Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island with a rich history, gorgeous beaches, lush mountains, rushing waterfalls and the El Yunque rainforest. Since it’s a U.S. territory, there are a lot of advantages if you are a U.S. citizen.
- You don’t need a passport to visit
- You can use your cell phone without additional fees
- The US dollar is the official currency
- There are inexpensive flights from many U.S. cities
With so many advantages, why not book your flights to the Caribbean’s ‘Enchanted Island’ right now???
If you do end up visiting, I definitely recommend flying into San Juan, Puerto Rico and making it your home base. San Juan is the capital and largest city with a little something for everyone. For those wanting a typical beach vacation vibe, check out the Isla Verde area. It is known for its hotel strips, casinos, beach bars and shops. Most visitors stay here and Uber (yes they have Uber!) to Old San Juan. This part of the city is home to the San Juan Historic Site, featuring beautiful buildings dating from the 16th century, two Spanish fortresses, old city walls, the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, cobblestoned street, and pastel colored houses. There is so much history, culture, and life in this neighborhood!
This guide to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico is filled with information about the best sites to see, places to stay, where to eat and things to do during your trip.
For more adventures in Puerto Rico, be sure to also check out my blog posts on “Day Trip To Vieques Island”, “Exploring El Yunque National Park“, and “Icacos & Palomino Islands“.
What to Do and See
- Wander the pastel streets of Old San Juan. Founded in 1508 by Ponce de Leon, this city is rich with history, culture, food, and colonial architecture. It is easily the prettiest part of San Juan, so don’t forget your camera!
- Visit Save A Gato. Save A Gato (gato is Spanish for cat) is a volunteer organization that cares for and feeds the colonial cats of Old San Juan. If you’ve dreamed of being surrounded by dozens of cats at one time, then you can’t miss this hidden gem. Say hello to these furry friends by walking along the Paseo del Morro Recreation Trail (north of the San Juan Gate).
- Explore the Spanish fortresses of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristóbal. Learn about the unique designs of each fort and how Spain kept Puerto Rico under its control for nearly 400 years! I promise it’s definitely worth paying the small fee of $7 (valid for both fortresses).
- Go on a mixology tour at the Bacardi Distillery. Learn everything from the history of Bacardi to how to make the perfect mojito. Need a preview? Check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hyZr2xFy-A.
- Take a day trip to a neighboring island. Go on a catamaran tour with East Island Excursions to Culebra, ferry over to Vieques or take a water taxi to Icacos and Palomino. Every island has incredible beaches and clear waters, so whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong.
- Tour the El Yunque rainforest. While the hurricane damaged the rainforest, it is quickly recovering! In fact, the lower section of the main road has opened so you can now explore certain areas – some even include waterfalls! For more information on what to see in the El Yunque rainforest, check out my blog “A Guide To Exploring El Yunque National Rainforest | Waterfall Edition“.
- Head West with a private guide. Exploring the whole island is accessible from San Juan, and I highly recommend seeing the Cueva de Indio (Cave of the Indian) of Arecibo, the black sand beaches at Playa Boca in Barcelonetta, and the San Sebastian Waterfalls. For all private tours, contact Mario at 787-547-6941 on WhatsApp. Mario was recommended to us by the AC Hotel San Juan Condado and is seriously impressive! He created a killer itinerary and is very friendly, knowledgeable about the island and a safe driver. If you’re looking to experience more than just the city, I suggest going on a private tour with Mario.
(The red dress in the photo above is from Black Coral)
Where to Stay
Located next to the Puerto Rico Convention Center and only a 5-minute drive to the Condado beach or 10-minute drive to historic Old San Juan, the Sheraton Puerto Rico is the ideal home base for those visiting Puerto Rico for both business and pleasure. What makes this hotel unique is that guests will find every sort of comfort and entertainment on the property. The Sheraton has a large casino with 400 slot machines and 18 game tables, the Zen Spa Retreat, The District Lounge & Sushi Bar, a club lounge, and an infinity pool. It’s tempting to simply stay on the property while enjoying all the amenities. You can read more about my stay at The Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino here.
In the heart of the vibrant Condado District, you will find a hotel so wonderful, you may never leave. That would be the AC Hotel San Juan by Marriott. This modern hotel is perfect for those looking for luxury accommodation and a central location. Enjoy the most incredible city views from the AC Hotel’s rooftop pool, discover Caribbean flavors at local restaurants, relax at the beautiful Condado beach, or drive 5-minutes to Old San Juan. You really can’t go wrong when you stay at the AC Hotel. Read more about my stay at the AC Hotel San Juan Condado here.
