Your guide to exploring San Juan

When to visit

The most popular time to travel to Puerto Rico is during the winter, which unsurprisingly means that’s when you’ll find travel to the city significantly more expensive (not to mention crowded). Based on our recent data, springtime is an ideal time to visit and has lower-priced airfare. This is also at the tail end of the busy winter season and just before the summer rains begin. Temperatures range between 82-85F, so you can hit the sand without roasting. If you’re looking for a reason to go to San Juan, some of its most popular festivals are:

• San Sebastian Street Festival (January)
• Festival del Frío (February)
• Festival de la Piña Paradisíaca (May)
• Festival de Teatro Puertorriqueño e Internacional (May – June)
• Festival de Santiago Apóstol (July)
• Festival Nacional Indígena (November)

In addition to annual festivals, here are some events happening this spring that could be worth checking out during your stay:

• Viernes de Salsa en Isabela: Every Friday year round, Isabela’s town square becomes a giant dance floor with live music, come by starting at 7pm to practice your Salsa moves.
• Pro Arte Musical: Puerto Rico’s oldest cultural non-profit and its mission is to promote chamber music on the Island, happening from March 27 – May 15, 2022.
• 25th Tropical Music Festival: Celebrate 25 years of legendary Latin music, happening April 28 – May 2, 2022.
• Mojito Fest: Drop by the Convention Center for a night featuring more than 40 restaurants and bartenders from around the island as they share their offerings to accompany the #1 cocktail in the world, taking place on May 28, 2022.

How to get to the city from the airport

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU) is the most popular entry point for visitors to San Juan and is about 15 minutes outside the city. The best way to reach the center of town is by taxi, rideshare or bus. The price for a taxi starts between $10-19 (depending on your destination in San Juan). You’ll also need to add about $3-5 in fees (airport fee, gas surcharge, luggage fee) depending on how many people and bags are being transported. There is limited rideshare service in Puerto Rico, but it will cost $20 – $25 to get a ride from the airport to Old San Juan. You can also take the bus for only $1.50. The #53 bus/Route 53 is the one you’ll want as it goes direct from SJU to Isla Verde, the beaches and many hotels.

Good to know

• Puerto Rico is open with restrictions. Fully vaccinated visitors from the US can enter Puerto Rico without restrictions. For those US travelers who are unvaccinated, quarantine is required for entry. For further details on COVID-19 mandates in PR, head to our Travel Restrictions map for the latest information prior to your departure.
• Restaurants and bars are open, but masks are recommended in public spaces, enclosed environments and on public transportation.
• In San Juan, taxis and the #53 bus are affordable and convenient options to get around the city. As mentioned earlier, rideshare is available in Puerto Rico with limited availability throughout the island.
• If you plan on journeying outside the city, it’s worth renting a car. Because Puerto Rico is part of the US, all of the road signs will be familiar. Car rentals are available inside the airport and throughout the city – we would go ahead and arrange for a rental ahead of time if you choose to use this option.
• Puerto Rico, while known for its beaches, actually has a very diverse ecosystem. El Yunque National Rainforest is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to appreciate the natural beauty of the island – we’ll talk more about this later.
• Get to know the locals. Puerto Ricans have an international reputation for being warm, friendly and quite stylish. More often than not, they’re willing to give some local insight, teach you a few phrases or make recommendations.
• Safety Tips: San Juan still has pockets where travelers should exercise caution at night. In Old San Juan, the neighborhood known as La Perla (near El Morro) should be avoided after hours, as should most of Puerta de Tierra (beyond the hotels). Also, don’t go for a midnight swim — the beaches are dark and unprotected at night, making your risque behavior, well, risky. In general, simply practice safety as you would in most cities: keep your valuables at home and don’t carry a bunch of cash on you.

 Price

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Visiting San Juan is comparable to destinations like Fort Lauderdale or Guadalajara. Median airfare ranges from $149 in January to $387 in December. Generally, January through May has lower airfare than the rest of the year. With the US dollar as its currency, you won’t need to exchange money. And follow similar practices to the States: tipping a customary 15-20% is expected.

Booking Advice

Based on median airfare, if you’re looking to find a flight deal — January  sees the lowest median airfare ($149). December is generally the most expensive time to visit (median airfare $387) — given the holidays (where Puerto Ricans go all out with festivals) and the fact that Northerners are flying south for the winter.

*Median airfare by month is based on travel dates 01/01/2021  – 12/31/2021 for  search dates within 180 days of travel All coach, round-trip flights originating in the US or Canada and landing at SJU during this search period were considered. Our “when to book” recommendation was based on median airfare for search dates 01/01/2022 compared to the same dates as years prior and travel dates 03/01/2022 – 04/30/2022.

