Pelourinho Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Pelourinho which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and street scenes
Pelourinho featuring street scenes and a coastal town
Pelourinho featuring street scenes
Pelourinho showing a church or cathedral and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Pelourinho which includes street scenes and a house as well as a small group of people

The soul of Salvador’s Historic Centre is a vibrant district of cobblestone streets framed by ancient churches, colonial mansions, museums and cultural centres.

With its art galleries, inspiring architecture and museums, Pelourinho is one of the best places to experience the flamboyant atmosphere of Salvador. Pelourinho is the core and spiritual heart of the city’s Historic Centre, a district declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Spend your time wandering along stone alleys and admiring well-preserved monuments from the 17th and 18th centuries. Sample Bahian cuisine at café-lined squares and enjoy performances of the capoeira martial art.

Start your tour of this historic neighbourhood in Largo do Pelourinho, a square that was once the site of public floggings. Visit Our Lady of the Rosary of Black PeopleOpens in a new window, a church built by slaves over a period of around 100 years. Come on a Sunday to witness a huge Mass service accompanied by Candomblé-influenced music. Stroll uphill past brightly painted colonial houses characterised by iron balconies and stucco work.

Go to the Fundação Casa de Jorge Amado exhibition centre. Browse the permanent displays that showcase the life’s work of famed Brazilian writer Jorge Amado. Close by is the city museum, Museu da Ciadade. Spot paintings by acclaimed Bahian artists, such as Presciliano Silva, plus pottery, tapestries and woodcarvings typical of the region.

Continue to Terreiro de JesusOpens in a new window, which is possibly Salvador’s most eye-catching square. Colonial mansions stand next to resplendent churches, including the Cathedral of SalvadorOpens in a new window, Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos and the Church of São Domingos Gusmão. Admire the architectural prowess from the cafés and restaurants, several with outdoor seating areas. Dine on two classic Bahian dishes: acarajé, deep-fried and spice beans, and moqueca, which is fish or shrimp stew.

While at Terreiro de Jesus, bargain with the vendors for regional handicrafts. Sit and watch impromptu capoeira dance performances. The south side of the square connects with Largo do Cruzeiro de São Francisco, which leads to the Sao Francisco Church and Convent of SalvadorOpens in a new window.

Located in Salvador’s city centre, Pelourinho is easily accessible by foot and via public buses. If arriving from the city’s beach suburbs then catch a bus bound for Praça da Sé and walk from there.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Pelourinho Hotel Deals

Bahiacafe Hotel

Bahiacafe Hotel

3 out of 5
Praca da Se, 22, Centro, Salvador, BA
The price is AU$184 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
AU$184
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Porto da Barra Beach and Farol da Barra ...
9/10 Wonderful! (517 reviews)
"Hotel boutique en casa antigua reciclada muy bonito y recomendable en su relación calidad/precio!!! Excelente ubicación caminando a principales atractivos de Pelourinho, cuarto pequeño pero confortable para un par de noches, desayuno artesanal destacable muy rico, y personal de recepción muy amable. ..."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

Bahiacafe Hotel
Rede Concept Hotel Salvador

Rede Concept Hotel Salvador

3.5 out of 5
1207 Rua Doutor Augusto Lopes, Stiep, Salvador, BA
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Salvador Shopping Mall and Farol da Barra ...
7.8/10 Good! (893 reviews)
"Gym is broken. Don’t book for gym. Pool is nice. Rooms are good."

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

Rede Concept Hotel Salvador
Quality Hotel & Suites São Salvador

Quality Hotel & Suites São Salvador

3.5 out of 5
Rua Doutor Jose Peroba, 244, Salvador, BA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$115 per night from 31 Oct to 1 Nov
AU$115
31 Oct - 1 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"They have a great breakfast buffet."

Reviewed on 20 July 2025

Quality Hotel & Suites São Salvador
Rede Andrade Express

Rede Andrade Express

3.5 out of 5
Rua Conde da Castanheira, 269, Amaralina, Salvador, BA
The price is AU$42 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
AU$42
17 Nov - 18 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the overall value in our reviews. Popular ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,037 reviews)
"An average place to stay for a night or two"

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2024

Rede Andrade Express
Wyndham Salvador Hangar Aeroporto

Wyndham Salvador Hangar Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Avenida Luís Viana Filho 13223, Salvador, BA
The price is AU$107 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
AU$107
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (784 reviews)
"Front desk staff is awesome- very helpful"

Reviewed on 3 Sept 2025

Wyndham Salvador Hangar Aeroporto
Sotero Hotel

Sotero Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Rua Dr. José Peroba 97 - Stiep, Salvador, Bahia
The price is AU$90 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
AU$90
7 Nov - 8 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,013 reviews)
"Lovely staff , nice room and a good pool"

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Sotero Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Pelourinho

Salvador which includes street scenes, night scenes and heritage architecture

Salvador Centro

If you're spending some time in Salvador Centro, Castro Alves Square and Lacerda Elevator are top sights worth seeing.

Salvador Centro
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Graça

If you're spending some time in Graça, Circuito de Cinema - Sala de Arte and Carlos Costa Pinto Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Graça
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Ondina

Ondina is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ondina Beach and Salvador Zoo.

Ondina
Farol da Barra Beach which includes general coastal views, a sunset and a coastal town

Barra

Barra is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Barra Shopping Mall or Farol da Barra Beach.

Barra
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Rio Vermelho

Unique features of Rio Vermelho include the beaches and restaurants. Make a stop by Paciencia Beach or Rio Vermelho Beach while you're exploring the area.

Rio Vermelho
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Caminho das Arvores

Caminho das Arvores is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Shopping da Bahia and Salvador Shopping Mall.

Caminho das Arvores


Pelourinho Travel Guide

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