San Salvador is almost impossible to miss on a tour of the country as the capital is located in the middle of El Salvador and is an important junction where many roads meet. That is not a bad thing as San Salvador has enough sights to spend at least one or two days there. There is also no better place to get a taste of the local life of the Salvadorans, because no fewer than 2.5 million people live in the city. This makes it the second largest city in Central America, after Guatemala City.
San Salvador is an interesting mix of crumbling colonial architecture and modern urbanity. Here you will find the largest shopping center in Central America, but also monuments and historic buildings. Most of the sights can be found around Plaza Civica in the old center of the city. Admire the Cathedral of San Salvador and the beautiful National Palace, with more than 100 halls for you to explore. Also take a look at Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo, a towering monument with Jesus on a globe. The monument represents Salvadorians from all over the world.
San Salvador is a relatively small city that can be seen well in a day. In fact, most visitors just stop over before heading to another part of the country. Most of the monuments and sights to see in San Salvador are located in the historic center. It allows you to walk from one to the other. For more distant points, the best way to get around is by bus. The network is modern and very efficient.
In one day you can easily visit the main squares and see the facades of the most important buildings like the National Theater, the National Palace and the many religious buildings scattered around the city. You should also make a stop at Bicentennial Park and, if you have time, visit the El Salvador Art Museum.
1. El Rosario Church
This modern catholic church is located opposite the Parc de la Liberté and was built in 1971 by the famous architect Ruben Martinez. The originality of the building comes from the fact that most of the pillars have been removed to create a clear and open place. It is very different from the usual classic churches. The succession of windows and different types of lights has created an appropriate atmosphere for meditation. The sculptures are magnificent, in particular the resurrection of Christ, made of wrought iron. It is one of the most iconic buildings in San Salvador and is a must visit when you are visiting the capital of El Salvador.
2. Plaza Morazan
This pleasant little square is always lively. It is from this place that you can best admire the National Theater and the nearby market stalls. As in the rest of San Salvador, the most picturesque and interesting part of the square are the people and the situations that you can observe if you sit down for a while. In the square, it is very easy to find yourself chatting with someone who wants to know something about your country, to find a seller of “tamales” and to hear him complaining about how little they sell, or a man waiting to raise enough money to go to the United States… A good place to watch the sunset before returning without delay to the hotel.
3. The Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador is the seat of the Archdiocese of San Salvador. The cathedral was destroyed in the fifties by a fire and was rebuilt in 1999 and inaugurated in 2001. It was the last cathedral built in the 20th century, and was also the first cathedral to be inaugurated in the 21st century. The cathedral acquired a certain celebrity status when it was the seat of Bishop Romero, who was assassinated during the civil war. The bishop’s tomb is a place of pilgrimage. The cathedral was visited twice by John Paul II: in 1983 and in 1996.
4. The Museum Of Arts
If there is one museum that deserves to be visited on your trip to San Salvador, it is the Museo de Arte de El Salvador, which houses many exhibitions of modern and contemporary art by local and international artists. The cultural heritage housed in this curious building is incalculable and although the opening hours are a little tricky, it is worth finding the time. We can find works from local artists such as Fernando Llort, Rosa Mena Valenzuela and Rodolfo Molina.
The facilities are only open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. On Sundays, admission is free for all. Guided tours can also be arranged.
5. El Boqueron
The city of San Salvador is located in the heart of the Boquerón National Park, which is home to one of the most impressive volcanoes in the country. The park is characterized by its lush forests filled with fauna and flora native to the region, but above all by this incredible volcano of 110 square kilometers of surface divided into three main parts, El Picacho, its highest point, El Boquerón , the crater, and El Jabalí.
Throughout the park, several hiking trails offer incredible views of the volcano, which is just 20 minutes from downtown. In the park there is also an interpretation center that tells the story of this volcano that once destroyed the city of San Salvador.
6. Plaza Libertad And Plaza Salvador Del Mundo
Plaza libertad is one of the liveliest places in San Salvador. Locals and tourists make it the busiest place in San Salvador. In the past, the square housed the main administrative and political buildings, but today all that remains of those glorious years is an impressive monument called “El Angel de la Libertad”, which commemorates the independence of the country.
Another square not to be missed is the Plaza Salvador del Mundo, a meeting place for the inhabitants of the city who meet at sunset to rest, ride their bikes… The square is home to one of the most emblematic monuments of the country, the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo, and it is also the place of the festivities of the patron saint and various cultural activities.
