The 10 best things to do in San Salvador
Last updated on June 8th, 2026 at 01:10 pm
I love El Salvador. I’ve been to every country in Central America (CA) and lived in Costa Rica, but El Salvador is my favorite in CA as a traveler. And I’m not the only one. The other travelers that I met here all said the same – it was their favorite country in CA!
And why? Its the people and the landscapes! The people are absolutely the best – friendly, helpful, honest and curious about you and your life. And then of course, its a cool place full of volcanoes, flowers, surf and beaches, rivers and waterfalls…..
As for San Salvador itself – it is a big manic city like most cities. But it has a few things on offer that make it a decent place to stop a while before your next, slightly wilder, adventure out in the countryside. It definitely has the coolest church I’ve ever seen, history, arts and museums, and other cultural activities. San Salvador is also a great base for some day trips to top destinations in the country. So lets go…..
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content. Cheers!
A quick guide to plan for your trip
Language / Money – Spanish / $USD
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains.
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site.
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. These are my top picks for San Salvador!
- Walking tour in the Historic Downtown
- Full day – San Salvador City Tour Boquerón Park and Rainbow Slide
- If you are on a layover at the airport then definitely this Layover tour of San Salvador city and Volcano tour El Boqueron National Park
- Hike to Devil’s Gate & Local Food Tasting tour
- Mayan Heritage Archaeological Tour
- Ruta de las flores Tour: Hot springs fall, Ataco & Apaneca Albania Cafe
- Juayua 7 Waterfalls & Chorros de la Calera (hiking involved)
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!
1. If you do nothing else – do visit the El Rosario Church / Iglesia El Rosario
100% the most incredible thing in San Salvador. I don’t have a religious bone in my body and there are no animals or forest here, but this place is an architectural marvel and just plain beautiful to sit in for a while. It is the one thing not to miss in San Salvador. If you only have an hour or two, this is what you do!
I highly highly recommend this Walking tour in the Historic Downtown that takes in other places of interest in the city as well as this church! An alternative (highly rated but I didn’t go on this one) is this Historic Downtown Walking Tour Day and Night life
Alternatively – so you know you will get in without any hassle and learn more about the city and its people take a tour like this one Scars of San Salvador or this one City Tour San Salvador
Rubén Martínez, the architect, created the plans for the church in six days in the early 1960’s – unbelievably avant garde!
Martinez is an award winning local abstract and modern sculptor and artist. The church breaks with all Catholic tradition in church design were taken to the Vatican for approval. Pope John XXIII gave approval and, given the breaking of traditions, supervised the work himself.
The church is made only with concrete, iron and pieces of stained glass brought from France – and sunlight for effect of course! The roof is known as the Stairway to Heaven – and it becomes very obvious why when you enter the church.
The walls are built with unseen long gaps providing ventilation. Its very clever when you stop gawping at the roof and lights and start looking at the details like this.
There are many modernistic sculptures showing the progression of the life of Christ at one end of the church. These are also definitely worth spending time to look at. These sculptures were all made with scrap metal and concrete from the building process.
BTW – its really ugly from the outside – that makes it even cooler to see. You can also see bullet holes from the civil war in the walls near the entrance.
The advertised opening hours are 9 -12am and 2 – 4.30pm Mon- Fri and 9 -12 and 2 – 3.30 Saturday. Its closed for services on Sunday. I found the times were not quite accurate, but not far off. I had to hang around a little while when I went back on my own, but it was totally worth it. You can get there via any bus to the city center and walk – its on google maps etc.
Tip: Go on a sunny day (not hard in El Salvador) and go mid morning or late in the afternoon when the sunlight has the most impact.
Note: It is way better in real life than these photos even start to show. Hopefully they will entice you to go anyway!
2. Check out the city center – see the Metropolitan Cathedral and National Palace
While you are visiting El Rosario, add on checking out the nearby historical center. Go to the Civic Square and see the statue of Captain General Gerardo Barrios – with the National Palace on one side and the Metropolitan Cathedral on another.
