A Travel Price Comparison for Brazil Salvador vs. Brasilia for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Salvador or Brasilia?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salvador or Brasilia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Salvador

Salvador is a historical, authentic, and cultural city. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Salvador travel costs.

Brasilia

Brasilia is a vibrant, cultural, and lively city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Brasilia travel costs.

Salvador and Brasilia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Salvador or Brasilia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Salvador than Brasilia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Salvador is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Brasilia attracts visitors for its shopping and big city activities. Salvador is more touristy than Brasilia and is known for its West African influence, rich culinary scene, and colonial architecture. It is also well known for São Francisco. Brasilia is famous for its modernist architecture, abundant green space, and planned layout.

How is Salvador different from Brasilia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Brasilia and Salvador. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Salvador or Brasilia?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Many visitors head to Salvador specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Brasilia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a variety of museums that highlight the city's rich history, modernist architecture, and diverse culture. Notable museums include the Museu Nacional, showcasing contemporary art, and the Museu de Arte de Brasília (MAB), which focuses on Brazilian art. The Memorial dos Povos Indígenas offers insight into indigenous cultures, while the Museu do Catetinho takes visitors through the early days of the city’s creation.


Is the Food Better in Salvador or Brasilia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Salvador is an experience not to be missed. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Brasilia. The city's food scene is diverse, offering a mix of traditional Brazilian dishes and international cuisine. Since it is home to people from all over Brazil, you can find food from many different regions in one place. Popular dishes include Picanha (Brazilian steak), Feijoada (black bean and pork stew), and Tucunaré na Brasa (grilled fish).

Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for Nightlife?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Salvador is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Brasilia has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is more sophisticated and calm compared to other Brazilian capitals. It's not a party city by traditional standards, but it's ideal for those looking to enjoy good food, drinks, and live music in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you're looking for high-energy nightlife, the city might feel quieter, but it's still plenty of fun.

Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for Beaches?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is well known for the beach. However, Brasilia is not a beach destination.

Salvador is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Brasilia is not a beach destination.


Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for its Old Town?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Brasilia does not have a historic old town.

Salvador offers a nice historic old town 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.

Brasilia does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Salvador or Brasilia?

Salvador
Brasilia

Brasilia is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Salvador is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Brasilia. There is a mix of modern malls, local markets, and high-end boutiques. The city is home to several large shopping centers, such as Shopping Iguatemi, ParkShopping, and Conjunto Nacional, which feature a variety of international brands, local shops, and food courts. For more traditional items, the Feira da Torre is a popular open-air market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and handmade goods.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Salvador. There are many local markets and shops around town where you can pick up traditional Brazilian items and artisan crafts.

Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for Families?

Salvador
Brasilia

Brasilia is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Salvador is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Brasilia. While it doesn't have as many theme parks as some of the other large cities in Brazil, there are a number of activities that families can enjoy. There's the Parque da Cidade, where children can ride bikes and play on playgrounds. There's also Nicolândia, a small amusement park with exciting rides. At the Brasília Zoo, kids can see native animals like jaguars, toucans, and capybaras while learning about Brazil's wildlife. The Planetarium of Brasília is a great spot for young space enthusiasts, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating star shows.

For families, Salvador is not always the best place to visit. It has a reputation for being dangerous, so many families don't plan to spend much time here, but the city has parks, recreational activities like climbing, and a number of kid-friendly museums to explore. There are also many ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants.


Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for Couples?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is well known for couples. Also, Brasilia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Salvador frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The historical center is charming and the perfect place to explore as a couple. There are also parks around town and many cultural experiences that visitors truly enjoy.

Brasilia is a nice destination for couples. There are sunset boat rides on Paranoá Lake. If you enjoy culture, you can visit the National Museum or admire the stunning architecture of the Cathedral of Brasília. A romantic dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Pontão do Lago Sul is perfect for a night out with delicious food and a relaxing atmosphere. For nature lovers, a peaceful walk or picnic at Jardim Botânico de Brasília provides a lovely escape from the city.

Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador is well known for backpackers. However, Brasilia is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salvador is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers love the historical architecture and the authenticity that this city offers. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Brasilia is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's fascinating architecture and great green spaces, but the city has limited nightlife and it isn't the most popular destination for backpackers. There are some budget-friendly hostels and public buses that make it possible to explore without spending too much. Though it lacks a strong backpacker scene, Brasília's mix of culture, green spaces, and history makes it an interesting stop for adventurous travelers.

Is Salvador or Brasilia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Salvador
Brasilia

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Salvador and Brasilia.

You'll find some public transit in Salvador, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are divided into two different classes - the common bus and the executive bus.

While Brasilia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The public transit system is relatively limited compared to larger Brazilian cities, but it still offers a few options for getting around. The Metro is an efficient choice for traveling through central areas, with two main lines that connect key neighborhoods like Asa Norte and Plano Piloto. There are also buses that are more comprehensive.


Is Salvador or Brasilia a more walkable city?

