What to do and see in Salvador, State of Bahia (BA): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

October 2, 2021 Jasper Kershner

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. Mauro Tours

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5.0 based on 452 reviews

Mauro Tours

Ofrecemos Traslados a todos lo puntos de interés en Salvador, Bahia y región. También contamos con un variado menú de Paseos personalizados, privados y grupales para que tengan una experiencia inolvidable. Venite que te cuento la historia entera acá... Gracias por la confianza

2. Casa do Rio Vermelho

Rua Alagoinhas 33 Melhor acesso é pela av. Vasco da Gama, sentido orla/centro, primeira entrada à direita., Salvador, State of Bahia 41940-620 Brazil +55 71 3333-1919 [email protected] http://casadoriovermelho.com.br
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,209 reviews

Casa do Rio Vermelho

Reviewed By MelBr75 - Curitiba, Brazil

This used to be the house of Jorge Amado and Zelia Gatai, both great and world known writers. It’s very well preserved and it’s collection is beautifully displayed. It’s a must see!

3. Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People

Largo do Pelourinho s/n Pelourinho, Salvador, State of Bahia 40026-280 Brazil +55 71 3241-5781 [email protected] http://irmandadedoshomenspretos.com.br/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 1,210 reviews

Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People

This famous church dominates Pelourinho Square with its unmistakable blue façade.

Reviewed By saronic - Zurich, Switzerland

Not far from the Largo do Pelourinho is one of the most interesting churches of Salvador - in its full Portuguese name: Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Pretos. It was built over a long period, starting in the 17th century, by a brotherhood of slaves and freedmen of African descent, who did all the work themselves in their free hours. The church is attractive from its exterior, with its two towers by the facade and all painted in blue, as well as from the interior, with pleasantly much less gold than one sees in the other churches of the town. By the entrance are information boards, also in English, about the phenomenon of the black brotherhood, the 'Irmandade de Nossa Senhora do Rosario dos Homens Pretos'.

4. Praia do Porto da Barra

Av. Sete De Setembro, Salvador, State of Bahia 40140-110 Brazil [email protected]
Excellent
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4.5 based on 3,990 reviews

Praia do Porto da Barra

Porto da Barra is one of the few points of land in Brazil that face west over the Atlantic Ocean (due to its unique geography near the entrance to the Bay of All Saints). Because of this, Porto da Barra Sundown Show features sunsets which are both spectacularly beautiful and endearing because of the way people (visitors and local residents alike) applaud, cheer, whistle and sing while the sun sets over the sea. Porto da Barra Sundown Show also features various styles of live music at world-famous Hot Dougie's Rendezvous on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The water at Porto da Barra Beach is quite calm and perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, ad and other water sports. Even on days when other beaches in Salvador are empty, there is typically a good crowd at Porto da Barra Beach. Porto da Barra also features Portuguese forts (recently renovated as multimedia museums) dating back to the 17th century and number of good restaurants, bars, shops including used book and record stores, and a State of Bahia agency which promotes the production and sale of quality hand-made artisan products, and others.

Reviewed By chelslynne - Pensacola, United States

I stayed in barra two nights and was happy I did. Sunsets are fantastic and there are lots of dining options. Take a coconut down to the beach and enjoy the soft ocean waves.

5. Sao Francisco Church and Convent

Praca Padre Anchieta Pelourinho, Salvador, State of Bahia 41810-830 Brazil +55 71 3322 6430 http://guides.hurb.com/igreja-e-convento-de-sao-francisco-ba/?cmp=55498
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4.5 based on 6,242 reviews

Sao Francisco Church and Convent

One of the most spectacular churches in the world, this famous church is richly adorned inside with gold, silver and precious stones and has ceiling art that has been compared to that of the Sistine Chapel.

Reviewed By MelBr75 - Curitiba, Brazil

It’s a world heritage by UNESCO. It’s an important colonial period church. It’s interior is very beautiful and full of details. Exuberant inner decoration, mostly executed in the first half of the 18th century. All surfaces inside - walls, pillars, vaults and ceilings - are covered by golden sculpted gilt woodwork and paintings.

