Things to do in San Salvador

El Salvador
San Salvador Itinerary

A resilient capital rich in history, scars, and hope

Duration: at least one week

Stay: Hotel Oasis

San Salvador is exciting, its energy infectious. The city, with its many museums, churches, and murals, offers visitors the opportunity to learn and understand El Salvador’s history. Colorful murals often grace San Salvador’s walls. Pay attention when passing them. They often tell the stories of recent history and aim to raise awareness of social issues. 

We were in complete awe every time we explored and loved learning about the culture through its friendly people. We highly recommend this amazing city, as San Salvador has so much to offer no matter what type of experience you’re hoping for.

A capital between volcanos and beaches

The pulsing capital is surrounded by stunning volcanos, frolicking with many day trip opportunities.

If these weren’t enough reasons to visit, you could also reach some of the most lively beaches in El Salvador are a short bus (about one hour) away. San Salvador mesmerized us and stole our hearts. We can only recommend visiting and getting to know its fabulous people.

  • Sight Seeing 85% 85%
  • Culture 95% 95%
  • Activities 100% 100%
  • Nightlife 70% 70%

San Salvador, El Salvador’s resilient heart. The capital bears deep scars. Many of them are still visible at Centro Histórico and tangible in the hearts and memories of its inhabitants. Its heartache was omnipresent. Yet the city’s fierce determination for a better future and aspirations are infectious, making San Salvador our favorite capital in Central America.

Centro Histórico

San Salvador’s historic center is a window to the past. Until recent years, most middle-class people did not dare to visit their Centró Histórico after the civil war ended in 1992. Then, step by step, the San Salvadorians took back their center as the wounds slowly started to heal. Restoration is taking place between the bullet-scarred walls and crumbling buildings, and several bargain shops, food vendors, and visitors have sprung up. There are various second-hand stores, and we indulged in a shopping spring. We have gotten to know the El Salvadorians as fierce and optimistic, and the historic center represents precisely this to us.

Cavalerio church in Leon, Nicaragua
Granada, Nicaragua: market

National Library

We visited the National Library, where the peace bibliography is exhibited. Shortly after Valentine’s day, we found a wall created by visitors expressing their love for their country, peace, and literature.

Palacio Nacional

It sits right next to the Catedral Metropolitana. The impressive Palacio National, the republic’s first building, was constructed in 1870. Today the Palacio Nacional is home to the national archives and sometimes features art exhibitions.

Leon, Nicaragua: barrio Sutiavia
Granada, Nicaragua: dani in front of church

Teatro Nacional

San Salvador’s Teatro Nacional might be the oldest theater in Central America. It is the most important for arts and culture in El Salvador.

Iglesia El Rosario – A must-visit church

Our favorite building, and the fascinating one, is Iglesia El Rosario. While the building is rather unimposed from the outside, you’ll find a kaleidoscope of colors once you enter. Thousands of colored glass pieces set in the half-moon-shaped ceiling create and fantastic play of colors as the light shines into the building. The atmosphere is sheer beautiful. Designed by the young Ruben Martinez, the church aims to be the first statement against the elitism of the Latin mass. A symbol of equality and solidarity with the working class and the poor.

Granada, Nicaragua: Lauri in Parque Colon
San Salvador El Salvador 10

Catedral Metropolitana

The cathedral is perhaps the most impressive building on the central plaza. The original building, constructed in wood, burnt down in 1956. The church also played an essential role in the civil war when anti-government protestors overtook the cathedral on several occasions. Tragically, 24 people were killed on the cathedral steps in 1979. When one year later, tragedy struck again. While human rights champion and archbishop Monsenor Oscar Romero’s funeral took place, security forces opened fire, killing another 44 people. The late archbishop’s thumb is located in the cathedral’s basement and can be visited during opening hours.

Party the night away in Zona Rosa

No Latin American capital is complete without its Zona Rosa. This elegant and affluent part of the city stands in contrast to San Salvador’s Centro histórico. Hip cafés, lively nightspots, and many fancy restaurants make up Zona Rosa.

Leon, Nicaragua: Central Park
Leon, Nicaragua: Cerro Negro

Hike Parque National El Boquerón

Known as the “big mouth” because of its steep-walled crater, we reached El Boqueron within a 30 minutes drive from San Salvador. The national park consists of two significant peaks making up Volcan San Salvador. It also goes by the name Quezaltepe. There are various hikes you can do within the national park. Some of them lead to lookout points with views over San Salvador. Walking around the crater is possible. With a guide, you can challenge yourself by hiking down the crater’s walls. You’ll find some (pricey) but delicious restaurants on the road to the park. It is the perfect spot to spend a relaxed evening amongst San Salvador’s hip crowd. The views over the city by night are stunning! We loved “Pupuseria Loka.” The Llorc con queso pupusas are our favorite!

Live the surfer's life at Costa de Balsamico

The distinct places lay 2 hours outside of the city. The two black sand beaches offer fantastic surfing opportunities and buzzing nightlife on the weekends.

