Plano Inclinado Pilar
A charming, free vintage funicular connecting Salvador's upper and lower cities, offering scenic views and historic appeal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views and atmosphere
Plano Inclinado Pilar
Best Time
Best views and atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free vintage funicular connecting Salvador's upper and lower cities, offering scenic views and historic appeal.
"A pleasant surprise! A vintage funicular to take you up to the historic center for free. Awesome."
Free Transportation
Enjoy a completely free ride on this historic funicular, connecting the upper and lower city areas. :moneywithwings:
Connects to Mercado Modelo
It's a great starting point for exploring the Mercado Modelo and the lower city's attractions. :shopping_cart:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Funicular Ride
Experience a charming, historic funicular connecting the upper and lower parts of Salvador. A unique and free transport option.
Panoramic City Views
Enjoy picturesque views of the city as you ascend or descend. A great photo opportunity and a glimpse into Salvador's layout.
Gateway to Lower City
Conveniently located near the Mercado Modelo, it's an easy access point for exploring the vibrant lower city's markets and museums.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Ride, Historic Charm
Connecting Salvador's Levels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Subir ou Descer o Elevador Lacerda?
Free Transportation
Enjoy a completely free ride on this historic funicular, connecting the upper and lower city areas. :moneywithwings:
Connects to Mercado Modelo
It's a great starting point for exploring the Mercado Modelo and the lower city's attractions. :shopping_cart:
Capacity for 15
The funicular has a modest capacity, so be prepared for a short wait during peak times. :hourglassflowingsand:
Rustic Charm
Experience the well-preserved, rustic mechanics of this old elevator. It's a step back in time. :antique:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Transportation
Enjoy a completely free ride on this historic funicular, connecting the upper and lower city areas. :moneywithwings:
Connects to Mercado Modelo
It's a great starting point for exploring the Mercado Modelo and the lower city's attractions. :shopping_cart:
Capacity for 15
The funicular has a modest capacity, so be prepared for a short wait during peak times. :hourglassflowingsand:
Rustic Charm
Experience the well-preserved, rustic mechanics of this old elevator. It's a step back in time. :antique:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Plano Inclinado Pilar for its historic charm, free service, and convenient connection between Salvador's upper and lower cities. It's seen as a pleasant, often overlooked gem offering scenic views and a unique transport experience, though its modest capacity means occasional waits.
"Legal"
Alvaro Ortega
"Ótimo ponto turístico, além de ligar gratuitamente a Cidade Alta à Cidade Baixa, pena que parece ser pouco conhecido."
Henrique Resende
"What a pleasant surprise! A vintage funicular to take you up to the historic center for free. Awesome. There are several throughout the lower city near the Mercado Modelo."
Sophie Ithurria
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Plano Inclinado Pilar is located in the lower city of Salvador, near the Mercado Modelo. You can easily access it by walking from the waterfront or by taking local transport to the lower city area. It serves as a connection point between the Cidade Baixa (Lower City) and Cidade Alta (Upper City).
Yes, the Plano Inclinado Pilar is a free transportation service, making it a budget-friendly way to travel between the upper and lower parts of Salvador.
Both connect the upper and lower cities, but the Elevador Lacerda is more famous and often busier. The Plano Inclinado Pilar offers a similar, free experience and is a great alternative or addition to your visit.
Absolutely! The Plano Inclinado Pilar is conveniently located near the Mercado Modelo, a bustling market filled with local crafts and food. From there, you can explore more of the lower city or head towards the historic Pelourinho in the upper city.
While specific hours can vary, it generally operates during daylight hours, serving as a reliable transport link throughout the day. It's best to check locally for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to ride the Plano Inclinado Pilar. It is a free public transportation service provided by the city.
The area around the Plano Inclinado Pilar, including access to the Mercado Modelo, is generally free to enter. You only pay for purchases within the market.
Since the ride itself is free, there are no payment methods needed for the funicular. Any costs would be for items purchased at the Mercado Modelo or other nearby establishments.
No special passes are needed as the service is entirely free for all passengers.
As the Plano Inclinado Pilar is a free service, public transport cards are not applicable for this specific ride.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from inside the funicular itself, capturing the ascent/descent with the city in the background, and from the platforms offering panoramic views of the lower city and the bay.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Many visitors capture the vintage charm of the funicular and the scenic views. Remember to be mindful of other passengers.
You can get wide shots of the city skyline, close-ups of the historic funicular mechanics, and candid shots of the local atmosphere. Consider capturing the transition between the upper and lower city.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions for the Plano Inclinado Pilar itself, but it's always advisable to check local regulations for drone usage in urban areas of Salvador.
Daytime offers the best natural light for clear, vibrant photos. Early morning or late afternoon can provide softer light and potentially fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pairing a ride on the funicular with a visit to the Mercado Modelo offers a sensory experience for kids, with colorful crafts and the buzz of activity. It’s a practical way to move between attractions, minimizing meltdowns from long walks. Remember, it has a small capacity, so keeping an eye on little ones in any queue is wise.
💰 Budget Travelers
Its proximity to the Mercado Modelo also means you can easily access a popular spot for souvenirs and local food without incurring extra travel costs. It's a smart way to connect key points of interest efficiently and affordably, allowing more budget for experiencing Salvador's culture and cuisine.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of the Funicular
It serves as a crucial link between the Cidade Alta (Upper City) and Cidade Baixa (Lower City), providing a free and convenient way for locals and tourists alike to navigate the city's distinct levels. While perhaps less famous than the Elevador Lacerda, its accessibility and free service make it a beloved local feature and a pleasant surprise for visitors.
The experience is often highlighted as a 'pleasant surprise', offering a glimpse into the city's infrastructure and heritage. It's a simple pleasure that adds a unique dimension to exploring Salvador, connecting key areas like the Mercado Modelo with the historic upper city.
Connecting Salvador's Key Attractions
From the lower city, the funicular provides easy access to the Cidade Alta, where the historic Pelourinho district awaits. While the Elevador Lacerda is another option for this connection, the Plano Inclinado Pilar offers a free and equally scenic alternative. This makes it a strategic point for visitors looking to efficiently experience both the bustling waterfront markets and the rich cultural heritage of the upper city.
The convenience of this free transport cannot be overstated for those looking to maximize their time and budget. It seamlessly integrates into a day of sightseeing, allowing for easy transitions between distinct parts of Salvador's historic landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit