Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a colorful coastal capital where colonial architecture meets Caribbean energy. Its perfectly preserved Old San Juan sits behind 16th-century walls, while the modern city hums with cafés, nightlife, and beaches. The climate is tropical, with warm days, refreshing trade winds, and occasional tropical showers.
This city serves as a gateway to rainforest adventures, pristine bays, and a rich blend of Spanish, Afro-Caribbean, and Taíno influences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through Old San Juan, where the vibrant colonial architecture surrounds you. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Puerto Rican dishes like tostadas or mallorcas. Don't forget to visit El Morro, the iconic fortress, to soak in breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.
After your morning exploration, head over to the San Juan Cathedral, one of the oldest buildings in the city, where you can appreciate its stunning Gothic architecture. For lunch, savor some local street food in the lively Plaza de Armas, mingling with locals and tourists alike. Spend the rest of the afternoon wandering the cobblestone streets, visiting artisan shops and galleries.
As evening falls, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views overlooking the San Juan Bay. Indulge in fresh seafood and traditional Puerto Rican cuisine, perhaps trying mofongo or arroz con gandules. Cap off the night with a stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa, where you can enjoy live music and local vendors.
Start your day at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, where you can explore a vast collection of local art from the 17th century to contemporary works. Afterward, visit the Museo de las Américas to dive deeper into the rich history and culture of Latin America and the Caribbean. Grab a coffee at a nearby café to recharge before your afternoon adventures.
Lunch at a nearby restaurant will provide you with the energy to continue your cultural journey, so opt for a typical Puerto Rican meal. Spend the afternoon at the Casa Blanca, the historic home of Ponce de León, where you can wander through lush gardens and learn about Puerto Rican history. This serene environment is perfect for reflecting on the morning's artistic inspirations.
For dinner, choose a place that features traditional music and dance, immersing yourself in the island's vibrant culture. Enjoy the rhythm of salsa music while savoring dishes like lechón asado. After dinner, consider attending a cultural event or performance at a local theater to experience the nightlife of San Juan.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $60-120 |
| 🚇Day pass public transit | $0.75-2 |
| ☕️Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🧥T-shirt from local shop | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and architecture
- Close proximity to rainforests and beaches
- Hurricane season can disrupt plans
- Busy peak-season crowds and higher prices
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - One beer, please
- "Puedo pagar con tarjeta?" - Can I pay with a card?
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic forts with sea walls offering dramatic ocean shots and historic architecture.
Colorful colonial facades, cobblestones, and balconies ideal for street photography.
Riverfront walkway with arches, statues, and views of the bay at sunset.
Historic governor’s mansion with a distinctive red roof and gardens, perfect for architectural shots.
Golden-hour beach scenes with high-rise backdrops and palm silhouettes.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mashed fried plantains with garlic and pork cracklings; often served with broth, shrimp, or chicken.
Must-Try!
Rice with pigeon peas and sofrito, a staple main dish for gatherings.
Roast pork, a celebratory centerpiece found in many meals and street gatherings.
Plantain lasagna layered with ground meat or vegetables.
Fried green plantain slices served as a side or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An open-air market area with stalls offering fresh fruit, fritters, empanadillas, and Puerto Rican snacks, especially lively on weekends.
Vibrant street-food scene with alcapurrias, bacalaítos, buñuelos, and regional bites along the historic Loíza Street.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or fist bump; use informal 'tú' with peers and 'usted' with elders or strangers when appropriate.
Spanish is the primary language; English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Casual, comfortable clothing is fine in most areas; cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites.
Tipping is part of service culture; always tip at restaurants and bars.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 15-20% tip is customary; in bars $1-2 per drink is common; hotel service charges may apply.
Credit and debit cards widely accepted; cash remains useful in markets and smaller eateries; mobile payments and contactless are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with frequent tropical showers; expect sunny mornings and afternoon rain, especially July and August. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and light clothing; stay hydrated.
Hurricane season runs roughly from June to November; storms possible but rare direct hits. Pack an emergency kit and stay flexible with outdoor plans.
Pleasantly warm days with cooler nights; peak tourist season runs December–February. Book in advance for popular sights and cruises.
Warm days with lively cultural events and fewer crowds than winter; great for outdoor activities and street festivals.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular waterfall-hiking trail in Puerto Rico’s rainforest with lush scenery.
Shoreline and forested trail perfect for a casual hike and bike ride near the coast.
Airports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
Main international airport serving San Juan; easy to reach by car or taxi from the city center.
Smaller airport near Old San Juan for domestic flights and general aviation.
Regional airport located southeast of San Juan; convenient for some trips.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Hispanic/Latino, bilingual in Spanish and English; diverse urban communities.
Domestic and international travelers who explore Old San Juan, Santurce, Condado, and beyond.
Small but growing community of residents from the mainland and beyond attracted by the culture and climate.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Puerto Rico’s national pastime, with local leagues and community games.
Strong BSN culture; weekend games and pickup basketball are common.
Coastal spots like La Pared and Ocean Park attract surfers of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-based; ask for veggie mofongo or sides of rice and beans. Stick to plantains, bean dishes, grilled vegetables, and salads; water and broth in soups may be non-vegetarian in stock. Always request no pork or meat stock when ordering, and confirm ingredients.