Shopping in San Salvador
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A
Mercado Ex-Cuartel
This army barracks-turned-public market has three sections: shoes, clothes and artesanías. The first two areas are aimed mainly at locals, although travelers can find decent leather sandals and cool soccer shirts (not to mention puffy pink dresses). The best artesanía products here are the hammocks, which hang from high hooks like fresh laundry, in many colors, sizes and varieties.
reviewed
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B
Nahanché
Hands down, this boutique offers the best selection of Salvadoran artesanías (handicrafts) in town; you'll find everything from brilliant indigo place mats to intricate miniature figurines. Items are pricey but the craftsmanship can't be beat. A sister store is located in Metrocentro, although the quality simply isn't the same.
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C
Mercado Nacional de Artesanías
A couple of dozen stands sell the gamut of Salvadoran crafts in this outdoor market: miniatures, colorful wood creations, black pottery, indigo dresses…you name it, they've probably got it. Shop around a bit before you buy - the quality varies quite a bit. It's located behind the Fería Internacional de El Salvador.
reviewed
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D
El Arbol de Dios
If you like the colorful art of La Palma, you'll love this gallery, which features works by the artist who started it all - Fernando Llort. An impressive collection of Llort's lithographs, ceramics, tejidos (stitchwork) and canvases are sold here. Not cheap, but they're masterpieces.
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E
Metrocentro
Imagine walking into a three-story, 10-wing retail jungle. Said to be the largest mall in Central America, this place is mammoth and completely overwhelming - but also convenient and safe. If you can see past the teenagers checking each other out, you'll find almost anything you want.
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F
Galerías Escalón
San Salvador's poshest mall, Galerías Escalón, boasts three air-conditioned levels of upscale clothing and jewelry stores, electronics stores, cell-phone offices and banks. Grab some sushi at the swish food court then catch a movie at the new Cinépolis mega-cinema.
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G
Shicali Ceramica
Beautiful ceramics are sold at this neighborhood pottery workshop that was created by ACOGIPRI, an association that is dedicated to bettering the lives of handicapped people in El Salvador. In fact, almost every item is created on-site by beneficiaries of the association.
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H
La Pinacoteca
Whether you're interested in buying a high-end work of art, or just like to window shop, head to this superb art gallery. While showcased artwork changes regularly, there is always a good variety of paintings, sculptures, graphic art and photography on display.
reviewed
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I
Super Selectos, Metro Sur
For self-caterers, Super Selectos, Metro Sur is a well-stocked supermarket hidden in the basement of Metro Sur. It's a good place to hit if you want to cook a meal or two back at the hostel. There's another branch in Centro Comercial San Luis.
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J
Mayan Gifts Artesanías
Not the classiest of gift shops, but once you dig through the shiny key chains and loud T-shirts, you'll find a decent assortment of black clay pottery and colorful artesanías.
reviewed
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K
Galería 1-2-3
A small upscale gallery selling modern paintings and sculptures by mostly Central American artists. It's next to Koffee Mix café; ring the bell to get in.
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L
La Ceiba Libros
You'll find a good selection of Spanish-language books here, especially if you're interested in Salvadoran history and literature.
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M
Super Selectos, El Paseo Mall
For self-caterers, Super Selectos, El Paseo Mall is one of the only supermarkets in town with a gourmet food section.
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N
La Maya Hatcha
A decent option if you're hankering for a thick English-language novel - classic or trashy - for the road.
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O
Bookmarks
This bookstore has a fantastic selection, though it's somewhat smaller than La Casita's.
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P
Centro Nacional de Registros
One of the best places to find city maps is the Centro Nacional de Registros.
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