10 Best Things to See & Do in Pelourinho, Salvador

Located in the historic centre of Salvador, Bahia, Pelourinho is one of Brazil’s most culturally significant neighbourhoods, and offers such a diverse range of things to see and do. The area dates back to the 16th century and served as the administrative and economic heart of Salvador, which was Brazil’s first capital from 1549 to 1763. In 1985, UNESCO designated Pelourinho a World Heritage Site for its well-preserved colonial architecture and historical importance.

The name "Pelourinho" comes from the Portuguese word for "pillory" – a reference to the whipping post that once stood in the main square, where enslaved Africans were punished. This dark legacy contrasts sharply with the proud displays of Afro-Brazilian culture that exists in the neighbourhood today. Over the past several decades, Pelourinho has become a major centre for Afro-Brazilian culture, music, dance and religion.

Today, the neighbourhood is known for its pastel-painted buildings, cobblestone streets, cultural institutions, street art, and an array of performances. It is also an important space for festival and events, and is a central meeting point for Carnival and Festa Junina (São João) celebrations.

Below are ten of the best things to see and do when visiting Pelourinho on your trip to Salvador

Choosing just 10 picks for the best things to see and do in Pelourinho, Salvador is incredibly difficult as there are so many more museums, churches, and cultural events to experience that are not on this list.

1. Elevador Lacerda

Price: Free (2025)

The Elevador Lacerda is a public lift that connects the upper city (Cidade Alta) with the lower city (Cidade Baixa). Originally constructed in 1873 and later modernised, the lift is 72 metres tall and carries thousands of passengers each day. It offers a direct link between Pelourinho and the Mercado Modelo below. Though there is no view during the ride, there is an incredible view of the Bay of All Saints (Baía de Todos-os-Santos) from the top.

2. São Francisco Church and Convent

Price: R$10 (2025)

Open: Every day

This 18th-century Roman Catholic church is one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in Brazil. Located in the heart of Pelourinho, it is especially noted for its extensive use of gold leaf in the interior, with ornate woodwork, Portuguese tiles and ceiling paintings. In addition to the church building itself, the convent houses a small museum that illustrates the church’s religious and cultural significance.

3. Attend the Folklore Ballet (Balé Folclórico da Bahia)

Ticket Price: R$100 (2025)

Performances: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7pm

More information: Official Website or Instagram

Balé Folclórico da Bahia is a professional folk dance company that performs traditional Afro-Brazilian dances including samba de roda, maculelê and capoeira. The group has a small theatre in Pelourinho, called Teatro Miguel Santana, where they give nightly performances. Performances are based on Afro-Brazilian spiritual and cultural traditions such as Candomblé.

Buy tickets in advance from the theatre as they do sell out, especially during high season. The box office opens at 3pm. Tickets can also be reserved by email, but you will still need to pick up the physical tickets at the box office.

4. Learn About Afro-Brazilian Culture

Museu Afro-Brasileiro: Open Monday to Friday, entry R$ 10

Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira: Open every day; entry R$ 20, free Wednesdays and Sundays

Pelourinho is home to both the Museu Afro-Brasileiro and the Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira. The Museu Afro-Brasileiro, located inside the Federal University of Bahia's building, focuses on African cultural influence in Brazilian religion, art and daily life. It contains sculptures, ritual objects and educational panels. The Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira displays rotating art exhibitions and multimedia content.

5. Casa do Carnaval da Bahia

Price: R$20, free on Wednesdays (2025)

Open: Tuesday - Sunday, and public holidays

This museum documents the history and evolution of Carnival in Bahia. It includes interactive exhibits, audiovisual installations and traditional costumes from various Carnival groups. Learn about the different musical styles associated with Carnival, such as axé and samba-reggae, and explore the contributions of Afro-Brazilian communities to the event's development.

6. Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos

Price: R$ 5 (2025)

Open: Monday - Saturday, closed on Sundays

Built by and for Black Catholics in the 18th century, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of the Black People (Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos) is a key religious and historical site in Pelourinho. The church is notable for hosting services that incorporate Afro-Brazilian music and drumming. Its light-blue façade and height make it a prominent feature of Largo do Pelourinho (Praça José de Alencar), one of the main squares in Pelourinho.

7. Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado

Price: R$ 20, free on Wednesdays (2025)

Open: Monday - Saturday, closed on Sundays

This cultural centre is dedicated to Jorge Amado, one of Brazil’s most well-known authors and a native of Bahia. Located in a colonial-era building, the centre displays original manuscripts, personal letters and photographs. Amado's novels often depicted Bahian life, including the Afro-Brazilian experience, making this foundation an important stop for those interested in local literature and culture.

8. Mercado Modelo

Open: Everyday, closes early (2pm) on Sundays and public holidays

Situated at the base of the Elevador Lacerda, the Mercado Modelo is one of Salvador’s oldest commercial centres. It contains over 250 stalls offering inexpensive crafts, souvenirs, artworks and local products such as lacework and percussion instruments. There are also restaurants and cafés serving Bahian dishes. The building, originally constructed in 1912, has survived multiple fires and was rebuilt using original plans.

There is also a small art gallery located underneath the market. Tickets cost R$20 and include entrance to the gallery plus the nearby Casa das Historias de Salvador.

9. Watch Capoeira and Drumming Performances

Pelourinho’s public squares often host street performances of capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that blends fighting techniques with dance and its own style of music. These performances are usually led by local groups and include the use of berimbau, pandeiro and atabaque instruments. Capoeira circles usually can be seen in the late afternoon or evening, especially in the Largo do Pelourinho area.

In addition, Olodum is one of Salvador’s most recognised percussion groups, known for popularising samba-reggae and for their use of large drums and other percussion instruments to create powerful live performances. While they often perform at larger events and parades, it's also common to encounter Olodum or similar groups rehearsing or playing in the streets of Pelourinho.

10. Visit O Cravinho and taste cachaca

Price: From R$ 5 for a small cup of cachaca

Open: Everyday

O Cravinho is a local cachaça shop and bar that specialises in flavoured and spiced versions of the traditional Brazilian sugarcane spirit, particularly using cloves and cinnamon. Located in a historic building, the venue offers a wide selection of bottled cachaças for sale as well as drinks served on-site. It is a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors.

More resources for planning your trip to Brazil

• Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.

• Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone

• Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil

• Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!