What to do in Salvador

Activities, attractions and tours

Salvador featuring an administrative building, a square or plaza and outdoor eating
Pelourinho featuring street scenes and a house
Salvador featuring tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Salvador which includes general coastal views, a marina and a sunset
Pelourinho showing a church or cathedral and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Places to Visit in Salvador

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Salvador, Bahia State while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Salvador attractions from NZ$8, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Salvador tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 88 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Salvador. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Salvador

Tours & day trips

See all 79 activities
Historical City Tour of Pelourinho

Historical City Tour of Pelourinho

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 5 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$52 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 10 activities
Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador

Historic City Tour - Half Day in Salvador

Activity duration is 5 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$32 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 6 activities
Morro de São Paulo Beach Tour

Morro de São Paulo Beach Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$180 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 6 activities
Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Samba

Cultural Treasure of Salvador - Samba

Activity duration is 1 hour
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$70 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 3 activities
Salvador: Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner

Salvador: Folklore Tour with Buffet Dinner

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$151 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Salvador

Number of things to do
88
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Salvador Sights Self Guided Tour (Vitória and Barra): NZ$8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Salvador

Discover the most popular places to visit in Salvador

Farol da Barra Beach showing a lighthouse, a sunset and night scenes

Farol da Barra Beach

Swim in refreshing water, visit an historic lighthouse, try water sports and admire the magnificent sunsets at this popular urban beach.

Farol da Barra Beach
Praia do Forte Beach

Praia do Forte Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Praia do Forte Beach during your travels in Mata de São João? While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Praia do Forte Beach
Salvador featuring a sandy beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes

Flamengo Beach

Visit this idyllic sun-soaked coastline to swim in pristine waters, spot tropical sea life and explore a nearby ecological reserve.

Flamengo Beach
Porto da Barra Beach showing a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views

Porto da Barra Beach

Soak up the year-round sun, marvel at glorious sunsets, people watch and visit ancient landmarks at this busy city beach, which overlooks the Bay of All Saints.

Porto da Barra Beach
Guarajuba Beach

Guarajuba Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Guarajuba Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Camaçari.

Guarajuba Beach
Lacerda Elevator

Lacerda Elevator

You can find out about the history of Salvador with a visit to Lacerda Elevator. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Lacerda Elevator
Fonte Nova Stadium featuring a garden, a statue or sculpture and a lake or waterhole

Arena Fonte Nova

Attend soccer matches, watch sellout performances by world-famous musicians and enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour at this 50,000-plus capacity arena.

Arena Fonte Nova
Mercado Modelo which includes shopping and interior views

Mercado Modelo

Browse hundreds of handicraft and souvenir stalls and then have lunch with impressive views over the Port of Salvador at this century-old marketplace.

Mercado Modelo
Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim which includes a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim

Discover curious Brazilian traditions and experience colorful religious celebrations at this famous church set on a hilltop in the Bonfim neighborhood.

Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim

Explore areas of Salvador

Farol da Barra Beach which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a coastal town

Barra

Barra is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Barra Shopping Mall or Farol da Barra Beach.

Barra
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Guarajuba

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Guarajuba. You might want to make time for a stop at Guarajuba Beach or Genipabu Beach.

Guarajuba
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Rio Vermelho

Unique features of Rio Vermelho include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Paciencia Beach or Rio Vermelho Beach while you're exploring the area.

Rio Vermelho
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Ondina

Ondina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ondina Beach and Salvador Zoo.

Ondina
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Stella Maris

Beaches and restaurants are notable features of Stella Maris. You might consider stopping by Stella Maris Beach while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Stella Maris
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Itapuã

Unique features of Itapuã include the beaches and gardens. Make a stop by Itapuã Beach or Stella Maris Beach while you're exploring the area.

Itapuã

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Salvador

Lauro de Freitas

Lauro de Freitas

Praia do Forte

Praia do Forte

Frequently asked questions

Is Salvador worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Salvador is visit Rio Vermelho Beach. Tick this leading attraction off your agenda, then experience more of the area's views and coastal beaches.
How do I spend a day in Salvador?
Kick your day off with a visit to Rio Vermelho Beach and Boa Viagem Beach. Then, explore other areas of Salvador for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Salvador?
Don't go home without visiting Rio Vermelho Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Salvador.
Is three days enough to stay in Salvador?
You can easily visit top sights like Rio Vermelho Beach, Boa Viagem Beach and Museum of Modern Art of Bahia with a three-day escape to Salvador. On average, most travellers plan three days here. There's plenty to explore nearby too, so stay a while longer and head to Camaçari.
Is Salvador a walkable city?
That depends on what you want to see and do in Salvador. Several sights, like Rio Vermelho Beach and Boa Viagem Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a wander through some of Salvador's neighbourhoods, Salvador Centro is 0.32 kilometres away from downtown, while Barra is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Salvador with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Salvador with kids.

What to do in Salvador for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Salvador, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Administrative Centre of Bahia or House of Rio Vermelho.
Are there free things to do in Salvador?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Salvador. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Rio Vermelho Beach is a great spot for anyone planning to save on their travelling adventures.