Making the most of Salvador de Bahia
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships dock at the Salvador Cruise Ship Terminal in downtown Salvador.
The cruise terminal is conveniently located in the Comércio district, about 1 kilometer (approximately 0.6 miles) from the historic center, Pelourinho. It’s a short walk or a quick taxi ride to reach the main attractions in downtown Salvador.
Printable map to take along.
Salvador is located on a peninsula which shields the large Baía de Todos os Santos ("Bay of All Saints") from the Atlantic Ocean. The city is the third largest in Brazil, sprawling for dozens of kilometers inland from the coast. Most visitors head for the coastal neighborhoods that cluster around where the bay meets the ocean. A 100m cliff runs along the entire bay shore, dividing the city into Cidade Alta, up on the cliff, and the Cidade Baixa down by the bay. The former features Pelourinho, the old city center that packs historical sites, colonial architecture, museums, restaurants, bars, hostels, artesanal shops, and music/dance/capoeira…
Getting around
The old city center can be easily explored on foot. To get between the upper and lower sections, take the Elevador Lacerda (pretty rough area, beware!) or the cable car, remember to take small change as the fare is just R$0,05. The streets between the two are considered dangerous even during the day.
Carnival Museum (Casa do Carnaval da Bahia): Learn about Salvador’s famous carnival through interactive exhibits, videos, and costumes. It’s a fun and educational experience about one of Brazil’s most vibrant festivals.
Food and shopping
Mercado Modelo, which is within easy walking distance from the cruise ship terminal.
The Historic District is another shopper's venue.
Main stores are open Monday to Saturday 0900- 2200 and Sunday 1200-2100.
Money
Brazilian Real
Staying connected
Portuguese spoken.
There is both telephones and Internet access in the cruise terminal.
Opening Hours and
Basic hours for most stores and businesses are from 9am to 6pm, with an extended lunch hour from around noon to 2pm.
Many museums are closed on monday.