Things to Do During a Short Stay in Salvador
Salvador is a city with a very rich and interesting history. Outside of doing a walking tour, one of the most recommended activities, there are three museums that I think you should visit to enhance your Salvador experience culturally.
- Cidade da Música da Bahia
- Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira
- Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado and A Casa do Rio Vermelho
Museums have always attracted me because of the valuable information, history, and visual stimulation they give my brain. During each visit, I receive something valuable in return. It’s an introvert’s paradise—a moment of peace.
During my travels through Bahia, I spent about a month in Serra Grande, followed by roughly a week in Itacaré, before making my short, three-day stop in Salvador. After Salvador, I continued inland to Chapada Diamantina, where I trekked through the Vale do Pati.
The three places listed above were on my list of things to do. They were worth the time spent, not only for the museums themselves, but also for their locations in and around Salvador’s historic areas.They were worth the time spent, not only for the museums themselves, but also for their locations in and around Salvador’s historic areas. I particularly enjoyed exploring Pelourinho, where the different levels of the neighborhood had a unique contrast.
Cidade da Música da Bahia
Bahia is one of the epicenters of Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil. The Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira (MUNCAB) focuses on African influences on Brazilian culture and features a beautiful selection of paintings, abstract installations, sculptures, and photography.
If you’re a fan of art, this is a must-see. I thoroughly enjoyed the work and took a liking to the specific styles on display. It’s large enough to spend a good amount of time there, but not so much that you need to rush through everything. Take your time.
During certain times of the day, you may also come across music performances or rehearsals.
Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira
Bahia is one of the epicenters of Afro-Brazilian culture in Brazil. The Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro-Brasileira (MUNCAB) focuses on African influences on Brazilian culture and features a beautiful selection of paintings, abstract installations, sculptures, and photography.
If you’re a fan of art, this is a must-see. I thoroughly enjoyed the work and took a liking to the specific styles on display. It’s large enough to spend a good amount of time there, but not so much that you need to rush through everything. Take your time.
During certain times of the day, you may also come across music performances or rehearsals.
Fundação Casa de Jorge Armado
Jorge Amado was one of Brazil’s most celebrated authors, known for his depictions of Bahian culture and social injustice. He lived a remarkable life and was connected to other famous writers and activists like Pablo Neruda of Chile, traveling the world and becoming involved in social causes. His work ranged from ideologically driven novels to more lyrical portrayals of life in Salvador.
The Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado, located in Pelourinho, presents a timeline of his life, consisting mostly of photos accompanied by descriptions written completely in Portuguese. It can still be worth a visit if you don’t speak any Portuguese, provided that you choose to learn about the celebrated author before going.
If you’re interested in learning more, A Casa do Rio Vermelho is the former home of Jorge Amado and his wife, writer Zélia Gattai, which has also been turned into a museum. It’s a stylish abode filled with art and collectibles, and there are guides stationed around the property to offer fun facts and answer questions. Plus, it’s English-friendly.
It’s located in the bohemian neighborhood of Rio Vermelho, hence the name.
Catch a Sunset in Barra
After exploring Salvador’s museums and historic neighborhoods, Barra is a great place to finish the day.
You can watch the sunset from the area around Museu Náutico da Bahia – Farol da Barra or Praia do Porto da Barra, both located in the same part of the city.
I also took a particular liking to the Santo Antônio neighborhood, which is located next to Pelourinho—not specifically for the sunset, just in general.
