Pelourinho
UNESCO World Heritage colonial center of Salvador
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About Bahia
Bahia is Brazil's cultural heartland, where African heritage shaped the music, cuisine, and religion of the entire nation. Salvador, the state capital, was once the colonial capital of Brazil and remains a UNESCO World Heritage center. Beyond the city, Bahia offers pristine beaches, the mountain scenery of Chapada Diamantina, and the laid-back resort town of Porto Seguro.
- Capital
- Salvador
- Largest city
- Salvador
- Population
- 14.9 million
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Currency
- Brazilian Real
- Time zone
- America/Bahia (UTC-3)
Explore Bahia by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Bahia
The 3 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Chapada Diamantina
National park with waterfalls, caves, and table mountains
Morro de São Paulo
Car-free island with gorgeous beaches
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Bahia Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Bahia, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Bahia
- Days 1-2Bahia city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Bahia
- Days 1-3Bahia comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Bahia, departure
Where to stay in Bahia
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $30
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $80
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $250
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Fera Palace Hotel
The Fera Palace is one of Salvador's most storied hotels, a beautifully restored early 20th-century palace in the heart of the city's commercial district. Originally opened in 1934, it underwent a meticulous renovation and reopened as a five-star property. The hotel features 131 elegantly appointed rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views over the bay, a gourmet restaurant, and impeccable service. Its location puts guests walking distance from the Pelourinho and Elevador Lacerda.
Txai Resort Itacaré
Txai Resort is arguably Bahia's finest luxury beach resort, set on a private stretch of Resende Beach at Itacaré, where Atlantic rainforest meets the sea. The resort's bungalows and villas are scattered through native forest, connected by wooden walkways. Each villa has its own plunge pool. The resort features a world-class spa drawing on indigenous healing traditions, two restaurants with outstanding Brazilian and international cuisine, and a beach club. Sustainable tourism practices underpin the entire operation.
Tivoli Ecoresort Praia do Forte
The Tivoli Ecoresort is a sprawling beachfront luxury resort at Praia do Forte, 80km north of Salvador. With 352 rooms and suites set in landscaped tropical gardens running to the beach, it offers a full resort experience with multiple pools, several restaurants, a spa, and extensive recreational facilities. The resort is an eco-certified property adjacent to the Projeto TAMAR sea turtle conservation area. Activities include sailing, kayaking, and guided turtle encounters.
Kiaroa Eco-Luxury Resort
Kiaroa is an exclusive eco-luxury resort on Maraú Peninsula, accessible only by boat or private plane, on a pristine beach on Bahia's Dendê Coast. With only 22 treehouses and bungalows, it offers an intimate, secluded experience surrounded by Atlantic Forest and facing a calm bay. The style is rustic-luxury — exposed wood, natural materials, outdoor showers — while the service and cuisine are world-class. Guests can kayak, paddleboard, snorkel, and explore mangroves.
Where to eat in Bahia
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Casa de Teresa
Casa de Teresa is a legendary Bahian restaurant where chef Teresa Franco has been cooking authentic moqueca, acarajé, and vatapá for decades. The restaurant is housed in a colonial building in Pelourinho and is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Teresa's moqueca baiana is widely considered one of the best in Salvador — rich palm oil broth, fresh seafood, and coconut milk, served with rice, beans, and farofa.
Yemanjá
Yemanjá is one of Salvador's most iconic seafood restaurants, named for the Afro-Brazilian goddess of the sea. Located in the Rio Vermelho neighborhood, the restaurant has been a Salvador institution for decades and is famous for its moqueca de peixe, grilled lobster, and camarão na moranga (shrimp in pumpkin). The dining room fills with locals celebrating special occasions alongside tourists. The portions are generous and the service professional.
Amado
Amado is Salvador's most celebrated fine dining restaurant, a landmark of contemporary Brazilian cuisine. Chef João Amado (a relative of the writer) crafts inventive dishes that reimagine Bahian ingredients in sophisticated preparations. The restaurant sits over the Bay of All Saints with panoramic water views from both the dining room and the terrace. The wine list is extensive and the service impeccable. Reservations are essential.
Tempero da Dadá
Tempero da Dadá is a much-loved Salvador restaurant run by chef Dadá, a celebrated figure of Bahian home cooking who has been featured in documentaries and food programs. Her restaurant in Pelourinho serves generous plates of the Bahian classics — moqueca, efó, caruru — cooked with palm oil, fresh coconut milk, and seafood sourced daily from local markets. The atmosphere is warm and the portions are enormous.
Soho Restaurant
Soho Restaurant is one of Salvador's most stylish dining venues, offering a sophisticated Asian-fusion menu with Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese influences alongside Brazilian ingredients. Located in the Jardins district, the restaurant is popular with the Salvador upper class and visiting businesspeople. The cocktail bar is excellent, with creative caipirinhas and Asian-inspired drinks.
Mistura Fina
Mistura Fina is a popular restaurant in the Barra neighborhood of Salvador, known for its well-executed Bahian comfort food at reasonable prices. The restaurant serves excellent moqueca, grilled fish, and a popular Sunday feijoada (black bean and pork stew). The outdoor terrace is pleasant for lunch.
Getting around Bahia
Bahia is a large state and getting around requires planning. Salvador is well served by international and domestic flights, and has a reliable urban bus and metro system. Inter-city travel is primarily by bus or domestic flight. Ferries connect Salvador to islands and the southern Recôncavo coast. In rural areas like Chapada Diamantina, 4WD vehicles or local buses are the main options.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in BRL, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 | $40 | $150 |
| Food (per day) | $8 | $20 | $60 |
| Transportation | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Activities | $5 | $10 | $20 |
| Daily total | $30 | $80 | $250 |
Best time to visit Bahia
Essential travel tips
- Learn a few words of Portuguese — locals appreciate the effort
- Carry small bills as many vendors don't have change
- Try acarajé from street vendors in Salvador
- Carnival in Salvador is one of the world's largest street parties
Safety information
Keep valuables hidden in crowded areas like Pelourinho
Use licensed taxis or Uber rather than hailing street cabs
Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas
Be vigilant at beaches against theft of belongings
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bahia?
Entry requirements follow Brazil rules. Most Western nationals can visit Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days. US citizens may require an eVisa. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in Bahia?
The currency in Bahia is the Brazilian Real (BRL). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in Bahia?
The main language(s) spoken in Bahia: Portuguese. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.