The capital of El Salvador delights with the familiar beat of any major city, wiping away your preconceived notions about this small Central American nation. It’s an urban center just a stone’s throw away from volcanoes, Mayan ruins, and golden beaches.

Read on for a list of things you can do when visiting San Salvador, from awesome food and nightlife to important cultural landmarks.

1. Tour the city center’s landmarks

Spend a few hours visiting the historical landmarks concentrated in downtown San Salvador. A great way to explore the historic downtown is on a tip-based walking tour by EC Tours, which covers all of the major stops in the area plus some hidden gems. My tour was led by a knowledgeable guide named Gabo! Check out the other tours they offer, including long layover itineraries and airport transfers.

Start at Plaza Libertad and admire the restored historical buildings on the main square. Grab a drink and play billiards at the charming Club La Dalia – you may be the only tourist here in this old-timey spot.

Two churches in the area offering distinct perspectives. Iglesia El Rosario is a must-see for its modern take on religiosity, compared to the typical churches you’ll find throughout Central America. Somewhat unassuming and industrial from the outside, the interior features colorful stained glass windows that glow as the sun moves throughout the day.

In the basement of the more classical Catedral Metropolitana, you can pay respects at Oscar Romero’s burial place. Oscar Romero is one of the most important figures in El Salvador’s modern history, a priest who became a major advocate for peace during times of the country’s civil war and US imperialism.

2. Try pupusas and other local dishes

The pupusa is the Salvadoran national dish where flavors move in harmony: a thick corn tortilla filled with refried beans, cheese, and/or meat, then topped with salsa and a cabbage slaw called curtido, making for a perfectly balanced bite. Much like tacos and other street food, some of the best pupusas come from street stalls.

Meat is a staple here, but San Salvador has some amazing seafood restaurants. What if I told you that you can try a little of everything by going to a restaurant that serves bocas, meaning “bites.” These are single-size portions of popular dishes including ceviches, grilled or fried items, and even soups. Typically it’s seafood spots and sportsbars that offer these menus; try Caliche’s or El Kraken and thank me later!

3. See the “Pompeii of the Americas”

El Salvador has its share of volcanoes, and Joya de Cerén is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the remains of a Mayan town after being abandoned and covered in volcanic ash from eruptions in the 4th and 6th centuries AD.

It’s just a half an hour’s drive outside the city.

4. Visit La Libertad and surf world-class waves

San Salvador is only half an hour away from the Pacific Ocean. Make a trip to idyllic seaside towns and beaches.

Take an Uber or bus from San Salvador to La Libertad, where you can walk along the promenade or check out the seafood market. There’s plenty of restaurants to get fresh seafood; I recommend lunch at La Ola 10.

From La Libertad you can transfer to buses headed for the neighboring beaches of El Tunco, El Zonte, or Suntal. El Tunco in particular lights up with locals on the weekends and is a rapidly growing party and surf destination.

The surf in El Salvador is world famous, making this a popular destination for professionals. And if you’re not so professional, private and group surfing lessons can take you to easier waves.

5. Learn about local history and culture

El Salvador’s fascinating history is enshrined in its arts and institutions. The Museo Nacional de Antropología Dr. David J. Guzmán has informative exhibits across two floors. The museum is spacious and has beautiful, relaxing grounds. English explanations are limited, however, and you might be able to skip this one if you’ve done Museo Universitario with EC Tours.

With art that reflects the history of El Salvador and Central America, the Museo de Arte de El Salvador closeby is a hidden gem. Admission is free on Sundays.

6. Bar hop in the Zona Rosa

You can find bars and live music in many different areas, but the Zona Rosa is most popular with locals and visitors so try hitting up any of the options on the Calle La Reforma.

Grab a beer at Cadejo Brewing Company then head to Republik Bar for live music. There’s plenty of restaurants in the area – including fast food – if you need some late night snacks.

7. Enjoy tranquility in Antiguo Cuscatlan

Grab an Uber (or you can walk) to Antiguo Cuscatlán, a charming town adjacent to San Salvador proper with cute shops and restaurants.

Start out at Parque de Antiguo Cuscatlán, a central plaza where vendors sell goods and events are held. Grab coffee and a snack at Museo Café Linaje, which feels like a traditional house with lovely garden patio. The Jardín Botánico del Plan de la Laguna is also closeby, offering unlimited spots for relaxation.

8. Get a view from El Boqueron and the Giant Rainbow Slide

Parque Nacional El Boquerón is just outside of the city in Santa Tecla where you can get impressive views of San Salvador while walking around the dormant volcano’s crater. It’s not so much of a hike as a stroll over well-maintained footpaths. The visitor center details native history and information on the flora and fauna.

It’s about a 20-minute Uber ride to the park entrance. Make the most of your visit by grabbing a bite at one of the roadside eateries like Restaurante Finca San Cristobal or stopping by the rainbow slide at Picnic Steakhouse.

9. Go shopping

I don’t know if it’s the connection with the United States, but I found San Salvador to be especially developed compared to other Central American cities. Multiplaza and La Gran Via are malls feature major stores and international stories, plus air conditioning so also a great way to get out of the heat.

Conclusion

El Salvador’s tourism board promotes the #dontskipelsalvador hashtag and it’s apt. There’s lots to see, do, and learn, and its residents are delightful. I felt safe everywhere I went. Gang violence and poverty exists, but the truth is that type of violence never touches tourists. Rather, I found Salvadorans will strike up a conversation and offer their favorite parts of the city.

And now you know that the beach is just 30 minutes away.

Have you spent any time in San Salvador? Tell me your favorite things to do and I’ll add it to the list for my return.