San Salvador is a great city with a nervous tension because of the regular earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The city retains much of its charm in the old quarter and has plenty of things for the visitor to do. Hire a car and park up near to one of the wide boulevards for which the city is renowned.
Some of them are acknowledged as the widest and longest in Central America and make for great meeting places for locals and tourists. At the end of one of them you’ll find the impressively beautiful Monument to the Saviour of the World.
San Salvador Mini Guide
Isn’t El Salvador a Dangerous Place to Visit?
It used to be but these days the most danger is likely to come from earthquakes and volcanoes. San Salvador is the capital and a place of dramatic contrasts from the gated communities of the rich to the shanty homes of the poor, the fabulous shopping malls with designer boutiques to the man by the side of the road with an upturned crate selling oranges. There is a lot to see and do there and to spend some time there is definitely a great experience.
How do I get to the City?
San Salvador has an airport, thirty miles out of the city but with easy access via bus, taxi or hire car to the centre. Most flights come in from North America so, if you are going to visit, choose a US airport with connections to San Salvador.
What Should be on my ‘To See’ List?
The museum of David J Guzman will give you a good education on the history of the city and with it the whole country. If you’re travelling with children there’s a great museum for children telling in their language how the city came about. There’s also the Monument to the Saviour of the World which makes for great photographs.
And to do in the City?
To spend time outside you have many parks, the best being the botanical and zoological gardens.
What can I buy There?
Visit the llopango markets in the city which sell a lot of local crafts. The best buys here are hammocks which are hand-made and very cheap. Other items include carved figures, a lot based on the Pipil deities and leather work.
What About Entertainment?
The city is known for its nightlife ranging from modern rave to bohemian and traditional Latin. There are also a number of religious festivals celebrated here which attract large crowds.
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