Most tours of El Salvador’s capital include a photo stop at the grand National Palace, one of the city’s most photographed sights. It’s also possible to visit the palace interiors on a guided tour, which provides a unique look at the historical and political past of this small Central American country. While many rooms are closed to the public, you can still peek inside the Salon Rojo, where the Foreign Ministry held its elaborate receptions; the Salon Amarillo, which once housed the president; and the Salon Rosado, which used to house the country’s Supreme Court.
The National Palace is no longer in use as a government building, but it’s an important symbolic landmark and visitor attraction.
Admission to the palace includes a guided tour.
Parts of the National Palace are accessible for wheelchairs.
The National Palace is located on Plaza Gerardo Barrios, adjacent to the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador. It’s easy to reach the palace on foot from the historic center, and several buses also stop right nearby.
The National Palace is open Monday to Friday, and opening hours vary, so it’s important to check ahead. Visit during the day to tour the palace, then swing by in the evening hours to see the illuminated monument at its most atmospheric.
After falling into disrepair after the 1986 earthquake, San Salvador’s historic center has undergone major redevelopments since 2015, which have restored many of its historical monuments and re-established the downtown area as a cultural hub. Along with the National Palace, don’t miss architectural landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, El Rosario Church, and the National Theater; the busy squares of Plaza Libertad and Plaza Morazán; and the scenic Cuscatlán Park.