San Salvador 4

Our favorite beaches around San Salvador

San Salvador 2

El Tunco

Even though we really wanted to visit the well-known El Tunco beach, we almost couldn’t get ourselves to leave San Salvador. Take this as a token of how mesmerizing the city truly is. Yet, we made it for at least a long weekend! Let us tell you: El Tunco parties hard on the weekends but is super relaxed during the week.

Best places to stay around in El Tunco

San Salvador 3

El Zonte Beach

Playa El Zonte, on the other hand, is supposedly much quieter. The waves make it the perfect spot to learn how to surf.

Best place to stay around El Zonte

View of Santa Tecla, El Salvador

Santa Tecla – the place to spend the weekend

Because of San Salvador’s complicated past, many locals were afraid to go out and enjoy their city. “Nueva San Salvador” sprung up 15 km outside of San Salvador. Santa Tecla, a pedestrian-only strip, turns into a lively weekend market. At night bars and nightclubs are open to entertaining Santa Tecla’s visitors.

Practical travel tips for San Salvador

How to get to San Salvador by bus

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Depending on where you are coming from, you'll arrive at:

Terminal de Occidente:
San Salvador's bus terminal handles all arrivals and departures from Western El Salvador, e.g., Santa Ana (bus 201, $1.35, 1,5 hours), Ruta de las Flores/ Ahuachapan (bus 202, $1,5, 2,5 hours), or La Libertad (bus 102, $0.60, 1 hour).

Terminal de Oriente:
The bus terminal handling Eastern El Salvador, e.g., San Miguel (bus 301,$4, about 3-4 hours), Suchitoto (Bus 129, $0.70, 2 hours), La Union (buses 304&446, $3.50, 4 hours)

Terminal del Sur:
This bus terminal serves all Southern destinations, including Costa del Sol (bus 495, $1.25, 25 hours) and Puerto el Triunfo (bus 185, $1.60, 2 hours)

Public transport in San Salvador

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You can easily explore the city and its surroundings by bus. Unfortunately, the buses might sometimes take a slightly different route depending on traffic. But don't worry, many El Salvadorians have lived or had family in the US, making it easy to find someone who speaks English and helps you out.

What is the best time to visit San Salvador?

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Our friends recommend to come back in August for the “Fiestas Agostinas” in San Salvador and “Las Bolas de Fuego” in nearby Nejapa. The "Fiestas de Agostinas" celebrate San Salvador's patron saint with parades and fireworks. "Las Bolas de Fuego" is a spectacle that follows a long-standing tradition of throwing fireballs at each other.

Where to stay in San Salvador?

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Zona Rosa and Colonia Escalón are two of the best neighborhoods to stay in. Naturally, the prices are a bit higher. Alternatively, check out Antiguo Cuscatlan. The young community close to the university is more budget-friendly.

Is San Salvador safe for travelers?

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There is no denying it. San Salvador is a Central American capital, and certain precautions must be taken. Don't flash your big camera around and take taxis at night. Yet, San Salvador felt a lot safer than one would have expected. We felt comfortably secure and welcomed. You have to note that until today, El Salvador is ruled by fear and brutal memories. Therefore, many locals take extreme precautions and will advise you against many things. As a visitor, you must be aware of that and know that you are NOT the target.

San Salvador's civil war – Who was Archbishop Oscar Romero?

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El Salvador's past was brutal and dark. Thousands of people were tortured, disappeared, or murdered during the civil war. Yet, Oscar Romero stood with his people and demanded justice. The remarkable bishop stopped the reconstruction of the famous Catedral Metropolitana to help the poor instead. In 1977, when he became archbishop, the police shot down 24 people. Tragically, Romero was killed only three years later. Even at his funeral, the killings continued. Yet, today, Oscar Romero is widely beloved and remembered. His life and memory of him are unintendingly tied to San Salvador's dark past.

Can I drink tap water in El Salvador?

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Do not drink tap water in El Salvador; bring your self-cleaning bottle instead! While water from the National Water Company (ANDA) is generally safe, you never know the water source the restaurant, hotels, and so on may use.

What's the biggest challenge for the conscious traveler?

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Trash: Often, you'll find food vendors selling typical Nicaraguan dishes on the go. It's not just delicious but cheap. To avoid plastic wrapping, choose to buy your food at the bus stations and have them put it in your collapsible container. Bring your water filter or UV bottle to avoid having to buy bottled water.

Sunscreen: Protect Marine life and wear reef-friendly sunscreen!

tanzania travel Zanzibar beaches

Packing El Salvador

El Salvador is super diverse and offers plenty of things to do. Check out our packing list, and get ready for an incredible adventure!

Find everything from eco-friendly toiletries to the only travel shoes you’ll ever want to exciting travel gadgets!

Places to visit in El Salvador

Do not skip El Salvador! It’s one of the most amazing countries to visit in Central America!

El Cuco & Playa Las Flores | Surfing & Turtles

El Cuco & Playa Las Flores | Surfing & Turtles

El Cuco is a sleepy little village. It’s busier on the weekends as many El Salvadorians come to enjoy the stunning beaches. El Cuco is winged by two impressive beaches on either side, Playa Esteron, a remote white-grey sand beach, and Playa Las Flores, which boasts world-class waves for surfing.

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