Quick Facts

Located in a valley in northern Central America, San Salvador is the capital and largest city of El Salvador. The city is surrounded by volcanoes and has the second largest metropolitan area in Central America (after Guatemala City). The city is modern and has the fastest growing economy. Along with a big city comes pollution, heavy traffic and an obvious divide between poor and rich. However, the city has a lot to offer to travelers. The city prides itself on its many art and history museums, its historic center of the city (El Centro), and its beach with resorts less than an hour away.

Getting There & Other Transportation

Cuscatlán International Airport serves the city of San Salvador and is 44 km from the city center. After your flight arrives at the airport, you can take a bus to the city. If you wish to travel by bus, take bus number 138. You may also prearrange (with your hotel) transportation to and from the airport.

Another option is to take a 45 minute taxi ride to the center of the city. This is more expensive, but generally trusted. You can barter with taxi drivers and if you find a cab without a meter, you may be able to barter a better deal.

Hotels & Places to Stay

To prove its style and class, there are many international luxury chain hotels in San Salvador. Local hotels can be found here as well. Here are some examples of each:

Luxury Hotels:

Hilton Princess

Intercontinental Real

Sheraton Presidente

Local Hotels:

Las Palmas

Hostal Plaza Antigua

Hotel Villa Serena San Benito

Mariscal Hotel & Suites

Dining & Nightlife

A major plus of this growing metropolitan area is that it offers one of Central America’s most diverse collections of international restaurants. You can find restaurants that offer the following cuisine types: fusion, Asian, Italian, Brazilian, Peruvian, etc.

The best place to go to get a great selection of food choices is the Boulevard del Hipodromo and the Zona Rosa district.

Here are some great places to dine in San Salvador:

503 Restaurante and Champagne Lounge (Japanese)

Fiasca do Brasil Rodizio &Grill (South American)

Hunan (Chinese)

Inka Grill (South American)

La Cantata del Café (Latin American)

Senor Tenedor (Italian)

Tre Tratelli Pasta Cafe & Restaurante (Italian)

Tipicos Margoth (Central American)

Attractions

Historic Attractions:

Joya de Ceren

Parque Archeologio San Andres

Museums:

Centro Monsenor Romero

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

Tin Marin Museo do los Ninos

Outdoor Sites:

Volcan San Salvador

Jardin Botanico La Laguna

Plaza Barrios

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language in El Salvador is Spanish; however there are still Indian populations that speak the ancient language of the Nashua.

The official currency in El Salvador is the El Salvadorian colon (SVC).