Family-Friendly Adventures in Salvador, Bahia!

Carlos Costa Pinto Museum (Museu Carlos Costa Pinto)

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Carlos Costa Pinto Museum

Good morning! Get ready for a delightful day of culture and fun at the Carlos Costa Pinto Museum located in Salvador, Bahia. This museum is a gem hiding in plain sight, offering an extensive collection of decorative arts and an intriguing glimpse into the 19th-century lifestyle of Bahia"s wealthy families.

Getting There

The Museum is conveniently situated in the Vitória neighborhood, a picturesque area of Salvador. You can easily reach it by taxi or bus from most parts of the city. If you’re driving, there’s available parking nearby.

Morning Visit

Start your tour when doors open at 2 PM. The museum, housed in a stunning mansion, showcases pieces made from gold, silver, and precious stones—perfect to spark the imaginations of young treasure hunters! Not to be missed is the collection of "azulejos" (Portuguese ceramic tiles), which tell stories through their designs, engaging both kids and adults.

Interactive Fun

After exploring the main exhibits, join the museum"s interactive guide session specifically designed for families. Children can engage in a treasure hunt that includes finding specific items and answering fun questions. This activity is both educational and exciting, ensuring the kids are entertained while they learn.

Lunch Break

For lunch, head to the nearby Cafélier for some local flavors. Enjoy a relaxing meal with views of the charming neighborhood.

Afternoon Stroll

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk through the Corredor da Vitória. Admire the scenic views and the colonial architecture. If you’re up for more, the Palacete das Artes, a small but enchanting gallery, is just a 10-minute walk away and offers more artistic treasures without overwhelming the little ones.

End Your Day

Wrap up your visit with some gelato from Cubana, just around the corner, before heading back to your accommodation. Enjoy these sweet treats as you reflect on a day well spent soaking in the rich culture and history of Salvador.

This perfectly paced itinerary combines education with excitement, making your family trip to Carlos Costa Pinto Museum a memorable adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Itaparica Island (Ilha de Itaparica)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Itaparica Island (Ilha de Itaparica)

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

*Morning:*

- Start your adventure by catching a ferry from Salvador’s São Joaquim Terminal to Itaparica Island; the ferry ride itself is an exciting 1-hour journey, offering beautiful views of All Saints Bay.

- Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take some time to settle in and enjoy a beachfront brunch.

*Afternoon:*

- Head to Fonte da Bica, Itaparica’s famous healing spring. Located in the town center and known for its mineral-rich water, it’s a great spot for a relaxing family picnic.

- Afterwards, visit the historical Church of Saint Lawrence (Igreja de São Lourenço), marveling at its colonial architecture and learning about its rich history dating back to the 17th century.

*Evening:*

- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Bahian cuisine such as Moqueca (a delicious fish stew) and Acarajé (fried bean balls).

Day 2: Nature and Culture

*Morning:*

- After breakfast, take a short boat trip to the nearby coral reefs for snorkeling. Experience the vibrant underwater life that makes this region a magical place for both adults and children.

*Afternoon:*

- Post-lunch, explore the quaint village of Amoreiras, witnessing the traditional pottery making, and perhaps try your hands on clay with local artisans.

- Visit Praia do Forte, where the kids can play on the beach while adults relax by the scenic shore.

*Evening:*

- Wrap up your trip with a visit to the solar do Unhão, a historic sugar mill turned into a cultural center. Enjoy the sunset from this picturesque location.

Departure Day

- Take an early morning walk along the beach before catching the ferry back to Salvador, filled with memorable experiences and beautiful photos.

This itinerary offers a blend of relaxation, culture, and adventure, ensuring that every family member has an unforgettable visit to Itaparica Island.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Salvador Mercado Modelo

Why Visit?

An exciting day awaits your family at Salvador’s Mercado Modelo, a vibrant hub of culture and history located in the bustling Comércio district. This famous market is not just a shopping destination; it"s a dive into the heart of Bahian culture.

Morning Arrival

Start your day early by taking a taxi or bus to the Mercado Modelo. Located by the bay, it is easily accessible and a perfect starting point for exploring Salvador. As you approach, the building’s striking yellow facade sets the scene for a day full of discovery.

Explore Mercado Modelo

Enter the market around 9 am to avoid the crowds. The Mercado Modelo is home to over 250 stalls, offering everything from handcrafted goods to traditional Bahian foods. It’s a fantastic place for your family to pick up souvenirs like colorful hammocks or hand-woven baskets. Engage with local artisans for a personal touch and maybe even see them in action.

