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 berth at Salvador Cruise Ship Terminal in central Salvador.
The cruise terminal has a convenient Comércio district location, about 1 kilometre (approximately 0.6 miles) from historic Pelourinho. Central Salvador's leading attractions are a short walk or quick taxi journey away.
Have a printable map ready.
Salvador occupies a peninsula that shelters the large Baía de Todos os Santos (“Bay of All Saints”) from the Atlantic Ocean. Brazil's third-largest city extends dozens of kilometres inland from the coast, although most visitors choose the coastal neighbourhoods around the meeting point of bay and ocean. A 100 m cliff follows the whole bay shore, separating Cidade Alta above from Cidade Baixa beside the water. The former contains Pelourinho, the old city centre packed with historic sites, colonial buildings, museums, restaurants, bars, hostels, artesanal shops and music, dance and capoeira…
Getting around
The old city centre is straightforward to explore on foot. Travel between the upper and lower districts on the Elevador Lacerda, where the surrounding area is rather rough so beware, or use the cable car. Carry small change because the fare is only R$0,05. Streets between the two areas are considered dangerous even by day.
Carnival Museum (Casa do Carnaval da Bahia): interactive displays, videos and costumes explain Salvador's famous carnival, creating an entertaining and educational introduction to one of Brazil's most vibrant festivals.
Food and shopping
Mercado Modelo is an easy walk from the cruise terminal.
The Historic District provides another shopping destination.
Main shops trade Monday–Saturday 0900- 2200 and Sunday 1200-2100.
Money
The currency is Brazilian Real.
Staying connected
Portuguese is spoken.
Both telephones and internet access are available inside the cruise terminal.
Opening Hours and
Typical hours for most shops and businesses run from 9am to 6pm, including an extended lunch break from around noon until 2pm.
Many museums close on Monday.