What to do in Salvador Capital of Bahia and where to stay?

Salvador, capital of Bahia, is an incredible city. Beautiful, full of history, traditions and culture, in addition, it is surrounded by beautiful and inspiring landscapes, which warms any heart after the first sight.

However, its tourist attractions are something you will never forget after visiting it for the first time. Some, however, are so famous that when people from other countries visit Salvador, they want to see them, others, however, less so, but just as beautiful.

The truth is that visiting Salvador is much more than just being in a place, it is getting to know a city full of incredible stories and people that create the perfect environment for you to learn, have fun and create good memories.

Therefore, to find out more about where it is, how to get there, what to do and where to stay, about Salvador, continue reading until the end.

Where is Salvador, capital of Bahia

First of all, you need to know where Salvador is. It may seem like simple information, however, the exact location of the city and region is an important detail for you to know, especially if you plan trips with a private car.

The municipality, yes, Salvador is the capital of the state, however, it also gives its name to its municipality, it is located in the Zona da Mata Baiana region, in the northeast region of Brazil.

Furthermore, Salvador, Capital, is a coastal city, located at the tip of Baía de Todos os Santos. The region has a tropical climate, which combines perfectly with the dozens of famous and magnificent beaches that lie along the entire length of its coast.

Salvador is close to some famous and important cities in Bahia, for example: about 629 km from Porto Seguro; approximately 515 km from Vitória da Conquista; 312 km from Ilhéus and approximately 115 km from Feira de Santana.

How to get to Salvador, capital of Bahia

Going to visit Salvador, Capital of Bahia, is a dream for many people. You may have already visited the place and certainly want to go back. However, going there is an important decision to make, as there are different ways to do it.

Right away, you know there are two paths to follow. Two very different routes to take. However, deciding whether to go by car or plane goes beyond economic motivation: traveling by car is a unique and private experience for each person involved.

How to get to Salvador by plane

The most common way to get to Salvador is by plane. Through Salvador International Airport (SSA), the gateway for tourists from everywhere to the capital.

The strategic geographic position of the region makes the capital of Bahia a great connection point between the south, southeast and northeast regions. That's why getting to Salvador, the capital by plane, is so easy, there are simply several flights to this airport.

Therefore, you will find direct flights to the city quite easily from anywhere in Brazil.

How to get to Salvador by car/bus

However, when it comes to the route taken by car or bus, the story is different. There can be hours of roads of different types, passing through different places.

Despite this, it is the cheapest option and can bring more excitement to your trip. Whether through mandatory stops for your bus or scheduled stops on your road trip.

However, it is interesting that you think about the cost of the trip when you choose to do it by car. The cost of the trip made with a bus included the cost of gasoline, for example. Therefore, plan carefully if you want to drive alone or by yourself.

Departing by bus from Rio de Janeiro, the trip lasts around 30 hours and you will travel around 1600 km of roads, with several stops. Boarding usually takes place at Novo Rio Bus Station.

This route is commonly done either via BR-116 or BR-101.

However, from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, your usual starting point will be the Governador Israel Pinheiro Bus Terminal. The two cities are separated by around 1350 km, and a bus journey takes around 25 hours.

However, if you are already a resident of the Northeast region, there is a route very similar to the Recife, Pernambuco x Salvador route. Departing from the Recife Bus Terminal – TIP, you will take the BR-101 and descend to your destination.

The route between Rio de Janeiro and Salvador is usually done via BR-116 and BR-101, 'uphill'. Meanwhile, the route taken as in the example of Recife x Salvador is also taken via BR-101, but this time 'going down'.

Meanwhile, the route from Belo Horizonte to Salvador follows exclusively the BR-116.

Best tourist attractions in Salvador, capital of Bahia

What goes through your mind when you think about Salvador, the capital of Bahia? Just its incredible beaches or is there something more?

The region has dozens of incredible beaches, especially when you understand that as it is part of an extensive coastline and is positioned at the entrance to Baía de Todos os Santos, which gives it several islands with several beaches within them.

However, it is not just sun, sand and cold sea water that Salvador offers to its residents and to you, tourists, who want to visit it. There is a lot of culture and many places with historical importance for you to discover. Very much so.

