The ultimate 5 day travel itinerary for Salvador, Brazil

Salvador, the capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia, is one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas and a cultural epicenter of Afro-Brazilian heritage. Founded in 1549 by the Portuguese, it served as Brazil’s first capital until 1763 and remains a vital port city overlooking the Bay of All Saints (Baía de Todos os Santos).

Known for its colorful colonial architecture, afrio-Brazilian music and dance traditions, and deep spiritual roots in the Candomblé religion, Salvador offers a unique blend of African, Indigenous, and European influences. The historic center, Pelourinho, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved baroque churches and cobblestone streets.

Visitors to Salvador can expect a rich cultural experience that includes capoeira, samba, unique Bahian cuisine, tropical beaches, and if you happen to be visiting in February, one of the biggest Carnival celebrations in Brazil.

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5 day travel itinerary for salvador, Brazil

This travel itinerary for Salvador, Brazil, includes all of the cities main attractions, as well as some hidden gems and off-the-beaten path experiences. Try local Bahian cuisine, experience local music and dance, learn about the culture and history of this incredible city.

Day 1: Discover Pelourinho and Salvador’s Colonial Core

Morning: Start in Pelourinho, Salvador’s colorful colonial center and UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walking tour will lead you through:

• The opulent São Francisco Church, famed for its gold-covered interior.

• The Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, honoring the beloved Bahian author.

• Local galleries and artisan boutiques selling handcrafted items.

• A taste of Cachaça Gabriela, spiced with clove and cinnamon.

Pause in Terreiro de Jesus Square to watch a capoeira demonstration—or join a beginner’s class for a hands-on experience.

Afternoon: Have lunch in Pelourinho. Then, ride the Elevador Lacerda down to Mercado Modelo, a great spot for souvenir shopping.

Evening: Attend a performance of the Balé Folclórico da Bahia, which blends Afro-Brazilian dance, capoeira, and drumming into a high-energy show.

If you still have energy, check out local nightlife in Rio Vermelho, and try an acaraje at Acarajé da Dinha. See my nightlife guide to find out where to go out in Salvador each night of the week.

Day 2: Learn about Capoeira & Bahian History

Morning: Dive into Bahian culture Start your day by diving into Bahian culture with a capoeira class at Maestro Bimba’s first school, located in the heart of Pelourinho. This school holds deep cultural significance and offers an authentic introduction to the Afro-Brazilian martial art that fuses movement, music, and history. Led by experienced instructors, the class provides not only physical instruction but also insight into capoeira’s roots in resistance and community. It's a fun and meaningful way to engage with Salvador’s culture.

Afternoon: Explore one of Salvador’s excellent specialty museums to learn about Bahia's culture and history:

• Museu Afro Brasileiro (history of African heritage in Brazil)

• Casa do Carnaval da Bahia (interactive exhibits on Carnival)

• Fundação Pierre Verger (photography and ethnography)

• Museu da Gastronomia Baiana (a culinary museum)

Evening: Explore more of Salvador’s music scene. Rio Vermelho or Santo Antônio Além do Carmo are great districts for live music and good food.

Day 3: Afro-Brazilian Heritage and Spiritual Traditions

Morning to Early Afternoon: Take a guided cultural heritage tour that explores Salvador’s deep Afro-Brazilian roots:

• Visit the Yemanjá altar on Rio Vermelho’s waterfront.

• Stroll around Dique do Tororó, home to striking statues of the Orixás, deities in the Candomblé religion.

• Explore São Joaquim Market, where you’ll find ritual items, herbs, and traditional foods.

• Enter a Candomblé terreiro (temple), where you'll learn about the sacred customs and spiritual beliefs (dress respectfully).

• Optionally, visit a seaside favela, if offered as part of your tour.

Late Afternoon: Cool off at Porto da Barra Beach, and stay for the sunset at Farol da Barra (Barra Lighthouse), where live music and street vendors create a great atmosphere.

Evening: Head out to a relaxed dinner on the Barra Beach Promenade.

Day 4: Take a Day Trip — Choose Your Beach Escape

Salvador is surrounded by beautiful island and dreamy beach towns. Take a break from the city and head out on a beach day trips for a relaxing change of scenery:

Option 1: Praia do Forte & Tamar Project

• Visit the charming coastal town of Praia do Forte.

• Tour the Tamar Project, Brazil’s flagship sea turtle conservation center.

• Explore the Garcia D'Ávila Castle ruins and stroll the main beach.

• Enjoy a seafood lunch and swim in clear ocean waters.

Option 2: Itapuã Beach & Lighthouse

• Relax at Itapuã Beach, a favorite among locals with natural pools.

• Visit the Itapuã Lighthouse, immortalized in Brazilian music.

• Lunch at a barraca (beach shack) and visit Abaeté Lagoon, a freshwater lake surrounded by white sand dunes.

Option 3: Ilha dos Frades

• Take a boat ride through Baía de Todos os Santos to Ilha dos Frades.

• Swim at Praia de Loreto and explore the scenic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

• Enjoy the island’s quiet beauty, far from the city bustle. Return by boat in the afternoon.

Evening: Return to Salvador and unwind with a quiet dinner or revisit a favorite spot like Rio Vermelho for a refreshing caipirinha.

Day 5: Salvador’s Art and Cuisine

Morning: Visit the Museu de Arte da Bahia (MAB), home to sacred art, Bahian paintings, and historical artifacts, set in a 19th-century mansion.

Afternoon: Walk to Dona Suzana, the beloved eatery featured on Netflix’s Street Food: Latin America, and order moqueca de peixe, one of Bahia’s most iconic dishes.

After lunch, head to Gamboa Beach and take a short rowboat trip to Bar da Monica, a rustic beachside bar where you can swim, relax with a cold beer, and try their legendary shrimp pastel. It’s a local gem with great energy and an unbeatable sunset.

Evening: On your way back to town you'll pass back past MAB, if it's a Saturday stop in to check out their free sunset jazz concert. Return to your accommodation to freshen up for your final night in Salvador.

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!

The ultimate 2 month travel itinerary for Brazil

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