The Cathedral is interesting as a city landmark and a cathedral in its own right, but also because it is the resting place of Archbishop Óscar A Romero. The Archbishop was another hero to the people in the long brutal civil war in El Salvador. Monseñor Romero had the guts to criticize the government from the pulpit – until he was assassinated in 1980 while giving Mass at a city hospital. Look at the murals – and the one inside the dome in particular – you will see his image there.
Again, I recommend taking one of these tours:
Walking tour in the Historic Downtown
Historic Downtown Walking Tour Day and Night life
or
The best of San Salvador
3. Wander in La Laguna Botanical Garden
This is a little haven in the bottom of an old volcanic crater in the city. You can happily wander around its streams, bridges, little waterfalls and ponds, as well as its array of plants and flowers for a couple of hours. It is not as manicured as a Botanic Garden in Europe or North America, but this is part of the charm. It feels real, and the best thing is there are also animals – turtles, frogs, agoutis, huge green iguanas and butterflies.
Take bus 44 from the city center and ask the driver to let you off at ‘Plan de la Laguna.’ Then it’s a 1km downhill walk to the garden. Check google maps – its there.
4. Take a day trip to Parque El Boqueron and Volcan San Salvador
Ahh now lets get out of the city! There are some easy and fun day trips you can make from the city. This is one of the best. Walk up a pleasant forest pathway from the end of the road and get to the Volcan San Salvador crater rim. There you will see a crater in a crater!
The second small crater way below you is known as Boqueron (Big Mouth) which is the result of an eruption in 1917. These pics again just don’t do it justice. I needed a drone 🙁
There are also great views over the city to the huge lake – Lago de Ilopango, and to more volcanoes in the distance.
This is a fun place to walk around – there is a pathway around part of the crater. You used to be able to walk right around but they have closed part of it off now. Some vendors were selling fruit and other goodies at perfectly reasonable prices up there which was also perfect. (El Salvadorians are soooooo honest and never charge tourists more except in government official price lists for parks and museums – long may it last.)
Honestly, the easiest way to get there is to get a group of you together and share an Uber. Otherwise you will need to change buses a couple of times and, as Uber is so cheap, its almost the same price if you are sharing. (Long may that last too.) The only thing is there is no cell service at the top so you either have to prearrange a return trip, ask your driver to wait for you or invite them to come with you, or walk part way down the hill until you get reception – which is what we did as we hadn’t realised we wouldn’t get service there!
And if that sounds like a load of hassle, then I recommend you take this tour (I wish we had to be honest). It covers a lot in one day and saves you a ton of time! Full day – San Salvador City Tour Boquerón Park and Rainbow Slide
And if you are on a layover at the airport then definitely take this Layover tour of San Salvador city and Volcano tour El Boqueron National Park!
5. Just for fun – visit The Little Prince Park
I hope you know the book – The Little Prince? Well I did, and I’m a bit of a big kid, so I couldn’t resist this one.
So why is this Little Prince themed park even here?
The author of the book is Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and his wife Consuelo was born and grew up in El Salvador. Antoine based the three volcanos in the book on three volcanos in El Salvador. The two active volcanos on the astroid where the Prince lives are based on the Santa Ana and Izalco volcanos. The Rose that the Prince looks after in the story, is based on Consuelo, and so it goes on…..
So now you have the back story you might enjoy a little visit to this park too. More statues than play things – but quite cute!
Again you will find it on google maps. I didn’t take a bus but caught an uber as they are so cheap and it was so close to my hostel. I don’t think any buses go very close but you can ask your accommodation how to get there.
6. See the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo
The Monument to the Divine Savior of the World, is a huge statue of Jesus Christ standing on top of planet earth, on top of a very tall base. It is in the middle of a busy traffic roundabout with its own little plaza area. There are some traffic lights (not that that means much here unless a policeman is directing traffic) to help you get across. Its a pretty cool little spot to stop off at.
The monument is a real landmark and represents both El Salvador and Salvadorans throughout the world. The huge base is supposed to be a decoration for the tomb of Manuel Enrique Araujo, the President of El Salvador between 1911 and 1913.
So many buses run from the city center up here – just jump on one and ask the driver to let you off nearby.
