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EssentialFirst trip

Salvador in 3 days

Three days in Salvador: the Historic Center, the Barra to Rio Vermelho coast, and a day on the Baía de Todos-os-Santos.

Colourful colonial facades and a baroque church tower on a cobbled street in Pelourinho, Salvador.
Pelourinho, in Salvador's Historic Center, at the end of the afternoon. · Editorial placeholder image — replace with licensed photography.

  1. Day 1

    Historic Center & Pelourinho

    • Start at Praça da Sé and walk to Terreiro de Jesus.
    • Catedral Basílica, then the churches around the square.
    • Largo do Pelourinho and Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos.
    • Igreja e Convento de São Francisco.
    • One museum — the Museu Afro-Brasileiro is the highest-value choice.
    • Elevador Lacerda down to Mercado Modelo, with the bay view from the top.
    • Dinner in Centro, Rio Vermelho or Santo Antônio.

  2. Day 2

    Barra, Ondina & Rio Vermelho

    • Farol da Barra and the Museu Náutico.
    • Swim at Porto da Barra, then walk the waterfront.
    • Optional detour through Corredor da Vitória.
    • Continue along Ondina towards Rio Vermelho.
    • Casa do Rio Vermelho, then Largo da Mariquita.
    • Dinner and nightlife in Rio Vermelho.

  3. Day 3

    Bay & islands

    • Departure from the Terminal Náutico area.
    • Boat or catamaran tour on the Baía de Todos-os-Santos.
    • Ilha dos Frades and/or Itaparica, depending on the operator, weather and sea conditions.
    • Back in the city by late afternoon; keep the evening light.

Confirm museum, church, fort and cultural centre schedules before leaving your accommodation, and check sea conditions for anything on the water.

Related reading

A schooner anchored in the calm turquoise water of the Baía de Todos-os-Santos.
EssentialFirst trip

Salvador in 5 days

The full version: five days, five areas, no unnecessary crossing of the city.