Top Things to do in Salvador
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10 City Tours in Salvador That You Shouldn't Miss
Brazil's former capital is renowned for its African-influenced cuisine, music and architecture. Known as "the Capital of Joy," because of its exuberant week-long Carnaval celebrations, Salvador brims with contemporary music and art amid architecture that has gone untouched since the 17th century.
Restaurants in Salvador
1. Salvador African Heritage Private City Tour Including Afro-Brazilian Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Enjoy the iconic district of Pelourinho , listed By UNESCO like a human being heritage site. Walk through the history and be stunned by the African Bahian atmosphere and its ambiance of life and culture. Salvador boasts the largest community of Africans in Brazil hold, so don't miss this unique glimpse into African heritage and history.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By R1707AZjacquelinep
I absolutely love it! Considering the museums were closed, my guide Wagner tried his best to accommodate for it. I learned so much in just one day! Junior our driver got us to each stop safely. I highly recommend.
2. Historical Salvador City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Walking on the streets in the Historical District of Salvador feels like being taken back to ancient times in Brazilian history. Visit the first fort that was built at the entrance point of the bay of All Saints to protect the city from an attack. A stop at the city center is a must for anyone staying in Salvador da Bahia!
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off in most hotels located in Salvador, Air-conditioned vehicle, Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Barra Lighthouse Museum Entrance Fee, S. Francisco Church Entrance Fee, Entrance fees to museums, churches or any other attractions.
Reviewed By Mikel J
First of all, the tour guide was 45 minutes late. Pick up was at 6 am, had we known it was going to be late, we could've slept in an extra half hour instead of getting up at 5am. We requested an english speaking tour guide, only to be surprised by a non-speaking tour guide, with the excuse of his co-worker calling in sick. This was a terrible start. Our hotel breakfast wasn’t open that early so we didn’t have a proper breakfast from the get-go. I requested if there was atleast a coffee/water break—only to stop at a gas station where they served coffee only in clear plastic cups. Who would want to drink coffee in that in a bump tour bus? The tour bus didn’t even offer bottled water or anything. The booking site didn’t clearly state how long the travel time was from Salvador to Mangue seco. We only realized after picking up other tourists on the way there. It took 4.5 hours to get there in a cramped van with no leg room and a door that didn’t properly open from the inside. In addition, they played on CD on repeat. We finally get there, in the middle of high sun, which meant an uncomfortable blistering hot day ahead. There was NO canoe to take us to the beach, instead it was a ferry boat with stiff metal benches which made for an uncomfortable and impossible slow ride to this island which we were hoping would be a nice pay off from the torturous ride to get there. We were made to order food as soon as we arrived to the island, but only to be delivered at a later time at the beach. But first we had to take the buggy ride first. The buggy ride cost was an additional cash-only charge on top of the booking fee. This was not clearly stated. While the sand dunes was a decent backdrop for a photo-op, we didn’t really feel the need to make 5 different stops in the sweltering heat that basically ended up looking the same. We just wanted food, drinks and the ocean. Finally, after the fifth stop we were pretty much salivating to jump in the water, only to be teased and driven back into the village to stop at a local restaurant for a pointless 15 minute break, in what felt like half an hour — a ploy perhaps to get tourists to buy unwanted chachkis. At this point we just wanted the food we ordered, in what seemed like ages ago, and jump in the water. The buggy finally dropped us off in the line-up of huts where other tourists were. Besides being a “virgin” beach, nothing about seemed pristine or peaceful. The travel to this place was 8 hours in total. The actual time spent there was a quarter of that time. So do I think it’s worth it? After all that? Not in the least. We were better off staying in Salvador and explore nearby beaches.
3. Salvador Panoramic City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
A Half Day Panoramic City Tour through the city of Salvador da Bahia, traveling some of the main sights of the city with flexible stops for photos and brief explanation of our specialized guide.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By MBBTours
My husband and I have recently returned from a trip to Brazil and we used Mais Bahia for a number of transfers whilst in Salvador and Praia Do Forte. We had to change our plans on a number of occasions and Mais Bahia accommodated every one. They offered us a prompt and efficient service and I would highly recommend them.
4. Ivan Bahia, Salvador da Bahia, the best private full panoramic city tour in town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Team Ivan Bahia Travel Guide brings you a beautiful tour : Salvador, Panoramic City Tour to discover culture and history of the former capital of Brazil. (available with Wi-Fi and in English / Français / Nederlands)
Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Exclusions: Food and drinks
Reviewed By Angel T
Ivan is the go-to guy if you need anything in Bahia. He picked me up in the middle of the night from the airport and brought me to my accommodation in town had a very reasonable price. I enjoyed it very much talking to him but in all the time I have been in Brazil I have been able to whatsapp him and ask lots of questions he is very helpful and knowledgeable. I hope to see him again and stay in touch with him for many years to come as I know Brazil will be a place in my life. Sean T
5. Ivan Bahia, Recôncavo Baiano: Cachoeira & Coqueiros incl. mangrove-trip + lunch
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Ivan Bahia Travel Guide takes you to the colonial roots of Brazil : to the colonial city Cachoeira, in the Recôncavo Baianowhere you will discover culture and beautiful nature inland Bahia, inclusive a mangrove-trip along the Paraguaçu and a typical moqueca lunch (Bahian food) Available in English / Français / Nederlands.