7. Visit the Devils Door at Puerta del Diablo
This place has stunning views, and the drive there is interesting. We took an uber there and local bus back. The uber driver asked us if he could take us to the best pupusa restaurant in San Salvador. What could we say? The restaurant did have the best pupusas we had there by far – and great views too. He also would not let us pay – this is what these amazing people are like! So that was an added bonus to it all.
The Puerta del Diablo has just re-opened after being closed a few years for a major revamp. Gone is the rubbish (at the moment) and the peace and quiet there used to be. But the views between these two huge rocks remain – all the way out to the Pacific Ocean.
There is now a plaza area, lots of information boards, vendors of food and ‘stuff,’ and even glass floored walkways! Of course you can still take shot walks on the rocks are they are still great for rock climbers. Finally – you can go ziplining between the rocks! That wasn’t all there when we visited, but the vistas were!
There is supposed to be a dark past to the area – now probably forgotten in the revamp to some extent. But it is said to be a place where many were tortured and murdered during the civil war. Perfectly imaginable when you look at the cave area!
Take the Hike to Devil’s Gate & Local Food Tasting tour and see a bit more on the way to the hike to the Devils Door – plus have lunch at a great spot! Or take this Devil´s Gate and historic downtown of San Salvador combo tour!
8. See the Pompeii of El Salvador – Joya de Cerén
Yes – another trip out of town. This is not so wild as an historic archeological site.
Joya de Cerén was a pre-Columbian Mayan farming village that, like Pompeii, was buried under an eruption around AD 600. It is still being ‘dug’ and there is a long way to go so don’t expect to see miles of amazing ‘ruins.’ But because of the exceptional condition of the remains, they give historians a real an insight into the daily lives of the Central American populations who worked the land at that time. Notably this is not the wealthy populations, but the everyday man, and this is exceptional in itself.
There is also an on-site museum which is interesting with English, French and Spanish information panels – especially good for history buffs.
For me though the coolest thing is that this is a great place to see the national bird of El Salvador – the torogoz or Turquoise-Browed motmot! It was also an interesting bus ride out there. I’m a heathen, I know, but looking at historical stuff just doesn’t do it for me – but the mot mots did!
There are sometimes English or French speaking guides. I didn’t get one (none available) but ended up listening in on a group that had one so that was good as I could then understand what I was seeing. (My Spanish just isn’t up to that level.) All in all I think this is worth it – even for me! Others will think its really great. Its open every day except Monday and was $10 to get in – plus the 50c bus fare each way! Check with your accommodation as to the correct bus as it may have changed.
Easier is to take a tour, especially if you want to see more of the other archaeological ruins nearby – try this one as it is highly rated, but didn’t exist when I was there!
Archeological Route Full-Day Tour
or
Mayan Heritage Archaeological Tour
or
Maya Route Tour – El Salvador Mayan Sites including Joya de Cerén
9. Climb Santa Ana Volcano and see Lake Coatepeque
This is definitely more on the wilder side – and definitely worth doing! I took a bus from San Salvador but did actually stay at Lake Coatepeque for a while. However, you can do this as a daytrip from San Salvador!
Santa Ana is the highest volcano in the country and is still active – the last big eruption was in 2005! The road to the volcano follows another old crater rim for much of the way and there are plenty of views of Lake Coatepeque in the crater of this old volcano.
You have to take a guide to climb to the crater rim. You can go on a tour or organise one when you get there – they are waiting at the entrance for you (not pushy – just there ready and waiting). On the way up you get great views over the neighboring volcano Izalco and the surrounding countryside. At the top you will see the boiling bubbling green lake in the crater below you. Go as early as you can as it can be a hot climb – you might find an enterprising soul selling ice-blocks at the crater rim however – a big bonus!
You can take one of these highly rated full day tours from San Salvador:
Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Lake Coatepeque
Santa Ana Volcano and Lake
Santa Ana Volcano Hike and Coatepeque Lake
10. Enjoy the flowers , waterfalls, hot springs and villages on the Ruta de Flores
Saving the best to last? Maybe! Yes, another trip out of town. You can spend ages in this area (I did) but if you are short on time then a day trip from San Salvador is a great idea and means you don’t miss out!