Cultural Insight

Dive into the history by visiting the small museum inside the market. You’ll learn about the market’s past as a customs house and its importance to Salvador’s economy. The lower level of the market, once used as a warehouse, was a holding area for enslaved Africans, adding a poignant touch to your visit.

Lunch Break

Around noon, treat your family to a traditional Bahian meal at one of the nearby restaurants. Delight in regional dishes like moqueca (a flavorful seafood stew) or acarajé (fried bean cakes), both bursting with local spices and flavors.

Afternoon Stroll to Elevador Lacerda

After lunch, take a short walk to the nearby Elevador Lacerda, one of Salvador’s most iconic landmarks. For a few cents per person, ride this historic elevator which connects the Lower City (where Mercado Modelo is located) with the Upper City, offering breathtaking views of the All Saints Bay.

End your day by exploring the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of the Pelourinho district, just a short stroll from the top of the elevator. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides a picturesque end to an unforgettable day in Salvador.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda)

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family day out in Salvador, Bahia, starting with the iconic Lacerda Elevator (Elevador Lacerda), a historic urban elevator that offers breathtaking views of the All Saints Bay.

Morning: Visit Lacerda Elevator

Start your morning by heading to Praça Municipal, the city"s historic center, where the Lacerda Elevator is prominently located. The elevator connects the lower city (Cidade Baixa) to the upper city (Cidade Alta) and rises to a height of 72 meters. Tickets are very affordable, costing around 0.15 BRL, making it accessible for a family outing. Take your time to enjoy the panoramic views from the top, which are especially stunning at sunrise.

Interesting Fact: The Laceradio Elevator was initially powered by water when it opened in 1873 and was converted to electric in 1906. It carries an average of 28,000 people per day!

Midday: Explore Pelourinho

Just a short walk from where you exit the elevator in Cidade Alta, explore the historic neighborhood of Pelourinho. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets, and vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the local restaurants offering traditional Bahian cuisine.

Afternoon: Model Market (Mercado Modelo)

Take the elevator back down to Cidade Baixa and visit the nearby Mercado Modelo, just a five-minute walk from the base station. This bustling market is a perfect spot to shop for souvenirs, from handcrafted goods to tasty Bahian treats. It"s also a great place for kids to learn about local crafts and culture.

Tip: Keep an eye out for live performances by local musicians and capoeira dancers in the market area, providing entertainment and a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of Salvador.

This itinerary offers a blend of breathtaking views, cultural immersion, and fun, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family in Salvador.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pelourinho

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary in Pelourinho, Salvador

Morning: Historical Exploration

- Start at São Francisco Church and Convent

- How to Get There: Located in the heart of Pelourinho, easily accessible by taxi or bus.

- What to See: Admire the stunning Baroque architecture and the opulent gold-leafed interior. This church is a magnificent introduction to the historical wealth of Pelourinho.

- Fun Fact: The church is known for its intricate wooden carvings covered in gold, exemplifying the grandeur of colonial Brazil.

- Visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum

- How to Get There: A short walk from São Francisco Church.

- What to See: Explore artifacts that showcase the African influence on Brazilian culture, crucial for understanding the diverse heritage of Salvador.

- Interactive Element: Kids can participate in a percussion workshop usually available on-site, offering a hands-on musical experience.

Lunch: Local Cuisine at a Family-Friendly Restaurant

- Pelô Bistrô

- Location: Central Pelourinho, easy walk from most attractions.

- Dining Tip: Try the moqueca, a traditional Bahian seafood stew, perfect for sharing.

Afternoon: Cultural Immersion

- Casa do Carnaval Museum

- How to Get There: Walking distance from the lunch spot.

- What to See: Dive into the world of Brazilian Carnival through vibrant displays and interactive exhibits.

- Fun Fact: The museum is uniquely dedicated to the history and ongoing traditions of Carnival in Brazil.

- Explore the Colorful Streets

- Activity: Finish the day with a stroll through the picturesque Pelourinho streets. The area is known for its pastel-colored colonial buildings and cobblestone alleys.

- Photo Op: Be sure to capture the famous Largo do Pelourinho, the square made famous by Michael Jackson’s “They Don"t Care About Us” video.

Evening: Enjoy a Local Performance

- Balé Folclórico da Bahia Show

- How to Get There: Check for performances in local theaters around Pelourinho.

- Experience: Witness a mesmerizing performance of traditional Bahian dance and music.

- Family Tip: The vibrant costumes and energetic dances captivate children and adults alike, a perfect cultural cap to your day in Pelourinho.

This itinerary combines education, culture, and fun, ensuring that your family"s visit to Pelourinho is both memorable and enriching!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.