Not to miss

Centro Monseñor Romero

This small center pays homage to the martyred archbishop, assassinated by government agents in 1980. It is also the place where six Jesuits, who, along with their maid and her daughter, were slain in their sleep by military forces in 1989. The displays include photos of the murder scene - be forewarned, they're pretty grizzly. University students give tours.

To get here, take bus 44. Don't get off at the main entrance; instead, wait until the smaller back entrance on Calle de Mediterreáno (ask the driver if you're unsure). From there, Centro Romero is a few minutes' walk into the campus; ask a student for directions or look at one of the posted campus maps. You can also walk to UCA from Iglesia La Ceiba de Guadalupe, which many buses (including 42 and 101) pass.

Catedral Metropolitana

Completed in 1999, the cathedral stands on the site of an earlier version that burnt down in 1956. The beige stucco building has two bell towers rising above a blue-and-yellow checkered dome and its facade is decorated with colorful campesino (rural) motifs of La Palma painter Fernando Llort. Underneath the cavernous nave is Archbishop Oscar A Romero's tomb.

Museo Nacional de Antropología David J Guzmán

Absolutely one of the best museums in the country, the Museo Nacional de Antropología David J Guzmán is worth a solid morning's visit. It may not look like much on the outside, but once you walk through the front door, you'll find it hard to leave.

Inside are two expansive floors of thoughtfully and beautifully presented exhibits on the Maya, the development of the people and land of El Salvador, the arts, religion and economy of the country…even prehistoric rock carvings and an artifact garden. The only downside of the museum is that signage is in Spanish only. It's worth bringing your dictionary.