About the Port
Salvador rises above All Saints Bay in two tiers, its weathered colonial core, Pelourinho, climbing cobbled streets lined with pastel facades, baroque churches, and small museums devoted to Bahian history and art. Founded as Brazil's first capital, the city carries deep Afro-Brazilian roots, visible in its music, cuisine, and the capoeira demonstrations often staged in open squares.
The Lacerda Elevator links the lower harbor district to the upper old town, making the historic center readily accessible on foot from the waterfront. Highlights include the gilded interior of the São Francisco Church and the lively Mercado Modelo, where local crafts and street food reflect the region's blended Portuguese, African, and Indigenous heritage. Salvador rewards unhurried wandering, offering a layered introduction to one of South America's most culturally rich port cities.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Salvador Brazil.
Ride the Lacerda Elevator
This landmark art deco lift connects the harbor to Pelourinho in under a minute, saving a steep uphill walk and offering wide views over All Saints Bay along the way.
Explore São Francisco Church's Interior
Step inside to see one of Brazil's most extravagant baroque interiors, with carved wood smothered in gold leaf and azulejo-tiled cloisters; allow 30-45 minutes and check for an entry fee.
Watch a Capoeira Performance
Catch this Afro-Brazilian martial art, part dance, part combat, performed to berimbau music in Pelourinho's squares, a vivid window into the city's cultural roots best seen live rather than staged for photos.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Salvador Brazil
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 13, 2026 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 16 | $6,719 | |
| Oct 25, 2026 | Swan Hellenic | SH Vega | 6 | $3,275 | |
| Nov 19, 2026 | Celebrity | Celebrity Equinox | 16 | $1,917 | |
| Jan 3, 2027 | Holland America | Zaandam | 70 | $13,599 | |
| Jan 4, 2027 | Regent | Seven Seas Mariner | 18 | $15,699 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 90 | $12,709 | |
| Jan 5, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 34 | $4,669 | |
| Jan 6, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 76 | $58,700 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 29 | $3,959 | |
| Jan 10, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 82 | $11,209 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 74 | $29,549 | |
| Jan 14, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 34 | $12,329 | |
| Jan 18, 2027 | Silversea | Silver Nova | 20 | $16,800 | |
| Jan 22, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 37 | $6,179 | |
| Jan 22, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 17 | $2,699 | |
| Jan 22, 2027 | Cunard | Queen Anne | 56 | $8,859 | |
| Jan 25, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 13 | $2,959 | |
| Jan 25, 2027 | Azamara | Azamara Journey | 23 | $5,979 | |
| Feb 13, 2027 | Holland America | Zaandam | 29 | $5,999 | |
| Mar 2, 2027 | Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | 56 | $39,098 |
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