There are numerous Chinese, Mexican, Italian, French and local restaurants, plus several fast-food chains.

National specialities:
• Rice, beans, meat and salad is a popular meal.
• Corn tortillas.
• Iguana.
• Armadillo.
• Pupusa (a fried sandwich made of tortillas and filled with pork, cheese and sausage).

National drinks:
• Coffee.
• Refrescos (natural fruit drinks).
• Beer (Pilsner and Suprema).
• Tic tac and Torito (alcoholic beverages made from distilled sugar cane).

Legal drinking age: A person must be aged over 18 to buy alcohol.

Tipping: 10% in hotels and restaurants; 15% is appropriate for smaller bills.

San Salvador has a few nightclubs. Zona Rosa is the district with the hippest (and most pricey) clubs, bars and restaurants. There are many cinemas, some showing English-language films with subtitles. The capital’s numerous theatres include the restored Teatro Nacional. Other evening entertainment includes concerts and football (soccer) matches.

The best souvenirs are handmade goods, including ceramics (especially in Ilobasco), handpainted wood (in La Palma) and wicker furniture (in Nahuizalco). Various goods can be bought at the Mercado Cuartel craft market in San Salvador. The city also has several modern shopping centres including Multiplaza, Galerias, Metrocentro, Gran Vía, Hiper Mall and Cascadas.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1400-1800. Some shops, especially those selling food and drink, open until late.