San Salvador

Introducing San Salvador

San Salvador is a powerhouse; the cultural and cosmopolitan heart of the country. A confident, intellectual and lefty place that's captured in its knock-out museums, heady cultural centers, war memorials, urban-hipster bars and coffee-shops-turned-artsy-film-venues. And it's a town that makes itself heard: the rush of cars on six-lane avenues, the hum of people in glittery malls, the exchange of coins on a packed commuter bus. It has a pulse.

Most travelers don't expect to find themselves in this city; reports of gang violence and stories of a brutal war that ended long ago color their perceptions before they even arrive. Like any major city, it definitely has its bad sides. Visitors should avoid Soyopango, the gangland on the east side of town (there really is no reason for travelers to be there anyhow) and should visit the centro only during daylight hours when it is bustling with activity. And it's no beauty - if San Salvador were a woman, you'd say she has a good personality. Make that a great personality. Because despite San Salvador's lack of colonial grandeur, it has a cosmopolitan class that's hard to find anywhere else in Central America. Explore the city - you may not snap many photos, but it may well become a highlight of your trip.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009