San juan travels: The Island of Puerto Rico

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April 27, 2023
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The Travel Guide to San Juan

Welcome to San Juan

Pristine beaches and intoxicating jungles. Incredible food. Centuries’ worth of history and culture. No passport required for US citizens. The only drawback to visiting Puerto Rico is that if you’ve never been, you’ll be kicking yourself on that first trip for not visiting sooner. It’s remarkable how often we forget that San Juan is a stunner of a destination, with its vibrant neighborhoods, street art, and joie de’ vivre that’s extended to locals and tourists alike. It’s also incredible to think that this city has been standing since long before the Mayflower found its way to Plymouth Rock; San Juan was founded in the mid-1500s. The city’s enduring spirit is matched in magnitude by its exquisite surroundings, and the ease of actually getting there makes it a no-brainer for a beach escape. San Juan’s past is really something – but there’s no time like the present to see it for yourself.

Who’ll Love San Juan

History buffs, family trips, romantic getaways, rambunctious group outings, anyone seeking a warm-weather escape in the depths of winter

How to Budget for a Trip to San Juan

You might think that San Juan is an inexpensive place to visit – after all, it’s on a small island in the Caribbean, where plenty of beach getaways can be had on the cheap. In truth, it’s not terribly expensive, but it isn’t terribly inexpensive, either. Hotel rooms in the city are reliably priced between $150 and $300 nightly, with beachfront properties running up to $400 a night. Food and drink, however, are a fair bit cheaper than what you’d expect in other US tourist destinations, ranging from $10 to $35 on the more deluxe end of the market.

Safety Considerations

The tourism industry is a huge part of the local economy in San Juan, and as such, keeping tourists safe is a top priority. You can expect to feel safe in San Juan regardless of gender or sexual orientation – the island is known as a great destination for the LGBTQIA+ community – though BIPOC travelers may sense some racism in pockets of the city and island at large. While incidents of crime are rare, police officers are often bilingual.

Weather in San Juan

Puerto Rico’s tropical climate means visitors are treated to warm and sunny weather almost year-round. The seasons, then, are more distinguished by rainfall than anything else.

Winter in San Juan, from mid-December through about mid-April, is when the weather is most warm, welcoming, and dry. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and it’s when San Juan (and the rest of Puerto Rico) is at its wettest and hottest.

When to Visit San Juan

Winter is San Juan’s high season, as travelers come to escape colder climates in the northern hemisphere, so the best weather also means the biggest crowds and highest prices on things like hotel rooms.

Despite its mostly consistent year-round temperatures, San Juan does have shoulder seasons, which can be a good option for budget travelers. The temperatures from April through June climb steadily toward hurricane season, but most of the crowds have gone home.

Money Saving Tips

Hop on the free trolley. There are two trolley routes through Old San Juan that are completely free and stop at many of the popular attractions. Note that they can be extremely crowded when a cruise ship’s passengers are exploring the town.

Eat like the locals. Skip the hotel and resort restaurants and seek out eateries away from the more popular tourist areas. You’ll likely find more locals eating there, where prices are lower.

Rent a car for island excursions. While getting around in the city using public transportation, taxis, or rideshares is less stressful, getting out of the city on day trips with a rental car is more budget-friendly.

What to See, Do, and Eat in San Juan

The Top 10 Things to Do in San Juan

Stroll Old San Juan, and don’t miss the cobblestoned street known as Calle Fortaleza, painted in various cotton candy-like hues
Visit the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the Castillo San Cristóbal
Get inspired at the Museo de las Américas, featuring art that highlights the history and culture of Puerto Rico
Walk the Paseo del Morro, a National Historic Site with gorgeous views of San Juan Bay
Explore one of the city’s oldest buildings, the Catedral Metropolitana Basilica de San Juan Bautista
Get out on the water at Isla Verde
Head out to Mosquito Bay, off the coast of Puerto Rico on Vieques, to experience the magnificent bioluminescence after dark
Visit the Cavernas de Camuy, a park made up of over 250 acres of caves, one of the largest in the world
Relax on the sandy shores of Seven Seas Beach
Tour La Casa Estrecha, a 5-foot-wide, fully functional house was built in an alley between two buildings, known as the narrowest house in the world

