Mercado Modelo - Salvador (Brazil) by Suriani is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Visit Salvador in one day for everyone travelers

Introduction

This one-day itinerary is designed to help you explore the vibrant city of Salvador, Brazil. Salvador is known for its rich history, colorful architecture, and lively culture. This itinerary will take you through some of the city's top attractions, provide dining recommendations, suggest accommodation options, and offer emergency information and transportation details.

Itinerary

Morning

Pelourinho Historic Center

• Location: Pelourinho, Salvador
• Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
• Description: Explore the historic center of Salvador, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Wander through the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful colonial buildings, and visit iconic landmarks such as the São Francisco Church and the Lacerda Elevator.
• Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be uneven. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the area.

Mercado Modelo

• Location: Praça Visconde de Cayru, Salvador
• Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
• Description: Visit the Mercado Modelo, a bustling market where you can find local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional food. Browse through the stalls, sample some local delicacies, and pick up unique gifts to take home.
• Tips: Bargaining is common in the market, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices. Try the acarajé, a popular street food made with deep-fried dough and filled with shrimp and spicy sauce.

Afternoon

Elevador Lacerda

• Location: Praça Tomé de Sousa, Salvador
• Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• Description: Take a ride on the Elevador Lacerda, a historic elevator that connects the lower and upper parts of Salvador. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the bay as you ascend to the top.
• Tips: The elevator can get crowded, so try to go during non-peak hours for a more comfortable experience.

Porto da Barra Beach

• Location: Avenida Sete de Setembro, Salvador
• Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Description: Relax and soak up the sun at Porto da Barra Beach, one of Salvador's most popular beaches. Swim in the clear waters, sunbathe on the golden sand, or try some water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
• Tips: Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. There are beachside kiosks where you can grab a refreshing drink or snack.

Evening

Farol da Barra

• Location: Avenida Sete de Setembro, Salvador
• Time: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Description: Visit the Farol da Barra, a historic lighthouse located at the tip of the Barra Peninsula. Enjoy a picturesque sunset view from the lighthouse and take in the stunning coastal scenery.
• Tips: Arrive early to secure a good spot for sunset viewing. The area around the lighthouse is also a popular spot for locals to gather and socialize in the evenings.

Pelourinho Nightlife

• Location: Pelourinho, Salvador
• Time: 6:00 PM onwards
• Description: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Pelourinho. Explore the lively streets filled with bars, restaurants, and live music venues. Enjoy traditional Brazilian music such as samba and bossa nova, and try some local dishes and drinks.
• Tips: Be cautious of your belongings and stick to well-lit and crowded areas. Ask locals or your accommodation for recommendations on the best places to experience the nightlife.

Dining Recommendations

Breakfast

Confeitaria Colombo

• Location: Rua da Ordem Terceira, 12, Salvador
• Cuisine: Brazilian, Bakery
• Description: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Confeitaria Colombo. This historic bakery offers a wide range of pastries, cakes, and traditional Brazilian breakfast items such as pão de queijo (cheese bread) and tapioca.
• Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, as this bakery is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Lunch

Casa de Tereza

• Location: Rua Odilon Santos, 45, Rio Vermelho, Salvador
• Cuisine: Brazilian, Seafood
• Description: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Casa de Tereza, a charming restaurant known for its fresh seafood dishes and traditional Bahian cuisine. Try the moqueca, a flavorful fish stew, or the acarajé, a deep-fried dough filled with shrimp and spicy sauce.
• Tips: Make a reservation in advance, as the restaurant can get busy during lunchtime.

Dinner

Amado

• Location: Avenida Lafayete Coutinho, 660, Comércio, Salvador
• Cuisine: Brazilian, Contemporary
• Description: Indulge in a memorable dinner at Amado, a renowned restaurant overlooking the bay of Salvador. The menu features a fusion of Brazilian and international flavors, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.
• Tips: Dress code is smart casual, so dress up for a special evening. Make a reservation to secure a table with a view.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Budget: Hostel Galeria 13 - Located in the heart of Pelourinho, this budget accommodation offers clean and comfortable dormitory rooms. It is within walking distance of many attractions and has a communal kitchen and social areas.
• Mid-range: Hotel Villa Bahia - Situated in the historic center of Salvador, this boutique hotel combines colonial charm with modern amenities. The rooms are elegantly decorated, and the hotel features a rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
• Luxury: Fera Palace Hotel - Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, this luxury hotel offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and a gourmet restaurant. It is located in the city center, close to major attractions.

Emergency Information

• Local emergency contact number: 190
• Nearest Hospital: Hospital Santo Antônio - Largo de Roma, Salvador

Getting There

• By Air: Salvador is served by Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA), which receives domestic and international flights. From the airport, you can take a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the city center, approximately 30 minutes away.
• By Train: Salvador does not have a train station.
• By Bus: Salvador has a central bus terminal, Terminal Rodoviário de Salvador, located in the neighborhood of Iguatemi. It is well-connected to other cities in Brazil.

Getting Around

• Public Transportation: Salvador has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and a metro system. Buses are the most common mode of transportation within the city, with frequent routes covering various neighborhoods and attractions. The metro system operates on two lines, connecting the city center with the suburbs.
• Car Rental: Car rental services are available in Salvador, but traffic can be congested, especially during peak hours. It is recommended to use public transportation or taxis for getting around the city.
• Bike Rental: Salvador has a bike-sharing program called Bike Salvador, which allows you to rent bicycles for short periods. There are also bike rental shops in some neighborhoods, particularly near the beach areas.