Salvador Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Salvador, Bahia, Brazil)

Although there is no doubt that you will find a host of tourist attractions to enjoy in Salvador, visitors cannot help but be drawn by the magnetism of the enticing surrounding beaches. Many city attractions are just minutes from the beachfront, such as the famous Elevador Lacerda (Lacerda Elevator), which connects the Praca Thomé de Souza in the Cidade Alta (Upper City) with the Comercio (Commercial) business district below, travelling just over 70 metres / 230 feet in less than 30 seconds.

Golf courses, surfing excursions, green parks and music festivals are just some of the attractions available around Salvador, along with guided city tours and a large selection of theatres. And if you are a soccer fan, then you will likely find that the Estádio Fonte Nova (Fonte Nova Stadium) beckons.

Elevador Lacerda (Lacerda Elevator)

Address: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3322 7049
Created in 1868 by wealthy local businessman Antonio Francisco de Lacerda, the very stylish Elevador Lacerda is rather art deco in its appearance, with strong and elegant lines. This fun attraction features a total of four elevator cages, which together can transport up to 128 people each journey, remaining operational 24-hours a day. Of interest, the history of the Elevador Lacerda actually goes back much further than its present incarnation, with Jesuits installing the first elevator more than 400 years ago, which was simply a rope and pulley system. Lacerda's more modern creation was originally powered by steam, although in 1928, electric motors arrived. Nearby attractions are plentiful, with excellent views of the ocean and the 17th-century Camara Municipal (City Hall) being available onboard.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Theatres

Address: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
During the 16th century, at the time when the Portuguese arrived and began to settle in Salvador, locals attempted to preserve their local traditions and culture by performing at public venues, such as schools and halls. It was not until 1957 that a formal venue was actually built, the Santo Antonio Theatre, followed soon after by many, many more. These include the Barra, the Castro Alves, the Dias Gomes, the Gamboa, the ICÉIA, the Jorge Amado, the Maria Betania, the Módulo and the Sesi Rio Vermelho theatres, amongst others.
Open hours: daily - hours vary according to performance
Admission: charge

Estádio Fonte Nova (Fonte Nova Stadium)

Address: Avenida Joana Angélica / Ladeira Fonte das Pedras, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Tel: +55 071 3243 1984
Also often referred to as the Estádio Octávio Mangabeira, the Estádio Fonte Nova is an enormous football stadium, where numerous important soccer matches are held each year. Founded in 1951, the stadium functions as the home ground of the local Esporte Clube Bahia (Bahia Sport Club). In 2008, the Fonte Nova Stadium was revamped, becoming a multi-purpose arena, and is currently capable of accommodating some 60,000 spectators. Of interest, the stadium earned its name since it is situated at the Ladeira Fonte das Pedras.
Open hours: hours vary according to event
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Plano Inclinado Goncalves (Goncalves Railway)

Address: Praca da Sé, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Sited just behind the Catedral Basilica, the Plano Inclinado Goncalves is a handy funicular railway connecting the Comercio neighbourhood with Pelourinho, in the historic centre of Salvador. Both passenger cars are able to transport up to 30 passengers, up and down the extremely steep track. The Plano Inclinado Goncalves is very historic and first came into being in 1889, although it has been modernised a number of times since.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 07:00 to 19:00, Saturday - 07:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge

Terreiro de Jesus (Shrine of Jesus)

Address: Terreiro de Jesus, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Situated in the heart of the city centre and officially named the Praca XV de Novembro, the Terreiro de Jesus is a large and attractive public square, surrounded by historical attractions. These include the magnificent Faculdade de Medicina Building, the Museu Afro Brasileiro (Afro Brazilian Museum), the Catedral Basilica (Cathedral), and four further churches - the Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Sao Domingos (Church of the Third Order of St. Dominic), the Igreja da Ordem Terceira de Sao Francisco (Church of the Third Order of St. Francis), the Igreja de São Pedro dos Clérigos (St. Peter's Church of the Clerics) and the Terreiro Abriga o Convento ea Igreja do Sao Francisco (Convent and Church of St. Francis). Leading into the Cruzeiro de Sao Francisco, the Terreiro de Jesus lies between the Praca de Sé and the Largo do Pedro Arcanjo, where it has become an important setting for various religious events. The plaza is always busy, being filled with a mixture of street vendors, sightseeing tourists and locals.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Itapagipe Peninsula

Address: Itapagipe Peninsula, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
Projecting into the bay, the Itapagipe Peninsula is located directly to the north of the Comercio district and draws many visitors each year, since it is the home of the Igreja de Nosso Senhor do Bonfim (Church of Our Lord of Bonfim). This church dates back to the middle of the 18th century and is central to the Catholic faith in Bahia, being famous for distributing coloured Bonfim ribbons (fitas). These ribbons are tied around wrists, with each knot representing a wish that is said to come true when the ribbon eventually falls off. For the best views of Salvador, take a stroll up the hill opposite the church and follow the road ahead, towards the Boa Viagem neighbourhood.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Largo do Pelourinho

Address: Praca José de Alencar, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
A small and perfectly formed public plaza, the Largo do Pelourinho is triangular in shape and remains steeped in history, marking one of the city's oldest areas. This was once the spot when slaves were sold and auctioned to the crowds, with 'pelourinho' literally meaning 'whipping post'. A group of attractions are based around the Largo do Pelourinho, such as the Fundacao Casa de Jorge Amado (Jorge Amado House Foundation) and the Igreja Nossa Senhor do Rosário dos Pretos (Church Our Lady of the Rosary of Black People).
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Parks and Gardens

Address: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, BR
A particularly green and pleasant city, Salvador comes with several parks and countless smaller green spaces. Located in the Pituba neighbourhood, the Jardim dos Namorados covers approximately 37 acres / 15 hectares and comes with an array of attractions, including a large amphitheatre, play areas for children and tennis courts. Close by is the Parque Costa Azul (Costa Azul Park), which is slightly smaller in size, encompassing just under 14 acres / 6 hectares. The Costa Azul Park is an important recreational space, with playing fields, jogging trails, cycleways and restaurants. Also of note is the Parque da Cidade (City Park), where areas of the Atlantic Forest have been successfully preserved for future generations. Other popular parks include the vast Parque de Pituacu (Pituacu Park) and Parque de Abaeté (Abaeté Park), the latter of which features a lake with dark water and contrasting white sand dunes.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free