The Museu do Saneamento Embasa holds the pulse of Salvador’s urban evolution—where century-old pipes and vintage water towers tell the story of how water shaped a city. Step inside and you’re flipping through a living history book; watch sunlight dance on antique valves, and suddenly realize: the flow we take for granted was once revolutionary.




















Everything you need to know about Museu do Saneamento Embasa
Hotel Solar da Barra is a top recommendation, located just 1.5 km from Museu do Saneamento Embasa in historic downtown Salvador. This boutique hotel blends colonial architecture with modern comforts, offering free Wi-Fi, private balconies, and authentic Bahian cuisine.
The property provides guided tours that delve into the region’s water sanitation history and community development—perfect for cultural immersion. Guests can easily reach the museum on foot or by electric bike, making it ideal for exploring nearby landmarks like Igreja de São Francisco and Plaza da Sé.
Its central location also grants access to vibrant street markets and live music venues, enhancing the overall Salvador experience.
The most convenient option is renting an electric scooter or HopeGoo an Uber, taking about 10 minutes from downtown Salvador. For public transit, take the BRT Metrobus to the "Barra" station and walk approximately 15 minutes to the museum.
Some tour buses also pass through the area, ideal for day-trippers. The museum has a dedicated parking lot, but non-drivers are encouraged to use eco-friendly transport.
On weekends, the museum offers guided shuttle services led by knowledgeable staff, providing insights into Bahia’s public sanitation evolution and innovative infrastructure projects.
The museum features immersive interactive exhibits using touchscreens and virtual reality (VR) to simulate water supply and wastewater treatment across Bahia state. Don’t miss the "Journey of Water" guided tour, where experts lead visitors through scaled models of underground pipelines and purification plants, revealing how Salvador combats seasonal droughts and urbanization pressures.
Monthly community workshops invite locals to participate in sustainable water design challenges, showcasing student innovations. Visitors can even build their own mini water filter as a keepsake.
These hands-on activities blend education with engagement, fostering public awareness and appreciation for critical infrastructure.
Just a short walk away lies Barra da Tijuca Beach, known for its clean sands and seaside pavilions—perfect for relaxation and photography. A 15-minute stroll leads to Catedral de São José, a striking Neo-Gothic cathedral adorned with colorful stained glass.
Nearby, Mercado Modelo is a vibrant traditional market selling local crafts, spices, and fresh tropical fruits. Visit in the afternoon to combine a museum afternoon tour with a pop-up food festival at the market.
This combination offers a rich taste of Salvador’s daily life, culture, and community spirit.
Stay at Hotel Avenida, a boutique hotel just a 5-minute walk from Museu do Saneamento Embasa. It offers modern amenities, sea-view rooms overlooking the Bay of Salvador, and excellent service. Located in the city center, it’s ideal for exploring nearby cultural sites like Pelourinho and provides easy access to public transport and dining options. The hotel features an on-site restaurant and free Wi-Fi, making it a top choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience.
After visiting Museu do Saneamento Embasa, stroll to Pelourinho Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with colonial-era architecture and vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Enjoy a hands-on samba workshop, sample authentic street food like acarajé, or admire public art installations that highlight the city’s water infrastructure evolution. These immersive experiences blend history, art, and local life, offering a rich understanding of Salvador’s identity.
Take bus lines 120 or 145 to the Cidade Baixa stop—just a 8-minute walk from Museu do Saneamento Embasa. Alternatively, use Uber or Buzios Taxi for a 10-minute ride (~15 BRL). The museum is centrally located with ample parking and pedestrian access, ensuring easy and convenient transportation for independent travelers exploring the city.
Yes, visit Parque da Cidade, a short 10-minute walk away, featuring playgrounds, shaded walking paths, and outdoor performance stages hosting children’s events. Nearby, the Igreja de São Francisco boasts stunning Baroque interiors perfect for kids’ curiosity. The museum itself offers guided tours and interactive exhibits, making it an engaging educational stop for families interested in water resource management and sustainable urban development.
Head to Mercado Modelo, just 1.2 km away, one of Salvador’s most iconic markets. Try Vatapá (coconut-based mashed dish), Moqueca de Peixe (fish stew), and fresh mango juice from local stalls. For sit-down dining, Restaurante Ouro Verde serves creative Brazilian cuisine, including their famous Feijoada com farofa (black bean stew with toasted cassava). All dishes use locally sourced ingredients, delivering authentic flavors at affordable prices.
Museu do Saneamento Embasa is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Admission is free, though guided tours are recommended and available upon reservation. The museum features touch-screen exhibits, historical film screenings, and a gift shop. Multilingual brochures in English and Portuguese are provided, making it an excellent destination for visitors interested in Brazil’s public health and infrastructure history.
See what other travelers say about Museu do Saneamento Embasa

I was truly impressed by this pousada. It's incredibly convenient, just a short walk from top attractions like Pelourinho—perfect for exploring on foot. The staff went above and beyond with their warm welcome and excellent service. The lobby is spotless, well-organized, and welcoming. I was genuinely taken care of—I even got helpful suggestions for local sights and activities. The attention to detail and hospitality made my stay feel personal and memorable. Definitely a standout choice in Salvador.

