Bonnetts Abroad

2026 South America Cruise

Arrive

The city of Salvador is a living museum of 17th and 18th century colonial architecture and churches laden with gold. The UNESCO–listed historic centre is divided into upper and lower sections and is packed with colourful houses with red–tiled rooftops. Music is hugely popular and is a fusion of African and Brazilian cultures, thus creating the pulsating beats of the bossa nova and carnival–like samba

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Due to high social inequality, Salvador is notorious for street crime, and for a tourist that wanders carelessly in the streets, the likelihood of a mugging or armed robbery is considerably higher than in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Salvador recognizes the importance of tourism to the city economy, so most important tourist sites such as Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo, as well as main popular festivals like the Carnaval, are usually heavily guarded.

In 2018, Salvador had 47.23 homicides per 100,000 residents, the 9th highest in the country, and the 29th highest in the world.

People with darker complexions will have an advantage over those with pale skin. Blacks are likely to blend in well; other dark–skinned people may be inconspicuous in many places, but others are immediately labelled as either upper class citizens or tourists, and may be specially targeted.

If you are moving on foot, by bicycle, or by bus, it's best to go out during the day. Avoid bringing anything valuable, just enough to enjoy your day. The Flamengo and Stella Maris beaches are among the safest places to go during the day, and they are the best options if you just want to enjoy a good beach without much local culture. In other places, try to stay at areas guarded by police.

As a general rule, be suspicious if people approach you directly in a friendly way as they either want money or to sell you something. It's wise to reject an approach immediately and if necessary then think about it.

At night, it's better to take a cab to go out. Stay at reasonably crowded places. If you don't see other tourists where you are, then it's probably not a place you should be unless you are feeling particularly adventurous.

Some areas which are strongly frequented by foreigners can become dangerous, especially at night, i.e. the Barra harbour area. Never go to the beach at night!

The long sloping road leading from the old town to the harbor should be avoided even during the day. Always take the elevator.

If you are staying in the touristic Barra area, beware of the favela near Shopping Barra, especially at night. The area just to the east toward the beach can be dangerous as well.

Beware of vehicular traffic. Crossing the streets is always dangerous even when using a pedestrian crosswalk with the traffic light red for cars. As one member of Supergrass band once said: "In Brazil green means go, and red means go faster!" Start the crossing only when vehicles have already stopped.

Never agree to share a taxi with other random people, especially if they approach you. Most likely, it's just a trap to rob you!

Watch out for children in Pelourinho, especially on Tuesdays at the Geronimo Concert at the old church – they are reaching out for any low pockets in cargo pants!

Be careful when walking near the Iguatemi: it is dangerous to wander there. Don't go there past 11PM, unless you are in a car or a taxicab, you will be robbed.

If you rented a car and stopped in a parking spot, do not stay in the car for too long. You will be a vulnerable target.

When shopping always check the price first, especially if you are white and have blue or green eyes, many locals will see you complexion and feel they have the right to charge you double for services and products. Always ask for a Coupon Fiscal it ensures that the company or individual you are purchasing from pays the proper tax, and it can usually result in them "suddenly" giving you a 10 – 15% discount if you don't want the coupon as they have to pay 27% tax what you buy and the coupon ensures this.

Be particularly aware of bancas and kiosks on the street as they will undoubtedly charge you more for being an estrangeiro (foreigner).

All the little extra money you are charged can seriously eat into your budget and leave a sour taste in your mouth as nobody likes being ripped off.

Mercado Modelo

The Mercado Modelo is in the lower part of the city and it is one of the entrances to the Historic Center. It is great for those who want to buy handicrafts and also taste delicious typical Bahian cuisine at its restaurants.

Elevador Lacerda

The Elevador Lacerda is the first urban elevator in the world, connecting the lower and upper cities. It's located in Baía de Todos os Santos and offers a beautiful view, perfect for taking photos.

Praça da Sé

This is a square that has generated controversy during its history. It used to house the old temple of the Sé Primacial of Brazil, built in 1553 and demolished in 1933 to make room for cable cars.

Today, it is a large sidewalk that houses other historical monuments such as the Memorial to the Baianas do Acarajé and the Zumbi dos Palmares.

Largo do Pelourinho

The word pelourinho means pillory that refers to a large stone where slaves were punished. Today, the plaza and the neighborhood represent the history of the black struggle, which beautifully takes over the streets and buildings, bringing strong colors, flavors, music, and religious manifestations to the place. 

Farol da Barra

Imagine a place that lived all Salvador history: this is Farol da Barra.

This tourist spot in Salvador deserves a mandatory stop. Either to visit the Nautical Museum inside the building or to enjoy the landscape during the sunset.

Miguel Santana's Theater and Balé Folclórico

This theater is the home of Balé (Ballet) Folclórico da Bahia since 2014. In addition to daily shows, the group develops social projects like Balé Junior, a ballet for children. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about Brazilian folkloric dance with African roots.

Casa do Olodum

If you are Brazilian it is hard to think about Salvador and not remember about Olodum! The group that participated in clips of famous singers like Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, and Jimmy Cliff, goes beyond the role of a band, disseminating education and culture. Take advantage of your visit to Pelourinho to visit Casa do Olodum, where you will find instruments and souvenirs of the band for sale.

