Brazil Salvador - Pelourinho with the famous Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim ( Portuguese: Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim ) on the left side.Stitched Panorama photo

Salvador

Salvador da Bahia has an energy and unadorned beauty that few cities can match. Once Portugal's colonial capital, today Salvador is the pulsating heart of the country’s Afro-Brazilian community. Festivals happen frequently, with drum corps pounding out rhythms against the backdrop of historic buildings almost daily. Elsewhere in town, a different spirit flows as crowds of religious adherents celebrate African gods at Candomblé ceremonies. In fact, there’s no other place in the western hemisphere where the culture of those brought as enslaved people from Africa has been preserved as it has been in Salvador – from music and religion to food, dance and martial-arts traditions. Aside from the many attractions within Salvador, a gorgeous coastline lies right outside the city – a suitable introduction to the tropical splendor of Bahia.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Salvador. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Get started

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Salvador

Beaches

Brazil's top 10 carnivals

Aug 3, 2012 • 4 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Salvador

Guidebooks

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Salvador with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.