Should You Visit Salvador?

Is Salvador worth visiting?

Yes, Salvador is worth visiting for a number of reasons. This is a city that everyone should explore, and we loved our time here.

Whether you're a a couple or a backpacker, this city has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the spectacular museums and attractions and terrific food.

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.

Salvador, Brazil

7 Reasons to Visit Salvador

1. Museums and Attractions

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.

2. Food

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).

3. Nightlife

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.

4. Beaches

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.

5. Historical Sights

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.

6. Shopping

There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

7. The Costs

Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Salvador might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Salvador here or see if Salvador is expensive here.

Is Salvador worth visiting in the Summer?

Summer is the high season for travel in Salvador, so expect more visitors and higher prices. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The weather in Salvador is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 27°C (81°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (86°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

Visiting the nearby beaches is one of the most popular things to do this time of year, so spend some time enjoying the waves and sand. You'll find plenty to do during summer, as you'll be able to lounge on the beach, spend time at the museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you'll be able to dance the night away.

Summer Weather in Salvador

Is Salvador worth visiting in the Autumn?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Salvador. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather in Salvador is fairly warm during autumn, and stays around 26°C (80°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (84°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. During this season it's fun to experience the historic old town and the museums and landmarks.

Autumn Weather in Salvador

Is Salvador worth visiting in the Winter?

The weather in Salvador is fairly warm during winter, and stays around 24°C (75°F). But it can get as warm as 27°C (80°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

The low season for travel in Salvador is during the winter. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and admire the historic sights. Also, you can take advantage of the local nightlife.

Winter Weather in Salvador

Is Salvador worth visiting in the Spring?

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Salvador. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

The weather in Salvador is fairly warm during spring, and stays around 26°C (78°F). But it can get as warm as 28°C (83°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.

You'll find plenty to do during spring, as you'll be able to find the best deals at the shops, browse through museums, and browse around the old town. Also, you can check out the nightlife.

Spring Weather in Salvador

Things to Consider Before Visiting Salvador

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Salvador most famous for?

Salvador is most famous for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture. The city is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches. Also, it's known for historical sights and shopping. It is often described as authentic, cultural, and historical.

What is the most famous sight in Salvador?

The most popular sight in Salvador is São Francisco. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Salvador on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for São Francisco and other attractions here.

How touristy is Salvador? Is it a popular city to visit?

Salvador is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Bike Rentals and Bike Tours: $150
• City Tour in Salvador discover the first capital of Brazil: $122
• Historical African oriented City Tour: $190
• Private Full-Day Tour - Salvador's Lower & Upper City: $110
• Tour on Forte and Guarajuba Beaches, Leaving Salvador-Bahia: $192
• Salvador Full Day City Tour - a complete day to discover this magic Salvador!: $106
• Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25
• Private City Tour of Salvador da Bahia: $115

How long should I spend in Salvador?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Salvador is three to four days. Since Salvador has activities such as nightlife, beaches, museums and attractions, and dining, many visit for up to four days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Salvador?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Salvador?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Salvador?.

For guided and organized tour options, check out The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Brazil and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

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