Salvador, Brazil-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Afro-Brazilian Culture and Beaches

Morning

  • Start your day at Praça Tomé de Sousa, a historic square in the heart of Salvador’s old town.
  • Visit the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Brazilians.

Afternoon

  • Head to Porto da Barra, one of Salvador’s most popular beaches, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
  • Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, lined with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Maria de São Pedro, serving traditional Bahian cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Stay overnight at Pousada do Porto, a cozy guesthouse in the historic center.

Things to Know:

  • Salvador is known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, so be prepared to immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and traditions of the city.
  • Don’t forget to try some local street food, like acarajé (fried dough filled with peanuts or shrimp) or abará (steamed dough filled with peanuts or coconut).

Transportation:

  • From the airport, take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation (approx. R$30-40).
  • Salvador’s historic center is easily walkable, but you can also use buses or taxis to get around.

Day 2: History and Architecture

Morning

  • Visit Catedral Basílica, a stunning colonial-era cathedral that dates back to the 17th century.
  • Explore Palácio Rio Branco, a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture that now serves as a museum.

Afternoon

  • Wander through Rua Chile, a picturesque street lined with colorful colonial-era buildings, shops, and restaurants.
  • Stop by Mercado Modelo, a bustling marketplace selling local handicrafts, food, and souvenirs.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Do Porto, serving traditional Brazilian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Fazenda São Francisco, a charming boutique hotel with stunning views of the bay.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks in the historic center.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of the bay from the top of the Elevador Lacerda, a historic elevator that connects the lower city to the upper city.

Transportation:

  • Use buses or taxis to get around, or take a guided tour to explore the city’s hidden gems.

Day 3: Beach Hopping

Morning

  • Head to Praia do Flamengo, a secluded beach with calm waters and picturesque views.
  • Take a boat tour to nearby Ilha de Itaparica, an island with stunning beaches, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Afternoon

  • Visit Praia de Ondina, a bustling beach with clear waters and lively atmosphere.
  • Stop by Barra de Camaratuba, a scenic beach with dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Água de Coco, serving fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
  • Stay overnight at Pousada das Árvores, a cozy guesthouse surrounded by lush gardens.

Things to Know:

  • Salvador’s beaches are a highlight of the city, so be prepared to spend plenty of time soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean views.
  • Don’t forget to try some local coconut water or fresh fruit at one of the many beachside vendors.

Transportation:

  • Use taxis or buses to get around, or take a guided tour to explore the beaches and surrounding islands.

Day 4: Music and Dance

Morning

  • Visit Museu da Música Brasileira, which showcases the rich musical heritage of Brazil.
  • Take a samba class at one of the many local dance schools, such as Escola de Samba São Paulo Apóstolo.

Afternoon

  • Explore Rua Gregório de Mattos, a vibrant street lined with music venues, bars, and restaurants.
  • Stop by Casa de Jorge Amado, a museum dedicated to the life and works of one of Brazil’s most famous writers.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Restaurante Ostradamus, serving contemporary Brazilian cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
  • Experience the vibrant nightlife of Salvador at one of the many bars or clubs, such as Bar do Antônio or Clube Havan.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for loud music and lively crowds in the evenings, especially on weekends.
  • Don’t miss the stunning views of the city from the top of the Elevador Lacerda at night.

Transportation:

  • Use taxis or buses to get around, or take a guided tour to explore the city’s nightlife.

Day 5: Day Trip to Morro de São Paulo

Morning

  • Take a ferry from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo, a picturesque island with stunning beaches and historic sites (approx. R$50-70 return).
  • Visit Fortaleza de São Felipe, a 17th-century fort that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding waters.

Afternoon

  • Explore Praia do Porto de Galinhas, a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters and picturesque views.
  • Stop by Vila Galegoa, a charming colonial-era village with colorful buildings and quaint shops.

Evening

  • Return to Salvador in the evening and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the historic center.
  • Stay overnight at Hotel Porto Bay, a modern hotel with stunning ocean views.

Things to Know:

  • Morro de São Paulo is a popular day trip from Salvador, so be prepared for crowds and long ferry lines.
  • Don’t forget to try some local seafood dishes, such as grilled fish or shrimp, at one of the many beachside restaurants.

Transportation:

  • Take a ferry from Salvador to Morro de São Paulo (approx. R$50-70 return).
  • Use taxis or buses to get around the island, or take a guided tour to explore the hidden gems.