San is a typical Sahelian city, but it is much quieter than most other places along the Niger River. It has a mud brick mosque, similar to the one in Djénné, but much smaller. The old town retains a traditional ambience. San is a center for the production of the traditional Malian fabric of 'bògòlanfini'.

Accommodation and restaurants are scarce in San. There is a gare routière in town. San is 345 km east of Bamako.