Also located in the Condado District is the San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. I promise if you stay here, you will have the time of your life. Try your luck at the Stellaris Casino, relax by the pool, experience the incredible nightlife in Condado, or walk the streets of Old San Juan (only a 5-minute drive away). There is something for everyone. What especially makes the San Juan Marriot special is the beach! Only 20-feet away from the pool is soft sand, turquoise water, and unlimited fun. For those of you wanting to be close to all the action in the city while also enjoying the beautiful Condado beach, the San Juan Marriott is the perfect place for you!
Where to Eat
Crush Juice Bar – If you love acai bowls and you want to taste the most delicious peanut butter acai bowl in the world, then go to Crush. They also have an amazing selection of smoothers and juices! I went here every day during my trip and to this day, it’s still my favorite juice bar! Crush is conveniently located across the street from the AC Hotel San Juan Condado, so it’s easy to grab something on your way out to the beach or to Old San Juan.
La Bombonera – La Bombonera is the oldest restaurant in Old San Juan. Known for its coffee and “Mallorca” pastries, it’s the hottest breakfast spot in town. So popular in fact, that you will need to make a reservation most days to get a seat. Once you get inside, you’ll notice something special. Little glimpses of the La Bombonera’s past can be clearly seen by several vintage photographs hanging on the restaurant walls. It’s wonderful not only to taste the incredible food whose recipes have been passed down for generations but also experience history.
El Jibarito – If you visit Old San Juan, you must eat lunch at El Jibarito!!!! After asking many people where we could find the best local food, they all said EL Jibarito. Of course, they were right. The food was authentic and delicious! Plus, it was all very reasonably priced. I highly recommend trying white rice and red beans, chicken empanadas, and mofongo, which is a Puerto Rican dish made from mashed plantains. Seriously, if you want to try real Puerto Rico food, just head to El Jibarito.
Santaella – Enjoy a modern Puerto Rican dining experience presented by Chef Jose Santaella. The menu is full of authentic dishes and local ingredients used to showcase the flavors and vibrant energy of Puerto Rico. The restaurant is the perfect place for many different occasions. Take a seat at the bar and socialize while sipping on cocktails, listen to music and chat with friends over an excellent meal, or sneak to a corner table to enjoy a romantic evening with your loved one. For an evening to remember, make your reservations at Santaella.
How to Get Around
If you plan on staying in the San Juan area, I highly recommend using Uber. Everything in San Juan is about a 10-minute car ride away, and sometimes parking can be a nightmare, so save yourself some time, money, and stress, and grab an Uber. For those who like Lyft over Uber, unfortunately, Lyft does not exist in Puerto Rico. If you’re wondering about Taxi services, they are available. However, it is possible to have a taxi driver that takes you to your destination and tries to charge you a fee that is unfair. To avoid this situation, I always choose Uber.
If you are up for renting a car, it gives you more flexibility! You can easily take a quick road trip outside the city or get a better feel for San Juan as you explore the streets behind the wheel yourself. Rental cars tend to be low cost and pretty easy to use. All you need is a drivers license and a credit card. The easiest place to get the rental car is at the airport, but there are a few other locations around town you can get them as well.
FOR A SNEAK PEAK OF MY ADVENTURES AROUND SAN JUAN PUERTO RICO, CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO:
This post is written in partnership with Marriott Hotels. As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Sheraton Puerto Rico for the private tour of Old San Juan, to AC Hotel San Juan Condado for booking the Bicardi mixology tour, and to San Juan Marriott for the catamaran tour with East Island Excursions.
Angie xoxo
Great article! I want to do more of the things you’ve described whenever I go back to San Juan. I only visited the old town!
Hi!!! I would like to know what is the price for the private tour? Thank you?
Since this was a few years ago, pricing may have changed. So please contact Mario at 787-547-6941 on WhatsApp for current prices.
I love all your tips! I’m curious where you are in the pic that is on this pin…where you are overlooking the city and ocean with the mountains in the background?
Hi Erin, I believe it is near the Plazuela La Rogativa. If you walk on top of and along the wall, between the Casa Rosa and the Plazuela La Rogativa, you should find this sentry box with this view.