Inclusions: Transport by private vehicle, a typical moqueca lunch, guide / driver speaking your language, Lunch
Exclusions: drinks, For other neigborhoods in Salvador there is a pickup/return fee of 20R$ per person
Reviewed By Angel T
Ivan is the go-to guy if you need anything in Bahia. He picked me up in the middle of the night from the airport and brought me to my accommodation in town had a very reasonable price. I enjoyed it very much talking to him but in all the time I have been in Brazil I have been able to whatsapp him and ask lots of questions he is very helpful and knowledgeable. I hope to see him again and stay in touch with him for many years to come as I know Brazil will be a place in my life. Sean T
6. Bahia 500 Years Historic Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Your only commitment is to relax and enjoy this trip through the history of the first capital of Brazil. We took you to your hotel and left for the Farol da Barra, one of the most famous scenery in Salvador. You will get to know nearby great tourist attractions like the Church of San Francisco and the Museum of Mercy. We will also guide you through a pleasant walk through the Historical Center of Salvador and all the colorful magic of Pelourinho. TCH is the best and most complete option in receptive in Bahia. With a special service, differentiated services and a modern structure, TCH presents to the tourist an even more charming Bahia, always with the joy and hospitality that are marks of the Bahia people. Everything to make each tour an unforgettable experience.
Inclusions: Transportation and Bilingual Guide
Exclusions: Does not include meals, tickets to museums, churches and other attractions
Reviewed By rafaelsC7235NR
The service was extremely punctual, and the driver showed a professional conduct throughout the entire trip. Every contact between the TCH representative and me was done in a very professional and clear manner.
7. Praia do Forte Full Day Tour, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Just wear a light clothes, get the sunscreen and wait for people at your hotel. On this tour you will discover the real meaning of the word "vacation". We start with a wonderful view of the main beaches of Salvador and then follow the green line towards Praia do Forte, where you will be able to visit the famous Tamar Project and interact with sea turtles. To close with a golden key, a lunch stop in Guarajuba and the rest of the day to relax, enjoy a delicious sea bath, enjoy the sunset and rest while we take you back to the hotel. TCH is the best and most complete option in receptive in Bahia. With a special service, differentiated services and a modern structure, TCH presents to the tourist an even more charming Bahia, always with the joy and hospitality that are marks of the Bahia people. Everything to make each tour an unforgettable experience.
Inclusions: Transportation and Bilingual Guide
Exclusions: Does not include meals, tickets to museums, churches and other attractions
Reviewed By rafaelsC7235NR
The service was extremely punctual, and the driver showed a professional conduct throughout the entire trip. Every contact between the TCH representative and me was done in a very professional and clear manner.
8. Full City Tour Historic and Panoramic
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
• Stroll along Barra Lighthouse, which marks the entrance to All Saints' Bay. • Get to know Tororó Dike and the Senhor do Bomfim basilica church, a sanctuary located on the Sacred Hill. Tie your ribbon under the temple railing. • Experience the transition between the new and the old, passing by the monument that represents the consolidation of the independence of Bahia and the neighborhood of Vitória, formed by the upper-middle and upper classes. • Explore the churches and historic monuments dating from the early 15th century and preserved to this day in Pelourinho.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Guide
Exclusions: Lunch, All Fees and Taxes
Reviewed By R1707AZjacquelinep
I absolutely love it! Considering the museums were closed, my guide Wagner tried his best to accommodate for it. I learned so much in just one day! Junior our driver got us to each stop safely. I highly recommend.
9. Discovery of the Lower City, Salvador authentic, with LUNCH
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
2 PEOPLE MINIMUM. Half Day Tour followed by a typical local lunch, the famous moqueca... (fish and/or seafood meal) Board a private vehicle to see other attractions in the area, such as the Bonfim Church and Mont Serrat Fortress, but also typical places such as the local market of Sao Joaquim. Complete overview of local culture and history, including the afro-brazilian typical local culture with the Candomblé religion... On the way back, or at the start of the tour, we will also pass by the lake of the Tororo where you will see some giant scuptures representing some of the spirits of the Candomblé religion, called Orixas...
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, LUNCH (drinks not included), Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By erozemd
We had a fantastic day tour of Salvador provided by Joel. Joel was a terrific guide, he was very passionate, knowledgeable, and funny. He was also a great driver. He showed us all the essentials of Salvador in one day and really explained the history very well. We had a great lunch at a local restaurant he recommended. Overall we were very happy with our day tour and would highly recommend a tour with Joel when visiting Salvador.
10. Private Historical Tour 4 hours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Comfort and safety is at De Boa Turismo. We are a company specialized in cultural and receptive tours based in the capital of Bahia. We will be delighted to serve you. Make your reservation and experience this De Boa experience.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation
Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes
Reviewed By Travelmadic
I enjoyed my guide Luzivan, he helped me with translations and getting around both islands. If you want to review the trip please go to my YouTube channel named Travelmadic to check out the tour.
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