Farol de Itapuã

Brazil's most popular lighthouse is also a tourist attraction in Salvador. The 21–meter tower is named for its location on Praia de Itapuã.

Important! The inner area of the Farol de Itapuã is not open to visitors.

Ponta do Humaitá

On this charming spot you can find an architectural conglomeration, including the Church and Monastery of Monte Serrat and the Farol of Monte Serrat. Here one can enjoy a beautiful sunset and try the Bahian cuisine.

Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim

Maybe you already know the ribbon of Bonfim, it is an icon in the Bahian city, but do you know where they come from? Know the Basílica do Senhor do Bonfim. You can visit the basilica, the local museum or hang your prayer ribbons on the external bars of the place.

Be moved in Memorial Irmã Dulce

A nun from Bahia canonized by the Vatican, Irmã Dulce had a huge impact in the community through your charity work. In the Memorial Irmã Dulce you can learn about her story, see her bedroom that is still intact,  as well as other items that have marked her history.

Igreja e Convento de São Francisco

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World, Igreja e Convento de São Francisco is a baroque art building, exuberant and unique in details, such as Portuguese tiles, detailed sculptures, and fully worked walls and ceilings.

There you can find an interesting contrast between the Franciscan ideas of simplicity and the big luxury of the churches.

Igreja Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos

The Irmandade Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos is an important confraternity created by blacks to ensure their religiosity. The church in Salvador was founded in 1685 and built in 1704.

On Tuesdays at 5 pm you can check out during a mass an unmissable union between Catholicism and Candomblé.

Casa de Yemanjá

Iemanjá is an really important Orixá patroness of fishermen, worshiped especially in Salvador. On February 2nd, Rio Vermelho beach receives devotees from all over Brazil to throw offerings to the sea.

But you don't have to wait until this day to know this little and powerful house, it is open the whole year with offerings and prayers in Rio Vermelho neighborhood. 

Museu Afro–Brasileiro (MAFRO)

The museum is impressive because of the beauty of its facade. It is an important collection about African and Afro–Brazilian history. You can check the current expositions on the website below.

Cidade da Música da Bahia

Between Mercado Modelo and Elevador Lacerda, Cidade da Música da Bahia is a museum that features the rich history of Bahian music. The entire exhibition is audiovisual, showcasing the city's musical context and styles, with interactive rooms featuring karaoke, rap and trap battles, and other attractions.

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia – MAM

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (MAM) is a spectacle inside and out. Located in Solar do Unhão, it has a wonderful view, a sunset worthy of an art piece, in addition to its external sculptures, five internal exhibitions and a cinema.

Casa do Carnaval da Bahia

One of the most traditional street Carnaval parties in Brazil, Salvador usually brings to its streets people from all over the world who follow the blocos de axé – a group of people that follow the band through the street. The Bahian Carnaval is unique and that is why there is a museum just to talk about this festivity. Learn the history and enjoy Carnaval artifacts at Casa do Carnaval da Bahia.

Memorial das Baianas do Acarajé

During your trip, you will encounter the traditional Baianas do Acarajé. These women and their acarajé—a type of stuffed fritter—embody a history of symbolism and resistance, reflected in their attire and the flavors they offer.

Museu Geológico

If you set aside a day to walk around the Corredor da Vitória, take time to visit the Museu Geológico. It is a perfect tour for those who want to learn about the history of Earth marked on its stones, with a special touch of being focused on the Bahian region.

Memorial e Fundação Pierre Verger

Pierre Verger was a French photographer and anthropologist who was extremely important for studying and recording Afro–Brazilian culture, especially the religious aspects of candomblé. Want to know more about his work? You can visit the Pierre Verger Memorial or the Galeria do Pelourinho free of charge.

Museu Náutico da Bahia

If you love traveling, you can't miss the Museu Náutico da Bahia. The museum presents part of Brazil's history by displaying pieces of ships and crew members' utensils that were submerged for about 300 years.

Tour:

Panoramic Salvador | SSA/P

Duration: 4 Hours

Explore Salvador, a diverse city known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro–Brazilian culture, and tropical coastline. Journey through Salvador's historic low city, where you'll find the iconic Bonfim Church—an ornate landmark with an intricately decorated interior. Refresh yourself with a delicious ice cream before passing through Dique do Tororó and the modern cityscape, and make a stop at the historic Farol da Barra, a prominent lighthouse and symbol of the city. Accompanied by a local guide, uncover the stories behind key sites such as Campo Grande, Forte de São Pedro, and Contorno. Beyond its cultural spirit, admire the tranquil Itapagipe Peninsula before rounding off your visit at Mercado Modelo, a lively market brimming with local crafts and souvenirs.

Itinerary:

35–minute coach drive through Salvador and Lower City

40–minute visit inside Bonfim Church

10–minute drive by Dique do Tororó

30–minute drive through the modern city

20–minute photo stop at Farol da Barra

25–minute scenic coach drive through Salvador

40–minute visit to the Itapagipe Peninsula

30–minute visit to Mercado Modelo

Depart: 7.5 Hours in port