to maximize your visit.
How to spend 3 days in Salvador
Don't miss São Francisco during your trip to Salvador, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. The city has rich African roots that are noticeable in the cuisine around town. Buffets have become popular in restaurants and many places offer a lunch buffet. They range in price and quality and you often pay by the weight. Common dishes include moqueca (seafood stew), vatapá (a type of curry), and acarajé (fried balls of beans and shrimp).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience ($78)
- 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador ($90)
- Private Bahian Cooking Class - An Amazing Experience! ($120)
The public transit in Salvador is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.
The beautiful beaches await you in Salvador, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Many of the beaches are sandy with warm water and tidal pools to explore. The most popular beach is Praia Farol da Barra, which can get crowded. North of the city is the more relaxed Praia Farol de Itapuã and if you want to learn to surf, head to Praia da Jaguaribe, which is home to several surfing schools.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Easy Diving - Lord Beach Snorkeling - Leaving Forte Beach by Emytour ($33)
- Praia Do Forte & Guarajuba Beach Day Trip ($35)
- Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo ($24)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Head to the old city for a mix of local music and authentic Brazilian activities. Further out, along the stretches of beach, you'll find larger music venues and dance clubs. The atmosphere is laid back and relaxed throughout the city and you'll find a very local vibe in many neighborhoods.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Curated Nightlife Experience in the Heart of the City ($71)
A number of fantastic museums and famous landmarks are found in Salvador, so spend at least one full day exploring those that look the most appealing to you. Many of the main sights are found in the historic part of town. In this area you'll find the Museu da Cidade, the Abelardo Rodrigues Museum, and the Casa do Benin. There are many ornate churches as well such as the São Francisco and the Carmelite Church.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Salvador African Heritage Private City Tour Including Afro Museum ($110)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Salvador.
Is 4 days enough time in Salvador?
Four days in Salvador is often considered best, as many tourists spend three to four days for their trip here. This would usually give you enough time to relax at the beach, browse the museums, taste delicious cuisine, and grab some drinks at a bar. Further down, you'll find our recommendations to kick off your adventure.
Salvador, Brazil
How to spend 4 days in Salvador
With 4 days in Salvador, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
The charming atmosphere and history of the old town area is worth exploring, so spend the day learning about the history and culture of the area. The city served as the first Portuguese capital and today it still has colonial architecture and a historic atmosphere. At the historic heart of the city is the Pelourinho neighborhood, which has nice squares and cobblestone streets.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Walking Tour of Salvador Pelourinho ($60)
- Salvador's 500 years - A cultural and historical walking tour ($46)
- Pelourinho Salvador Private Walking Tour ($102)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Salvador?
With five days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that Salvador has to offer, giving you the flexibility to unwind in your hotel or use Salvador as a base for day trips to nearby destinations. You can relax while enjoying the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the restaurant scene at your own pace, as this medium sized city offers a variety of fun activities for couples and backpackers. We have some suggestions of things to do below, too.
How to spend 5 days in Salvador
If you have more than 5 days in Salvador, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
Shopping in Salvador is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Salvador.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Salvador, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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