Discover the Wonder of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Greater Antilles. San Juan is its capital city, rich in history and culture, making it one of the most vibrant and beautiful destinations in the Caribbean. From its stunning beaches to its incredible food and cultural attractions, there is something for everyone in San Juan, Puerto Rico. But what are the best things to do in San Juan? Read on for an exhaustive guide to experiencing the best that the vibrant city has to offer.

Top 10 Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico

1. Explore Old San Juan — Old San Juan is still full of colonial architecture, original Spanish cobblestone streets, centuries-old fortifications and breathtaking ocean views. Spend a day taking in all of the sites and sounds of this stunning neighborhood. 2. Visit El Morro — El Morro is a 16th century fort with military installations built by Spain protecting the city. Today, visitors can witness incredible views of the Atlantic and Caribbean seas, as well as learn about the history of the fortress.3. Check Out El Yunque Rainforest — El Yunque is located just 30 miles southeast of San Juan and is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. forest system. Explore the lush foliage, listen to waterfalls, spot exotic wildlife, take a refreshing swim in a crystal clear pool or take a guided tour for more insights about the forest’s rich history and culture. 4. Tour Castillo de San Cristobal — Castillo de San Cristobal is one of two forts protecting San Juan, located east of Old San Juan. Spanning 27 acres, it is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World.5. Sample Local Cuisine — Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique blend of African, Spanish and Taino influences that includes items such as mofongo (fried plantains with garlic) and pasteles (meat-filled tamales featuring a banana leaf wrapper). Be sure to ask your host or guide where to find local delicacies within San Juan as well as at nearby restaurants.6. Stroll Through Viejo San Juan — Continue your exploration of Old San Juan with a stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets filled with vibrant buildings and charming plazas. Be sure to check out La Fortaleza (the governor’s mansion) and La Casa Blanca (a former residence of the first Spanish governor).7. Participate in a Jagua Tattoo Workshop — Jagua tattoos are a form of temporary body art made from non-toxic fruit juice. Attend a workshop to learn more about the history and technique behind this unique art form from your host or guide. 8. Go on a Catamaran Cruise — Experience breathtaking views from the sea on a comfortable catamaran cruise from the picturesque Carolina area to Old San Juan’s outer bay islands. What better way to take it all in than from the water?9. Take Part in Local Festivities — San Juan takes great pride in their culture and celebrates nearly every day with local ceremonies and festivals throughout the year! Stop by Las Marias or Loiza for colorful neighborhood celebrations such as Sanjuanada or Yamajá. 10. Explore Ocean Park Beach — Relax on this beautifully tranquil beach filled with soft sand and crystal clear waters. Skip stones, go swimming or take a leisurely stroll down its boardwalk – catch a spectacular sunset over Isla Verdde for an unforgettable experience! These are just some of the incredible activities you can experience during your visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico. From modern day adventures to centuries-old attractions, there is no shortage of things to do in this Caribbean paradise.

The Best Time to Visit San Juan

The best time to visit San Juan Puerto Rico is usually during the months of March through June or December through February due to the remarkably consistent perfect temperatures one can experience year-round. The off-seasons usually cause temperatures to dip down low enough to make winter activities like sightseeing and shopping perfect, while visitors get to enjoy fewer crowds than normal in comparison to high-season months. That said – being that Puerto Rico’s temperatures are so consistently even year round – many visitors come during high season when all attractions are open for full capacity and there are more chances for outdoor activities like kayaking, paddle boarding and beach layovers – often during fiestas and other celebrations that happen during this time period as well.

Where to Stay in San Juan

San Juan has accommodations for all sorts of tourist budgets – from luxury hotels and resorts like Marriot Residence Inn to island villas and beach-side cabanas as well as vacation rentals like Hostal Ernesto near Condado Beach (which are great for families). Depending on what activities you plan on experiencing during your stay, you might want to look into booking a hotel that is nearby popular attractions or beaches like Ocean Park or Isla Verde Beach – both of them having luxurious resorts within walking distance or nearby access points by public transportation.

Security in San Juan Puerto Rico

San Juan Puerto Rico is generally considered safe compared to North American cities such as Los Angeles or New York City, though travelers are still encouraged to use common sense such as on bypassing alleys after dark or not flaunting large sums of cash or jewelry while out in public areas as they would in any major city while abroad. However, tourists report feeling very safe in this picturesque Caribbean city overall and are warmly welcomed by locals who are known for their hospitality and beautiful spirit of living life joyously – despite any economic hardships they may face themselves on a daily basis – making it easy for visitors coming from abroad even more comfortable during their travels. To learn more about personal safety advice and general rules for traveling anywhere within Puerto Rico be sure to check out Puerto Rico Tourism’s safety page.

Further Delving into the Local Lolo Culture

San Juan Puerto Rico is known for its vibrant culture passed through generations of locals who have made their mark on it through time long before Spanish colonists came ashore centuries ago; locals who usually attach lots of sentimentality to objects they consider part of their ancestor’s collective memory – making souvenir shopping a great way to actively immerse oneself into this vibrant culture if done right and with respect for local people’s lifestyle and beliefs –so instead of opting for cheap tourist t-shirts you can find many local artisan makers who around town that make artisan goods such as traditional jíbaro hats, hammocks and artworks, many with spiritual symbolism attached for protection – something that can easily be purchased at artisan markets such as Caguas Plaza del Mercado or Plaza del Mercado de Santurce located near Escape Room PR – both places where you can mingle with locals and pick up many unique items related to local folklore without breaking the bank – seeing you get real quality for your buck at once – making it also socially responsible tourism on your end as well. So, as you can tell from this list – there is no shortage of things you can get into while visiting San Juan Puerto Rico! Whether you’re looking for relaxation on an inner cove beach or an adrenaline-inducing tour around Old San Juan’s fortress walls – with so many activities to choose from it’s easy to fill your itinerary with memories you won’t soon forget!