San Salvador is not only the capital city of El Salvador, but also its cultural, political, financial, and education hub, with the biggest population in the country. Nestled between volcanoes, San Salvador is sprinkled with galleries, museums, and tranquil suburbs, making it a perfect destination to be explored by foot. From the renovated city center with lots of greenery and an imposing cathedral and the plethora of hiking trails to galleries, museums, and theaters, San Salvador is home to lots of gems, ready to be discovered. Are you excited to see what else San Salvador has to offer? Read on as we explore the many things to do in San Salvador, El Salvador, for the entire family.
1. Experience the beauty and magic of a colorful colonial town (from USD 92.0)
Take a one-day trip to visit Suchitoto, a magical colonial city full of color and history. Travelers will be picked up from their hotel, and a local guide will tell all kinds of stories about the history and architecture of Suchitoto along the way, and while visiting the Santa Lucia Church, many of the city’s coffee shops and galleries, as well as the spectacular Los Tercios waterfall. Join the tour, and you’ll get to wander on cobbled streets, admire the colonial architecture, and soak in the beauty of this colorful city. Bottled water is included in the tour price, but guests are expected to buy their food.
Combo Tour: Archeology in Cihuatan + Suchitoto Best Preserved Colonial Town.
Duration: 8 hours
2. Walk the trails around El Boquerón volcano (from USD 76.0)
Make the most of your stay in San Salvador and explore its spectacular surroundings. This four-hour tour will take you on a trip to the majestic El Boquerón volcano, which translates to Big Mouth. The tour starts at Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport and will take you to the city center of San Salvador, where you’ll get to see the main landmarks, including the Metropolitan Cathedral and Salvador del Mundo square. Next stop on the itinerary is the famed volcano, where you’ll get to walk its surrounding trails and take a peek at the crater. The tour lasts between four and six hours and ends at the airport where it started.
San Salvador Layover Tour: El Boqueron, Metropolitan Cathedral
Duration: 4 hours
3. Marvel at the globe sphere atop Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
Located in Plaza El Salvador del Mundo, Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo is a masterpiece that will catch your attention from afar. The monument consists of a tall concrete base pedestal, with a massive globe sphere and a statue of Jesus Christ atop. The statue is 59-feet (18-meters) tall and dates back to 1942. The landmark is a symbol of San Salvador, and a must-see whenever you’re visiting the city.
Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
Address: Alameda Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Salvador
Website: Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. See over 600 creatures at National Zoo of El Salvador
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Parque Zoologico Nacional on Monday, June 1, 2015
First opened in 1953, the National Zoo of El Salvador is home to over 600 animals and 117 different species today. It is a great place to visit with the whole family; kids and adults too will love discovering mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibians, and learning about animals from veterinary specialists. The zoological park hosts a variety of activities, including guided tours and educational walks. The zoo has an excellent location, within walking distance from the Military Museum of the Armed Forces, several parks, and lots of coffee shops and restaurants.
National Zoo Of El Salvador
Address: Final Calle Modelo, San Salvador
Website: National Zoo Of El Salvador
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: 1 USD
5. Discover the history of Libertad Plaza
Libertad Plaza in the heart of San Salvador is a place of great historical and cultural significance. It was the starting point for the city’s expansion in the 16th century, and today it is home to the Monument to the Heroes, which stands tall right in the center of the square. The marble and bronze structure is surrounded by green space and water fountains, but also by curious tourists looking to photograph the masterpiece and explore every inch of the square. Another must-see in the Libertad Plaza is the Catholic church, with its impressive architecture.
Libertad Plaza
Address: 4a Calle Poniente, San Salvador
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 6am; Sun: 9am - 5am
6. Marvel at contemporary Salvadoran art at Museum of Art of El Salvador
San Salvador is known for its many galleries and museums, and one of them is the Museum of Art of El Salvador (MARTE). The museum is located near a variety of restaurants, but also close to the Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum. It features contemporary exhibits created by some of the most talented Salvadoran artists. The museum organizes workshops for kids and concerts and hosts the Artist of the Month, a program that was born in 2003 and has aimed at promoting local artists ever since.
