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10 things to see and do in Salvador when it rains

Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is best known for being the center of Afro-Brazilian culture, its colonial history, and its proximity to beaches, but it also offers a wide range of indoor activities for visitors. But even when the weather is miserable, Salvador has plenty of fun indoor activities and attractions that will make your trip memorable.


The city has numerous museums, including the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, which explores African influences on Brazilian culture, and the Palácio Rio Branco, one of Brazil’s oldest government buildings. The Museu de Arte da Bahia and the Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia display collections of Brazilian and international art, while the Casa do Carnaval da Bahia provides an interactive experience on the history of Salvador’s famous carnival.


The São Joaquim Market, one of the largest in the region, offers an opportunity to explore Bahian ingredients, handicrafts, and local cuisine under one roof. The city also has theaters, cultural centers, and historic churches such as the Igreja de São Francisco, known for its elaborate gold-covered interior.

Don't have time to read the whole article? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Salvador > Find cheap cheap bus tickets to Salvador

Whether you're looking for cultural experiences, historic sites, or fun classes and activities for the whole family, Salvador has something to offer, even on rainy days.


Here are 10 of the best things to do in Salvador when it rains:


1. Visit the Museu Afro-Brasileiro

Two people sit looking at a carved wooden wall at the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, Salvador

Location: Pelourinho

One of the best places to explore Salvador’s rich Afro-Brazilian heritage is the Museu Afro-Brasileiro, located in the historic Pelourinho district. The museum offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and influence of African people in Brazil, showcasing artifacts, art, and exhibitions that tell the story of Afro-Brazilian religious practices, slavery, and cultural traditions.


The museum is open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm, and entry costs R$10.


Things to do at the Museu Afro-Brasileiro:

  • Explore the Orixás Room, which displays stunning wooden carvings representing Afro-Brazilian deities.

  • Take part in educational exhibits focused on African heritage and its influence in Bahia.

  • Discover unique art pieces from various Afro-Brazilian artists.


2. Explore the Museu de Arte da Bahia

Location: Corredor da Vitória

The Museu de Arte da Bahia is one of the oldest art museums in the state and a wonderful spot to escape the rain while admiring beautiful artworks. It houses a vast collection of Brazilian and European art, including paintings, sculptures, and antique furniture that provide insight into Salvador's colonial history.

The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 6pm, and entry costs R$5.


Things to do at the Museu de Arte da Bahia:

  • Explore the collection of decorative arts, including intricate ceramics and religious artifacts.

  • Attend a cultural lecture or an art-related event (check the schedule).

  • Relax at the museum’s café, enjoying views of the surrounding gardens.


3. Attend a Cooking Class to Learn Bahian Cuisine

Location: Various Cooking Schools and Restaurants

If you're a food lover, one of the best ways to spend a rainy day in Salvador is by joining a Bahian cooking class. Bahia’s cuisine is a delicious blend of African, Portuguese, and Indigenous influences, known for its bold flavors and unique ingredients. In these classes, you can learn how to prepare iconic Bahian dishes like acarajé, moqueca, and vatapá, while also getting a taste of local culture.

Things to do at a Bahian Cooking Class:

  • Learn to cook traditional dishes like acarajé (black-eyed pea fritters) or moqueca (Bahian fish stew).

  • Discover the history and significance of Bahian ingredients like dendê oil and coconut milk.

  • Enjoy a delicious meal with your fellow students at the end of the class.

  • Take home recipes so you can recreate Bahian flavors in your own kitchen.

Book your 9-recipe boozy cooking class in Salvador

4. Try Capoeira at Mestre Bimba’s First Capoeira School

Two people practice capoeira in front of a group of musicians playing traditional instruments

Location: Historic District

Step into the birthplace of Capoeira Regional, a martial art that blends movement, music, and Afro-Brazilian heritage. Founded by Mestre Bimba in 1937, this is the perfect spot to experience the cultural and historical significance of Capoeira while learning its basics.

Things to do at Mestre Bimba’s Capoeira School:

  • Join a beginner-friendly Capoeira class and learn fundamental moves.

  • Explore the history and traditions of Capoeira through hands-on practice.

  • Discover the art’s musical side by playing traditional instruments like the berimbau.

  • Connect with the rich cultural heritage of Salvador in this immersive experience.

