San Salvador is a very active city in commerce. Economic development and new trends in architecture are remarkable in the west and southwest of the capital and Greater San Salvador. In the east are the old neighborhoods and colonies, and mainly the historic center, the original core of the city that still remains an important shopping center for the popular sectors.

It is located in the central part of the country and is therefore a strategic site for tourism, since in the city the traveler can host and travel to various parts of El Salvador, which has the smallest territorial area of Central America, in relatively short periods of time.

The inhabitants of San Salvador may seem overwhelmed by daily needs, but it is almost certain that the visitor will find a helping hand for any need. Insecurity is a worrying point in the city as it is in the country, so it is recommended to take the necessary precautions.

Please note that the city is located in an area where seismic events are recurring.

On Bus

It's not hard to find a bus route to San Salvador. As the most important economic activity center, most of the public transport service is organized to connect with the city. The highest prices are around $5, as on the roads that leave from San Miguel, in the eastern part of the country, and the cheapest ones are between $60 and $1.25. Don't expect to find much comfort in the interdepartmental units, and your journey may be delayed by constant stops for users, although there are direct-line buses from cities like San Miguel and Santa Ana.

By car

On Bus

Bus transport in San Salvador is a daily talking point. Despite its low cost (20 cents for buses, and 25 cents for microbuses), the units are mostly in bad shape, and could find themselves on board a vehicle driven by an anxious driver. However, buses cover most of the city, and can be boarded almost at all hours, except late at night.

It is advisable not to wear valuable garments or a lot of money, because assaults, although not very common, are a daily concern.

By car

In Salvador you may encounter bottlenecks in hours of increased traffic, especially at the start of the morning and at the end of the afternoon. The sites with the highest traffic congestion are the Los Proceres boulevard or the Southern Highway, the Arturo Castellanos or Venezuela Boulevard, Paseo General Escalón, Provincial Boulevard Constitution, the Los Héroes boulevard, the John Paul II boulevard, the street to San Antonio Abad, the Jerusalem Avenue, the historic center; and at the city's entry and exit points such as the San Salvador-Santa Tecla (west) road, Troncal del Norte which connects with Apopa, Boulevard de l'Army (east) and highway to Comalapa (south).

The condition of these arteries is regularly good, not some secondary streets, which could be in poor condition. It is advisable to drive very cautiously, as there is a lot of anxiety in drivers. The main streets and avenues are properly identified, and the route route is generally fairly uniform. Generally speaking, the inhabitants are helping to find the right direction.

Museums

David J. Guzmán National Anthropology Museum

The most important in the country. It is located in front of the International Convention and Feria Center on the Revolution Avenue, San Benito colony. The entry price is $1 for Central American and national nationals, and $3 for foreigners.

El Salvador Museum of Art

Complete Salvadoran art collection. It is located at the end of Revolución Avenue of San Benito colony. He forms a joint with the Revolution Monument, popularly called "Chulón." The rate is $1.50 for adults and $0.50 for children, entry is free on Sundays.

Military Museum Quartel Zapote

It is located in the San Jacinto district, in the south of San Salvador, a group of the old Presidential House, popularly called "La Casona". You may have difficulty finding it, so take the route of Boulevard Venezuela or Arturo Castellanos to the east and when you arrive at the Church of the Candelaria neighborhood take the southern direction towards the municipality of San Marcos. Entrance is free.

Museum of Word and Image

The institution was born with the impulse of Venezuelan journalist Carlos Consalvi, and aims to investigate, rescue, preserve and disseminate Salvadoran heritage. It does thematic exhibitions, and it's visually very attractive. It is located on 27 avenue Norte, close to the Guadalupano school. The rate is $1 for Salvadorans and Central Americans, $2 for foreigners, and free for senior citizens.

Museum of Popular Art

Small Salvadoran artisan museum, especially dedicated to crafts in Ilobasco, department of Cabañas. It is located in the Central American colony. To get there, take Los Héroes boulevard and cross left over Gabriela Mistral Street and ask about the park of the colony. The rate is $1 for adults and $0.50 for children.

Museum of Natural History

Dedicated to the exposure of the biodiversity, paleontology, minerals, and ecosystems of the Salvadoran territory. It is located in the area of Saburo Hirao Park, near the National Zoo. The rate is $0.60 and free for adults and children.

Tin Marin Children's Museum

A space dedicated to children where they will have a fun and educational experience through play and experimentation. It is located next to Cuscatlán Park on the sixth-tenth street on the west.

University Museum of Anthropology, University of Technology

Located on Arce Street in the historic center, this former house of the area has five permanent rooms and a temporary one relating to the history of the country since the pre-Hispanic era.