Local Lingo

Brush off your Spanish phrasebook – or you really want to invest in your learning, check out our partnership with Babbel to see how you can save on subscription Otherwise, here are a few key phrases to help you sound like a local:

• Qué tal? (kay tahl): What’s up?/How’s it going
• Boricua. (bore-ee-quwah): Puerto Rican (a name for the local people)
• Wepa. (way-pah): An exclamation signifying happiness.
• Acho/Chacho. (ah-cho/cha-cho): Short for “muchacho,” but usually used between thoughts (similar to how we say “Well…” in English). When posed as a question, it can mean “What’s up?”
• Chavos. (cha-vohs): Money
• Mano! (mah-no): used as an exclamation, like saying “hey, bro!”
• Ni pa. (nee-pah): No way.
• Tú sabes. (too sah-beys): You know.

Where to Go 

Note: Check out this map to see the city’s neighborhoods.

San Juan is divided into two main areas: Old San Juan and New San Juan. True to their names, the former features historic buildings, museums and cobblestone streets while the latter is rife with luxury beachside resorts, vibrant nightlife and modern amenities. See both sides of the city on your trip and decide for yourself which San Juan you prefer.

Old San Juan

With its rich history, beauty, and location, Old San Juan’s charm has helped it become one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Located on the peninsula that separates the Atlantic Ocean and San Juan Bay, the city is encircled by the old wall that was once used as a defense against attackers. The city has many beautiful churches, promenades, gardens and plazas in addition to its more modern commercial side that includes galleries, theaters, bars and restaurants. 

El Morro, the old fort, is both historic and beautiful and can be found surrounded by families gathering on windy days with their colorful kites. For more colors, we’d recommend exploring the cobblestone streets of historic downtown, where you may find local farmer’s markets surrounded by pastel buildings. You could also head to the end of Cristo Street and stop in the Parque de Las Palomas to feed the pigeons — hundreds of them. For your own eats, head to Barrachina for local dishes like the seafood mofongo or ceviche with crispy tostones and rice. This spot also happens to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada, so we’d recommend getting a refreshing cocktail with your meal. You can drink al fresco at… Al Fresco. This rooftop wine bar serves delicious cocktails with seriously cool views. For more ideas about where to eat and drink while in PR, try Mario Pagan Restaurant for something romantic or Tacos & Tequila for bites with a view. Looking for more dining options? Check out OpenTable for inspiration and reservations.

For nightlife, look no further than La Factoria. This legendary dance club and music venue hosts live salsa on Monday nights and is where you can sample inventive cocktails like a lavender mule or Lion’s Tale. Ranked among the Top 50 bars in the world, it’s popular among the city’s artists and musicians. It’s also where the music video for a certain Spanish dance club hit with a catchy chorus was filmed.

New San Juan

New San Juan area is a great combination of energetic city life and a tropical beach paradise.  It’s made up of about 6 distinct neighborhoods, each with their own flavor.

Condado

This neighborhood is the most popular vacation destination among tourists in New San Juan.  The cosmopolitan area offers trendy food options, vibrant nightlife and luxurious beachfront accommodations. There are plenty of high-end boutiques lined right up to the beautiful Condado Beach. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Condado Lagoon, this is where you can find the Window of the Sea Park (Ventana al Mar). Visitors can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean while taking in the relaxing scenery. One of the central streets of Condado is Avenida Ashford, which gives off  Miami Beach-vibes with its modern, luxury properties and vibrant nightlife. Check out Oceano for cocktails with a view — this beachfront mansion is the perfect spot to spend a night.

Ocean Park

Offering a relaxed, casual atmosphere, Ocean Park in San Juan has more affordable beachfront accommodations than other neighborhoods. It’s a great place to try your hand at water sports like kiteboarding and surfing. Check out 15 Knots for information on lessons and rentals. Ocean Park has plenty of small boutique hotels and guest houses that are within steps from the beach. But if you’re looking for more activity, head to Calle Loiza. Here you can stop at OM Studio for a blowout and shop at Tereques La Tiendita. Refresh after a day on the sand with a stop at Cocobanana for its signature drink: a combo of coconut milk, black sugar, bananas and toasted almonds. At night, keep it casual and creative with a pizza at LOIZA 2050, which serves up pies on crusts made from coconut and pumpkin, in addition to traditional ingredients.

Miramar

Miramar is an upscale residential neighborhood and home to the island’s famous, high-tech Convention Center. Here, there are two marinas and the neighborhood is connected to Old San Juan via a bayside promenade. Those looking to take in some art can make a stop at Casa Aboy, a 1900s home made into a photography gallery. Stop at the Caribbean Cinemas to catch a flick, from new releases to art films to live ballet and opera performances. If you find yourself up late at night with a hankering for some tasty arroz, Los Pinos is open 24/7.

Isla Verde

Isla Verde is the beach district of San Juan and is best known for two things: beautiful beaches and luxury hotels. Look here if you’re interested in finding an all-inclusive hotel deal. East of where the main beach ends, Pine Grove Beach is a favorite among the locals. But if it’s surfing you’re after, continue east of Pine Grove to find where the waves begin to break. Get into culture at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which is home to works from the 17th century to the present.

