In Salvador, Immerse Yourself in Afro-Brazilian Culture

Widely considered the capital of Afro-Brazilian culture, Salvador is one of the most vibrant cities in Brazil, a place where colorful Portuguese architecture meets sun-drenched beaches, with a fiery cuisine that combines tropical flavors and African influences. It is also host to one of the world's most flamboyant Carnivals, a hotbed for samba music, and the heartland of the martial art capoeira. In February 2027, for the first time in decades, Salvador Carnival will take place at the same time as Festa de Iemanjá, the major festival in candomblé—a religion that fuses Catholicism with West African religions—making this an ideal time to visit the city.

(See all 25 of the destinations that made our list of the best places to visit in 2027.)

When to Go

Salvador has a tropical climate, so it's best to visit between September and February during the dry season, when there is less rainfall and more hours of sunshine. Average temperatures do not change much throughout the year, typically hovering in the high 70s. The city comes alive during Carnival, which runs for six days before Ash Wednesday in February or March, depending on the year. The Candomblé festival of Festa de Iemanjá, celebrated on February 2, is also popular. Hotels sell out quickly during these periods, so book ahead.

What to Do

Take an Elevator From One Part of Town to Another:

Salvador's most famous landmark is the Elevador Lacerda, a massive 236-foot-high outdoor elevator constructed in the 19th century and renovated with Art Deco styling in 1930. It connects Salvador’s Upper City (Cidade Alta) and Lower City (Cidade Baixa), offering panoramic views over the Bay of All Saints.

Visit a Historic Neighborhood:

At the heart of Salvador's Old Town is Pelourinho, a UNESCO World Heritage–listed neighborhood of Portuguese-built churches, clock towers, and mansions, many painted in pastel shades and decorated with azulejo tiles. The district's beauty is interwoven with its painful history: Pelourinho means “pillory,” a reference to the whipping posts in the central square on which enslaved people were once tortured.

Experience Capoeira:

Part dance, part martial art, this decidedly Brazilian art form originated among enslaved African people in the 16th century and has since become a symbol of Afro-Brazilian culture. Scheduled shows can be seen at Balé Folclórico de Bahia, while impromptu street performances are often held in the squares of Pelourinho.

Learn the Tenets of Candomblé:

Another distinctive element of life in Salvador is this Afro-Brazilian religion revolving around worship of deities called orixás, which has also become an important symbol of Afro-Brazilian identity. In Salvador, it can be explored at a temple like Terreiro do Gantois.

Getting Around

If you’re traveling from the U.S., you’ll likely fly into Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, then take a connecting flight to Salvador–Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport. Salvador does have direct connections with several European cities, including Lisbon, Paris, and Madrid. The metro system, regional trains, and buses connect the airport with the city center. Taxi apps like Uber and 99 are also easy ways to get around. If you use a private taxi company, insist that the driver turn the meter on or agree on a price beforehand.