Salvador de Bahia

Why Salvador de Bahia is special
It has three significant attractions that draw visitors from afar.

Salvador de Bahia tips and insights
Historic Center
It is a living museum of picturesque Portuguese colonial houses and public buildings dating back centuries. The structures were preserved or restored in the 1990s to boost tourism.

Carnival
The city loves festivals and the grandest is Carnival. It attracts two million celebrants. Carnival dates vary by year, but fall within the early-February to early-March period.

Bahia's carnival differs from Rio's. It's easy for anyone (local and visitor alike) to become a participant instead of a spectator. This enhances a Carnival's spark and fun-loving spirit.

Cuisine
Salvador de Bahia has the finest and most interesting cuisine in Brazil.

Name
"Salvador de Bahia" translates "Savior of the Bay". Most locals and seasoned travelers refer to the city simply as "Bahia".

Black African influence
The New World's largest slave market was located in the port. An estimated five million slaves were shipped here to tend sugar plantations. The resulting African heritage greatly influenced today's music, art, cuisine, religion, and more.

Location in Brazil