Things to do in Santa Ana
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Paso de Alaska
This good, friendly restaurant is located in Los Naranjos, El Salvador's highest town, in the shadow of Volcán Santa Ana and at the top of a scenic mountain pass between Santa Ana and Sonsonate (Hwy CA-12). The climate is cool, and you can see all the way to the ocean from the upper-level dining area. Hamburgers and sandwiches leave something to be desired - better to go with a typical lunch plate, like a quarter chicken with rice and garlic bread. Follow signs from the highway.
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Cafeteria Emanuel
A spotless eatery near Iglesia El Carmen, serving four different típica (regional specialties) main dishes: chicken, beef, pasta and a vegetarian option. After 15:00, Salvadoran antojitos - irresistible snacks like empanadas, pastelitos (small meat pies) and platano y nuegado (plantains and fried yucca smothered in honey with a dash of cinnamon) - are served. Two thumbs up.
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Café Fiesta
Possibly the biggest disco ball in all of El Salvador - at least the biggest one hanging next to a life-size poster of Pope John Paul II - is the centerpiece of this popular restaurant. Get here early to get the best of the típico dishes, which are served cafeteria-style. Pupusas are also patted out all day - an unexpected treat. Note: the disco ball is activated during private parties only.
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Lover's Steakhouse
Don't leave Santa Ana without treating yourself to a dinner at Lover's. The menu ranges from Italian to Chinese, but the specialty is meat and seafood. Dishes are amazingly affordable. A rambling dining area includes an open-air courtyard, complete with tiki torches, and beers come with your pick of no less than 34 different bocadillos (appetizers), from ceviche to wontons to Buffalo wings.
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Drive Inn El Molino
When it gets going, this is one of Santa Ana's best nightspots, with drink specials, great music and late-night table dancing. When it's dead, though, it's really dead. You'll need to take a taxi there - ask the driver if he knows if there's much movimiento (action) before heading out. It's located on the old San Salvador highway, behind a Texaco gas station.
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El Sin Rival
What started out as a two-tub street cart in 1953, has become a collection of great ice-cream shops - truly 'without rival.' It boasts 16 homemade sorbets made with natural ingredients - no chemicals or colorants here. Mora (blueberry) and tres leches (sweet milk) are the original flavors from the street-cart days, and are still local favorites.
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Teatro de Santa Ana
The Teatro de Santa Ana is an opulent renaissance-style building constructed using funds from an export tax on coffee beans. The epitome of wealth, excess and culture, it features stained-glass windows, marble staircases and immaculate detail. In 1933, it was converted into a movie house, and, after a hefty facelift, is now a theater again.
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Catedral de Santa Ana
The most notable sight in Santa Ana is its large neo-Gothic cathedral, which was completed in 1913. Exquisite ornate mouldings cover the church's entire front and the high arches enhance a sense of stillness and spaciousness. A spooky figure of the city's patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Santa Ana, greets you as you enter.
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Restaurante Los 44
Smaller and somewhat less charming than Lover's, Los 44 is still a reliable place for a steak, and is closer to the town center. The front room and a little nook left of the door have a nicer ambiance than the long sterile back room. There's live music - well, a guy with a mic and keyboard - on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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Los Horcones
A classic dive bar in the heart of Santa Ana, complete with palapa (thatched palm-leaf roof shelter) and gnarled tree trunks for tables. Balconies overlook the main park and have incredible views of the Gothic cathedral next door. Disco beats and Saturday-night beer specials provoke occasional table dancing.
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City Hall
Built over 53 years, the City Hall has one of the most beautiful colonial facades in the country. There's not much to see inside - just rows of offices and lines of people - but if you're curious, there is a pleasant center courtyard where you can sit and take in all the movement.
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Bar y Restaurant Doña Amelia
Other than the tiled walls and the black light over the bar, the ambiance is actually rather pleasant: tablecloths, air-con, lively music (unless there's a game on the big-screen TV), even plastic flowers. Steak is the specialty and comes in large portions with soup and salad.
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Museo Regional del Occidente
Located in the former Banco Central de Reserva, the Museo Regional del Occidente gives a good historical overview of the west, including a display of archaeological artifacts. An entire room is also dedicated to the history of Salvadoran money - great for numismatic buffs.
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La 31
A big busy pupusería within walking distance of the Casa Frolaz - the owner Javier often joins guests there for a late-night snack. Pupusas come in many varieties, including chicken and loroco (squash).
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Mercado Central
The sprawling Mercado Central has everything you could want: produce, dairy products, animals (whole or in parts), herbal medicines, clothes, jewelry, toys. It's in a seedy part of town, though, so watch out for pickpockets.
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Mercado de Artesanías
A decent handicrafts market in the heart of town, selling items like indigo T-shirts, Llort-inspired letters and black clay pots from Guatajiagua. You have to dig a little for the good stuff, but it's there.
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Escuela Sihuatehuacán
Spanish classes are offered by the week, month or semester here. Home and hotel stay is available, plus there's thrice-weekly excursions and activities, from visiting Tazumal to learning salsa dancing.
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Pastelería Ban Ban
A good bakery just south of Parque Libertad, Ban Ban serves up fresh pastries, simple sandwiches, and coffee all day. Air-conditioning and a children's playroom are big pluses.
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Mario's Deportes
Great for that Selección Nacional jersey or other Central American sports paraphernalia you've been searching for.
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La Despensa de Don Juan
For self-caterers, La Despensa de Don Juan is a full-service supermarket.
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Super Selectos
For self-caterers, Super Selectos is a full-service supermarket.
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Pip's Carymar
A fast-food feel surrounds this cafeteria-style restaurant, which serves just about every standard Salvadoran meal going, and then some. Great grilled chicken, pupusas or even just a slice of pizza are standard options. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
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Food stands
A row of food stands are set up along the eastern edge of the plaza almost daily. It's busiest at lunchtime and on weekend evenings, but you can get a burger, chicken sandwich or fries any time.
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