There are so many options I’m not sure where to start. (As I said, you could spend ages in this area.) but the big drawcards in the Ruta de Flores area are:
The various hot springs – Termales de Santa Teresa is the biggest and one you will most likely visit – think natural thermal pools, mud baths, varying temperatures, and a relaxing break in the coffee farm area near the colonial towns like Ataco and Juayúa
The villages / towns – especially Ataco – Ataco is famous for its murals. Its also just a chill place with nice cafes to hang out and people watch in! Juayúa is famous for its waterfalls – although its also famous for its weekend Feria Gastronómica – a food market where you can try every El Salvadoran dish imaginable – its not to be missed!
The waterfalls – there are at least seven around the town of Juayúa on the Ruta de Flores – and one of them is a hot one!
Cafe Albania – this is not a traditional amusement park, but something a bit more unique. It’s a coffee plantation with adrenaline-type activities which visitors can do as well as enjoy the natural scenery and take coffee tours. Favorite attractions are the giant rainbow slide (yes its fun), a bicycle zipline, and a genuinely challenging maze! (They do have people that will lead you out if you get really stuck and simply cannot get out – yes it does happen frequently!)
Great day tour options from San Salvador are below – I really cant choose one for you as they all have different focuses and it really depends on your preference – for me it would include :
Ruta de las flores Tour: Hot springs fall, Ataco & Apaneca Albania Cafe
Private Tour Ruta de Flores Bike Zipline, Slide, Hotsprings
Juayua 7 Waterfalls & Chorros de la Calera (hiking involved)
Relax and Have Fun at the Hot Spring and Albania Cafe
The Classic Ruta de las Flores : Towns, Coffee Tour & Hot Springs
Café Albania, Ataco Town & Hot Springs
Time for me to go and a bonus or two for you…..
After all that and a bit of time wandering the streets and enjoying a couple of cafes and restaurants, it was time for me to head to Suchitoto and the Bahía de Jiquilisco – saving the best for last! What a great place El Salvador is!
I loved both Suchitoto and the Bahía de Jiquilisco and spent almost a month between the two places! As a bonus I will recommend them as day trips from San Salvador – only if you don’t have time to linger. If you do, then go spend some time. If you don’t, try these two day trips and get a nice taster!
Suchitoto and Historic Center Tour
Monkey Sanctuary Reserve & Kayaking at Bahia Jiquilisco
Where to stay in San Salvador
These accommodation options are all highly rated and great options for your stay depending on your budget and preferences:
High End – the Hyatt Centric San Salvador or Barceló San Salvador
Mid Range – The Diamond Hotel San Benito or Kaleo Hotel Boutique
Budget – try the Hotel Armonia, or, Green life or Cinco Hotel B&B
Backpackers – I stayed in La Zona Hostel which was in a safe area with restaurants and street food all around, and an easy bus or uber ride into the city center. But check out other options!
Travel Tips for San Salvador
- Don’t judge the country by old headlines – the murder capital of the world etc. That’s old news! In my mind its probably generally the safest place in Central America now – alongside Costa Rica. Of course normal precautions apply.
- In San Salvador use Uber. Public buses are fine on main routes or if they go exactly where you want to go – depending on how much traffic there is. But they can be very slow, so I tended to use uber as it was cheap and faster.
- Take some $USD with you (you can withdraw when you get there but its good to have some in your pocket on arrival) as its the local currency. Small shops and street stalls usually only take cash. Take small bills – $20 can be too much sometimes. You can withdraw at ATMs in key tourists towns.
- Salvadorians are super friendly and really genuinely curious about you and your country, as well as so helpful. Its the people that make the country!
- Learn some Spanish before you go – even a few words will be met with big smiles and even better interactions with the locals. Key phrases:
Hola = hello
Gracias = thank you
Cuánto cuesta = how much (does it cost)
Dónde está = where is
Una pupusa, por favor = one pupusa please
Related Posts
El Salvador: detailed 2, 3 and 4 week itineraries
12 fabulous things not to miss in El Salvador – a great place for nature lovers!
And in nearby Guatemala:
Visiting Tikal: A complete guide to Guatemala’s ancient Maya city!
Your complete Guide to Semuc Champey, Guatemala!
A complete guide to the 10 towns of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala!