Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan de la Maguana is a warm inland city in the Dominican Republic known for its friendly locals and agricultural surroundings. It sits in a verdant valley at the edge of the Cordillera Central, offering easy access to scenic hills and rural communities. The city blends a developing urban scene with traditional markets, colorful streets, and daily life that revolves around local food and music.
Surrounding landscapes, including rivers and mountains, invite exploration for nature lovers and cultural curious travelers alike.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic San Juan Cathedral, where you can admire its stunning architecture and rich history. Afterward, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, taking in the vibrant colors of the colonial buildings. Don’t forget to stop by a local café for a traditional Dominican breakfast of mangu and eggs.
In the afternoon, visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a historic fortress offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Explore the surrounding park, where locals often gather for picnics and leisure activities, making it a perfect spot to relax. As you wander back towards the city, pop into the numerous artisan shops for unique souvenirs.
As evening falls, immerse yourself in the local culture by dining at a traditional Dominican restaurant, sampling dishes like sancocho or mofongo. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as local musicians often play merengue and bachata, inviting you to dance. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the enchanting views of the sunset over the ocean.
Begin your beach day at the stunning Condado Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the warm Caribbean waters. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the coastline, or simply lounge on the soft sand with a refreshing drink in hand. The gentle breeze and rhythmic sound of the waves create a relaxing atmosphere to start your day.
In the afternoon, continue your aquatic adventures with a snorkeling trip to the nearby coral reefs, where you can discover vibrant marine life. Alternatively, consider taking a sailing tour that includes stops for swimming and a delicious lunch on board. The beautiful views of the coastline from the water add a unique perspective to your beach day.
As the sun sets, enjoy a beachside dinner at one of the many oceanfront restaurants, savoring fresh seafood while listening to the sound of the waves. After dinner, take a stroll along the shore, feeling the cool sand beneath your feet and the gentle ocean breeze. Cap off the night with a cocktail from a local bar, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Condado.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee and a snack | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $40-100 |
| 🚗Rental car per day | $40-70 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calidez local and welcoming communities
- Access to rural landscapes, markets, and authentic Dominican cuisine
- Limited public transportation outside city centers
- Healthcare and infrastructure can be uneven in rural areas
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Aceptan tarjeta de crédito?" - Do you accept credit cards?
- "Estoy perdido/a" - I am lost
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
A bustling square with palm trees, colorful facades, and people going about their day—great for candid street photography and golden-hour shots.
A lookout over the surrounding hills and river valleys, offering sweeping panoramic views and sunset opportunities.
The church façade and surrounding streets provide classic light and architectural details for daytime and dusk photography.
Vibrant market scenes with bright textiles, fresh produce, and local characters to capture authentic daily life.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Dominican dish of white rice, red beans, and fried meat (often chicken or beef), served with fried plantains and a simple salad.
Must-Try!
Mashed green plantains served with sautéed onions, fried eggs, and sometimes cheese or salami; a popular breakfast staple.
Hearty rural stew with a variety of meats, yucca, plantains, and root vegetables, often shared among family and friends.
Rice simmered with beans and seasoning, a common side dish that accompanies many mains.
Fried fish served with crispy plantain tostones and lime; frequently found near markets and seaside towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market with fresh produce, herbs, cheese, and prepared snacks; great for tasting fruits and regional bites.
Lines of vendors offering empanadas, mangu bites, tostones, yuca frita, and seasonal fruit jars.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or light kiss on the cheek is common among friends; be friendly and engage in small talk. Use polite phrases like ‘por favor’ and ‘gracias.’
Dress modestly in churches and respectful in public spaces. Avoid loud arguments in public and show patience in crowds.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially children or in intimate settings.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, 10–15% is common for good service. For small cafes or street stalls, rounding up or a small tip is appreciated. Hotel staff and taxi drivers may also appreciate small tips for good service.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon showers. Pack light clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Expect vibrant outdoor markets and lively evenings.
Transition into the rainy season with higher humidity and intermittent rain. Perfect for lush scenery and fewer crowds; carry a small umbrella.
Pleasantly warm days and cooler nights; comfortable for city strolling and outdoor dining. Dry season tends to be drier in coastal areas but still warm inland.
Warm and gradually humid; flowering landscapes and blue skies. Ideal for outdoor activities and photography in bright light.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged landscapes and scenic overlooks within a short drive, offering rewarding day hikes and photography angles.
Accessible trails and riverside paths ideal for nature walks and picnic spots, with opportunities to see local wildlife.
Airports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
Major international gateway near Santo Domingo; a common starting point for longer trips in the Dominican Republic.
Main airport for the northern region around Santiago; convenient for travel to the central part of the country.
Smaller international airport serving the southeastern region; useful for quick connections to nearby coastal areas.
Major resort gateway on the eastern coast; not close to San Juan but serves international travelers heading to the DR.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily rural and urban Dominicans with a mix of Afro-Dominican and European ancestry; Catholic traditions are strong, with growing secular and other religious communities.
Agricultural families and small villages surrounding San Juan, contributing to local markets and cultural events.
Some travelers and seasonal workers who come for farming opportunities or tourism-related activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The national pastime; many local leagues and street games are common in towns like San Juan.
Popular among youth and communities; informal matches and local clubs are common.
A staple in schools and community centers; pickup games and tournaments occur in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are built on rice, beans, and plantains. Ask for vegetarian versions of stews and avoid cross-contamination with meat drippings. In restaurants, request ‘vegetariano’ or ‘sin carne’ and rely on beans, plantains, yuca, salads, and veggie sides as staples.