The Local Picks for Top Attractions and Activities in San Juan

Check out Lote 23, a gastro park that showcases the best of Puerto Rican flavors
Get inspired at Santurce Es Ley, a vibrant collection of independent art that was formed in response to a slew of graffiti/mural artist arrests – the outrage those arrests sparked led to the passing of a law that allows artists to paint in Santurce without penalty
Explore Cueva María De La Cruz, a small historical park where you can learn about the pre-Columbian cultures that made this area one of the earliest settled spots on the island
Soak up some local lore at Capilla Del Santo Cristo De La Salud, a tiny chapel and one of the most beautiful monuments in the old capital; erected in 1753, there’s a story worth hearing about its inception
Take a load off at Laguna del Condado, a lagoon where the locals spend their time lounging, kayaking, and spotting manatees
Pay homage to late, great, most famous Puerto Ricans at the Cemetery Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis; it’s also a beautiful place to take a peaceful walk and enjoy some fantastic views
Spend an afternoon on the Isla de Cabras, a small island extending over the bay of San Juan that’s perfect for an afternoon walk and a picnic with views of El Morro
Hop aboard La Lancha de Cataño, an 8-minute ferry ride to Cataño, which offers great views and fun experiences to be had at the Bacardi Factory (try the interactive mixology class)
Relax and unwind at Playa Fortuna in Luquillo, a tranquil and picturesque beach with obvious appeal and relatively small crowds
Party down at La Placita de Santurce, a famous market during the day and the hub of one of San Juan’s hottest nightlife scenes at night

What to Eat and Drink in San Juan

Foodies rejoice! Puerto Rico is full of flavor and creativity, meaning you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to your next meal. In San Juan, the old and the new can sometimes clash – but they live in harmony on where food is concerned, with farm-to-table eateries and hipster bars serving as a complement, not an opponent, of traditional flavors; likewise, pub fare and high-end dining are both in ample supply. Then there’s the rum, wherein words fail, so we’ll leave you with just three: Ron del Barrilito.

La Casita Blanca is a bright and airy breakfast/brunch eatery that’s a perfect place to fuel up on healthy but filling food and start the day off right
La Alcapurria Quema is a no-frills, down-home, traditional spot to get a satisfying lunch (or dinner)
Vianda creates a delicious farm-to-table meals that are great for a slightly fancy evening
Casita Miramar is a go-to for upscale yet traditional Puerto Rican cuisine in a dining room full of old-world charm
Cocina Abierta is great for a dinner of chic gastronomic feats with Latin-American flavors and the element of surprise
El Patio de Solé is a hidden gem of a restaurant that’s also something of a museum, containing lots of relics of Puerto Rican culture
Cafe Playero is a beach spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with great tacos, sandwiches, frozen cocktails, and vegetarian options
El Ladrillo is a dimly lit, tavern-like destination to enjoy a world-class seafood dinner and a venerable selection of wines, with frequent live music (and excellent coffee)
Ernestina is a casual place to taste super-fresh seafood and shellfish at lunch and dinner

Where to Stay in San Juan

The main question when deciding where to stay in San Juan can be boiled down to this: Beach or city? There are benefits to both, so the choice usually has more to do with where you plan to spend most of your time. With both options, you’ll have your pick of hotels in all price ranges, from budget hotels to the resorts that proliferate on the coast. Even budget hotels, however, often cost about $100 per night.

Top San Juan Neighborhoods for Visitors

Old San Juan is the most popular place to stay in the city, by a long shot – after all, it’s home to many a historic fortress, those famous 15-foot-thick walls are a sight to behold, and, since it’s so tourism-saturated, you won’t stick out here.

That said, you’d do well to check out Santurce and Isla Verde. The former is a colorful, culture-loving neighborhood, home to a formidable array of museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, and street art – plus the oceanfront Condado area, an upscale strip of resorts, pools, and swimming holes. The latter is a bit east of San Juan proper and is known for being a lively playground of water sports and nightlife, with plenty of accommodations to go around. Inland Santurce is the most budget-friendly – under $200/night, but with few options – while Condado and Isla Verde cater to a higher price point, with most places between $250 and $400.

