Best Places to Stay in Salvador, Brazil: Budget Guide

From the Tuesday night parades in the historic core to sunset at Gamboa Beach, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Salvador, Brazil.

I spent a few days here during a three-week solo trip through Brazil, and let me tell you — Salvador has a one-of-a-kind energy. You’ll feel it while wandering through Pelourinho’s cobblestone streets, watching street performers play the drums and capoeira, and while scouring out the best moqueca and acarajé (if you’ve read Tess the Traveler before, you probably already know I’m obsessed with the food here).

Whether you’re looking to soak up Salvador’s history, to experience the best of the city’s nightlife, or just looking for a relaxing place to recharge — where you stay here matters. 

To help you plan the most ✨ magical ✨ trip, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Salvador, Brazil. You’ll find hostels, pousadas (local inns), and hotels across top neighborhoods like Pelourinho, Santo Antônio, Barra, and Rio Vermelho — all safe, walkable, and perfect for tourists.

As a forever budget traveler who’s been to Brazil a handful of times, I’ve included a range of affordable options — all under $150 a night when I checked. (Prices change, so no angry comments if they creep up later!)

Each spot is handpicked to help you experience Salvador at its best — whether that means easy beach access, incredible views, or a vibe that’ll make you want to move here. I only recommend places I’d stay in myself: well-located, well-reviewed, and offering real value.

Where to Stay in Pelourinho

This is where I stayed, and I would 100% recommend it, especially if it’s your first time in Salvador. 

This is the historic core, i.e. where you’ll see those gorgeous buildings Salvador’s become known for, cobblestone streets and the best of Salvador’s sightseeing. It’s also an amazing place to soak in local culture, from the baiana women selling delicious local dishes like acaraje, street performers playing the drums or capoeira, to art galleries, and places to eat. 

Stay here for: Lots of sightseeing and culture, food options, safety

Nearby Sightseeing: Historic churches, Praça da Sé square, Casa do Carnival, Afro-Brazilian History Museum, art galleries, live music, capoeira performances

Budget: Hostel Galeria 13

Let’s start off with where I stayed!

I’ll admit that I came to Salvador for the last few days of a three-week trip. So, I was feeling pretty tired and introverted by this point and I didn’t really take advantage of the social atmosphere here. 

With a private room that was pretty spacious, I felt like I had the space to recharge, but I definitely noticed plenty of opportunities to be social here, like with free caipirinhas every afternoon, and I always saw people hanging out together when I’d come or go.

But the real winner? The breakfast. I’m not exaggerating when I say this was probably the best hostel breakfast I’ve ever had. Made-to-order eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit — not your typical dry toast and coffee hostel breakfast.

It’s a pretty basic accommodation apart from that, but if you’re on a budget and looking for great value and location, this is it! I also felt really safe walking to and from this hostel, even at night.

🥂 Free daily caipirinhas, the best hostel breakfast I’ve ever had, and a prime Pelourinho location — this hostel’s got it all. 

Mid-priced: Bahiacafé Hotel

This one was on my short list before I booked Galeria 13 — and honestly, if I’d had a bit more room in my budget at the time, this is probably where I would’ve stayed.

For a cozy boutique hotel right in the heart of Salvador’s historic core, this is it. Located in an 18th century historic building, literally steps from the iconic Praça da Sé square, Bahiacafé Hotel has everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay. 

With your room, you also get free breakfast, not to mention other amenities like a spa. 

Reviews are high across the board, and is an 8.9 on Booking.com with nearly 1,700 reviews. The kind staff and the perfect location make this spot an especially great choice for your time in Salvador.

Most reviewers rave about the cozy vibe and the helpful staff. If you’re looking for something more private than a hostel, but still affordable and local-feeling, this is a solid option.

🛁 Want boutique charm with spa perks and a historic vibe? Book Bahiacafé Hotel for comfort in Salvador’s cultural heart.

Luxury: Pousada Solar dos Deuses

This hotel is so beautiful, it’s definitely at the top of my list for next time. It’s a boutique hotel in a historic building, and I love the colorful walls, how big and airy the rooms seem, and the thoughtful styling. (All the art is dedicated to local Afro-Brazilian culture, which is a really cool touch).

Some room options also include a breakfast (which past guests love), and reviews are high across the board, especially when it comes to the staff. Keep in mind that this hotel is located right in the main square, which is great for access to sightseeing and food options, but there can be some noise at night if there’s an event going on.