Book your rainy day capoeira class in Salvador

5. Discover the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado

Location: Pelourinho

Fans of Brazilian literature will love a visit to the Casa de Jorge Amado, a cultural institution dedicated to the life and work of one of Brazil's most famous authors. Set in the heart of Pelourinho, this charming museum offers an intimate look at Jorge Amado’s literary contributions and his impact on Bahian culture.

Things to do at the Casa de Jorge Amado:

  • Explore exhibits featuring manuscripts, personal belongings, and photographs of Jorge Amado.

  • Learn about the author's famous works, including Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands and Gabriela, Clove, and Cinnamon.

  • Watch films and documentaries about Amado’s life and work in the museum’s small theater.


6. Visit Mercado Modelo

Location: Cidade Baixa

When it’s raining, why not indulge in some indoor shopping at Salvador’s famous Mercado Modelo? This bustling market is the perfect place to find traditional Bahian handicrafts, souvenirs, and local art. Located in a historic building in Cidade Baixa near the waterfront, it also offers opportunities to learn about Salvador's cultural roots.


Things to do at Mercado Modelo:

  • Shop for unique Bahian souvenirs, including colorful textiles, jewelry, and ceramics.

  • Watch artisans craft traditional items right in front of you.

  • Learn about Bahian folklore and Afro-Brazilian traditions through art displays.

  • Visit one of the restaurants upstairs for traditional Bahian dishes like acarajé and moqueca.


7. Take a Percussion Class and Learn about Samba Reggae


Three drums and a tambourine stacked on top of each other

Immerse yourself in Salvador’s samba scene with a percussion class focused on samba reggae. Guided by professional musicians, you’ll experience the joy and energy of Bahia’s iconic rhythms. This activity is perfect for music enthusiasts or anyone looking to connect with Afro-Brazilian traditions.


Things to do in a percussion class:

  • Learn the basics of samba reggae from talented local percussionists.

  • Discover how percussion is deeply rooted in Bahia’s cultural and spiritual life.

  • Experiment with a variety of percussion instruments in an interactive workshop.

Book your percussion class in Salvador

8. Visit the Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (MAM)

Location: Solar do Unhão

The Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia, set within the stunning Solar do Unhão complex, is the perfect indoor escape when it rains. It houses an impressive collection of modern Brazilian art, featuring works from renowned artists. The museum's unique blend of contemporary art with colonial architecture offers an interesting contrast for visitors.

Things to do at the Museu de Arte Moderna:

  • View exhibitions of contemporary art by local and national artists.

  • Learn about the history of Solar do Unhão, a former sugar mill, and its architectural significance.

  • Visit the on-site cafe for a hot drink while it rains


9. Explore the Igreja de São Francisco

Location: Pelourinho

Salvador is home to some of the most beautiful churches in Brazil, and Igreja de São Francisco is one of the most impressive. Known for its opulent Baroque architecture and gold-leaf interior, this 18th-century church is a great place to explore when the weather outside is less than ideal. Its richly decorated walls and ceilings make it one of the most stunning churches in Latin America.

Things to do at Igreja de São Francisco:

  • Marvel at the intricate Baroque architecture and gilded interior decorations.

  • Explore the adjoining convent

  • Learn about the church’s history and its role in Salvador’s colonial past.

  • Admire the detailed azulejo (blue-tiled) panels that depict scenes from the Bible.


10. Take a Tour of Palácio Rio Branco

Location: Praça Tomé de Souza

One of the oldest government buildings in Brazil, Palácio Rio Branco is a must-see for history buffs. Once serving as the seat of the Bahian government, the palace now operates as a cultural center and museum, housing exhibitions about Salvador's political and social history. A guided tour of the palace provides you with deeper insights into the city’s past.


Things to do at Palácio Rio Branco:

  • Take a guided tour to learn about the building’s role in Bahian and Brazilian history.

  • Explore the museum’s exhibits on the history of governance in Salvador.

  • Admire the beautiful neoclassical architecture and detailed interior designs.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of All Saints from the palace’s terrace.


With these indoor activities, Salvador da Bahia offers plenty of options for enjoying your time, rain or shine. Don’t let the weather dampen your spirits—there’s always something exciting to do in this amazing city!


What's your favorite thing to do in Salvador on a rainy day? Let me know in the comments below!

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