A Solo Site Visit to Salvador: 10 Days Exploring Myself and the Soul of Bahia

Balé Folclórico da Bahia

This performance was one of the highlights of my trip. The dancers are incredibly talented, and the show’s energy is electric. Rooted in Candomblé traditions, the performance celebrates Afro-Brazilian spirituality, resilience, and rhythm—an absolute must-see. Tickets can be purchased when you arrive in Brazil, but I would recommend purchasing it in advance. They cost R$99.00 (about $20–25 dollars).

Igreja do Bonfim

A spiritual and colorful experience. Here you can buy the iconic fitas (Bonfim ribbons) to tie around your wrist or to the church gate. Legend says that when the ribbon breaks naturally, your wish will come true. They’re sold everywhere in Salvador for about $1–$2, but expect to pay a little more right outside the church. This is one of my favorite things to do in Salvador.

Farol da Barra

I stayed near this lighthouse and walked there almost every morning. You can visit the lighthouse museum for a small fee, and once a month there’s a weekend market with handmade jewelry, clothes, and art. The area is lively but peaceful early in the morning—perfect for a solo traveler.

Pelourinho

Famous for its colonial architecture and vibrant colors, Pelourinho feels like Salvador’s heartbeat. I had to visit this neighborhood not only for its cultural importance but also because Michael Jackson filmed part of his “They Don’t Care About Us” video here. Walking through its cobblestone streets feels like stepping through history.

Elevador Lacerda & Mercado Modelo

The Elevador Lacerda connects the upper city to the lower city and costs just about R$1 (roughly 25 cents). During my visit, it was free because of renovations. It drops you right in front of Mercado Modelo, where I shopped for souvenirs and ended up staying for a cold beer and great people-watching.

Quilombo do Tereré

I arranged this visit with a local tourism company, and it was one of the most meaningful experiences of my trip. The community shared stories about their Afro-Brazilian identity and what it means to be recognized as a quilombo—a settlement founded by people of African descent. It was humbling and powerful.

Ilê Aiyê Organization

Visiting Ilê Aiyê was a privilege. This legendary Afro-Brazilian cultural group was founded to combat racism and celebrate Black pride through music and education. Learning about their work before their US tour gave me deep respect for how art can drive social change.

Quabales

An inspiring community project that offers music, language, and life skills classes to local youth. I joined a percussion workshop here—it was loud, joyful, and unforgettable. This is a great stop if you want to connect beyond tourism and experience Salvador’s community spirit.

Salvador’s museums

I particularly enjoyed the Museu do Axé, Museu das Baianas, and Museu do Carnaval. Each offers a window into Bahia’s identity—from religion to food to celebration. I did not need to purchase these tickets in advance.

• O Cravinho: A lively spot known for its cachaças (Brazilian sugarcane liquor). It’s small, local, and full of energy—perfect for sampling infused cachaças and chatting with locals. It is one of my favorite places in Salvador.

• Barravento: An upscale restaurant right by the ocean. I treated myself to lobster and caipirinhas here, and it felt like a celebration of everything I love about Brazilian food—fresh, flavorful, and full of life.

• Sal & Brasa: For an authentic churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) experience, this was fantastic value. I paid less than $30 for all-you-can-eat steak and a full salad bar. Go hungry!

• Peruvian Chicken – Pollo a la Brasa: An unexpected gem in Salvador. Their seafood paella was one of the best meals I had. Even though it’s not Brazilian cuisine, it added variety to my trip and was absolutely worth it.

• Acarajé da Dinha: A Salvador classic. I’ll admit, I’m not usually a fan of dried shrimp, but this famous spot serves one of the best acarajés (black-eyed pea fritters filled with shrimp and spices) in the city.

• Donana Restaurant: I went there with a mentor visiting from Texas, and we shared moqueca de camarão, a shrimp stew cooked with coconut milk and dendê oil. It was rich, comforting, and deeply Bahian.

• Sorveteria da Ribeira: A Salvador institution for ice cream lovers. I tried the espresso and prune flavors—both delicious and under $3 per scoop. It’s a simple joy that every visitor should try.