7. The National Theater
The National Theater of San Salvador is the oldest in Central America Built in 1917 by a Gallic architect, the National Theater is an essential stop on your trip to San Salvador. It is located in the heart of the city and its French Renaissance, Rococo, Romantic and Art Nouveau touches make it one of the most beautiful buildings to see in San Salvador. It is also interesting to visit the interior of the theater and see the large dome that covers the main auditorium. The best way to do this is to get tickets for one of the performances. There is something for every taste.
8. The National Palace Of San Salvador
This monumental building, built in the 1866 century and which once served as presidential offices, is one of the main tourist attractions to see on your trip to San Salvador. The facade is not the original because a fire destroyed the building and it had to be rebuilt. The most interesting elements of the palace are probably the two statues of Christopher Columbus and Isabella the Catholic that adorn the facade.
Inside, you cannot miss the different rooms where famous figures in El Salvador’s history have passed, and where key moments in the country’s politics have taken place. The Palace can be visited from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and guided tours of the interior are organized.
9. The best restaurants in San Salvador
El Salvador has a very varied cuisine whose main ingredients are cassava, rice and beans, corn, meat, fish and seafood, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. The most typical dishes are pupusas, corn or rice tortillas filled with different foods, corn on the cob and chicken. Here are some of the best restaurants in the city where you can taste the specialties of the region.
Comedor Pupusería La Ceiba: This is the best restaurant to taste pupusas at a very good price. They have all the toppings: cheese, beans, chicharrón… and they come with tomato sauce and vegetables.
Pampa El Volcán: This is a luxurious restaurant located between gardens on the slope of the Boquerón volcano. In addition to offering an excellent gastronomic offer inspired by the Argentinian grill, it offers one of the best views of the city. However, it is not one of the cheapest.
Panadería Latino: This is one of the most famous restaurants in the city center. It offers a buffet and you can taste some of the most traditional dishes of San Salvador for a very affordable price.
10. Where to stay in San Salvador?
As the country’s capital, it’s no surprise that San Salvador has a wide range of hotels. You’ll find everything from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels and apartments. El Salvador is not a particularly expensive country. It means that you can stay there at a very good price. Here is a selection of the best accommodation in the city in different price ranges.
La Zona Hostel: Ideal for backpackers and budget travelers. This is a colorful and warm hostel located in the heart of San Salvador. The price of a bunk bed is 20€ per night, and private rooms are 50€. It also includes common areas such as a garden, lounge and kitchen, and offers parking and a bar with 24-hour room service.
Hotel Villa Serena Escalon: This is a 4-star hotel with colonial decoration located opposite the San Salvador bus station. It has a garden, a gym, a massage service and fully equipped rooms costing between 50€ and 70€ per night.
Hotel Gardenia Inn: This hotel is located 8 km from the Bicentennial Park of San Salvador and the best thing is that it has a garden and a swimming pool. The rooms are fully equipped, parking is available and the price includes a buffet breakfast. The price per night is between 70€ and 80€.
Travel tips for San Salvador
What is the currency in El salvador?
– The official currency in El Salvador is the Salvadoran dollar. Bitcoin is used as a legal tender. It is best to bring small notes as it is difficult to get change.
Are there many mosquitoes in El Salvador?
– It is advisable to bring mosquito repellent.
Is tap water drinkable in El Salvador?
– Try to always drink bottled water and avoid ice.
Can I take a taxi in San Salvador?
– Private cars are a good way to get around, but buses are also a good option as the whole country is well connected.
What kind of electricity sockets are used in El Salvador?
– The electricity and voltage is 115 volts (v) and the frequency is 60 Hertz (Hz). As for sockets in El Salvador, socket types A and B are used.
When is the best time to visit El Salvador?
– The best time to travel to El Salvador is during the dry season, which runs from November to April, but the country is actually a year-round destination.
Can you change money at the airport of San Salvador?
– It is best to avoid changing money at the airport, as the prices are high.
What language do they speak in El Salvador?
– Spanish is the main language in San Salvador.
Do I need a visa for El Salvador?
– You do not need a visa to travel to El Salvador, but you do need a passport.
Do I need to take malaria medication in El Salvador?
– It is advisable to protect yourself against malaria.
Do I need travel insurance for El Salvador?
– Be prepared for medical emergencies: travel insured.
