Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan is a picturesque city located in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic. Known for its charming colonial architecture, San Juan boasts colorful buildings and cobblestone streets that harken back to its Spanish colonial past. The city is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, providing a tranquil and scenic atmosphere.
San Juan is also a hub for local art, music, and culture, with vibrant markets and lively festivals showcasing the rich heritage of the region.
- "¿Cómo tú tá?" - How are you?
- "Todo bien" - All good
- "¿Qué lo qué?" - What's up?
- "Ta bien" - It's okay
- "Búscame eso" - Get me that
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day on Playa Condado, soaking up the sun and enjoying the soft sand. Grab a tropical smoothie from a beachside vendor.
Enjoy lunch at a local seafood restaurant, where fresh fish is the specialty. Afterward, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
Watch the sunset from the beach while sipping a cold drink. Dine at a beachside restaurant and indulge in local Dominican cuisine.
Visit the historic San Juan National Historic Site to explore forts like El Morro and San Cristóbal. Learn about the rich history of the city through guided tours.
Head to the nearby Old San Juan, wandering its cobblestone streets adorned with colorful buildings. Stop for lunch at a traditional Dominican café.
Enjoy dinner in a quaint plaza, with local musicians often playing nearby. Stroll through the streets to experience the vibrant nightlife of Old San Juan.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a vibrant history.
- Beautiful beaches and scenic coastal views.
- Warm tropical climate year-round.
- Friendly locals and a welcoming community.
- Delicious local cuisine with fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
- High levels of humidity may be uncomfortable for some.
- Potential for hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season.
- Limited access to some modern amenities and services.
- Infrastructure challenges in certain areas.
- Economic issues and higher poverty rates compared to some regions.
Best Activities in San Juan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the lush rainforest, rugged terrain, and stunning panoramic views.
Enjoy activities such as surfing, snorkeling, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
Experience an exhilarating adventure through the treetops of the jungle.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Juan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the city and the San Juan Bay. Perfect for photography and enjoying the scenery.
This historic fort offers panoramic views of the coastline and is a great spot for capturing the beauty of San Juan from a high vantage point.
The official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, this 16th-century structure provides picturesque views of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Dominican breakfast dish made from mashed plantains, often served with fried cheese, eggs, and salami. It's a popular dish that can be found in local cafes and breakfast spots like Comedor Annette.
Must-Try!
A hearty stew made with a variety of meats, root vegetables, and traditional spices. El Rincon de Better offers an excellent rendition of this beloved Dominican dish.
Translating to 'The Flag', this iconic meal features rice, beans, and meat – a staple on Dominican lunch tables. Visit El Fogon del Conde for a tasty serving.
Twice-fried green plantains served with a side of delicious garlic dipping sauce. You can find this tasty snack at various street food vendors and local restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Juan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling marketplace offers a variety of fresh produce, local spices, and street food stalls selling delicious empanadas, pastelitos, and other savory treats.
Known for its vibrant food stalls and bustling atmosphere, this street is a haven for authentic Dominican street food. Must-tries include chicharron, yaroa, and various grilled meat skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Juan, Dominican Republic, it's important to respect personal space and avoid unnecessary physical contact when interacting with locals. A polite distance should be maintained, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
It is customary to acknowledge greetings with a smile and a polite response, such as 'Buenos días' (good morning), 'Buenas tardes' (good afternoon), or 'Buenas noches' (good evening). This demonstrates respect and friendliness.
When visiting San Juan, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities. Revealing clothing may be considered inappropriate in certain settings.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Juan, Dominican Republic, tipping is generally expected for good service in restaurants, bars, and for other services such as hotel staff and tour guides. A common practice is to tip around 10% of the bill, although some places may include a service charge in the bill. It's important to check for this before tipping. Additionally, taxi drivers may appreciate small tips, especially if they help with luggage or provide exceptional service.
In San Juan, Dominican Republic, cash is widely used for everyday transactions. However, credit and debit cards are accepted at many hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and establishments that may not accept cards. ATMs are available in the town for withdrawing local currency. It's also important to notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using cards abroad.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit with sunny days, low humidity, and little rainfall. Perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the beaches.
Expect higher humidity and regular rainfall, with the possibility of tropical storms. Lush green landscapes and fewer tourists make it a good time for budget travelers.
Potential risk of hurricanes, especially from August to October. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts and consider travel insurance.
Transitional period with decreasing rainfall and lower humidity. Ideal for combining lower hotel rates with good weather.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A lush national park offering several hiking trails through tropical forests, caves, and stunning coastal views.
A series of open-air limestone caves and beautiful lagoons, accessible via a short hike with stunning natural scenery.
The highest peak in the Dominican Republic, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views from the summit.
While primarily known for its beaches, there are trails through the island's natural reserves that offer hiking opportunities.
The largest lake in the Caribbean and the lowest point in the region, with opportunities for hiking along its shores and exploring the unique ecosystems.
Aiports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
The main international airport serving Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, located approximately 30 km east of San Juan.
Located near Puerto Plata, this airport serves the northern region of the Dominican Republic and is around 90 km from San Juan.
Located in Santiago, this airport serves the central region of the Dominican Republic and is approximately 135 km northwest of San Juan.
One of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, located around 160 km southeast of San Juan, serving the popular tourist destination of Punta Cana.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in San Juan, comprising the majority of the population.
A significant minority group in San Juan, including people of European descent.
Another important demographic group, largely descended from African slaves brought to the island.
Individuals of mixed heritage, often combining elements of the Hispanic, Black, and White communities.
A small group that includes descendants of the Taíno people, the island's original inhabitants.
A minor demographic group in San Juan, primarily consisting of people from East Asian countries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is the most popular sport in San Juan and the Dominican Republic as a whole, with a rich history and strong local talent nurturing the game.
Basketball has seen significant growth in popularity, with many local leagues and teams competing at various levels throughout San Juan.
Volleyball is popular among both men and women, often played recreationally in parks and organized through local clubs and schools.
Soccer is increasingly popular among the youth in San Juan, with local teams and schools fostering interest in this global sport.
Boxing enjoys a strong following in San Juan, with many local gyms developing aspiring fighters who compete nationally and internationally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Dominican cuisine often features meat-centric dishes, many restaurants and cafes, such as Taino's Kitchen, offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, including plant-based renditions of classic Dominican dishes.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can find suitable options at several establishments, particularly those offering fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional fruit-based desserts.