Museum of Art of El Salvador
Address: Colonia San Benito, Final Avenida la Revolución, San Salvador
Website: Museum of Art of El Salvador
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 1.5 USD
7. Savor Mediterranean cuisine at La Gastroteca Restaurante
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
¡NUEVOS DESAYUNOS! Lunes a Sábado • 6:30 - 10:00 AM • The Best way to start your day is here. Tel.: 2298-5876 ||...
Posted by La Gastroteca on Tuesday, June 29, 2021
La Gastroteca is a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine right in the heart of San Salvador. They use only the freshest ingredients and focus on manipulating them as little as possible, keeping their nutritional properties and authentic flavors. La Gastroteca serves brunch and cocktails and has a menu that includes appetizers, soups, salads, pasta, risotto, and main courses. Every plate that comes out of the kitchen and out of the hands of Chef Fernando Arguedas are works of art boasting bright colors, rich flavors, and spectacular plating.
La Gastroteca Restaurante
Address: Next to the Clarion Suites Las Palmas Lobby, Sergio Viera De Mello Boulevard, San Salvador
Website: La Gastroteca Restaurante
Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 3pm; Tue - Sat: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm
8. Ride the old train at Railway Museum and Theme Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Railway Museum and Theme Park in San Salvador boasts a small museum with a lot of history. The family-friendly museum has lots of open space for kids to run around, beautiful gardens, coffee shops, and a souvenir shop. The museum is a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces and displays trains, machinery, and other exhibits showcasing the city’s legacy. The best part of the visit is the opportunity to ride one of the old trains, which kids will love.
Railway Museum and Theme Park
Address: Av Peralta, San Salvador
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Spend a fun evening with friends at Galaxy Bowling
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
¡VEN A JUGAR POR SOLO $10.00! ? De lunes a viernes juegas 1 hora de boliche a solo $10.00 de **2:00 PM a 5:00...
Posted by Galaxy Bowling on Wednesday, July 7, 2021
Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, grab everyone and head over to Galaxy Bowling, the only bowling alley in San Salvador. With 24 bowling courts, video games, and a café with an extensive fast food menu, Galaxy Bowling is ideal for rainy days, fun, relaxing evenings, but also birthdays and other special events. They are kid-friendly so it can be an excellent option when looking for things to do with the little ones on vacation.
Galaxy Bowling
Address: 75 Av Nte o Napoleon viera Altamirano, San Salvador
Website: Galaxy Bowling
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 9pm
10. Take the kids to see Tin Marin Children's Museum
Another kid-friendly activity to try while in San Salvador is a visit to Tin Marin Children’s Museum. The lively children’s museum is packed with interactive exhibits, including a dinosaur park and a pretend grocery store. The philosophy behind the museum is that playing in a fun environment reinforces learning. They promote communication, creativity, and cognitive development through games and encourage social interaction.
Tin Marin Children's Museum
Address: 6º 10º Poniente Street, between Gimnasio Nacional and Parque Cuscatlán, San Salvador
Website: Tin Marin Children’s Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
11. Spend a day of fun and games at World Games
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
Take a break from sightseeing and museum and galleries exploring, and spend a day of fun and games at World Games. They pride themselves as the best in entertainment for kids and adults in San Salvador. Here, you will find video games for all ages, Vertigo - a virtual reality game, the Rock – a game that will test your climbing ability, and Little Bull – a game that will test your rodeo skills. There’s also a snack and pub area at World Games, making it an excellent choice for birthday parties, business, and social events.
World Games
Address: C.C. Multiplaza (Calle El Pedregal), Antiguo Cuscatlán, La Libertad, San Salvador
Website: World Games
Opening hours: Tue, Thu: 12pm - 7:30pm; Wed: 11am - 9pm; Fri: 12pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm (closed on Mon)
12. Check out Statue of Barrios in the city center
The Statue of Barrios is a famous landmark in the historical center of San Salvador, standing tall in Plaza Civica. The square has been revitalized lately, becoming a hotspot for travelers looking to explore more of San Salvador. The statue pictures Gerardo Barrios, who was the President of El Salvador between 1859 and 1863. His significant role in history is being studied in schools in El Salvador, and his memory is celebrated through this statue. Barrios held several important reforms, he boosted the country’s economy and protected the rights of farming communities.
