About San Salvador

San Salvador is a prominent hub and Capital of El Salvador in Central America. It forms the epicenter of the country's political, economic, cultural, educational, and financial center. The Metropolitan region of San Salvador comprises the capital and is the abode of several important buildings of the state functioning and also the official residence of the President of the Republic. The city boasts magnificent and spellbinding edifices depicting Spanish heritage and San Salvador's historic architecture showcasing Baroque, Eclectic, Gothic, Neoclassical, and Renaissance masterpieces. The place has predominant museums that feature artworks dating back to the 19th Century. The museum displays exhibits of artworks by internationally renowned artists like Picasso, Rembrandt. and Salvador Dali.

San Salvador was founded in 1525 and served as the capital of the colonial province of Cuscalan and later as the capital of the United Provinces of Central America. Devastated by earthquakes in 1854, 1873, 1917 and 1986 and by floods in 1934, still, it has vehemently risen every time to its present modern avatar, as a thriving, bustling, happening, and a futuristic city. San Salvador is also home to the Catholic Archdiocese along with many more branches of Christianity like the Evangelicals, Baptists, Pentecostals, Latter-day Saints, Jews, and a small set of Muslims. Because of its topographical location and its amenities, San Salvador has in the past been host to many regional and international sporting, social, and political events. This really sets the capital apart from the other Latin American cities.

Public Transport System

Bus, Rail, Taxi

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Cleanliness-High, Efficiency-High

Mode & Cost of Transports

Bus: $0.60 per hour for adults 

Taxi: $4 per km

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle USD 1.00
Cup of Coffee USD 3.00
Milk Carton Pack USD 1.00
Rice/Kg USD 2.00
White Bread USD 2.00
Eggs (12) USD 2.00
Combo Meal USD 5.00
Fine Dining USD 30.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi USD 1.00
Domestic Beer USD 2.00
Imported Beer USD 3.00
Bottle of Wine USD 12.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) USD 3.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) USD 3.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). USD 0.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) USD 470.00

Do’s:

  • Always greet people with Buenos Dias
  • Savor the street food
  • Talk to the locals and get to feel of the vibe of the place
  • Take public transport wherever and whenever possible
  • Go off the beaten path
  • Brush up on your Spanish before arrival as it will help in your interaction with the locals
  • Be watchful regarding your belongings

Don’ts:

  • Do not enter the church with your hat on 
  • Do not speak anti-religious ideas
  • Do not walk outside after 8 p.m.
  • Do not carry valuables onto the microbuses, buses
  • Don’t drink water from the tap
  • Don’t drive through the countryside in the night
  • Don’t be worried about numerous armed guards and manned guns

Night Life

San Salvador is vivacious in the night with an ample number of activities to choose from. The clubs have karaoke to entertain the visitors. The music traverses from Salsa to various other forms. Every night club offers a unique and trendy experience with DJ's dancing to the music in synchrony. The wonderful music ranges from house to hip hop which is enthralling and enticing for dance. Some of the bars exude extravagant atmosphere with delectable cuisines and ambiance that are a delight to be in for experiencing the ecstasy of the night. The restaurants and cafes offer an enticing, romantic scenario with candlelight dinners and excellent music. If you are trying to woo your sweetheart, here's where you need to be as the magic of it all will just make things happen.

Must See

  • Visit the Mayan archaeological site
  • Visit Lakes and Mayan sites
  • Visit volcano sites such as Boqueron volcano
  • Go on a hiking tour in Llamatec Volcano
  • Tour El- Salvador's flower route
  • Visit the beautiful mountains in San Salvador which revives  and refreshes you
  • Get your attention to the creative works of artists in the museum
  • Visit the archaeological park depicting the Mayan world
  • Get a mesmerizing view of the enticing charm of the city in Mirador Municipal de San Salvador
  • See and enjoy the stone carvings at the museum of memory and truth

Experiences

  • Go on a tour to Apaneca buggy for famous flower routes and lagoons
  • Go ziplining at Apaneca canopy
  • Go cycling or walking near Plaza Barrios
  • Take a stroll around Plaza Libertad and be familiar with the sights and sounds
  • Go walking around Statue of Barrios and explore the artistic beauty
  • Climb the steps to the devil's door to experience the captivating view of the mountain
  • Go cycling around the flower routes of the city
  • Go trekking in the mountainous regions of the city
  • Go hiking near El-Bouqueron national park

Activities

Shopping

La Placita
Flea Markets and Bazaars
San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
6.2 km
Mercado Nacional de Artesanias
Flea Markets and Bazaars
Avenida Manuel Enrique Arujo, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
1.8 km
Flea Market Boulevard Constitución
Flea Markets and Bazaars
W accesorios el, Bulevar Constitución, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
5.1 km
Plaza Futura
Antique Markets
Calle el Mirador | Colonia Escalón, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
3.9 km
Galerias
Antique Markets
Paseo general Escalon N. 3700, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
2.9 km
Agroservicio la Cuma
Antique Markets
Senda Central No. 17, 12 C.P: San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
2.9 km
Municipal Market Resume
Antique Markets
Calle El Calvario, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
7.2 km
Centro Comercial Galerias
Antique Markets
San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
2.5 km
Habana Gourmet. Sv
Shopping Malls
Los Castaños, Centro Comercial, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
7.3 km
Hillside
Shopping Malls
Calle La Mascota 520, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
2.8 km
Multiplaza
Handicrafts and Souviners
Carretera Panamericana 503, San Salvador, El Salvador
Distance From City Center
4.4 km
  • Bahia bands - The bracelets or ribbons spread across Bahia 
  • Bahian lace
  • Divino de Espirito Santo
  • Mocqueca pot
  • Handmade ceramics
  • Coffee
  • Pao de Mel
  • Musical instruments
  • Hammock
  • Beach Sarong 
  • Salvadoran dresses
  • Textile, crafts, and artworks
  • Street toys on display
  • Handmade and vintage items
  • T-shirts
  • Customized mugs

Official Language

Spanish

Other Language

Salvadoran Spanish is spoken b... Read more

Spoken Language

Spanish, the dialects of Nahua... Read more

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Population

6.45 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 32.12°C

Clock Icon

TimeZone

11:15 AM (GMT -06:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

112

 

Police Icon

Police

911

 

Electric socket

Type A
Type A (120 V 60 Hz.)
Type B
Type B (120 V 60 Hz.)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport - SAL

Airport Name / IATA Code

Ilopango International Airport - ILS

Best time to visit

November, December, January, February, March, and April as it is the onset of summer and the weather is conducive for travel with mild showers. High footfall seasons center around Christmas and Easter.

Moderate time to visit

May and June as it is a bit cool and pleasant with showers due to the onset of the rainy season. Deals are easier to find now.

Worst time to visit

July, August, September, and October as it is rainy due to coastal and central regions suffer due to storms. Stay up to date with regard to weather conditions during hurricane season (August to October).

Taxi

Start Tariff: USD 5.00

1 Km. Tariff: USD 4.00

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: USD 12.00

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in San Salvador (Contact directly)

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