San Salvador Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
San Salvador showing city views and a square or plaza
The sprawling capital of El Salvador has a turbulent history, which is well documented in its museums and still visible in its national monuments. 

El Salvador’s capital has a modern edge, yet at its core the traditional charms of Central America are maintained. Walk San Salvador’s long, straight boulevards and explore its maze of narrow streets to find trendy bars and bustling markets. Sport and the arts define the city’s modern-day residents and their enthusiasm for soccer and culture is contagious.

Learn more about Mayan history and admire ancient ceramics at the Museo Nacional de Antropología David J. Guzmán. Visit the Joya de Ceren Archaeological Site to see how indigenous farmers lived before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century. To experience how fanatic the locals are about soccer, see a game at the Estadio Cuscatlan. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Museo de Arte de El Salvador.

While the San Salvador Volcano is a stunning backdrop to the city and provides great hiking trails, there were devastating landslides from its slopes in 1986 during an earthquake. Destructive on another level was the civil war, which raged until 1992. Since then, many of the city’s grand buildings have been restored, such as the Catedral Metropolitano and the impressive Palacio Nacional.

When walking around, be aware of your surroundings and take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a target of criminals, especially after dark. To find out where it is safe, ask the locals about their favourite local attractions. During weekends, buy crafts and see street artists along the Paseo del Carmen in the San Tecla neighbourhood. Another popular choice is the Zona Rosa nightlife strip with clubs and restaurants.

El Salvador has an international airport and long-distance bus connections to other Central American countries. Surrounding the capital are coffee plantations, volcanoes and surfing beaches. To ensure your safety when travelling around, always opt for a taxi or organised tour over driving by yourself. To see the country’s largest crater lake, take a taxi to the Lago de Ilopango just east of the city.

Where to stay in San Salvador

San Salvador featuring a church or cathedral and religious elements

San Salvador Historical Center

If you're spending some time in San Salvador Historical Center, Palacio Nacional and Catedral Metropolitano are top sights worth seeing.

San Salvador Historical Center
Museo de Arte de El Salvador featuring signage

Zona Rosa

While visiting Zona Rosa, you might make a stop by sights like Museo de Arte de El Salvador and Bambu City Center.

Zona Rosa
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San Diego

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in San Diego. You might want to make time for a stop at San Diego Beach or Walter Thilo Deininger National Park.

San Diego
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Playa San Diego

While there might not be top attractions in Playa San Diego, you can explore the larger area and discover places like San Diego Beach and Sunset Park.

Playa San Diego
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Escalón

While visiting Escalón, you might make a stop by sights like Monumento al Salvador del Mundo and Plaza Futura.

Escalón
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Xanadu

While there might not be top attractions in Xanadu, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Sunzal Beach and Playa San Blas.

Xanadu
Barceló San Salvador
Barceló San Salvador
4.5 out of 5
Ave Las Magnolias Y Blvd Del Hipodromo, San Salvador, SS
The price is ₹8,682 per night from 22 Nov to 23 Nov
₹8,682
₹10,244 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Nov - 23 Nov
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Salvador. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (2,047 reviews)
"Great location, however, I suggest they add additional laundry machines to their guest laundry service."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

Barceló San Salvador
Argueta Hotel
Argueta Hotel
2.5 out of 5
Km40, Autopista Comalapa, San Luis Talpa, La Paz
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹3,136 per night from 14 Nov to 15 Nov
₹3,136
₹3,701 total
includes taxes & fees
14 Nov - 15 Nov
Stay at this hotel in San Luis Talpa. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews.
7.6/10 Good! (605 reviews)
"There was no hit water in room 15.. other guests were a bit loud.."

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2024

Argueta Hotel
Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel
Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Av. La Revolucion, Col. San Benito, San Salvador, SS
The price is ₹10,847 per night from 1 Nov to 2 Nov
₹10,847
₹12,800 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Nov - 2 Nov
Stay at this luxury hotel in San Salvador. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (712 reviews)
"Your need more fun ,kareoke 😁"

Reviewed on 24 Oct 2024

Sheraton Presidente San Salvador Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Novo Hotel & Suite
Novo Hotel & Suite
3 out of 5
Final 61 Avenida Norte Colonia, Escalon, San Salvador, SS
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Salvador. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (460 reviews)
"Excelente relación calidad/precio"

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Novo Hotel & Suite
Plaza Hotel and Suites
Plaza Hotel and Suites
3.5 out of 5
87 Avenida norte y 11 Calle Poniente, San Salvador, SS
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in San Salvador. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"iendo el personal del front desk muy amables el resto igual limpia las habitacionrs"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2024

Plaza Hotel and Suites
Coco Surf Tropical Village
Coco Surf Tropical Village
3 out of 5
Blvr. Conchalio, La Libertad, La Libertad
Stay at this 3-star beach villa in La Libertad. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"Great place on the water from"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2024

Coco Surf Tropical Village
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of San Salvador

3
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" "3 - Okay 100%
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Not much to see in San Salvador but, contrary to popular perception, it is safe.

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