Places

Historic Center

The historic center of San Salvador is a populous area, which may seem messy and chaotic at first impression. Informal trade has been installed on several streets and avenues, making it difficult for people to move on foot or by car, although public transport has been diverted from major roads such as Rubén Darío street, Monsignor Romero Avenue and Avenida España. However, the traveler will be able to find some places of historical importance in this place, since the "center" was for many years the political, commercial and social heart of the country for a long time, apart from that where the city was born. Take into account the difficulty of finding parking, so it is preferable to travel on organized tours. If you take the walking option, traders and passersby are quite willing to help you, even if you take the necessary precautions regarding your personal belongings.

Visit:

• Metropolitan Cathedral, where the crypt of Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero is located;
• Palacio Nacional, which served as the headquarters of the public powers in much of the 20th century, remains open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm with a rate of $1 for Salvadorans and Central Americans and $3 for foreigners.
• Iglesia El Rosario, its attraction is the modern architecture of open space. In this place are the remains of the next José Matías Delgado. It is located opposite Freedom Square.
• Casa Tomada del Centro, this place has been occupied by young enthusiasts dedicated to the promotion of art and culture, located near the Plaza San José.
• Café Bella Naples, located near Liberty Square, is a very traditional place where you can enjoy sweet bread with coffee. Coffee was a meeting place for poets and writers in the 1970s. I understand it was closed.

Natural spaces

El Boquerón National Park

"El Boquerón" is the name of a crater from the San Salvador volcano, where a national park has been built. To get there, head to the Merliot shopping center in Santa Tecla, and take the northern direction. There is a viewpoint to observe the crater and you can also ask for assistance to get down to the bottom of the crater. The road that crosses the volcano is in good condition, even if you take precautions when the weather is rainy if you drive a car. There are also good quality restaurants on the street. Entrance to the park is $1.

Bicentennial Park

It is located on Jerusalem Avenue, to the west of the Metropolitan Area. It is part of the El Espino Forest Reserve and offers hiking trails, mountain biking and trekking trails, and other green areas.

Events

San Salvador does not stand out as a very active center in cultural events. However, this does not mean that the effort of public and private entities in the development of activities is lacking.

The patronal parties are the main celebration of the city. They take place in the first week of August and 5 and 6 are national holidays. The parades organized by the municipality and commercial houses stand out, and the Catholic procession popularly known as "La Bajada", on Day 5, which takes place in the historic center and is held in honor of Divino Salvador del Mundo, patron of the country. On those days, amusement parks are installed. One of them is usually located near the Don Rúa church, close to the Government Center, and another is located at the Feria and Convention Center in front of the National Museum, which provides more security. Easter is another important celebration, being in the historic center where the most traditional organization takes place. In addition, a festivity in honor of the virgin of Guadeloupe is celebrated every 12 December in the parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe, located in Ancient Cuscatlán.

Other events include the commemoration of Central American independence on September 15, 2012, in which educational institutions are parading, as well as police and military representations. In December, cultural displays in the reshaped Plaza of the World's Divine Savior have boomed.

In the field of fine arts, painting exhibitions are held at the Salarrué National Gallery, located in the Cuscatlán Park, and the Art Museum (MARTE). There are privately-owned Gallery 1-2-3 and others that showcase photographs or other visual arts that have proliferated in the last decade. There are also theater seasons at Teatro Luis Poma, located in Metrocentro; as well as the national and youth symphony orchestra, and also the ballet orchestra at the Teatro Presidente. On the other hand, there are important cultural promotion centers such as the Cultural Center of Spain, or the Alliance Française. It is advisable to follow the activities of the Secretariat of Culture of the Presidency, in newspapers or on its Facebook page.

Moreover, there are regular concerts by international artists that take place in the stadiums of Cuscatlán and Mágico González.

• Metrocentro. Popular shopping mall located on Los Héroes Boulevard.
• Staircase Galleries. Mall located on Paseo General Escalón, two blocks from Plaza del Divino Salvador del Mundo. Three levels of shopping, bank service, and movie theaters.
• Crafts market. Located on the Santa Tecla-San Salvador road, opposite the Saturnino Bengoa ball park. Variety of Salvadoran and other Guatemalan crafts. Affordable prices with possibility of bargaining.
• Central Market The important thing about this place, first of all, is that prices are completely popular, then you'll find everything, fresh, good quality food reigns, and you can haggle.