Salvador
Brasilia

Salvador and Brasilia both are reasonable when exploring on foot.

Salvador is generally not very walkable. While it's possible to walk around town, you should really understand which areas are safe and which parts of town are dangerous. Sometimes the dangerous areas are just a couple of blocks that are surrounded by an otherwise safe neighborhood, so you should really understand where you are before heading out on foot.

Brasilia is generally not a very walkable city. The city isn't particularly walkable because it is very spread out.

For even more information, also check out Is Salvador Worth Visiting? and Is Brasilia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Brasilia or Salvador?

How long in Salvador or Brasilia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salvador and Brasilia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salvador than in Brasilia. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Salvador, and 1-3 days is enough time in Brasilia.

Couples should spend more time in Salvador than Brasilia. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salvador that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salvador than Brasilia if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Salvador.


  • How many days in Salvador or Brasilia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Salvador 3-4 
    Brasilia 1-3

One day in Salvador or Brasilia?

The city of Salvador offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The city of Brasilia offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Salvador or Brasilia?

Salvador is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Brasilia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Brasilia, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Salvador or Brasilia?

Salvador is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Brasilia is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Salvador or Brasilia?

Salvador is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Brasilia is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Brazil, The Best G Adventures Tours to Brazil, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Foz Do Iguacu.


Which place is cheaper, Brasilia or Salvador?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Salvador is $47, while the average daily cost in Brasilia is $93. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Salvador and Brasilia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Salvador $21
    Brasilia $31
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Salvador $42
    Brasilia $62
Compare Hotels in Salvador and Brasilia

Looking for a hotel in Salvador or Brasilia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Salvador


Hotels in Brasilia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Salvador Hotel Prices and Brasilia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Salvador $5.27
    Brasilia $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Salvador

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Salvador:


  • Bus from Airport
    $1.03

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Salvador

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Salvador:

  • Airport Transfer - Sauípe Resorts 05 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
  • Airport Transfer - Sauipe Resorts 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
  • Airport Transfer x Salvador Hotel - Sedan 1 to 4 people: $30
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 1 to 4 people by Salvador Receptivo: $65
  • Airport Transfer-Grand Palladium Imbassai 5 to 10 people by Salvador Receptivo: $95
  • Arrival or Departure Shared Transfer from Airport to hotels in Salvador: $13
  • Executive Transfer - Salvador International Airport to Hotels or Residencia: $28
  • Hotel Vila Galé Mares - Transfers In / Out: $79
  • Iberostar Praia do Forte, In/Out transfers: $105
  • Iberostar Transfer - Private Minivan: $79
  • Praia do Forte Private Transfer From Salvador : $46
  • Praia do Forte Shared Transfer From Salvador : $22

Is it cheaper to fly into Salvador or Brasilia?

Prices for flights to both Brasilia and Salvador change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Salvador $20
    Brasilia $48
Typical Food Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Salvador:


  • Dinner for 2
    $1.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Salvador

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Salvador.

  • Cooking class in Salvador, an authentic dinning experience: $78
  • Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner: $83
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class with Market Visit: $85
  • 9-Recipe Boozy Cooking Class in Salvador: $90
  • Folk Show - Bahia Night (Dinner Included) by Salvador Receptivo: $110
  • Salvador by Night: Cultural Dinner and Show: $116
  • CITY ESCAPE: Relax on night in Paradies with Breakfast & Dinner: $132
  • Culinary Afro-Brazilian Delights & Churrascaria dinner.: $157
  • Baiana Cooking Class with Market Visit & Lunch: $160
  • Cultural Folkloric Show and Dinner in Salvador: $170
  • Bahia By Night: Dinner and Folkloric show: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Salvador $4.97
    Brasilia $17

Tours and Activities in Salvador

Here are a few actual costs in Salvador for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): $7.85
  • Walking tour historic Pelourinho: $11
  • Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $17
  • Panoramic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador: $17
  • Salvador Historical City Center Tour: $18
  • Salvador Panoramic City Tour: $18
  • Historic City Tour in Salvador: $18
  • Panoramic City Tour in Salvador: $18
  • Cultural Night Experience Capoeira, Samba and Drumming: $19
  • Full Day Tour to Frades Islands + Itaparica: $24
  • Regular Tour to Forte Beach - Leaving Salvador by Bahia Top Turismo: $25
  • Panoramic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil: $25

Tours and Activities in Brasilia

Here are a few actual costs in Brasilia for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Brasilia : Private Custom Tour with a Local Guide: $57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Salvador $4.72
    Brasilia $13
Typical Alcohol Prices in Salvador

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Salvador:


  • Beers for 2
    $1.20
  • Drinks
    $2.40


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salvador and Brasilia, we can see that Brasilia is more expensive. And not only is Salvador much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Salvador would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Salvador and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Brasilia would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Brasilia than you might in Salvador.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Salvador Expensive? and Is Brasilia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Salvador or Brasilia?

Salvador has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Brasilia. When comparing the sizes of Salvador and Brasilia, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.