Calle San Salvador is one of the main streets of 5 de Diciembre. It's wide, long, and full of interesting restaurants and shops.
However, she can have a dark side. And that dark side reveals itself when the sun goes down. Rowdy bars and questionable pedestrians make this daytime-delightful street become much less family-friendly.
Home to some of the most iconic landmarks in 5 de Diciembre, San Salvador is definitely worth the visit. If you're not traveling with children, the nighttime scene of San Salvador is absolutely safe and manageable. If you ARE traveling with kids, it's best to visit San Salvador exclusively in the daytime.
Nestled in the back of 5 de Diciembre at the end of Calle San Salvador rests this colonias bustling Municipal Mercado.
Stocked full each morning with fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, meats, beans, chips, dairy, you name it!, this mercado is a must-see if you're sampling the environment of 5 de Diciembre.
This mercado is a local staple that features several delicious restaurants inside the market perimeter, a fresh-caught fish market, and loads of delicious smells, savory treats, and neighborhood sights and sounds.
Dominating the skyline at the end of Calle San Salvador with its gated entryway is El Panteon, the 5 de Diciembre municipal cemetery.
This beloved resting ground is frequented by visitors and loved ones alike, so tread gently as you may be entering the grounds on a burial day. That said, this cemetery is surely a sight to see!
It welcomes visitors with colorful flags and brightly decorated tombstones, exterior walls often painted to depict images of Dia de los Muertos, and a well-maintained layout that speaks to the emotional attachment this community has for its beloved entombed residents.
Unless you frequent cemeteries often, you've likely never seen anything like this! Be respectful, and enjoy the sights.
Calle San Salvador is home to some delicious breakfast and lunch hotspots. From Gorditas Rellenas to El Patio, a breezy cruise down this wide street will share a variety of delicious food options for the hungry traveler.
And while you're walking, be sure to take in the various shops along the way. Small clothing boutiques, perfumerias, hole-in-the-wall bodegas, and more, line the street of San Salvador, each one holding evermore unique options for souvenirs or local fixes.
Here's the deal with San Salvador: at night, she turns into a bar and sex-fueled hotspot. Period. BUT, you can easily enjoy some of the calmer aspects of this street at night, if you know what to expect.
First off: elotes. There's a few small tables that will get propped up along the sidewalk (no two on the same cross street, mind you!) that'll serve up elotes (corn) in a cup. This is a delicious staple of local cuisine and serves as a great snack for any journey. Available to be loaded up with crema, salsas, mayo, and more, these small cups of corn are an absolute delight!
Next: bars. Not all bars are the same on Calle San Salvador, so pay attention to the exterior scene. A few good mentions are: Gusto Lounge (sports bar), Bar Maracaibo (billiard hall), and Tarraya (great margaritas). Other bars, like Dobeerman, have a more local scene that can cater to some less than savory activity to those "in the know". If that's your thing, then away you go! If you're like me and it's not what you're interested in, then just keep it moving.
Calle San Salvador is a hard working street. No judgements here! Just awareness so you can have the most comfortable journey possible. If you want my guidance in the palm of your hand, no matter where you are in PV, purchase an access pass to my app - Pocket Guëra!
¡Buen viaje!