🏙️ Welcome to San Salvador
San Salvador, capital of El Salvador, is a vibrant metropolis of 2.5 million inhabitants nestled in a volcanic valley. A fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, the city surprises with its dynamism, culinary scene and rich history.
📍 Must-See Attractions in San Salvador
1. Centro Histórico
The historic heart of the city is full of colonial monuments and museums.
- Catedral Metropolitana: Symbol of the city, where Archbishop Romero rests
- Teatro Nacional: Magnificent 19th-century theater
- Plaza Libertad: Lively central square
2. Museum of Art of El Salvador (MARTE)
Exceptional collection of modern and contemporary Salvadoran art.
💰 Price: $2 | 🕐 Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-6pm
3. El Boquerón
Volcanic crater 30 minutes from the city with spectacular panoramic views.
🚗 Access: Car or taxi ($15-20) | 🥾 Hike: 1-2h around the crater
4. Paseo El Carmen
Colorful pedestrian street with cafes, restaurants and street art.
📸 Instagram-friendly | 🍴 Perfect for lunch
5. Mercado Central
Authentic market to discover local life, crafts and street food.
🛍️ Souvenirs, textiles, hammocks
🍽️ Where to Eat in San Salvador
Traditional Cuisine
- Restaurante Típico Los Ranchos: Pupusas and traditional dishes
- Pupusería Olocuilta: Best pupusas in the city
- Mercado Cuscatlán: Authentic street food
Modern Cuisine
- La Ventana: Contemporary fusion
- Alo Nuestro: Salvadoran fine dining
- Faisca do Brasil: Brazilian grills (churrascaria)
🏨 Where to Stay
| Budget ($10-30) | Casa de Huéspedes, youth hostels |
| Mid-range ($40-80) | Barceló San Salvador, Quality Real |
| Luxury ($100+) | InterContinental, Sheraton Presidente |
🚇 Getting Around
- Uber/Bolt: Very common and affordable ($3-8 in the city)
- Bus: Cheap ($0.25) but crowded
- Car: Rental possible (heavy traffic)
⚠️ Safety
San Salvador has had security issues in the past, but the situation has improved considerably since 2019.
- ✅ Use Uber rather than walking at night
- ✅ Stay in tourist areas (Zona Rosa, Escalón, San Benito)
- ✅ Avoid displaying valuables
- ✅ Ask your hotel for advice
🗓️ How Much Time to Plan
2-3 days are enough to see the essentials of San Salvador. Many travelers use the capital as a base to explore the rest of the country.
🎯 Day Trips from San Salvador
- Joya de Cerén: Pompeii of Central America (UNESCO) - 1h
- Suchitoto: Charming colonial village - 1.5h
- Beaches (El Tunco): Surf and relaxation - 1h
- Lago de Coatepeque: Beautiful volcanic lake - 1.5h
💡 Good to Know
- 💵 Currency: US Dollar (USD) + Bitcoin accepted
- 🗣️ Language: Spanish (little English outside tourist areas)
- 🌡️ Climate: Hot all year (20-32°C)
- 📱 Local SIM: Tigo, Claro, Movistar ($10-15 for 1 month)
San Salvador is a fascinating city that deserves to be discovered beyond clichés. Culture, gastronomy, history... it always surprises visitors!