Salvador tours

Things to do in Salvador

Picture yourself in Salvador, Brazil, where the city's pulse resonates through the rhythmic samba that fills its historic streets. The aroma of street food, especially the iconic acarajé, lingers in the air, adding to the sensory tapestry of this vibrant locale. Salvador is a living canvas of Afro-Brazilian roots and colonial echoes, offering more than just postcard scenes. With a local guide, delve into the essence of Pelourinho, a neighbourhood where music is as constant as the pastel-painted buildings. The city's culinary landscape invites exploration, with food and wine tours that reveal the depth of Salvador's flavours. Your guide deftly navigates through the city's secrets and lesser-known paths, ensuring your experience is as distinctive and lively as the city itself. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Salvador. Explore Salvador your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Salvador tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Salvador for every interest, including: History tours: Explore Pelourinho’s cobblestones with a guide who shows you the gold‑leafed Igreja e Convento de São Francisco and the Afro‑Brazilian collections at the Museu Afro‑Brasileiro. Ride the Elevador Lacerda for bay views, then continue to Farol da Barra and Forte de Santo Antônio for stories of colonial defences and the slave trade. Layover tours: Get picked up at Salvador Bahia Airport, head straight to Pelourinho for a guided stroll, ride the Elevador Lacerda, and try a warm acarajé from a baiana at Praça da Sé before returning in time for your flight. If time allows, add a quick stop at Farol da Barra for photos over Baía de Todos‑os‑Santos. Nature and Wildlife tours: From July to October, go to Praia do Forte for humpback whale‑watching or visit Projeto Tamar to learn about sea turtle conservation. Prefer to stay close? Walk bird‑rich trails at Parque das Dunas or visit Lagoa do Abaeté in Itapuã, and your guide can arrange a day tour by boat to Ilha dos Frades for clear‑water swims and coastal wildlife. Much of the historic centre is walkable, and there’s metro and public elevators connecting hilltops to the waterfront, but distances across the city are long. For beaches and nature reserves, ask your local guide about chauffeured tours or tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Salvador inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour to dive deep into Salvador, a city bursting with cultural riches, and explore its vibrant neighbourhoods with a local guide. There’s no better way to understand the heartbeat of a place than by strolling through its streets with someone who truly knows it. - Pelourinho: Known for its colorful colonial architecture, Pelourinho is perfect for those interested in history and culture. Families and older groups can wander through cobblestone streets, discovering music, art, and local cuisine at every corner. - Rio Vermelho: This bohemian neighbourhood is ideal for travelers who enjoy nightlife and authentic experiences. With your guide, explore lively bars and restaurants to connect with the local scene and perhaps catch some live music. - Barra: For those who love scenic views and a relaxed vibe, Barra offers stunning beaches and the historic Barra Lighthouse. It’s a great spot for families and anyone looking to unwind by the sea. - Ondina: Known for its Carnival celebrations, Ondina attracts those looking to experience vibrant festivals. Your guide can show you around this lively area, perfect for multi-generational groups who enjoy festivities and local traditions. Day trip ideas from Salvador Salvador makes a solid base for day trips along the Coconut Coast and into the Recôncavo, and your tour can tilt toward beaches, music, food, or a bit of each. Praia do Forte and Guarajuba: North along the coast, you get reef-protected swimming, a walkable village with laid-back cafés, and shaded bike paths; it suits families, snorkellers on calm days, and anyone who wants clear water without long transfers. Cachoeira and São Félix: Rivers, bridges, and colourful streets set the scene for Bahian history, samba de roda, and artisan workshops; visit small museums, meet makers, and take in viewpoints that help you connect Salvador’s heritage with inland towns. Ilha de Itaparica: A short ferry brings you to beaches with gentle waves, colonial corners in Itaparica town, and the mineral spring at Fonte da Bica; it works well for an easy-going day with seafood lunches and time to wander local neighbourhoods. Ilha dos Frades: Inside Todos os Santos Bay, this island has clear-water coves, a small chapel on a hill, and short forest trails; plan a boat ride that avoids crowds, then swim, snorkel, and explore at an unhurried pace. Arembepe: Dunes, lagoons, and a fishing village vibe make this a simple coastal escape; stroll sandy lanes, watch rafts land with the day’s catch, and add nearby nature walks if you want more than beach time. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Salvador most travellers miss.