San Salvador: Best Things to Do
SIGHTSEEING
Monument to the Divine Savior of the World is a place in San Salvador when you want to see and to be seen by people. On top of the monument, Jesus Christ is standing still on top planet earth. This monument is built in the center of Plaza El Salvador del Mundo that represents Salvadorian. The name of the city itself means The Savior. Although you can not explore the monument closely, you can take a seat on the steps at the base of the monument.
Monument to the Divine Savior of the World
DOWNTOWN
Located in the downtown, the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador becomes the main tourist attraction in the city. The building has a festive color as the image of Jesus. This area is always packed with locals and tourists who spend their leisure time by strolling around Morazan Plaza or having a light talk in the cafes and bars nearby.
Metropolitan Cathedral Of San Salvador
SHOPPING
Everything about artworks from San Salvador is available in Mercado Nacional de Artesanías. You can find a hammock, t-shirts, paintings, and many other handicrafts in here. Most vendors only do cash transaction so you have to make sure to bring cash. The vendors offer a bit high in price but there is always room for bargaining in this market.
Mercado Nacional de Artesanías
FOOD & DRINK
Complete your visit to Sal Salvador by trying Pupusa. Pupusa is made from corn flour stuffed with cheese, cooked ground pork, and fried lorocco (vine flower bud found in Central America). Pupusa is usually served along with spicy cabbage slaw and tomato salsa. The dish is very special to Salvadorian, even they have Pupusas Day on the second Sunday of November.
CULTURE
El Salvador is the only country in Central America that has no Caribbean coast. Most of Salvadorian speak Spanish and in a small number, they speak native Pipil Language. The culture of El Salvador is the culture of the Spanish settlers.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit San Salvador is from November to February, to avoid the hottest time of the year.
HOTEL
Hotel Barcelo San Salvador offers a comfortable stay in the busiest street in San Salvador. The room is full of classic yet simple decor and the city view from the window is no joke, it's amazing! But when you want to recharge your energy while mesmerizing the calm atmosphere of the city, you may book a room at Hotel Boutique Sal y Luz. The room and the building itself has an eco-friendly concept dominated by brown wooden furniture.
Hotel Barcelo San Salvador
Hotel Boutique Sal y Luz
RESTAURANT
Famous for its burger, Rustico Bistro is a restaurant that you have to visit in San Salvador. You have to try the signature burger called Rustico and you will never forget the taste for the entire of your life. But if you're craving for Mexican cuisine, you may have a seat at Los Tacos de Paco and have a bite of tacos. The restaurant is full of Mexican style ornament and some beautiful paintings are hanging on the wall.
Rustico Bistro
Los Tacos de Paco
CAFE
4 Monkeys Coffee Shop is the right place to go if you're looking for a place that serves the authentic taste of the coffee. The coffee shop is an ideal stop for breakfast or brunch because it also offers a sandwich and pastries on the table. But when you want to experience any kind of biscuit, you may head to Biscuit Factory San Benito. Not only baked their biscuit, but they also offer hand brewing coffee which serves in the cozy outdoor and indoor seating.
4 Monkeys Coffee Shop
Biscuit Factory San Benito
BAR AND NIGHTLIFE
Republik Bar is the right place to go when you are looking for a chill and trendy bar in San Salvador. This two-stories bar is always packed with locals and tourists who spend the night by having a glass of cold beers while enjoying the live music. But when you want to take a sip of cold beer while watching people from the cozy terrace, you may head to Cadejo Brewing Company. The beers are home-brewed and have many varieties from the smooth to the strong one.
Republik Bar
Cadejo Brewing Company
INTERESTING PLACE
You have to add the Museum of Modern Art on your bucket list when you are in San Salvador. In this museum, you can explore the contemporary art masterpieces from the Salvadorian artists. The museum is free entrance on Sunday and if you come with your kids, they can join the art workshop in the museum. Doing museum-hopping in San Salvador is never complete before you set your step in Dr David J. Guzmán National Museum. In this museum, you can learn about El Salvador history from the prehispanic era until today.
Museum of Modern Art
Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum
INSTAGRAMMABLE SPOT
Full with ornate decor, National Palace will give your Instagram feed the authentic English and Spanish vibes. In front of this historical place, there are a lot of pigeons so you have to make sure to capture it well. The majestic building of Teatro Nacional is not something you can miss from your camera lens. This oldest theatre in Central America has grand decor stage in the inside built in 1903 through a design competition.
National Palace
Teatro Nacional