6. Fundacao Casa de Jorge Amado

Largo do Pelourinho s/n Pelourinho, Salvador, State of Bahia 40026-280 Brazil +55 71-3321-0122 http://www.jorgeamado.org.br
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4.5 based on 1,663 reviews

Fundacao Casa de Jorge Amado

Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Jorge Amado is one of the most acclaimed Brazilian authors. His books reflect the culture of his home State of Bahia and its people. The "Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado" is located at the very heart of Pelourinho, the historical quarter of Salvador - and Pelourinho is indeed one of Jorge Amado's characters. And a very important one! The "Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado" aims to preserve his legacy and the local culture. As of June 2019, the "Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado" was closed for renovations. Please check before going. Enjoy!

7. MAM Museu de Arte Moderna

Avenida do Contorno Solar do Unhão, Salvador, State of Bahia 40060-060 Brazil +55 71 3117 6139 [email protected] http://www.mam.ba.gov.br
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4.5 based on 2,110 reviews

MAM Museu de Arte Moderna

Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Visiting Salvador's "Museu de Arte Moderna" is absolutely a must! Located at historical "Solar do Unhão", the museum follows a modern concept of museology, including permanent and temporary exhibitions, film sessions, art classes, a sculptures park and jazz sessions on special days. A café and awesome sunsets over "Baía de Todos os Santos" complete the scene. "Solar do Unhão" dates from the 17th century and has been restored over the years. Acclaimed Italian architect Lina Bo Bardi undertook the task to restore, back in 1959, the old manor house. A monumental staircase located right inside of the main exhibition hall was designed by her. Its wood fittings follow the same techniques used on the manufacturing of ancient ox carts. Amazing! Try to visit - if it is opened - the lovely chapel at the museum's entrace: "Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição". Before going, call and check opening hours. Use taxis at all times and do your best to be there for sunset. You won't regret! Enjoy!

8. Basilica Cathedral

Praca XV, s/n - Terreiro de Jesus Centro, Salvador, State of Bahia 40026-010 Brazil (71) 3321-4573 http://www.arquidiocesesalvador.org.br
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4.5 based on 552 reviews

Basilica Cathedral

Daily 8:30am-5pm

Reviewed By CaliGuy01 - San Francisco, United States

Beautiful ornate cathedral in the town square center. The artwork is spectacular and is a must see. Besides the main part of the cathedral there are many other open parts of the cathedral.

9. Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova

Ladeira da Fonte das Pedras, Salvador, State of Bahia 40050-565 Brazil (71) 3320-2183 [email protected] http://www.itaipavaarenafontenova.com.br/a-arena/
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4.5 based on 3,646 reviews

Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova

10. Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia

Largo do Farol da Barra s/n Barra, Salvador, State of Bahia 40140-650 Brazil (71) 3264-3296 [email protected] http://www.museunauticodabahia.org.br/
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4.5 based on 3,001 reviews

Santo Antonio da Barra Fort and Nautic Museum of Bahia

Housed in Fort Santo Antonio da Barra, a fine exemple of 16thcentury portuguese military architecture, that is the site of Santo Antônio Lighthouse, better known as the "Farol da Barra", the first beacon for shipping in the Americas, the Museu Náutico da Bahia (Maritime Museum of Bahia) contains a rich collection that reflects Brazil's seafaring history, particularly of colonial period. Housed in the Museum you will find a significant numbers of archeological treasures retrieved from the undersea site of the Portuguese Galleon "Santíssimo Sacramento", sank off the coast of the city of Salvador in 1668. Open Tue-Sun 9.00am-6pm (all days in January and July).

Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Right on the ground floor of the iconic "Forte de Santo Antônio" and its "Farol da Barra" lighthouse, you will find a small and nice museum - the "Museu Náutico da Bahia". Administered by the Brazilian Navy, it displays a valuable collection of maritime items, including archaeological findings, nautic instruments and several miniatures. The fort and its lighthouse are really beautiful and were officially appointed, in 1938, as Brazilian National Heritage Monuments. You will certainly love your visit to these iconic postcards of Salvador! Enjoy!

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