Typical food

Pupusas, a typical Salvadoran dish par excellence, can be tasted in "pupuserías" located throughout the city in neighborhoods and colonies. Close to the Gran Salvador, the Los Planes de Renderos area of Panchimalco is popular, just 7.5 miles from the capital. The center of the city of Antiguo Cuscatlán is also closer. also among the most well-known foods in El Salvador are the tamales pisques of , chicken, meat, chipillin, elote.....also the tortias made from ayote maiz in powdered honey, different kinds of atoles, roasted corn, piñuela, atol chuco by a very famous sierto and consumed by Salvadoran inhabitants are also the products derived from elote like the rigors, atol de elote, crazily elotes, enchiladas, platano-empanadas with milk and bean reylene

Other traditional places are "chilaterías," where you can taste the nests of cassava, chilate, egg fritters, or turrets. Some of the popular chilaterías are "Los Huacalitos" (The Huacalitos) in the San Miguelito neighborhood, and "Mama Nena" in the Santa Anita neighborhood. subway centers such as siman metro south etc etc

In the gastronomy, there are also bread with turkey, of which the most renowned restaurant is "Panes Coyo", others are "Pavito Criollo" and "Don Pavo". Tamales can be found especially on Saturday in shops in some neighborhoods and colonies, as well as in supermarkets. Traditional sweets can be found in abundance during the city's patrons parties in August, although there are street sales in the historic center. Other street sales include rigors, shuco atol, elote atol, piñuela atol, meat cakes, powdered milk, and artisanal sorbets. In Gran Salvador, the municipality of Mejicanos is a place where cassava and chicharrón are tasted in the Plaza Typica Municipal.

Traditional drinks, called "frescoes", can be enjoyed on municipal markets, the most popular of which are barley, horchata, tamarind, among others. Restaurants serving typical food in San Salvador are typical Margoth restaurants in Col. Escalón, on the 79 bird. North; it also serves typical food, Mister Donut Restaurants, some of which are in the city, being one of the most central Mister Donut at La Campana Shopping Center, Salvador del Mundo area, Alameda Roosevelt.

International food

International food fills the most demanding tastes, and among the most representative is Chinese food, in places like the Golden Dragon, China Palace, or Hunan; Mexican cuisine in Los Cebollines, and Las Fajitas; Argentine cuisine at El Arriero and La Pampa Argentina; Italian cuisine at Al Pomodoro, La Bodega Italiana and La Dolce Vita; Japanese food in Kamakura, Daruma and Shushi Ito, is international the very famous food chain "Chicken Campero" of Guatemalan origin and very much depressed all over El Salvador, serve fried chicken, breakfast and others, stand out in San Salvador Pollo Campero of Metrosur, Pollo Campero Salvador del Mundo, PC Ex Terminal of Oriente, PC 25 ave, PC Darío PC, PC, PC. San José Park and many more; among others...

Popular nightlife venues in San Salvador are the Zona Rosa in the west of the city; the Paseo General Escalón that starts from the Monument to Divino Salvador del Mundo; the Zona Real in the vicinity of Metrocentro and the Hotel Real Continental, and the boulevard Santa Elena in the area of the United States embassy. There are also entertainment venues in the shopping centers such as the Paseo Mall, Torre Futura, and La Gran Via and Multiplaza, the latter two located on the road from San Salvador to Santa Tecla. In downtown San Salvador, on Alameda Juan Pablo II, there is a popular Willy's restaurant, you can dance and security is strict, if someone is disturbing your table, warn the security and get it out, it costs $3 a ticket.

Gourmet coffee

Gourmet coffee shops have boomed in the last decade, and in San Salvador there are several high-quality outlets such as The Coffee Cup, Viva Expresso, Ben´s Coffee, and Coffee Station, among others. These cafés can specifically be found in the Mall, Metrocentro, Galerías, El Paseo or in the same chain restaurants like Pollo Campero, Pizza Hut, Mister Donut, and in the modernism on the way to San Salvador have also opened cafés in the Historical Center of San Salvador.

Economic

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Medium

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Derroche

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In the municipality, there are two types of security officers who will ensure their well-being:

• The Metropolitan Agents Corps (CAM): it is responsible for ensuring that municipal ordinances related to the city, security and quality of life of all those who live and transit in San Salvador are enforced. During your visit you can ask these agents for help in case of minor emergencies.
• The National Civil Police (PNC): in charge of enforcing all the laws in force in the country. You should go to the emergency department in case of serious emergencies, which can be reached at emergency number 911.

In addition, as extraordinary measures, the Central Government deployed military agents throughout the country to assist in the security of its inhabitants.

Even though San Salvador has been labeled "Dangerous Cities of the World", it should not be a matter of alarm, it is just a matter of common sense so as not to be a victim of crime. Some advice is given:

• When traveling by vehicle: secure your doors and try not to travel with valuables on view.
• On foot: try not to transit only or with value objects across sensitive sectors.

El Salvador is one of the countries with the highest "medical tourism", so it can find a wide range of services. San Salvador has the best hospitals in the country, in case of any emergency it will have two options:

1. National Clinics and Hospitals: Hospital Rosales and FOSALUD Health Units.
2. Private Clinics and Hospitals: you can see the range of clinics and hospitals at this link.