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

Staying at Vila Barra Porto was one of the best decisions I made during my trip to Salvador. The location is unbeatable—everything you’d want is within walking distance, from local restaurants and shops to iconic sights. The property itself is spotless, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed to make guests feel at home. But what truly sets it apart is Tarsila, the owner. If you’re lucky enough to meet her, you’ll enjoy one of the most genuine and insightful conversations you’ve had in Bahia. Her local recommendations are gold—authentic, practical, and full of personality. This isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a real experience. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Salvador.

We stayed at Pousada do Pilar with a group during our trip to Brazil, and it was an unforgettable experience. The place has a unique charm with its wooden staircases and simple yet clean rooms. What truly stood out was the warm hospitality of the owners—they made us feel right at home. The highlight was definitely the breakfast on the rooftop, where we enjoyed a panoramic view of the ocean. Everything was prepared by hand—from delicious fruit cakes to freshly squeezed juices—each bite full of care and flavor. It’s not just a stay; it’s a genuine taste of Brazilian warmth and authenticity. A must-visit for anyone looking for something special.

Staying at Aquarena Hotel in Salvador was an absolute delight. The location is fantastic—just a short walk from the city center and easily accessible by public transit. The hotel itself is spotless, with brand-new facilities and cozy, well-designed rooms that feel both modern and welcoming. Every detail, from the comfortable beds to the thoughtful touches in the decor, makes for a relaxing stay. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall atmosphere felt warm and inviting. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Salvador—whether for business or leisure. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and value. Definitely a top pick.

Staying at Hotel Porto Da Barra was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and easily accessible by public transit. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive, always maintaining a safe, clean environment with proper distancing and mask usage. Our room was spotless, fresh-smelling, and well-maintained throughout our stay. We didn’t have breakfast since we left early in the morning, but even without that, the value for money was outstanding. For comfort, cleanliness, and convenience, this hotel truly delivers on every level—highly recommend it to anyone visiting Salvador.

This hotel doesn’t actually exist—there’s nothing but construction barriers blocking the entire property. I booked through the platform, only to find out it’s completely closed and abandoned. It’s really misleading that this listing is still active. I’d strongly recommend travelers and locals alike to leave feedback to warn others—don’t get caught like I did. The lack of updates and transparency is disappointing, especially when you’re relying on accurate info for your trip. This place should be taken down from the site.

I absolutely loved my stay at Suites do Meson in Salvador! The location is perfect—just a short walk from the metro and surrounded by great local restaurants and shops. The room was spotless, cozy, and very well-appointed with everything I needed. The staff went above and beyond with their warm, friendly service—always smiling, helpful, and attentive. Breakfast was an absolute highlight: fresh, diverse, and full of local flavors. I didn’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy a delicious morning meal. It’s rare to find such a reliable, comfortable, and welcoming place, especially at this price point. I’ll definitely be returning on my next trip to Salvador—and I’ve already recommended it to friends.

The stay at this hotel was absolutely fantastic! The room was quiet and well-insulated, making it a peaceful retreat after a day exploring Salvador. Breakfast was delicious and varied—especially loved the local pastries and fresh fruit. Location-wise, it's incredibly convenient: just a short walk to Salvador Shopping and right next to the metro station, so getting around town is a breeze. I originally booked a standard room, but due to an issue with the air conditioning, the staff kindly upgraded me to a larger suite with two TVs, a comfortable sofa, and a dining table—way more spacious and enjoyable than expected. The team was attentive and efficient in handling the change without any hassle. Overall, the service, comfort, and value for money were outstanding. I’d definitely recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Salvador—great experience from start to finish.

Staying at Pousada Bahia Morena was an absolute highlight of our trip to Salvador. The warmth and genuine hospitality truly set this place apart—especially Roberto, who welcomed us with such kindness and humility, even on short notice. We were a family of five exploring Salvador, and without a doubt, this pousada was our best choice. The breakfast view is breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the entire city—rich in history, color, and charm. Location-wise, it’s perfect for tourists: all major attractions are within walking distance, making sightseeing effortless and enjoyable. One thing to note for guests with mobility concerns: request a ground-floor or street-level room in advance, as there’s no elevator and several flights of stairs lead up to the rooms. That said, every other aspect of the stay was exceptional. Huge thanks to the team at Pousada Bahia Morena and to everyone in Salvador for creating such a memorable experience—we’ll be back!

My stay at Love Story Hotel (Adult Only) in Salvador, Brazil was extremely disappointing. The bed was incredibly uncomfortable, the shower provided only cold water—no hot water at all—which made for a very unpleasant experience. To make matters worse, there was no internet connection in the room, which was a major inconvenience for me. I requested a discount, but was told it wasn’t possible. I also asked about upgrading to a better room, but that was denied too. In the end, we were stuck with just one bed and no comfort whatsoever. The entire experience felt underwhelming and poorly managed. For the price and location, this hotel simply doesn’t deliver. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.

The Hotel Dom Passos is incredibly convenient, located right in the heart of Salvador. I was impressed by how easy it was to access public transportation and nearby attractions—everything was just a short walk away. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, making my stay comfortable and stress-free. The hotel exceeded my expectations in terms of location, cleanliness, and service. It's an ideal base for exploring the city, and I’d definitely stay here again. Highly recommend for travelers looking for a central, well-located, and welcoming place to stay.

Staying at Porto das Palmeiras Hostel was an absolute delight! The atmosphere felt so welcoming and homely—like coming home after a long day. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ready to help, making the whole experience feel personal and warm. I loved how close it was to the beach and downtown, with easy access to local restaurants, shops, and attractions via public transport. The vibe was relaxed yet vibrant, perfect for solo travelers or small groups looking for a genuine connection with the city. Clean rooms, great value, and unforgettable hospitality—this place truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Salvador.

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.
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