Churches & Cathedrals
Top Things to Do in San Salvador
Things to Do in San Salvador
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Salvador.
Top Attractions in San Salvador
Ancient Ruins
Architectural Buildings • Convention Centers
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,635 contributionsWe stopped here as part of a private tour of San Salvador. I’ve seen a lot of churches and it’s one of the best that I’ve seen. The contrast between the church’s interior and exterior is really unusual.
Touring with a guide is helpful as the church has a lot of interesting aspects that aren’t obvious if you’re touring on your own.
This is a must-see sight for San Salvador and highly recommended.Written 25 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,635 contributionsIt takes about a 10 minute hike up a hill to the first viewing sight to see the crater. You then return on a different path with a few more viewing spots. The views are good and the park is well maintained.
There is also a viewing spot at the bottom of the park where you can see San Salvador. I was a little disappointed in this spot as several trees blocked parts of the view.
The drive to get to the park might be better than the park itself. The last mile or so is very tight with lots of restaurants and businesses on a very narrow road. There are several spots with great views on the road.
It takes some effort to get there but is worthwhile if you have access to a car.Written 25 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,635 contributionsWe saw a lot of Mayan ruins on this trip but this one was different as it showed how Mayans lived over 1500 years ago. We toured with a guide which I recommend as you’ll learn a lot more.Written 25 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- WhiteMouseBurrowMoscow, Russia2,343 contributionsAn impressive monumental building, it cannot be said that it is an architectural masterpiece, but it makes an impression. Unfortunately failed to get inside.Written 13 March 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The World is My OysterOrlando, FL19,499 contributionsThis was definitely the spot to be at night, as there were so many restaurants and bars everywhere. The atmosphere was very cool, and it felt safe all around.Written 4 December 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Antonio MCopenhagen, Denmark45 contributionsEl Salvador has been known for its excellence in the production of coffee beans, later known in the newspapers for its horrific civil war, now also positions itself in the art world!
The museum has a lot of artwork but unfortunately, all the descriptions are available only in Spanish. The souvenir shop is very small and we did not find any interpretations of the paintings such as postcards or magnets.Written 4 May 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - ThaliaSan Antonio, TX2 contributionsSuch a great garden! It also has a nursery where you can purchase plants.
It is in the middle of an industrial park with tight parking. I would advise getting there before 1pm to avoid not finding parking.Written 10 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - kenia s4 contributionsLet me say, if you're after a local gem experience this is the place!
This lake is impressive! Getting here is an adventure, it's almost a secret escape that locals know about and it's a privilege to see it.
To get here, I don't even know we got to visit because we had a local private driver. It's a way down, going through narrow and muddy terrain, we had the car go through a couple shallow rivers and saw cows along the way. The driver must be knowledgeable!
We saw the lake on a warm and rainy day. And it was still pretty! Imagine a sunny day! The lake is warm and there were people swimming even though it was pouring! We rented a boat that seats 10 for 30 min for 15 dollars total.the boat driver was so sweet and took us around the lake describing things along the way. There's an island on the lake and they'll take you there if you want.
To get a boat, just go into any of the little stores and restaurants and ask about the boats that's what we did. The people are lovely, there's yummy restaurants serving hot chicken stews and pupusas of course.
Beautiful experience! I wish I knew more on how to get here, but I'm sure there's more practical directions online since there's rentals along the lake.
If you can squeeze it in, it's a whole day trip! Definitely go!Written 3 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Julio ELittleton, CO33 contributionsLove this place, used to come here when i was little, now i was able to enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of the park and the food as well.Written 10 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,635 contributionsWe stopped here with our bilingual tour guide. We then had to take a tour with one of the Palace’s guide who only spoke Spanish but was translated by our guide. It worked out well although it would have been a waste without our tour guide translating.
The tour was a little long but we liked it. I would recommend if you’re nearby and speak Spanish or have someone with you who can translate.Written 25 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,635 contributionsWe took a tour with a University student who spoke very good English. The tour got a little tedious in parts but was very good overall. The tour lasted about an hour.
The Center is named after Saint Romero but most of the focus is on the massacre of Jesuit priests and two women that occurred at the site. The tour provides a good explanation of the massacre and other aspects of the war. The Cathedral is also part of the tour and has some interesting art.
I would consider it a must-see sight if you want to learn about the Civil War.Written 25 January 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - BGBeverlyhillsBeverly Hills, CA49 contributionsI was lucky enough to attend a ballet performance of the opera Carmen, which was the highlight of my San Salvador visit.
It’s a very elegant place , and it’s unfortunate that except for a nice literary coffee shop a few feet away there’s absolutely no nice restaurant around. The historic center of this city badly needs a reconfiguration.Written 19 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Anita3 contributionsTo visit the site of the assassination of Saint Oscar Romero and to hear of great his concern for social justice even unto giving his life for the poorest citizens of his country was extremely moving!Written 7 January 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN2,157 contributionsA trip to the top of Volcan San Salvador and El Boqueron National Park is a must if visiting San Salvador. It is a 30 minute Uber ride from the Zona Rosa area of San Salvador. Make sure you arrange for the driver to wait or return as there is no cell service at the top. It is a short mildly strenuous hike from the parking lot to the overlooks of the crater at the top of the volcano. We spent about 30-40 minutes hiking at the top. Great views of San Salvador from the road up to the top. Plenty of restaurants and cafes with spectacular views along the road to the volcano and at the top.Written 5 January 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Miles ArcherBoca Raton, FL7,459 contributionsPre-Columbian artifacts, Mayan, on display. So are Colonial period exhibits. Not extensive but interesting and informative. I've been to some Mayan sites, but I have others I want to visit, including Copan. This museum is a must if you have any interest in Mesoamerican culture and history.Written 9 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about San Salvador
- The top attractions to visit in San Salvador are:
- Parque Nacional El Boqueron
- Iglesia El Rosario
- Joya de Ceren Archaeological Park
- Jardin Botanico La Laguna
- Plaza Futura
- The best outdoor activities in San Salvador according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Parque Nacional El Boqueron
- Devil's Door (Puerta del Diablo)
- Jardin Botanico La Laguna
- Volcan San Salvador
- Lake Ilopango
- The best day trips from San Salvador according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Best Day-Tour : Santa Ana Volcano Hiking + Panoramic View Lake Coatepeque
- The best of San Salvador in 1 day: El Boqueron + Rainbow slide + Historic Center
- Combo Tour: Volcanoes, Lake and Mayan Sites including Joya de Ceren
- Thermals Day-Tour :Santa Teresa Hot Spring + Cafe Albania (Bike Zipline) + Ataco
- Full Day Ruta de Las Flores visit four Colonial Towns and Coffee Farm
- The most popular things to do in San Salvador with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: See all kid friendly things to do in San Salvador on Tripadvisor
San Salvador Attractions Information
| Attractions | 132 |
|---|---|
| Attraction Reviews | 6,498 |
| Attraction Photos | 6,180 |
| Local Time | Monday 2:29 am |