Statue of Barrios
Address: Plaza Civica, Calle Ruben Dario, San Salvador
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
13. Take a walk down history lane at Military Museum of the Armed Forces of El Salvador
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to find out more about the tumultuous years the country has experienced, visit the Military Museum of the Armed Forces of El Salvador. The museum hosts an extensive collection of weapons, medals, military uniforms, and even a monument of the Próceres de la Independencia Patria. Visitors can admire uniforms from the 18th, 19th, and the 20th century, explore the 10 exhibition halls and check out the 2 interactive sections. The entry is free so that’s yet another reason to add it to your list of things to do in San Salvador.
Military Museum of the Armed Forces of El Salvador
Address: 10.Av. South and Calle Alberto Sánchez, Barrio San Jacinto, adjacent to Ex- Presidential House
Website: Military Museum of the Armed Forces of El Salvador
Opening hours: 8am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
14. Explore local artifacts at Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum
Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum is a great way to discover San Salvador’s history through a variety of archaeological and ethnographic displays and historical artifacts. The collections found at Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum take visitors back to the pre-Hispanic era and walk them through the region’s history up to the present day. Get ready to discover a variety of Maya and Olmec artifacts, traditional crafts, and ceramics. The museum is home to both permanent and temporary exhibits so there’s always something new to discover.
Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum
Address: Avenida De La Revolucion, San Salvador
Website: Dr. David J. Guzmán National Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
15. Drink a cup of specialty coffee at Viva Espresso
Located near Guatemala and Honduras, which are two famous coffee destinations, El Salvador has its unique coffee, with a great body, gentle acidity, and soft taste. El Salvador coffee is perfect for coffee blends, as it makes them smoother. While in San Salvador, stop at Viva Espresso for a flavorful cup of coffee. They serve some of the most exquisite specialties in the country, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have outdoor seating, are excellent for groups and families with children, and offer take-out and delivery options, too.
Viva Espresso
Address: Bulevar Del Hipodromo 644, San Salvador
Website: Viva Espresso
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 7am - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 7am - 11pm; Sun: 7am - 8pm
16. Savor a cold craft beer at Cadejo Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
¡Ésta delicia nos llama! Viernecito para cadejear ¡Caete a la cueva Chele! #BirriaParaLosQueSaben
Posted by Cadejo Brewing Company on Friday, July 30, 2021
Cadejo Brewing Company is the result of two childhood friends united by a dream of making beer with pride, dedication, and innovation. They are an independent brewery, focused on quality rather than quantity. They make their beer and have a permanent collection that can also be found in supermarkets and some seasonal brews. At Cadejo Brewing Company, they’re always working on creating new varieties. Stop by, enjoy a cold beer, and relax after a day of sightseeing.
Cadejo Brewing Company
Address: Calle La Reforma #222, San Salvador
Website: Cadejo Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11:30am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 12am; Sun: 11:30am - 8:30pm
17. Explore one of the hiking trails in Bicentenario Park
Bicentennial Park, that some might know as El Espino - Los Pericos Forest, is the first protected natural area in San Salvador. With a sub-tropical, humid climate, the park’s lands were used for cultivating coffee, before it became a protected area. The park is sprinkled with a plethora of walking and hiking trails, where outdoor enthusiasts can wander and explore El Salvador’s spectacular nature.
Bicentenario Park
Address: Jerusalen Avenue, San Salvador
Website: Bicentenario Park
Opening hours: 6am - 5pm (daily)
18. Book one of Xplora's tours and delve into the region's outdoors
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
¿Sabes que en El Salvador tenemos una cascada de aguas termales?? Vamos a visitarla, CUPOS DISPONIBLES El lugar...
Posted by Xplora SV Tours on Tuesday, October 13, 2020
If you’d rather join a group tour and skip all the logistic and organizational responsibilities, you like meeting new people, or prefer learning about new places from a professional guide, check out the tours Xplora has to offer. They are an excellent idea for more extended stays, as some are three-day tours or longer. You’ll have the opportunity to join Xplora in Nicaragua, Cayos Cochinos – two small islands in Honduras, Guatemala, and many more exciting destinations.
