Home to soul and rhythm and famous for its colourful nightlife, Salvador boasts an African influence that permeates through the city’s music, festivals and cuisine. Along with beautiful beaches and Bahian beats, this coastal gem features cobbled streets and tiny beach bars.

Things to do

Wander the streets of the UNESCO-listed Pelourinho to admire its 17th and 18th-century colonial architecture. The pastel-coloured buildings house restaurants, shops and capoeira schools, in addition to the Museu da Cidade where you can see life-size Candomble figures used in ceremonial dances.

Sitting on a peninsula surrounded by All Saints Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Salvador’s beaches offer excellent sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Porto da Barra is a favourite with locals who want to lounge with fresh coconut water, while Praia do Rio Vermelho is a lively area with beachside bars and restaurants.

Marvel at the city’s ornate architecture, starting with the Rococo facade of Praca da Se where you can see its Baroque-style interior and traditional Portuguese tiles. Visit Sao Francisco to admire gold-covered wood carvings and lavish ceiling paintings.

Looking for a day trip? Make the journey to Chapada Diamantina National Park. A day of hiking, rafting or canyon climbing in this scenic area reveals dramatic waterfalls, mysterious caves and vistas of the surrounding valleys, rivers and monoliths.

Getting around

Salvador’s city centre can be explored on foot, while taxis and car rentals can be used for travelling to attractions nearby. Deputado Luis Eduardo Magalhaes International Airport is 28 kilometres from the city centre.