Salvador Brazil 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Salvador, Brazil (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Discovering Historic Salvador

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty Brazilian breakfast at Café da Bahia, a local favorite. Try their famous tapioca or paçoca. (Rua Joaquim Peló, 269)
    • Visit the Praça Todos os Santos (All Saints’ Square), the heart of Salvador’s historic center, Pelourinho. Admire the colorful colonial buildings and UNESCO World Heritage Site architecture.
    • Explore the Museu Afro-Brasil, which showcases the African influence on Brazilian culture. (Rua Joaquim Murtinho, 78)

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Restaurante Solar da Barriguda. Try their traditional dish, Moqueca, a seafood stew. (Rua Direita do Ouvidor, 62)
    • Visit the Church of São Francisco, known for its baroque architecture and ornate gold-plated interior. (Pracinha de São Francisco)
    • Relax at the beautiful Praia da Barra and enjoy the sunset.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Casa do Forte, located in the Forte de Santo Antonio da Barra. Enjoy live music while dining on seafood dishes. (Av. Prefeito José Eduardo, 1340)
    • Experience Salvador’s vibrant nightlife at Pelourinho. Visit bars like Bahia by Night, Casa do Coco, or Garota Mangueira.

Day 2: Beaches and Culture

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at a local pão de queijo (cheese bread) bakery, such as Pão de Queijo da Mima (Rua Direita do Ouvidor, 102).
    • Head to the Praia do Porto da Barra, one of Salvador’s most popular beaches. Enjoy water activities like swimming or rent a bike to explore the beachfront.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Aramara Beach Club (Av. Almirante Barroso, 4680), offering a variety of seafood options with stunning views.
    • Visit the Museum of Modern Art of Salvador (MAM) to learn about contemporary Brazilian art. (Avenida da Costa e Silva, s/nº)
    • Explore the Bohemian neighborhood of Mercado Modelo, filled with local arts and crafts.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Sabor da Terra, known for its organic and vegan options. (Rua do Quitundo, 185)
    • Enjoy live music and capoeira performances at the Casa de Cultura da Capoeira Nago. (Rua das Flores, 324)

Day 3: Exploring the Coconut Grove and Surrounding Areas

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast at a local bakery or café in the Coconut Grove (Terraço Itapagipe).
    • Visit the Farol de Itapagipe, a lighthouse offering beautiful views of Salvador’s bay.
    • Explore the Museum of Modern Art of Bahia (MAMBA) to learn about contemporary African art. (Avenida Pituaçu, s/nº)

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Taquaria Buzios (Rua das Flores, 215), offering delicious seafood dishes.
    • Visit the nearby Praia do Farol, a quieter beach ideal for swimming and relaxation.

  • Evening:

    • Farewell dinner at Mangue Seco, located in a former sugar mill. (Avenida da Costa e Silva, 1049)
    • Enjoy the sunset at Mirante do Barra or Mirante de Bonfim, offering stunning views of Salvador’s bay.

Things to Know:

  • Salvador is known as the capital of Afro-Brazilian culture, so expect to hear lots of lively music and see vibrant dance performances.
  • Brazil uses real (R$) as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in cities, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • The best way to get around Salvador is by taxi or the local bus system called onibus. Consider downloading a ride-hailing app like 99Taxis for a more reliable experience.
  • Portuguese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations. It’s always helpful to have a phrasebook or translation app.

Tips:

  • Embrace the local cuisine, from acarajé (fried bean cakes) to moqueca (seafood stew). Don’t forget to try the famous Bahian coconut water!
  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas, especially at night. Keep valuables secured in hotel safes or concealed on your person.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting churches or religious sites.
  • Take time to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and engage with locals, who are known for their hospitality and love of conversation.
  • Salvador’s climate is tropical, so pack light, breathable clothing and don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.