Oakland , General info:
9/10

Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Combined statistical area#Largest CSAs-twelveth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States.

Rand McNally named Oakland as having the best weather in the United States.

Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets.

Oakland , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Like any big city...

Oakland , Different stuff:
9/10

Symbols of Oakland’s arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building

Oakland , Don't miss:
8/10

Dunsmuir House, Grand Lake Theatre, Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, Children's Fairyland, Parkway Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Preservation Park, USS Potomac-National Historic Landmark

Oakland , Food:
9/10

Jack's Bistro, Horatio's, Garibaldi's on College, Citron, ...

Oakland , Hotels:
8/10

Clarion Suites Lake Merritt Restaurant & Hotel, Jack London Square Lodging, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport, Regency Inn, North Oakland, Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove, Oakland Marriott

Quality Inn, Imperial Inn, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Oakland , Safety:
9/10

Not so safe in here ...

San Salvador , General info:
7/10

San Salvador is the capital city of the nation of El Salvador. The valley where it is located was earlier known as "El Valle de las Hamacas" because of its high seismic activity. San Salvador is the second largest city in Central America.

San Salvador is a powerhouse - the cultural and cosmopolitan heart of the country.it abounds with museums, cultural centers, bars and cafes. Six-lane avenues and glittery malls keep the city buzzing. What San Salvador lacks in colonial grandeur, it makes up for in class and personality. Wander through the Teatro Nacional, with its red velvet opulence and sensuous mural, or around one of the city's five markets; the interesting Mercado Ex-Cuartel has handicrafts, hand-woven textiles and ceramics.

San Salvador , Cheap stuff:
8/10

San Salvador is pretty cheap city, everything is affordable. Hotels and restaurants are cheap.

San Salvador , Different stuff:
10/10

Pollution remains one of the city's biggest problems. Located in a valley, San Salvador is a perfect pollution trap. Fueling this, the city struggles with an increasing traffic problem. New highways and arterial roads offer some relief. According to a study by the United Nations, El Salvador was ranked as the second worst polluter of carbon dioxide emissions in Central America.

San Salvador , Don't miss:
9/10

The national fiesta patronal (patron saint festival) is celebrated during the first week of August. Schools, government offices and most businesses close (as they do for all public holidays), and everyone goes on vacation. Religious processions, street fairs and colorful parades are held throughout the country, the celebration in San Salvador is the largest and the best.

San Salvador , Food:
10/10

The restaurant scene in San Salvador is influenced by many different cultures. food options include Italian, Korean, Japanese, French, Chilean, American, Peruvian, Mexican, Spanish, Middle Eastern, German, Chinese, Argentinian and others. Local food options include Tipicos Margot where one can purchase the famous Salvadoran Pupusas. Perhaps the biggest indictment against the quality of the San Salvador restaurant scene however is the sheer number of chain restaurants.

San Salvador , Hotels:
8/10

There are four main zones for accommodations: the city center (cheap, but a bit sketchy at night), Parque Cuscatlán (reasonably priced and much safer), Boulevard de los Héroes (the only place for hostels) and the area around Colonía Escalón and Zona Rosa (top-end, high-rise).

San Salvador , Safety:
9/10

San Salvador has had a history of violence. San Salvador was considered the most dangerous city in the world in 1992. Since the end of the civil war in 1992 San Salvador has not seen a reduction in crime rates. Today San Salvador, and El Salvador in general, experience some of the highest homicide rates in the world, it is also considered an epicenter of the gang crisis. Don't walk on streets that look abandoned and dark. Use only licensed taxis or rent a car. Walk in tourist areas.