Hostelbookers City Guides Central America & Caribbean San Salvador

San Salvador Nightlife

Introduction

Nightlife and eating & drinking

The bulk of the city's nightlife is based in the Zona Rosa, with the Boulevard del Hipódromo housing most of the city's bars and San Salvador's few clubs. You will find that some have a dress code, although none are too stringent. Many of the top places are located in some of the area's more upmarket hotels, with the Hilton Princess housing two of the top establishments. Churchill's is a nice bar to while away the sores of a day's sightseeing, while, if you're up to it, the Code club next door is a great place for dancing the night away.

Live music fans will find plenty to enjoy, with many bars coming equipped with their own rock or salsa band. Try Los Rinconcitos on Blvd del Hipódromo, where one can enjoy the music from the pleasant patio, or try nearby La Ventana, which hosts a good band on selected nights of the week.

For a single location that has it all, try La Luna Casa y Arte close to the National University. This place has a nice bar, a good restaurant and a café that is adorned with modern art. La Luna also puts on an occasional film evening and there is regular live music in the bar.

For a cheap night at the cinema, jump in a taxi and head to the ugly looking Metroplaza, where the latest films will be showing for around £1.

Salvadorian cooking shares much in common with Mexico, in that the emphasis is on highly spiced food and tortillas. One of the country's unique delicacies, however, is pupusa. These soft tortillas, which are cooked with pork and cheese are delicious and are available everywhere.

For restaurants goers, the city has a huge range of eateries to suit all palates. Those wishing to go local are spoilt for choice as small, family run establishments abound on almost every street. Menus are limited down to the basics but prices will be cheap and those who like their pupusas and tortillas will be in heaven.

One of the top places to go for traditional cooking is A Lo Nuestro on in the Zona Rosa. It is more expensive than average for a local restaurant but the meals are superb, with the menu changing with the seasons. The place has good service and a nice terrace with which to enjoy the view.

Nearby, visitors after a good steak can find one at La Media Cancha. If you don't mind putting up with the numerous televisions showing sport, this place offers hearty meals at decent prices.

Lastly, seafood lovers should try La Ola, close to the Princess Hotel. Built to resemble a tree house, this place has a staggering number of good, fishy dishes to try and does a fine line in shrimp and squid-based cocktails as well.