Things To Do
in San Salvador
Nestled amid volcanic hills, this vibrant city pulses with a rich tapestry of cultural history and modern-day vibrancy, offering a blend of colonial architecture and bustling markets. As the capital and largest city of El Salvador, it serves as the political, cultural, educational, and financial center of the country, drawing people from all corners for both business and pleasure.
Despite its urban challenges, the city reflects resilience and pride, with its inhabitants celebrating traditional festivals with fervor, amidst a backdrop of increasing urban development and green spaces.
- "¿Qué tal?" - How are you?
- "Todo bien" - Everything is fine
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the National Palace, an iconic landmark. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café to fuel up for the day ahead.
Head to the Museo de Arte de El Salvador to appreciate local art. Grab lunch at a popular restaurant in the area.
Wrap up the day by taking a stroll around Parque Cuscatlán. Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city.
Visit the beautiful El Boquerón National Park. Hike to the crater and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the park. Spend the afternoon exploring more trails or relaxing in the lush greenery.
Return to San Salvador and have dinner at a traditional pupusería. Try different types of pupusas to experience local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history.
- Affordable cost of living.
- Warm climate and beautiful landscapes.
- Growing expat community.
- Delicious local cuisine.
- Concerns about safety and crime rates.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes.
- Economic instability.
- Infrastructure challenges in some areas.
Best Activities in San Salvador
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views of the San Salvador Volcano.
Experience great waves and a vibrant beach atmosphere at this famous surfing spot.
Take a walking tour to discover the historic architecture, charming plazas, and local culture of San Salvador.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Salvador with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Salvador
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the volcanic crater and the surrounding landscapes, perfect for photos
Known for its panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains, a popular spot for photography
Provides breathtaking vistas of the Izalco, Santa Ana, and Cerro Verde volcanoes, ideal for photography enthusiasts
Food in San Salvador
San Salvador Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try local specialty, pupusas are thick corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat. They are typically served with curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw, and tomato salsa. Visit Pupuseria La Ceiba or Antojitos de Mi Tierra for authentic pupusas.
Must-Try!
Fried yuca is a popular side dish or snack in San Salvador. The crispy, golden-brown yuca is often served with a zesty tomato sauce or curtido. Look for yuca frita at local street food stalls or casual eateries such as Las Brumas.
Seafood lovers should try mariscada, a flavorful seafood stew featuring a mix of fish, shrimp, crab, and shellfish in a savory broth. For an excellent mariscada experience, head to Restaurante Rinconcito Salvadoreño.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Salvador better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Mercado Cuscatlán is a bustling food market in San Salvador where visitors can sample a diverse array of local street food, including pupusas, tamales, and grilled meats. The market also offers fresh produce, spices, and handicrafts.
El Paseo El Carmen is a vibrant dining and entertainment district known for its street food vendors and pop-up stalls. Here, you can savor traditional Salvadoran snacks like plátanos fritos (fried plantains) and vigorón (cabbage salad with pork rinds).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Salvador, it is important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close when conversing or interacting with others.
It is customary to use formal titles such as 'Senor' (Mr.) or 'Senora' (Mrs.) when addressing people, especially in formal settings.
Being polite and showing courtesy in interactions, such as saying 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you), is highly valued in the local culture.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Salvador with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Salvador
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Salvador, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. A 10% tip is customary in restaurants if a service charge is not included in the bill. Tipping for other services like taxi rides and hotel staff is not expected but can be given as a gesture of appreciation.
Cash is the most widely used form of payment in San Salvador. Credit and debit cards are also accepted in many establishments, especially in more touristy areas. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors and businesses that may not accept cards.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Salvador.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with sunny days and low humidity. Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Expect frequent rainfall, but the landscape is lush and green. Offers fewer crowds and discounted accommodations.
San Salvador at Night
Hiking in San Salvador
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful national park with hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Izalco volcano and the surrounding landscape.
Located just outside San Salvador, this park features trails that lead to the crater of the San Salvador Volcano, with panoramic views.
This challenging hike rewards adventurers with breathtaking views from one of the highest volcanoes in El Salvador.
Home to several volcanoes with diverse trails suitable for hiking and observing local flora and fauna.
A popular hiking destination near San Salvador, this site offers striking rock formations and hiking paths with scenic views.
A hike to a viewpoint that offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and the city of San Salvador.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Salvador through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Salvador by plane.
The main international airport serving San Salvador, El Salvador.
Located in Guam, this airport serves as a major hub for flights between the United States and Asia.
An international airport located in San Salvador, it is the main gateway to the country.
Located in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, this airport is one of the closest international airports to San Salvador.
The primary airport serving Managua, Nicaragua, located approximately 140 miles from San Salvador.
Located in Panama City, Panama, this airport handles a large volume of international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, comprising individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
Includes various Indigenous peoples, such as the Pipil and Lenca, although their numbers are smaller compared to Mestizos.
Includes individuals of primarily Spanish descent, as well as other European ancestries that are less common.
A small but significant demographic group, primarily descended from enslaved Africans brought to the region during colonial times.
Includes various other minority groups, such as Asian Salvadorans and expatriates from different cultures.
The Soul of San Salvador
Discover the essence of San Salvador through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in San Salvador and across El Salvador, with a large following and numerous local teams.
Basketball has gained popularity in recent years, with many schools and communities participating in local leagues.
Volleyball is played both on the beach and indoors, making it a favored sport among both men and women.
Baseball has a significant following in some areas and is a popular sport, especially during youth leagues.
With access to beaches, surfing is popular in coastal areas, attracting both locals and tourists.
Cycling is becoming increasingly popular for both recreation and sport, with various cycling events organized.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Salvador.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Salvadoran cuisine is centered around meat and dairy, many restaurants in San Salvador offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of traditional dishes. Look for eateries like Veggie Pizza for veg-friendly pupusas and plant-based stews.
For gluten-free options, consider dining at places such as El Zocalo, which offers gluten-free versions of pupusas and other traditional Salvadoran fare. Additionally, international restaurants in the city are likely to have gluten-free selections on their menus.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Salvador with these cultural adventures.