🛏️ Looking for colorful design, cultural flair, and top-tier hospitality? Book Pousada Solar dos Deuses for an unforgettable Salvador stay.

Where to Stay in Santo Antônio

Want all the perks of Pelourinho but would rather be a bit more tucked away from the crowds? Enter Santo Antônio. You still feel right in the heart of Salvador with access to all of its history and culture, but it feels a bit more residential. 

It’s still technically in the historic part of the city — in fact, it’s actually one of the oldest neighborhoods in Salvador. But, you’re about a 10-minute walk away from the main tourist hub in Pelourinho. In recent years, it’s started to gain a reputation for being more “bohemian” and artsy, and you’ll see various artsy shops, galleries, and cultural institutions here. There are also a ton of great restaurants in this area.

Stay here for: More local feel, proximity to touristy areas, artsy vibe

Nearby Sightseeing: Pelourinho, Zumví Afro Photographic Archive, Museum of the Sea – Aleixo Belov

Budget: Casa Almeida

I could talk endlessly about how being on a budget doesn’t have to mean sacrificing any comfort, and this is a great example! At the time of writing, private bedrooms — complete with your own bathroom, A/C, breakfast, and a view — and under $40! And if you’re wondering “what’s the catch?” don’t you worry — it’s rated a 9.2 on Booking.com with nearly 400 reviews, so you can trust that most travelers have had an awesome experience here.

Past guests particularly point out the amazing breakfast, the great location, and the really friendly and helpful staff.

🌅 Want boutique charm on a backpacker’s budget? Casa Almeida gives you comfort and killer views. 

Mid-Priced: Pousada Beija Flor

Ok, this one may be my favorite out of all these options. This seriously looks like the most relaxing spot. I’m obsessed with the tiling, and you can’t do better than the ocean view here. This pousada (which is basically like an inn, in case you were wondering), has lots of charm while still feeling cozy. 

The included breakfast also looks so good — and the reviews confirm it is, while also raving about the staff, location, and all-around atmosphere.

🌊 Ocean views, charming tilework, and cozy vibes — Book this dreamy hideaway in Santo Antônio before it fills up.

Luxury: Pousada Des Arts

Majestic is the only word I can think of when using these pictures. It definitely stands out from the typical style you’ll see in Salvador, but I love how elegant this pousada looks. Rooms are all colorful and thoughtfully designed with local art, and nothing feels more luxurious to me than these high ceilings. Plus, you get another incredible ocean view here!

According to some reviewers, it’s even prettier than the photos! Past guests also share how kind and helpful the staff is, how delicious the included breakfast is, and how the location is great. You have access to lots of restaurants and Salvador’s charm, and most guests say the location is still quiet at nighttime. Personally, I’m sold!

And even though this spot is more luxurious, prices are still super reasonable, starting at $78 for one person in a double room, at the time of writing.

🎨 Guests say it’s even more beautiful than the photos — experience Pousada Des Arts and see for yourself!

Where to Stay in Barra

After Pelourinho, this is probably the next most popular area for tourists, and one of the best areas to stay in Salvador. You’re right on the water, so it’s the perfect home base for anyone to maximize their beach time (Porto da Barra and Praia do Farol da Barra are the two beaches in this neighborhood). 

It’s more on the touristy side and doesn’t have the same historic feel as Pelourinho or Santo Antônio, but is a really good option for beach lovers or travelers who prioritize safety first and foremost. 

Keep in mind that the neighborhood is divided into two sides, which are connected by a seafront esplanade. You’ll be about a 20-minute Uber ride from Pelourinho, and if you want to check out the nightlife in Rio Vermelho, that’ll be just a short drive away.

Stay here for: beach access, Barra Lighthouse, Barra Shopping Mall

Nearby Sightseeing: apart from Barra Lighthouse, will have to Uber to sightseeing

Budget: Hostel Barra

If your dream Salvador stay involves rolling out of bed and being steps from the beach, Hostel Barra is hard to beat. Located just a short walk from the Farol da Barra lighthouse and one of the city’s most swimmable beaches, this is a great pick for travelers who want a laid-back vibe with ocean access.

While I didn’t stay here personally, I was this close to booking it. It’s known for its super friendly staff and walkable location, plus several reviewers mentioned they felt safe staying here solo.

The hostel offers both dorms (including female-only, male-only, and mixed) and private rooms, which is a huge plus if you want more privacy without blowing your budget.

