Things To Do
in San Juan
San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago is a coastal town just east of Port of Spain, known for its lively markets, diverse culture, and convenient access to the capital’s amenities. The town blends Caribbean energy with a relaxed suburban vibe, offering a mix of local eateries, markets, and nearby nature escapes. Its multicultural fabric—featuring Afro-Caribbean, Indo-Trinidadian, and mixed heritage influences—shapes music, food, and festivals throughout the year.
A convenient gateway to both city life and scenic east coast landscapes, San Juan provides an approachable introduction to Trinidadian life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Juan and settle into your accommodation. After freshening up, enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, where you can savor some Caribbean flavors. Take a leisurely walk through the colorful streets and admire the vibrant street art welcoming you to the island.
Visit the historic Fort San Geronimo to learn about Trinidad’s colonial past while enjoying a panoramic view of the sea. Next, head to the local market where you can shop for handcrafted goods and sample some local delicacies. Don’t miss the chance to interact with the friendly vendors and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Dine at an outdoor restaurant that overlooks the bay, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a tropical twist. After dinner, take a stroll along the waterfront to absorb the evening ambiance, with the sound of live calypso music in the background. End your night with a drink at a beach bar, watching the sunset paint the sky.
Start your day with a visit to the Queen's Park Savannah, a sprawling green park that serves as the cultural heart of Port of Spain. Enjoy a refreshing jog or leisurely walk while taking in the views of the beautiful colonial architecture. Stop by a popular café for a local breakfast, perhaps trying doubles or sada roti.
Explore the National Museum and Art Gallery to appreciate Trinidad’s rich artistic heritage and history. After soaking up some culture, make your way to the bustling Ariapita Avenue for lunch, sampling various street food options. Spend the afternoon strolling through the shops and art stalls, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
As the sun sets, head to one of the many restaurants along Ariapita Avenue for dinner, choosing from various cuisines from around the world. Enjoy the lively nightlife that the area is famous for, with a mix of live music and cultural performances. Wind down at a local rum shop, trying out some of the finest rums Trinidad has to offer.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-5 |
| 🚌Public transit ticket | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (2 people, per night) | $60-120 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and music scene
- Proximity to Port of Spain and beaches
- Friendly locals and culinary variety
- Strong year-round warmth and tropical scenery
- Heat and humidity can be intense
- Limited infrastructure in rural areas
- Traffic can be heavy near urban centers
- Some services may be basic outside the capital
- "Wah gwan?" - What's going on? / How are you?
- "Lime and jam" - Hang out and have fun.
- "Good morning, how you staying?" - Good morning; how are you?
Places to Visit in San Juan
Visit one of these nice places.
Sprawling green space with colonial-era buildings, the San Fernando-style bandstand, and city skyline views; great for day and sunset photography.
Coastal and rainforest backdrop with dramatic sea cliffs and sweeping green hills; ideal for landscapes and golden-hour shots.
Historic vantage point above Port of Spain offering panoramic views of the city and northern coast; dramatic cityscape silhouettes at dusk.
Food in San Juan
San Juan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Two fried bread halves with curried chana (chickpeas) in the middle, a quintessential street snack served with spicy chutneys.
Must-Try!
Fried shark fillet in a soft bake (sandwich roll) with onions, lettuce, and sauces; popular near beaches and coastal stalls.
One-pot caramelized rice with pigeon peas, meat (chicken or beef), and spices; a Trinidadian staple.
A creamy, leafy-green stew often enriched with crab or pork; rich in flavor and commonly served with sides like dumplings or bread.
A flaky flatbread filled with curries (dal puri or roti skin variants) and fillings like potato, channa, or curried meat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh produce, street foods, spices, and local snacks—great for tasting everyday flavors.
Popular weekend market with fresh fruit, seafood, spices, and ready-to-eat bites from street vendors.
Doubles vendors and bake-and-shark stands line the coastal routes; aim for late morning or late afternoon for peak freshness.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly hello or 'Wah gwan?' is common; smile and make eye contact. Address elders with respect and a polite tone.
Dress modestly and remove hats when visiting churches or temples; speak softly and observe local customs.
Safety
Tipping in San Juan
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often include a service charge; if not, 10-15% is customary. Small eateries and street stalls may not expect tips.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also take debit/credit cards. ATMs are common in towns; some markets are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with high humidity and bright sun; plan for afternoon shade and water breaks. Occasional short showers may occur but are usually brief.
June to December brings more frequent afternoon showers and tropical storms; carry a compact umbrella and be mindful of localized flooding on coastal roads.
San Juan at Night
Hiking in San Juan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rainforest hike ending at impressive cave formations; offers wildlife viewing and picturesque scenery.
A challenging trek to Trinidad’s highest peak with panoramic views on a clear day.
Airports
How to reach San Juan by plane.
Main international gateway for Trinidad and Tobago, located west of San Juan; taxis and car rentals are readily available for easy access into the city.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A substantial community shaping cuisine, festivals, and daily life with strong ties to Indian cultural traditions.
A major community contributing to music, cuisine, and cultural life with deep roots in the island’s history.
A diverse mix that enriches the cultural fabric through festivals, food, and language.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A staple sport across communities, with local leagues and informal street cricket culture.
Widely played and watched; many parks host weekend games and pickup matches.
Played in community centers and school gyms; casual tournaments occur in towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Juan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Doubles, roti with channa or aloo, vegetable curries, callaloo, and fresh fruit are common vegetarian options; ask for dairy-free chutneys or ghee if needed.