The Fiesta Bahia Hotel exceeded my expectations in many ways—great location, friendly staff, and a very comfortable stay overall. However, the breakfast was a letdown for a 5-star property. I was expecting more variety and basic items like warm sandwiches or cheese bread, but those were completely missing. It felt disappointing considering the hotel's high rating. Still, the room was clean, spacious, and well-maintained, and the service was attentive throughout. With a few improvements to the breakfast offering, this place could easily be top-tier. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for value and comfort in Salvador.

Absolutely loved every single aspect of this hotel! From the moment I arrived, the staff made me feel welcome with warm smiles and efficient service. The building itself is well-maintained and stylish, with a great vibe throughout. Breakfast was outstanding—freshly baked pastries, local treats, and a wide variety of options that kept me energized all day. The location is perfect for exploring Salvador; it's close to attractions and public transport, making it super convenient. With such excellent value and top-notch hospitality, I can't recommend this place enough. Would book again in a heartbeat!

Staying at Pousada Baluarte was an absolute delight from start to finish. The location is perfect—right in the heart of Salvador, steps away from local shops, restaurants, and attractions, making it easy to explore the city without hassle. The property itself is beautifully designed with a warm, welcoming vibe—clean, well-organized, and thoughtfully decorated. Our room was cozy, quiet, and spotless, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. Breakfast was one of the highlights: fresh, delicious, and full of variety—from homemade pastries and local jams to aromatic coffee and tropical fruits. It felt like a true home-cooked start to the day. Zelinda, the host, went above and beyond with her kindness and attention. She made us feel right at home, always available with helpful tips and a smile. This place truly delivers on comfort, charm, and hospitality. I can’t recommend it highly enough—perfect for travelers who value authenticity and a personal touch.

Staying at Pousada Esmeralda was an absolute delight. Located just steps away from the historic center of Salvador, it's incredibly easy to explore on foot or by Uber and taxi. Nathalie and Marco, our hosts, were warm, welcoming, and went above and beyond with their hospitality—offering thoughtful recommendations and making us feel right at home. The breakfast was delicious and fresh, a perfect start to each day. Every detail, from the cozy rooms to the quiet ambiance, showed real care. This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a genuine homely retreat in a vibrant city. I highly recommend this hidden gem!

I had an absolutely wonderful stay at Quality Hotel & Suítes São Salvador! The service was exceptional—staff were friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. Breakfast was nothing short of amazing: fresh, diverse, and full of delicious options that made every morning a treat. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring Salvador, with easy access to public transit and nearby attractions. It’s rare to find such comfort, quality, and hospitality all in one place. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the city. Definitely coming back!

My stay at Mercure Salvador Pituba was absolutely fantastic! The hotel is perfectly located—just a short walk from the metro and close to restaurants, shops, and local attractions. The room was spotless, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout my visit, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. Breakfast was a highlight—freshly brewed coffee, a wide variety of pastries, fruits, and hot options. It really set the tone for each day. Great value for money and an excellent choice for anyone visiting Salvador. I’d definitely come back and recommend it to fellow travelers.

Staying at Pousada Solar Dos Deuses was an absolute highlight of my trip to Salvador! The staff were incredibly welcoming and always ready to help—whether it was recommending local spots or sorting out travel tips, they went above and beyond. The location is perfect: just a short walk from the main attractions and public transport, making it super easy to explore the city without hassle. The atmosphere strikes the ideal balance between peaceful and vibrant, and the overall value for money is outstanding. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Salvador.

The hotel is perfectly located—just a short walk from the city center and easily accessible by public transit. The breakfast was excellent, with a great selection of fresh pastries, coffee that tasted like it was brewed just for me, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's clear the team cares about guest experience. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Salvador.

My stay was absolutely fantastic! The host, Josy, was incredibly polite, attentive, and thoughtful—she shared so many helpful tips that made our trip much more enjoyable. The apartment was spotless and perfectly organized, making everything feel comfortable and welcoming. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Salvador. I’m already planning my return trip!

The breakfast was absolutely excellent—especially the fish-shaped towels, which added a fun and unique touch. The room was spotlessly clean, and the staff were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout our stay. While the shower water wasn’t always hot enough, it didn’t detract much from the overall experience. The front desk and breakfast team went above and beyond with their hospitality. Located just steps from the metro, getting around Salvador is super convenient. A great value for the quality, and I’d definitely book again.

The staff at Casa Petunia Pousada Boutique were incredibly welcoming and friendly—truly made our stay feel special. The breakfast was delicious and well-prepared, with fresh local touches that added a nice touch to the morning. Just a 200-meter walk to the beach, making it super convenient for those who love hitting the sand early or late in the day. The vibe here is effortlessly chill—perfect for unwinding after a long journey. The neighborhood feels safe, especially during daylight hours, and even in the evening, we never felt uneasy. It’s rare to find such a peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere in a city like Salvador. This place offers comfort, charm, and great value—all wrapped up in a cozy, authentic Brazilian experience. Would absolutely stay again.
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