Em frente ao Plano Pilar
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Plano Inclinado Pilar

4.3
·177 reviews·, Brazil

A charming, free vintage funicular connecting Salvador's upper and lower cities, offering scenic views and historic appeal.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best views and atmosphere

CrowdMedium
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Em frente ao Plano Pilar

Plano Inclinado Pilar

Best Time

Daytime

Best views and atmosphere

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, free vintage funicular connecting Salvador's upper and lower cities, offering scenic views and historic appeal.

4.3
(177 reviews)

"A pleasant surprise! A vintage funicular to take you up to the historic center for free. Awesome."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vintage Funicular Ride

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Ride, Historic Charm

This vintage funicular offers a free, scenic ride between Salvador's upper and lower cities. It's a charming way to connect key attractions like the Mercado Modelo and Pelourinho, often overlooked by tourists.

Connecting Salvador's Levels

The Plano Inclinado Pilar is a vital link, often mentioned alongside the Elevador Lacerda. While Lacerda is more famous, Pilar offers a similar, free experience and is a great starting point for exploring the lower city.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best views and atmosphere
Crowd
Medium
When
Early Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant ride
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Subir ou Descer o Elevador Lacerda?

Daqui duas semanas vou a Salvador e queria saber: para conhecer pela primeira vez, vocês recomendariam ir ao Pelourinho e depois descer o Elevador Lacerda, indo em seguida ao Mercado Modelo *ou* o oposto, iniciando por baixo no Mercado? (Se tiverem outras sugestões, aceito de…

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

4.3
(177 reviews)

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

Free transportation
Historic charm
Scenic views

What People Dislike

Occasional waits

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). Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

No special passes are needed as the service is entirely free for all passengers. Reddit

As the Plano Inclinado Pilar is a free service, public transport cards are not applicable for this specific ride. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. TikTok

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Plano Inclinado Pilar (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide