{{infobox|Spanish for Travelers|The Spanish language is an important part of life to El Pasoans. It's not always necessary to know Spanish, but it can help in some situations! To say yes is ''Si'', No is ''No''. ''Gracias'' is thank you in Spanish. Given that Spanish tends to be a more formal language than English, you will be even better received if can manage "Si/no, señor/señora/señorita" ("Yes/no, sir/ma'am/miss"), and "No, gracias" ("No, thank you")rather than a curt "Si" or "no." To ask for the restroom, say ''¿Dónde está el baño?''. When asking for directions, you might need a ''mapa'', or map. The ''calle'' or street you are looking for may be ''izquierda'' (left) or ''derecha'' (right). You may want to take an ''autobus'' which is ''cerca de la plaza'', or the bus is near the town square.If you do not speak Spanish yourself, going to Juarez can be confusing. Taking a friend who can speak fluent Spanish makes the experience much richer. In this way, you can get to know people through your translator.And if all else fails, and communication is at a stand still, smile and say ''Lo siento. No hablo Español''.}} '''El Paso''' is geographically divided into several parts with the Franklin Mountains and Fort Bliss cutting the city into distinct sections. Each area has its own style and culture.The '''West Side''' of town, between the Franklin mountains and Mexico and New Mexico includes El Paso's most affluent neighborhoods along the side of the mountain. Border Hospital and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) are both located here. The UTEP area ("Kern Place") is emerging as an entertainment disctrict with restaurants and nightclubs.'''Downtown''' is located in the Southern part of El Paso, just below the tip of the Franklin Mountains. The streets of Downtown are often difficult to navigate for first time visitors, especially with the current construction. Parking (there are many cheap areas to park your car for the day) is probably the best bet. Walking through Downtown, there are many little shops reminiscent of Mexico and many small cafes. Many of the buildings are historic and very beautiful. The Downtown area boasts a beautiful plaza in the center of the city. An art museum, theater and a Children's science museum are all located here. Extensive renovations are taking place in the Downtown area.The '''North East''' of El Paso is home to Fort Bliss Military Base. Fort Bliss is located near the airport and is also adjacent to Biggs Airfield. Fort Bliss is one of the largest US Military bases in the world. Tours can be arranged, or if you know a service member, have them give you a tour. Fort Bliss has very obviously influenced the area. Outside of base are many military surplus stores.The '''East Side''' part of El Paso is the fastest growing area. It is closest to the Mission Trails area and Hueco Tanks State Historic Site.El Paso is a diverse community featuring many different kinds of people. The largest language spoken at home is English, followed by Spanish. Many older El Pasoans speak Spanish regularly in public and it is helpful, although usually not necessary, to understand the language.El Paso was formerly known as El Paso del Norte (The Pass of the North) and was named by Spanish travelers in 1581. The area wasn't colonized by Europeans until 1598 when Don Juan de Oñate led an expedition into the territory. In 1848, El Paso formally became part of the United States and a military post was erected there which eventually became Fort Bliss. The city was actually incorporated in 1873.
http://www.elpasotexas.gov/library/ El Paso Public Library was the first Public Library in Texas. http://wikitravel.org/en/El Paso