Hato Rey

Hato Rey is largely formed by the city’s financial district. Travelers can find skyscrapers, a federal complex, as well as businesses and banking offices. The area is shaped by the Puerto Rico Coliseum, a venue that has hosted big names in music, comedy and dance.

Rio Piedras

Rio Piedras is home to the beautiful University of Puerto Rico and the distinctive Roosevelt Bell Tower, a tribute to Theodore Roosevelt who donated funds for the construction of the school.  Here you’ll also find the lush UPR Botanical Gardens. Stop at the Rio Piedras Marketplace where you can purchase locally grown, fresh produce in addition to quaint shops and eateries.

Things to Do

Join a block party

La Placita de Santurce is the center of nightlife in San Juan. Located in a historic market plaza, you can go here late at night for drinks, food and an all-out salsa party. It’s here where you get to experience the heart and energy of the Puerto Rican people. Speaking of drinks, don’t leave Puerto Rico without trying a fresh mojito – they don’t make them nearly as delicious back in the states.

Kayak in the Bioluminescent Bay

This dusk-time excursion tends to be a trip highlight for anyone who has experienced the Bioluminescent Bay while visiting PR. Kayak in the bay at night so you can see the phytoplankton light up. The best bio bay is the Mosquito Bay in Vieques, which is in the southern part of the island. To get here, you can take the ferry. It costs $4 round trip and departs three or four times a day.

Spend a morning/afternoon at a rum distillery

Rum is the most popular spirit throughout the Caribbean and Puerto Rico has more than it’s fair share of distilleries where you can learn more about the history of rum, how it’s made, and of course, try some in-house cocktails. Casa Bacardi, Hacienda Santa Ana and PitoRico are three great options to explore while in PR. Though Don Q, the most popular rum in Puerto Rico, does not have a distillery open to the public, you can visit the Serrallés Castle Museum to learn more about the history of sugar cane and rum – followed by a stiff Don Q drink once you return to your hotel.

Enjoy gourmet coffee

If you’re not into rum, head to one of San Juan’s gourmet coffee shops. A notable one is the Hacienda Pomarrosa, which stands at the top of a curvy mountain road. Reserve a tour to learn more about how the coffee is grown and roasted while taking in the panoramic views of the Puerto Rican countryside.

Hike the trails of El Yunque National Rainforest

Take advantage of the miles of hiking trails throughout northeast Puerto Rico in the biodiverse El Yunque Rainforest. Travelers are able to swim under waterfalls, enjoy the natural wildlife and visit the Yokahu Observation Tower where you’ll find 360 views of the lush rainforest. Feeling parched after taking in the incredible views? Stop on the roadside for a freshly cracked coconut – all you need is a straw.

Roadtrip the panoramic route

La Ruta Panorámica Luis Muñoz Marín is a unique road trip that takes you to the most spectacular views of rural Puerto Rico, passing barbecues, waterfalls and coffee plantations on the way.

Visit the 17th-century forts

Old San Juan is still surrounded by protective stone walls and citadels that defended the city against attacks from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Noteworthy sites include the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) and the Castillo de San Cristóbal. The views over the Atlantic are incomparable to any other from the island.

Explore the island’s caves

Cueva Ventana is easy to get to by car and is about a 15-minute hike to the cave. The floors of the cave are slippery, so wear shoes with a good grip. Plus, pack your water bottles. The price of admission now includes flashlights, but get there early — the last tour leaves at 2pm.

Ole – hat boutique

Get yourself a custom-made hat on the spot at this family-owned hat boutique in Old San Juan. You’ll also find local art, shoes and baskets for purchase.

Go to Perla for dinner

The distinctive shell is surrounded by reflecting food and is decorated using hand-blown glass lamps that light up the ceiling and is located adjacent to La Concha hotel.

Top 10 Most Instagrammable Places in San Juan

1. Condado Beach
2. Streets of Old San Juan
3. La Mina Falls, El Yunque National Rainforest
4. Castillo San Felipe del Morro
5. Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
6. Rincon Beach at sunset
7. Fort San Cristobal
8. The Pier by the Old City Walls
9. Vieques Bioluminescent Bay
10. Gardens in Old San Juan

Set the Mood

San Juan is the backdrop of some of cinema’s sultriest films. Get a taste of the city before you experience the real thing by watching these films.

1. Mi Aventura en Puerto Rico (1977)
2. La Gran Fiesta (1985)
3. The Rum Diary (2011)
4. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
5. Looking for Maria Sanchez (2013)
6. Cows Wearing Glasses (2014)
7. La Granja (2015)
8. Before the Rooster Crows (2016)

Feeling that San Juan vibe? Here’s a playlist of tunes for planning your trip, taking a long walk around the city, or getting ready for a night out.

“Made in Puerto Rico” Spotify