There are several tourist attractions that are worth visiting, however, this is a somewhat summarized list and will only include 3 of them. 

1. Pillory
2. Lacerda's elevator
3. Model market

You will notice that there is much more to do in Salvador, especially when it comes to beach options, however, this is an exclusive topic for more varied tourist spots, even though a very famous beach is mentioned.

Pillory

The Pelourinho neighborhood is one of the oldest in all of Salvador. Furthermore, it is one of the most famous and well-known places in the region. Due to its history, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

Right away you will understand the magic of the place. Its streets breathe history, with the maintenance of baroque architecture in its houses, mansions, churches and other historic buildings, such as the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, for example.

However, the local nightlife is also very popular, thanks to many restaurants, bars and crowds of people interested in enjoying the night.

Lacerda's elevator

Perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in Salvador and Bahia itself, the Elevador Lacerda has a centuries-old history. Its construction began at the end of the 19th century and ended in 1983.

The 72 meter high elevator was built with the purpose of quickly connecting the lower city, where the Mercado Modelo is located, with the upper city, the area where the historic center of Salvador is located, with Pelourinho, for example.

However, even though the historical factor is present, the most interesting reason to visit the tourist spot is, without a doubt, the landscape that it offers its visitor to experience.

Salvador Model Market

In principle, Mercado Modelo is a great place to shop for manufactured items. However, you will come across a lot of history in the building that has been in operation since 1861.

Located in the lower city, it has more than 200 establishments where you will find clothes and religious attire. In addition, there are also several restaurants with typical local food.

Bonus: Afro Brazilian Museum

The bonus tourist spot is not the best known, however, it carries a very important historical weight. The Afro Brazilian museum in Salvador is a tour of the past, present and future of society.

Therefore, in the museum's collection, you will find: ceramics, fabrics, sculptures, masks and much more from Yoruba nations, among others. There are many articles related to Candomblé, Carnival, capoeira and several other elements of Bahian culture.

Therefore, if your goal is to immerse yourself in local culture and history, visiting this tourist spot is essential for your trip.

When to go to Salvador, capital of Bahia

Knowing when to visit a place can be the difference between a fun trip and one of the unforgettable trips of your life. 

For example, if you planned your trip to enjoy a few days at the beach and the heat and you're not aware of the right seasons, you may experience cold and even rainy days. Therefore, knowing exactly when to go is very important.

However, it's not just climate issues that can affect your planning. Holidays, festive dates or even school holidays can completely change the status of your trip. 

In this case, however, it's not just a question of being fuller or emptier – after all, you may just be wanting a peaceful trip to rest. There are specific times and dates where the prices for your trip are always higher.

Therefore, it is not only relevant to know when to go to Salvador, capital of Bahia. It is essential to know the high and low seasons and decide what you want to live there. 

Do you want quiet beaches and enjoy the scenery? Maybe the low season is your best friend. However, if you want to enjoy, for example, popular festivals on festive dates, high season is the best option, although more expensive.

High season

The term high season encompasses a time when demand for stays in the region is high. As a result, accommodation prices, among others, increase, as does the number of people traveling there.

In Salvador, capital of Bahia, it is no different. The high season in Salvador comprises a space far from time, which corresponds to the hottest months, since the average annual temperature in the region is 25° degrees.

With lots of heat, clear skies and an extensive coastline with several beaches, Salvador is a favorite spot for many visitors who love the region.

Therefore, if your goal is to enjoy high temperatures, cold water and popular festivals, which, like Salvador's carnival, bring together literally millions of people, you will enjoy visiting the city between December and February.

However, if you are looking for less expensive times, in terms of accommodation costs, etc., looking for the region from October onwards is a good idea.

However, if you really want to avoid the highest prices, don't go during Carnival time.

Low season

The low season works as the opposite extreme of the high season. Therefore, you will find offers due to low tourist attendance.

However, it's not just lower prices, it's free accommodation, different programs and, above all, peace of mind in enjoying the city's tourist attractions.

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is not a city very affected by rain – although the average is increasing over the years, so even if you travel there during the low season you will still find sun and open skies.

This means that you will be able to enjoy everything you want, you just need to plan and have itinerary options to escape the rains that will appear, but will not dominate your total panorama.