However, if you’re referring to a photo from Pinterest where I’m wearing a floral dress overlooking a stone walkway, town, ocean, and large mountains, that is an incorrect pin someone made. I’m sorry if it is misleading but I am unable to delete or fix that pin since it is not mine. That location is actually Kotor, Montenegro.
Where is the waterfall located?
You can find it on Google under Gozalandia Hiking Area 🙂
What do you use to edit your photos?! I’m amazed at the quality!
Thank you! I use Adobe Lightroom on my desktop.
I love all the tips in this guide! Thank you!
This is a great guide! I am visiting PR later this year. I do have a question: did you drink the water, have drinks with ice, eat raw veggies/fruit and didn’t have a problem? Or did you avoid anything? Some things I’m reading now say to sure caution so I’m curious how your expertise was post-hurricane. Thanks!
Hi Aparna! I never had any problems with food, drinks, or acai bowels. If you go to a restaurant in San Juan I definitely think you’ll be fine. The issues may be in more of the countryside, but I’ve never met anyone who has had them. Hope this helps!
I have to know where that picture of you swinging into such beautiful blue, clear water is?! I go to PR this coming week!
It’s a waterfall in San Sebastian called Gozalandia. I do need to say that the blueness of the water depends on the day and since I do edit my photos, the water is more bright than usual. 🙂
Wow! Amazing colorful and pastel photos! I wonder how you can create that super effect!
That’s a nice reflection: we feel guilty but we are helping them indeed visiting their country!
Nice guide and tips btw!
Claudia
As always I love how you write and how you take your pictures. I can’t believe they reopened for tourism only three months after the Hurricane. It’s amazing how resilient people are. I really want to go here now. Such a shame it’s so so far from where I am.
I love the post and I’m so glad you visited my town, San Sebastián, thank you for share that PR is still amazing even after a hurricane.
Ah it sounds so amazing! My boyfriend and I are looking at going to the Dominican Republic for a spontaneous getaway in a few weeks but now maybe need to reconsider and go to Puerto Rico!
Sehr schöner Beitrag. Mit Liebe zum Detail geschrieben und man sieht was für den Tourismus und die Region getan wird! Tolle Fotos die Lust auf das Land machen.
Grüße aus Deutschland
Wonderful blog post Angie! Makes me really want to visit Puerto Rico! All the tips are so helpful!
So happy you could show off my home islands beauty!! Even after the hurricane. Your photos are amazing.
Angie, this is a fantastic guide! Not only do your pictures make me want to go to PR right away, your article provides such wonderful details on what to do and where to stay!! And thank you also for pointing out that even a fun vacation for us is important to help their economy recover.
Your shots are totally stunning as always Angie and I’m glad to hear that tourism is picking up and I’m sure you will inspire lots of people to go here! I’d definitely love to!!
Puerto Rico has been on our bucket list for years, and it’s so close to home in comparison to some other places it’s surprising that we’ve never been! It sounds like the perfect time to go, too! Thanks for all the great suggestions!
I do dream of being surrounded by cats!! ???
The pictures are amazing. As are your words. ❤❤?
Thanks for sharing and visiting our island. We lived a very hard time and still some municipalities struggling. Supporting the locals, traveling and spreading the word of visiting is a great start! Thanks so much! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wow! What an amazing piece and how great you are influencing so many people to visit after such a devastating event!
This is definitely going on my bucket list xx
This article is so perfect! I was in the Dominican Republic when Maria has hit the Carribean and I saw the people losing everything… Puerto Rico is defentely on my bucket list. Thank you for this lovely article about Puerto Rico!
The private tour and the rainforest seem like two things we would love to do. Being in south florida we have good deals pop up for a weekend trip if we wanted. This post just made us want to go even more!
Love your blog! And so many helpful tips. I have never been but based on your amazing stories and gorgeous photos l, I would love to visit! Thank you for sharing.
I absolutely love this write-up and I’m so happy to hear the perspective that visiting PR right now is actually beneficial for the local economy to bounce back after the hurricane. I stopped in San Juan for just a day when I was on a cruise around 5 years ago but your photos have me wanting to go back soon and for a longer stay. Thank you for an awesome summary!
I completely agree, supporting the local communties and travelling to these countries is so important! It’s so great to hear that things are looking up for this beautiful country! I love this guide and all the photos, such amazing info and gorgeous pictures!