🏖️ Steps from the beach with A/C and breakfast included — Hostel Barra is perfect for solo travelers on a budget.

Mid-priced: Casa Petunia Pousada Boutique

This cozy spot is just a five minute walk from the beautiful Farol da Barra beach, and has amenities like an included breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, and two terraces. The decor and style immediately stuck out to me — apparently, all the furniture was picked up in Bali where the owners used to live!

Past guests all rave about the breakfast (one review literally said to prepare for the best breakfast of your life) and amazing atmosphere, which is largely thanks to the hospitality of the staff. “Staying here is like staying in a friend’s stylish Bahia home,” one past guest said on Booking.com.

🌺 With Bali-style decor and a 5-star breakfast, Casa Petunia feels like a stylish friend’s home by the beach.

Luxury: Monte Pascoal Praia Hotel Salvador

If you’re looking for a hotel that pulls out all the stops, this is it. Located right on the beach, you get features like an included breakfast buffet, an onsite restaurant, and a pool at this 4-star hotel. Every room comes with a balcony, meaning you get to really soak up the awesome view, which includes the beach and the famous Barra Lighthouse.

For anyone with any doubt if the price point is worth it, take it from the over 1,600 positive reviews. With an impressive 9.0 on Booking.com, past guests say the location is top notch, the staff is amazing, and the included breakfast is delicious. 

🌅 With a beachside pool, restaurant, and lighthouse views, this hotel is everything you want in a Salvador escape.

Where to Stay in Rio Vermelho

If you’re wondering where to stay in Salvador to experience the best food and nightlife, then Rio Vermelho is for you. There are a ton of restaurants and bars in this area, and it’s always really lively, with live music and street food vendors. It’s also supposedly the best place in the city to try acarajés — a Bahian street food made of fried black eyed pea fritters, and stuffed with a spicy shrimp mixture. 

From here, it’ll be a 15 to 20-minute drive to Pelourinho, and about 10 minutes away from Barra, where the nicer beaches are. 

Stay here for: nightlife, a more local atmosphere

Nearby Sightseeing: A Casa do Rio Vermelho, the former home of the famous local writer Jorge Amado, and A Casa de Yemanjá, a house of worship dedicated to Yemanjá, who rules over water in African Brazilian religions. 

Budget: Hostel Recanto da Paciência

Accommodations rated above a 9.0 on Booking.com with lots of reviews always catch my eye, so when I noticed this spot, a 9.1 with nearly 1,000 ratings, and it’s super budget-friendly — you know I had to immediately click on it! 

The catch here is that yes, it is a bunk bed in a shared dorm, but for under $20 a night, I think that’s pretty reasonable. It’s also only four to six people to a room, and there are woman-only options, which I think is the best cast scenario in shared dorm situations. 

You’re not going to get any frills like free breakfast (it’s apparently available though for an affordable price, according to reviews), but you’re right on the beach, and each room has its own bathroom. So again, for under $20 a night, I think that’s a pretty great deal! Lots of past guests comment on how clean the hostel is, how the staff is kind and friendly, and how the location feels safe, with lots of access to restaurants, and again, the beach.

🌃 Right by the beach and under $20 a night — this hostel is a dream for budget travelers who want it all.

Mid-priced: Pousada e Hostel Chez Marianne

This cute and cozy hostel looks like such great value — located right on the beach, you get breakfast for free (that past guests all say is amazing and comes with lots of different options), private bathrooms, and a shared lounge with a pool table if you’re looking for somewhere to hang out and relax. 

There are dorm beds if you’re on a lower budget, but the private rooms would be my choice. Reviewers point out how it’s clean, comfortable, and has a welcoming and helpful staff, and again, everyone’s talking about how great the breakfast is here.

🏖️ Relaxed vibes, private rooms, and unbeatable location — Chez Marianne makes Salvador feel like home.

Luxury: Mercure Salvador Rio Vermelho

The gorgeous beach photos immediately got my attention here, not to mention its nearly 2,000 positive ratings. Even though Rio Vermelho is an area focused on nightlife, this 4-star beachside hotel looks like the perfect place to recharge and relax from your busy Salvador itinerary, whether it’s relaxing at the beach nearby or hanging out at the hotel pool. 

You also get a poolside bar, an onsite restaurant, and gym. Some room options include breakfast. The guests all especially love the location and the staff!

🌊 Poolside cocktails + oceanfront views = Mercure Rio Vermelho, your luxe escape in Salvador’s nightlife hub.