The National Theatre is the oldest theater in Central America and a national monument that stands proudly in strollable downtown San Salvador. Classical concerts with the El Salvador Symphony Orchestra and art workshops are among the many events hosted at the theater, and it’s on the route of most city walking tours.
Guided tours of the theater are available.
Parking is available around the theater, often charged by the hour.
Many restaurants and cafés nearby close early, so plan ahead if you’d like a post-show cocktail or meal.
The National Theatre of El Salvador is in downtown San Salvador, across from Morazan Plaza and near the National Palace of El Salvador. Taxis and rideshares into the city, as well as the Parada Salandra bus stop, make getting to the theater accessible for most visitors without a car.
Whether viewed in the daylight or when lit with grandeur in the nighttime, the theater’s an appealing spot for photos around the clock. Check the events schedule online prior to your visit if you want to attend a performance. If joining a city walking tour, ask your guide if you can stop inside during operating hours, and don’t miss the grand mural created by Salvadoran painter Salvador Carlos Cañas.
Since there are limited performances at the National Theatre, you’ll likely schedule a visit solely for a tour of the impressive interior. To catch a live show, keep in mind that 4 miles (7 kilometers) away, located beside the Museum of Art, is the Presidente Theatre, which hosts live performances throughout the year.
