Skip to content
Salvador Insider
enes
First trip

Salvador in 2 days

Two days in Salvador, split between the Historic Center and the Barra–Rio Vermelho coast.

The Farol da Barra lighthouse silhouetted against the Atlantic at sunset.
Sunset at Farol da Barra, where the bay meets the open Atlantic. · Editorial placeholder image — replace with licensed photography.

  1. Day 1

    Historic Center & Pelourinho

    • Start at Praça da Sé and walk to Terreiro de Jesus.
    • Catedral Basílica, then the churches around the square.
    • Largo do Pelourinho and Igreja do Rosário dos Pretos.
    • Igreja e Convento de São Francisco.
    • One museum — the Museu Afro-Brasileiro is the highest-value choice.
    • Elevador Lacerda down to Mercado Modelo, with the bay view from the top.
    • Dinner in Centro, Rio Vermelho or Santo Antônio.

  2. Day 2

    Barra, Ondina & Rio Vermelho

    • Farol da Barra and the Museu Náutico.
    • Swim at Porto da Barra, then walk the waterfront.
    • Optional detour through Corredor da Vitória.
    • Continue along Ondina towards Rio Vermelho.
    • Casa do Rio Vermelho, then Largo da Mariquita.
    • Dinner and nightlife in Rio Vermelho.

Confirm museum, church, fort and cultural centre schedules before leaving your accommodation, and check sea conditions for anything on the water.

Related reading

Colourful colonial facades and a baroque church tower on a cobbled street in Pelourinho, Salvador.
EssentialFirst trip

Salvador in 3 days

The sweet spot for a first trip: history, coast and bay.