The most fashionable area in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador, is La Zona Rosa. This is only a 1-square-mile area. However, the best hotels, restaurants and bars in the city are located here, including the Sheraton Presidente and other luxurious hotels. Venues here can compete with some of the trendiest nightclubs and restaurants in the world. Both locals and tourists visit the Zona Rosa, but most of the clubs are exclusive, have dress codes and are more expensive than nightclubs, restaurants and bars in other parts of the city. Most tourists stay within this area because it is the safest area in the city, and there is a great deal of security.
Another area in El Salvador's capital hopping with nightly entertainment is the Boulevard de los Heroes. This area is not as luxurious--nor as exclusive--as the Zona Rosa, but you will find many interesting activities, such as live music including sidewalk mariachis and guitarists, exhibits, interesting street food and other entertainment. There are outdoor restaurants and bars that have live music of every kind imaginable. Just walking along the sidewalk can be enjoyable--but be careful and make sure you know what type of club you are entering, as some are sexually explicit to the point of leaving nothing to the imagination.
Salvadorians love a good party, so you will find nightclubs throughout San Salvador. But if you stray too far from the Zona Rosa or the Boulevard de los Heroes--areas that cater to tourists--you may at times find nightlife that's seedy, dangerous or sexually explicit. These areas can be unsafe for foreigners, and thieves and robbers abound in the city. If you plan to explore the outer limits of the city, be sure to take a guide with you.
