Enjoy a tropical beach holiday in San Juan and explore the many historic sites in one of the oldest cities in the Americas.
The oldest part of the city, known as Old San Juan (El Viejo San Juan), is a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. Here, you’ll find many of the city’s most popular attractions, historic buildings, restaurants and shops.
Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which has a wide range of exhibits, regular cultural events and a beautiful botanical garden. Just a short walk away is the Catedral de San Juan where you can attend a Spanish mass or view the final resting place of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer and the first Governor of Puerto Rico.
No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the San Juan National Historic Site. This massive complex is World Heritage listed and includes many of the city’s defensive walls and fortresses. Plan to spend several hours here as you can explore dungeons and tunnels, and climb towers for 140-feet-(42-metre) high views of the city.
San Juan is well known for its excellent shopping, so make the time to wander along the Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan’s popular shopping street. You’ll find famous international boutiques alongside merchants selling local goods.
Those looking to relax on the beach should head east of Old San Juan to Isla Verde. This beach is close to the main attractions, but far enough away to be a good place for some peace and quiet. For those with children, Luquillo Beach, where coral reefs protect a lagoon, is a great option.
Despite severe traffic congestion, residents and visitors to San Juan primarily travel by car, although a free tourist trolley runs in Old San Juan. Some areas offer a metro system and public buses, but the best option for visitors is usually either walking the shorter distances or taking advantage of a local trolley or taxi service.
San Juan Travel Guide
Where to stay in San Juan
Condado
The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Condado. Make a stop by Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort or Condado Beach while you're exploring the area.
Old San Juan
The interesting museums and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Old San Juan. A stop by Port of San Juan or Castillo de San Cristobal might round out your trip.
Santurce
While you're in Santurce, take in top sights like Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort and jump on the metro at Sacred Heart Station to see more of the city.
San Juan Antiguo
Amazing beaches interesting history and top sights from Port of San Juan to Castillo de San Cristobal – discover San Juan Antiguo, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Playa Ocean Park and Calle Loiza.
Hato Rey Norte
You might enjoy the restaurants while in Hato Rey Norte. Plaza las Americas is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Roosevelt Station or Hato Rey Station to see more of the city.
Reviewed on 5 Jun 2024
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Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024
Reviewed on 25 May 2024
Reviewed on 2 Jun 2024
Popular places to visit
Port of San Juan
Explore the waterfront in San Juan with a trip to Port of San Juan. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its acclaimed art galleries.
Luquillo Beach
Sample local street food or doze under a palm tree on this picturesque stretch of coast.
Condado Beach
This beach within the bustling city of San Juan is the perfect place to relax for a few hours.
Dorado Beach
If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Dorado Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to San Juan. While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.
Escambron Beach
Swim in calm waters among colorful fish at a picturesque beach that is regularly voted one of the best in Puerto Rico.
Carolina Beach
Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Carolina Beach during your travels in Carolina? Amble around this romantic area's seaside and enjoy its lively bars.
Reviews of San Juan
4/5 - Good
Great place with lovely architecture, colours and character. Definitely worth a visit for a few days.
3/5 - Okay
Enjoyed visit to mall and tour of fort. Stopped here for a couple of days after cruise. Think I did not do my research enough before trip as the area was one I would have preferred to avoid as a tourist Tropicalia apartment was nicely clean
4/5 - Good
First time in San Juan and came for a wedding. Puerto Rico is more expensive than mainland US, but the people are warm and welcoming. Very nice place and is somewhere I need to visit again without for proper vacation.
4/5 - Good
Friendly locals, safe atmosphere, interesting to explore.
3/5 - Okay
Some areas run down. Only stayed one night and that was in tourist area
5/5 - Excellent
Sun Juan beautiful place with lots of sunshine along with happy people going about their business.
