San Juan Puerto Rico – Things to Do, Places to Eat and Tourist Attractions

San Juan Puerto Rico is an incredibly beautiful and exciting vacation spot. With its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, great shopping, and delicious cuisine, you can’t go wrong when you decide to take a vacation in San Juan. There’s plenty to do in San Juan Puerto Rico no matter your interests or budget.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect beach to spend your days or you want to explore the historic sites in Old San Juan, there are plenty of activities and attractions in San Juan Puerto Rico to suit everyone’s tastes. Let’s take a look at just a few of the things that you can do in San Juan Puerto Rico.

Beaches

San Juan Puerto Rico is a beach lover’s paradise. With its crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and stunning scenery, the beaches of San Juan are some of the best in the Caribbean. Some of the most popular beaches include Condado Beach, Isla Verde Beach, and Ocean Park Beach. Spend your days soaking up the sun, riding the waves, or exploring marine life with snorkeling or diving excursions.

Tourist Attractions

One of the best things about San Juan Puerto Rico is that there are so many tourist attractions to explore. One of the top attractions is El Morro, which is an old Spanish fortress located along the San Juan Bay. El Morro is a great spot to visit to learn more about Puerto Rico’s history.

Other popular tourist attractions include Castillo de San Cristobal, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and El Yunque National Forest. There are also plenty of museums to explore, such as the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and the Hiram Bithorn Baseball Stadium.

Food and Drink

No trip to San Juan Puerto Rico is complete without indulging in some of its delicious food and drinks. Sample some traditional dishes such as mofongo, or try some of the many seafood dishes including fried whole red snapper with coconut rice. If you’re looking for something sweet, you can try some of the pasteles or coquito, which is a coconut and rum based drink.

If you’re looking for something to do in the evening, visit one of the many nightlife spots in San Juan Puerto Rico. From trendy bars to vibrant night clubs and live music venues, there’s something for everyone no matter your taste in music.

Conclusion

San Juan Puerto Rico has so much to offer visitors of all ages and budgets. With its stunning beaches, historic sites and monuments, delicious food and drinks, and plenty of nightlife options, you won’t find a better place to escape and relax. Take a day trip to explore El Yunque National Forest or take a few days to explore everything San Juan Puerto Rico has to offer. For more information on planning your vacation in San Juan Puerto Rico, visit Must-See-PuertoRico.com.

Insider’s Guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is the historic capital city of Puerto Rico, brimming with a rich culture that offers visitors an opportunity to experience everything from museums and art galleries to lush forests and beaches. This insider’s guide highlights the best local attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and other off-the-beaten-path suggestions to make the most out of your visit to San Juan.

Places to Visit in San Juan

1. Old San Juan: The old town, characterized by its narrow cobbled streets and pastel-painted houses, has a rich history that dates back to the Spanish colonial era. With historic landmarks like the El Morro Fortress and the San Juan Cathedral, it’s an awesome place to wander around.

2. El Yunque National Forest: The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, El Yunque has a dense forest, beautiful waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. It’s a great place for a day trip or even an overnight camping.

3. San Juan National Historic Site: The site is a collection of historic fortifications like the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Castillo San Cristobal, and the San Juan Gate. The fortifications are a testament to San Juan’s strategic significance and offer an excellent view of the bay.

Best Places to Eat in San Juan

1. La Placita de Santurce: Locals revere La Placita’s food market, which includes small island restaurants, cafes, and pubs. It has an electric vibe with live salsa music and dancing on the weekends.

2. Marmalade: Marmalade is a contemporary American bistro-style restaurant in Old San Juan. Chef Peter Schintler prepares some of Puerto Rico’s best food, with dishes like venison carpaccio or short ribs with truffle mac and cheese.

3. Aguaviva: Located in the Condado region, Aguaviva is dedicated to seafood. They offer a variety of global dishes incorporating oceanic ingredients as well as Puerto Rican favorites like octopus salad.

Cultural Experiences in San Juan

1. La Casa del Libro: Founded by the Puerto Rican author Abelardo Díaz Alfaro, the bookstore hosts a variety of events featuring Puerto Rican literature, including readings and signings. If you’re a literature buff, it’s a must-visit spot.

2. Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: The museum has a wide range of Puerto Rican art, featuring works from the 17th century to the modern era. It has beautiful galleries and hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year.

3. Plaza de Armas: The main square in Old San Juan, Plaza de Armas is surrounded by historic sites and buildings, including City Hall. It’s a great place to people-watch, listen to live music, and have a drink.

Local History in San Juan

1. La Fortaleza: Built in 1533, La Fortaleza is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas. It serves as the residence for the governor of Puerto Rico and the museum is open for guided tours.

2. Casa Blanca: The Casa Blanca building dates back to 1521 and was the family home of Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico. Today it is a museum with exhibits that highlight the city’s history.

3. Bacardí Rum Distillery: The distillery is located just outside of San Juan and has been producing rum since 1862. It offers tours and tastings to visitors who are interested in the history and making of one of the world’s most popular rums.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

1. Calle Loíza: The mile-long road has become an artisanal hotspot known for its boutiques, galleries, and artisanal food. It’s a great location to see what contemporary Puerto Rican culture is all about.

2. Playita del Condado: A tiny beach tucked away in a quiet residential area of Condado. It’s known among locals for its clear waters, golden sandy beach and is the perfect place to escape the crowds.

3. Plaza del Mercado: This market of markets is a great place to buy local specialties like handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and tropical fruit. It also has a fresh produce and fish section ideal for a midday snack.

San Juan is a fascinating city with so much to offer its visitors. Whether you’re searching for an adventure in the tropical forests or taking a stroll along small roads, you’ll discover delightful experiences in Puerto Rico’s historic capital city.