National Parks
Things to Do in San Salvador, El Salvador - San Salvador Attractions
Things to Do in San Salvador
Popular things to do
Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Salvador.
Churches & Cathedrals
Architectural Buildings • Convention Centers
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Volcanos
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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
- LuckyFairfax, VA13 contributionsVisited El Salvador for the first time in 20 years, it was fun to go back here. Park is much improved with better signs and paths leading up to the crater. Beautiful and quiet and clean. Now there are vendors along the rim which sell souvenirs and food, personally don’t think they are needed since there is also those stalls at the bottom and it’s literally like a 5-7 minute walk up to the rim. Other than that, a great oasis close to the capital.Written August 11, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Milly PCambridgeshire, UK3 contributionswas really pleasenly surpised by the Iglesia El Rosario - its got massive cultural significance and history, yet from the outside I genuinely thought it was an old abandoned building.
The multicoloured glass windows are disguised behing concrete grouting from the outside, so the floor to ceiling rainbow inside was a real pleasant surprise.
Some really beautiful modern religious sculptures too - definitely worth a quick stop in if you're in san slavadorWritten August 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Face_The_ElementsEdmonton, Canada265 contributionsThe archeological park wasn’t hard to get to but our GPS took us off roading just prior to arrival. So be careful! We arrived as soon as it opened and there wasn’t anyone there. They didn’t have any English speaking tour guides so we went without. The museum has many interesting artifacts and stories about the locals in the area. There were some well preserved pieces to see and when you continue to the ruins, you can see the dig site and how it’s also still intact. Very interesting place to visit, especially if you like history.Written April 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tracey GHalesowen, UK2,054 contributionsVisited whilst on day trip to capital. Interesting cathedral with lots of history. Not sure about some of the ceiling painting. Look up and you’ll see what I mean
Go in the vaults below for real historyWritten April 27, 2023This 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 May 4, 2020This 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 January 10, 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, FL19,561 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 December 4, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jeff KPittsburgh, PA1,867 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 January 25, 2023This 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 January 7, 2019This 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 September 3, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Miles ArcherBoca Raton, FL7,606 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 July 9, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, MN3,156 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 January 5, 2022This 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 April 19, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - mauSan Salvador, El Salvador17 contributionsGreat place, amazing price, tons of things to do from getting on and Airplane to painting a car... Loved itWritten October 16, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tracey GHalesowen, UK2,054 contributionsWe had a tour with a very knowledgeable guide who spoke perfect English. Lots of history and plenty to see in the rooms. They are doing loads of renovations. The garden are is lovely
Highly recommendWritten April 27, 2023This 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)
- Volcan San Salvador
- Jardin Botanico La Laguna
- 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
- Bike Zipline, Rainbow Slide All Cafe Albania Activities Included
- The best of San Salvador in 1 day: El Boqueron + Rainbow slide + Historic Center
- Full Day Ruta de Las Flores visit four Colonial Towns and Coffee Farm
- Combo Tour: Volcanoes, Lake and Mayan Sites including Joya de Ceren
- 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 | 139 |
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Attraction Reviews | 6,583 |
Attraction Photos | 6,412 |
Local Time | America/El_Salvador |