Therefore, the tip is to enjoy all the city's tourist attractions during the low season months, which are between April and the beginning of September.

Where to stay when visiting Salvador, capital of Bahia

However, after reading up to this point, you may be asking yourself “I want to go, but where should I stay?” This section of the article was designed to answer this question.

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is huge, an urban and cultural center that stretches for several km. Therefore, hotels and inns, accommodation in general, can and are very diverse and spread out.

However, don't worry, there is accommodation for you. One that perfectly fits what you are looking for, expecting and wanting to experience.

These are 5 of the best hostings, that is; Quality inns and hotels that you can find in Salvador:

• Aram Yamí Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Fasano Salvador
• Amarelindo House
• Hotel Villa Bahia
• Pousada Refúgio da Vila

However, an important warning: as mentioned in the topic about high and low seasons, the prices for each of these accommodations may vary according to the time of year you visit, so be careful.

Aram Yamí Boutique Hotel

One of the most beautiful views of Salvador, capital of Bahia, is the Baía de Todos os Santos.

So, if that's what you want, looking for the exclusive Aram Yamí Boutique Hotel is one of the best options you can evaluate. 

Located in Santo Antônio Além do Carmo, surrounded by all types of services necessary to make the accommodation environment pleasant and useful and with practically exclusive service, you, the visitor, become the central point of the hotel experience.

However, it is not just the services in the surrounding area or the hotel itself that are of high quality, the rooms are luxurious, comfortable, and it is possible to choose suites with private pools or two terraces.

Hotel Fasano Salvador

If your objective when looking for accommodation is to stay in a stunning place and lavish quality in services and accommodation, your choice is most likely the Hotel Fasano Salvador.

With large rooms and a super comfortable structure that is always maximized, the quality of your rest is only emphasized. However, if you are looking for a beautiful pool, along with an incredible view, the hotel's terrace is the place for you.

However, that's not all, you can still count on the Wellness Center, where you will find a sauna, massages, gym and a great place to meditate.

Amarelindo House

Casa do Amarelindo is your option to enjoy the street festivities of Salvador, capital of Bahia. Located in the Pelourinho region, you are just a stone's throw away from the city's liveliest parties and celebrations.

Despite being in the center of parties, expect good accommodation. So, don't be surprised by the beautiful decoration, quality furniture, very well-equipped accommodation and a beautiful view of Baía de Todos os Santos, especially from the hotel's terrace.

Hotel Villa Bahia

The Hotel Villa Bahia is a walk through time. It is located in the historic center of Salvador, capital of Bahia and with its colonial style leaves its guests dazzled by the period furniture that creates an environment worthy of the colonial era.

However, it's not just looks that the hotel lives for, it has all the qualities you'd expect from a modern hotel. Furthermore, it has its own swimming pool, as well as a restaurant, with a great breakfast.

An interesting point to see is the terrace. There you will find a panoramic view of much of Pelourinho.

Pousada Refúgio da Vila

Pousada Refúgio da Vila has a slightly different proposal than the other places listed: it seeks rest and tranquility. With a welcoming and intimate feel, the accommodation is perfect for escaping the healthy hustle and bustle of the center of Praia do Forte.

It is located about a hundred meters from Praia do Forte, which already gives a new perspective on how to enjoy the inn's services. 

However, the thirty king size suits, with simple and sophisticated decor, overlook the internal gardens and the pool, which are the heart of the accommodation. Therefore, you will have options on how to sunbathe, take a swim and relax.

Furthermore, you will notice that the services offered at the inn are very interesting, with a restaurant specializing in seafood and regional cuisine, you will be stocked up on the popular foods of Salvador, the capital of Bahia.

Other services you will find, which stand out from the more common ones, are practical surfing lessons, horseback riding, diving and massage sessions.

Conclusion about Salvador, capital of Bahia

In conclusion, when traveling to Salvador, capital of Bahia, you will have dozens of tours and tourist attractions to visit. Beautiful places with pulsating history for you to discover and culture lives for you to experience.

Therefore, take into account the season in which you are going to visit Salvador, keep in mind the tourist attractions you want to see and don't forget to make your reservation at your favorite hotel or guesthouse!