Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a vibrant and colorful city that serves as the capital and largest city of this U.S. territory, rich in history and culture. Known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, especially in Old San Juan, the city offers cobblestone streets, historic forts, and distinctive pastel-colored buildings.
Additionally, San Juan is a major Caribbean hub, boasting beautiful beaches, a lively nightlife, diverse culinary experiences, and a warm tropical climate, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
- "¿Qué tal?" - How are you?
- "¡Hola!" - Hello!
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.75 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a relaxing morning on Condado Beach. Enjoy the sun and take a dip in the clear waters.
Grab lunch at a beachfront restaurant and taste local seafood. Afterward, stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Wind down with a sunset view from the beach. Consider stopping at a nearby bar for some cocktails.
Visit El Morro, the historic fortress, to learn about Puerto Rico's past. Climb the towers for stunning views of the ocean.
Head to Old San Juan for lunch and explore its colorful streets. Don’t miss the local shops and art galleries.
Dine at a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant and savor local dishes. Spend the evening enjoying music at a nearby venue.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a blend of Spanish and Caribbean influences.
- Beautiful beaches and natural landscapes.
- Warm tropical climate year-round.
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
- Historical sites, including old forts and colonial architecture.
- Diverse and delicious local cuisine.
- Friendly and welcoming community.
- Issues with infrastructure and maintenance in some areas.
- Hurricane risk, especially during the Atlantic hurricane season.
- Economic challenges and cost of living in some neighborhoods.
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors.
- Public safety concerns in specific areas.
- Public services can be inconsistent.
Best Activities in San Juan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
San Juan is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, and Ocean Park Beach. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.
Embark on a hiking adventure in the lush rainforest, visit waterfalls, and take in the breathtaking natural beauty.
Discover the historic charm of cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and impressive forts while exploring the city's rich history and culture.
Tours
Uncover the best of San Juan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic fortress with stunning views of the city and coastline.
Offers beautiful views of the Bacardi distillery, Old San Juan, and the San Juan Bay.
A lush rainforest with countless picturesque spots for photography and nature appreciation.
A waterfront promenade with scenic views of the sea and historical buildings.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed fried plantains, often filled with a choice of seafood, meat, or vegetables. Must-try at Raices Restaurant or La Casita Blanca.
Must-Try!
Roast suckling pig, seasoned with a blend of traditional herbs and spices. Visit the famous La Ruta del Lechón in Guavate for an authentic experience.
Rice with pigeon peas, cooked with sofrito, and often served with a side of meat. Enjoy this dish at El Jibarito or Cafeteria Mallorca.
Salted cod fritters, a popular street food snack found at kiosks along the beachfront in San Juan.
Unique Experiences
Get to know San Juan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest and most vibrant food markets in San Juan, offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food stalls.
Stuffed plantain rolls, a favorite street food item often found at roadside stands and food trucks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Juan, it is important to greet people with a friendly 'buenos días' (good morning), 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon), or 'buenas noches' (good evening) depending on the time of day. Handshakes are common, particularly in more formal settings, and it's polite to use titles such as 'señor' (Mr.) or 'señora' (Mrs.) when addressing someone.
Respect for personal space is valued in Puerto Rican culture. It's important to maintain an appropriate distance when interacting with locals, particularly during conversations. Physical touch, such as hugs or kisses on the cheek, may be common among friends and family but should be approached with sensitivity and discretion in formal or professional settings.
Showing respect for older individuals is a fundamental cultural norm in San Juan. This can include using formal language, offering assistance when needed, and deferring to the wisdom and experience of older community members. It's also customary to greet elders first in social situations as a sign of respect.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of San Juan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Juan, Puerto Rico, it is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants, bars, and for other services. Some places may include a service charge, but an additional tip is appreciated for exceptional service.
Credit cards are widely accepted in San Juan, Puerto Rico, especially in tourist areas. Cash is also commonly used, and ATMs are widely available for withdrawing local currency. It's advisable to carry both cash and cards for convenience.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into San Juan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, lower humidity, and popular for holiday festivities. Good time for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
Warm weather, colorful foliage, and the perfect time for exploring historic sites and enjoying outdoor events.
Hot and humid weather, busy tourist season, lively nightlife, and ideal for water sports and beach relaxation.
Unpredictable weather, occasional rain showers, and the best time for cultural festivals and local food events.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A tropical rainforest featuring hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna. Known for its lush landscapes and scenic views.
Offers a variety of hiking trails with breathtaking views, including the famous 'The Beast' zip line. Great for adventure seekers.
A coastal hiking trail offering beautiful ocean views and access to secluded beaches. Ideal for a day of hiking and relaxing.
Located within El Yunque, this trail leads to the stunning La Mina waterfall, with an easy to moderate hike through lush forest.
A scenic route that runs along the coast of San Juan, perfect for a leisurely hike with views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into San Juan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
The main international airport serving San Juan and the largest airport in Puerto Rico.
Located in Aguadilla, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, offering connections to the mainland United States.
Located in the Isla Grande area of San Juan, this airport primarily serves domestic flights and some international charters.
Located in Ponce, this airport offers limited international flights and serves primarily domestic routes.
Located in Vieques, this airport serves as a gateway for flights to and from the main island and some international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in San Juan is of Hispanic or Latino descent, primarily Puerto Ricans.
A significant portion of the population identifies as White, many of whom may also identify as Hispanic or Latino.
A notable demographic group within San Juan, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Includes various Asian groups, but represents a smaller percentage of the overall population.
Individuals identifying as mixed race, a combination of various ethnicities, also make up a part of the demographic.
This includes individuals identifying with other ethnic groups not specifically listed above.
The Soul of San Juan
Discover the essence of San Juan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is considered the most popular sport in Puerto Rico, with a rich history of local and international competition.
Basketball has a strong following, with many local leagues and a professional league known as the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN).
Volleyball is widely played at both recreational and competitive levels, with both men's and women's teams gaining popularity.
Soccer is growing in popularity, particularly among younger generations, with more local clubs and youth leagues being established.
Boxing has a significant cultural impact in Puerto Rico, producing many world champions and having a passionate fan base.
Track and Field events are popular in schools and universities, with many athletes competing at national and international levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in San Juan offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, with some dedicated vegetarian eateries such as Verde Mesa and Café Berlin.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable options at restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood and local produce, as well as at health-conscious cafes like Berlingeri Cocina Artesanal.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of San Juan with these cultural adventures.