Xplora SV Tours
Address: World Trade Center, Torre 1, 2° Nivel, Col. Escalon, San Salvador
Website: Xplora SV Tours
Opening hours: 8am - 10:30pm (daily)
19. Take a guided tour of Teatro Nacional de San Salvador
Teatro Nacional de San Salvador is one of the city’s architectural landmarks and is one of the most important entertainment spaces in the entire country. With a Renaissance style, the structure is home to cultural heritage and years of shows and spectacles. They have a Great Hall for large-scale events like concerts or festivals, a Small Hall for puppet shows, monologues, and other smaller events, and the Chamber Hall for poetry readings, workshops, and piano or guitar concerts. Buy tickets for a show or book a guided tour to explore the building and learn about its history and heritage.
Teatro Nacional de San Salvador
Address: Delgado Street and 2a. North Avenue, San Salvador
Website: Teatro Nacional de San Salvador
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
20. Catch a live performance at Teatro Luis Poma
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Teatro Luis Poma on Friday, May 21, 2021
Teatro Luis Poma is an unusual attraction but a spot to check out while in San Salvador. The modern and unique space consists of a room dedicated to the performing arts; it has over 200 seats and comes fully equipped to meet all necessary technical requirements. The unusual thing about it is its location, as it situated in the center of a large shopping center. However, it has dressing rooms, a box office, a bar, and an exhibition hall and it hosts a variety of events and shows. When in San Salvador, check out its schedule and go see a show there, if possible.
Teatro Luis Poma
Address: Metrocentro 10th stage, San Salvador
Website: Teatro Luis Poma
21. Admire the paintings at Galeria de Arte Saravia
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Galeria de Arte Saravia on Friday, September 20, 2019
Galeria de Arte Saravia is located near Cuscatlan Park, Tin Marin Children’s Museum, and the National Stadium. Whether you are an art aficionado or not, this is worth a visit, as it is one of the most impressive galleries in El Salvador. The gallery has been showcasing the works of both renowned artists and new talents for over three decades now, and it is known for the variety of painting styles and themes it has on display. Visitors will be able to admire landscapes, abstract paintings, still life, and portraits.
Galeria de Arte Saravia
Address: 37 Avenida Norte, San Salvador
Website: Galeria de Arte Saravia
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 12pm (closed on Sun)
22. Join an afternoon of music, dance, and theater at Centro Cívico Cultural Legislativo
Days at Centro Cívico Cultural Legislativo are always full of joy and fun. Here’s where different arts come to life, whether it’s music, theater, dance, or art. Their artistic and cultural programs are very diverse and may include workshops, concerts, or exhibitions so make sure you check it out, especially since all the entertainment is free of charge. It can also be a great place to meet new people, get to know locals, and learn about their lifestyle.
Centro Cívico Cultural Legislativo
Address: Alameda Juan Pablo II, San Salvador
Website: Centro Cívico Cultural Legislativo
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
Price: Free
23. Catch a documentary at Cultural Center of Spain
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another great place to enjoy local events and learn a thing or two about the community and the country’s history and culture is the Cultural Center of Spain. Here you can find exhibitions, a movie theater where all kinds of movies and documentaries are played, kid-friendly activities, workshops, and more. It is the place where many locals find their freedom of expression and local talents find the development resources they need. The entry is always free and they also organize guided tours upon request.
Cultural Center of Spain
Address: Calle La Reforma, San Salvador
Website: Cultural Center of Spain
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 1pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: Free
24. Take a photo of the historical Hermano Bienvenido a Casa Monument
When it San Salvador, make sure you spot the Hermano Bienvenido a Casa Monument, one of the city’s most recognized historical landmarks. Throughout your stay here, you will probably come to realize that El Salvador is home to many parks, monuments, and plazas raised in honor of the country’s relationship and bond with other countries, including Columbia, Brazil, and Panama. This monument is no exception so make sure you spot it on Autopista Comalapa and take a photo of it; at sunset, it looks pretty cool.
"Hermano Bienvenido a Casa" Monument
Address: Autopista Comalapa, San Salvador
Website: “Hermano Bienvenido a Casa” Monument
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Exploring the many faces of San Salvador
As you can see, the capital of El Salvador is full of architectural and historical masterpieces, but also has its share of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Check out our list of things to do in San Salvador, El Salvador, for the entire family, and make the most of your time in this beautiful city and its surroundings.
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