- The Historic Center has a beautiful Cathedral and National Palace—it's safe and lit up at night.
- El Boqueron National Park is a crater on top of the San Salvador Volcano—amazing views of the city.
- Iglesia El Rosario looks plain outside but has a rainbow of stained glass inside—architectural gem.
- Planes de Renderos is the spot for pupusas with a view over the city.
- Lake Coatepeque is a stunning crater lake nearby (perfect day trip).
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When to go: Dry Season
November to April is the dry season. It's sunny and warm.
May to October is rainy (afternoon showers).
- Best: Nov-Apr.
- Rain: May-Oct.
- Climate: Tropical.
Getting there: Uber or Taxi
El Salvador International (SAL) is 45 mins from the city. Uber works well.
Official taxis are available. Buses are cheap but can be confusing.
- Uber: Recommended.
- Taxi: Official only.
- Airport: SAL.
Where to stay: San Benito or Escalon
San Benito and Escalon are the upscale, safe neighborhoods with hotels and malls.
Avoid staying in the outskirts or unknown zones.
- San Benito: Trendy.
- Escalon: Modern.
- Zona Rosa: Nightlife.
What to see: Center and Volcano
Walk the Historic Center (Plaza Libertad). Visit El Rosario church.
Drive up to El Boqueron to see the crater.
- Center: Revitalized.
- El Rosario: Rainbow light.
- Boqueron: Crater.
- Palace: Tours.
Food: Pupusas!
Pupusas are life. Corn tortillas stuffed with cheese, beans, pork. Eat with curtido (cabbage slaw).
Coffee is excellent (grown on the volcanoes).
- Pupusas: National dish.
- Coffee: Top quality.
- Horchata: Nut drink.
- Mango: With chili.
Getting around: Uber
Uber is the safest and easiest way to get around. Traffic can be bad.
Driving is chaotic.
- Uber: Best option.
- Bus: Avoid if new.
- Traffic: Heavy.
Budget: Affordable
El Salvador uses the US Dollar (and Bitcoin). It's very affordable.
Pupusas are $0.50-$1.00.
- Currency: USD/Bitcoin.
- Food: Very cheap.
- Hotels: Reasonable.
1 Day in San Salvador
Morning: Historic Center. Cathedral, National Palace, El Rosario.
Lunch: Pupusas.
Afternoon: El Boqueron National Park (Volcano).
Evening: Dinner in San Benito or Zona Rosa.
- Morning: History.
- Lunch: Local.
- Afternoon: Nature.
- Evening: Modern.
FAQ
Is it safe?
It has improved massively recently. Tourist areas are safe. Still, be street smart.
Currency?
US Dollar is the official currency. Bitcoin is also legal tender.
How to eat Pupusas?
With your hands! No fork and knife.