Brazil’s first capital preserves the country’s strongest connection to African heritage, visible in its colorful colonial architecture, capoeira, and Afro-Brazilian cuisine.
Why Visit Salvador da Bahia
Salvador served as Brazil’s capital for over two centuries and its Pelourinho old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, holds the largest collection of colonial architecture in the Americas, its buildings painted in a rainbow of pastel colors. As the historic center of the Brazilian slave trade, Salvador retains the strongest African cultural influence in Brazil, visible in capoeira, a martial art disguised as dance, Candomble religious traditions, and a distinct Afro-Bahian cuisine built around dende palm oil and seafood. The city’s Carnival celebration rivals Rio’s in scale and is considered by many to be more authentic and street level.
Top Experiences
- Pelourinho: Salvador’s UNESCO listed old town, holding the largest collection of colonial architecture in the Americas.
- Elevador Lacerda: a historic public elevator connecting Salvador’s upper and lower cities.
- Capoeira demonstrations: displays of the Afro-Brazilian martial art and dance form, developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil.
- Mercado Modelo: a historic market selling Afro-Brazilian crafts, food, and souvenirs.
- Porto da Barra Beach: a popular urban beach known for calm water and sunset views.
Book Salvador da Bahia Tours & Activities
Explore Pelourinho’s colonial streets, watch a capoeira performance, or sample Afro-Bahian cuisine with guided tours of Salvador.
Cultural Night Experience Capoeira, Samba and Drumming
Practical Tips
- Pelourinho comes alive at night with live music, particularly on Tuesday evenings.
- Salvador’s Carnival, held in February or March, is one of the largest street parties in the world.
- Afro-Bahian dishes like acaraje and moqueca are worth seeking out at local restaurants.
- Petty theft can occur in crowded tourist areas, keep valuables secure, especially in Pelourinho at night.
FAQ
Is Salvador’s Carnival better than Rio’s?
Both are spectacular, but Salvador’s Carnival is often considered more street level and participatory, centered on trio eletrico sound trucks moving through crowds rather than a stadium parade.
What is capoeira?
An Afro-Brazilian martial art disguised as dance, developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil, combining acrobatics, music, and combat movements.
Final Thoughts
Salvador offers the deepest connection to Afro-Brazilian culture and history found anywhere in Brazil, its colorful colonial streets and rhythms making it an essential stop beyond Rio and Sao Paulo.
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