Recommended Hotels in San Juan

The Dreamcatcher (~$112/night)
El Convento (~$189/night)
O:LV Fifty Five (~$257/night)
La Concha (~$271/night)

Getting Around

Public Transportation Options in San Juan

Deciding on a mode of transit in San Juan is a literal choose-your-own-adventure sort of endeavor, and there are no wrong ways to go about it. Uber and taxi cabs are easy to hail in the city, the light rail is reliable, and the buses aren’t half bad (though traffic very well may be). When it comes to the rest of Puerto Rico, there are shuttles and tour buses if you aren’t keen on driving, but exploring the island in a rental car is a great way to have a more intimate, authentic experience as you traverse, and the roads, while winding, are in good shape.

San Juan Airports

The main airport in Puerto Rico is Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), located a short three miles from San Juan. It’s a hub for Air Sunshine and some charter airlines, and a focus city for JetBlue and Silver Airways.

How to Get from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) to San Juan

While rideshare companies Uber and Jaime te lleva (a local app) make it easier to get around once you’re in San Juan, they don’t serve the airport. To get from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport into the city, there are metered taxis that have fixed fares (starting from $12) depending on where you’re going. The drive takes about 15 minutes. There are also public bus lines that connect to the airport, but luggage isn’t allowed on any of them. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, they may have a dedicated airport shuttle.

Where Else to Go from San Juan

Day Trips from San Juan

Pay a visit to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. – you can hike the short Angelito Trail, which will take you to Las Damas Pool on the Mameyes River; visit the Yokahu Tower and enjoy the view; make the trek to Coco Falls; or check out Mount Britton and La Mina Falls
Take the ferry out to Culebra to spend the day at Flamenco Beach, one of the world’s most gorgeous beaches, bordered by the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge – expect nice swimming conditions, white sands, reefs that are home to a variety of marine wildlife (great for snorkeling), and a number of modest hiking trails – getting there takes 3 hours, so leave early
Drive an hour west to Arecibo to see the eponymous observatory before heading to Playa Poza del Obispo, one of the smallest, most beautiful off-the-beaten-path beaches in Puerto Rico (there’s hardly any shade, so plan accordingly)
Check out the Tunel de Guajataca in Isabela (~1. 5 hours away), a former sugarcane transport tunnel turned historical site with a paved walking path that runs through it and will take you to the beautiful Playa El Pastillo
Spend a day on the 6.8-mile nature boardwalk at Pinones Mangrove Forest (~25 minutes away), stopping to swim and explore tide pools, or rent a kayak to go out into the mangroves themselves (there’s also lots of great food stands along the boardwalk)

Where Else to Visit from San Juan

Stop by Miami – a 2.5-hour flight away – for more fun in the sun, plus exciting restaurants, an impressive art scene, and Art Deco architecture
Go to the Cayman Islands to enjoy incredible scuba diving and friendly locals
Fly 3 hours to Panama City, Panama, an oft-overlooked destination that’s part urban, part jungle, with lots of excellent, cheap ceviche; use Panama City as a jumping-off point for exploring more of the country, like the remote and gorgeous San Blas Islands

Books, Movies, and TV Shows Set in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has often served as the stand-in for films set in other places. In Amistad, El Morro in Old San Juan was a 19th-century Sierra Leone. In Bad Boys II, the northern coast became Cuba. In Fast Five, San Juan and Naranjito were turned into Brazil. Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides used filming locations all over the island.

Hunter S. Thompson’s book The Rum Diary takes place in 1950s San Juan, and it was later turned into a movie filmed in the city. The Puerto Rican Pearl is a mystery novel by J.A. Jernay, and Rosario Ferré’s The House on the Lagoon ties one family’s history to the history of Puerto Rico.

Previous cheap flights we’ve found to Puerto Rico

Pittsburgh to Puerto Rico for $156 roundtrip
Detroit to Puerto Rico for $102 roundtrip
NYC nonstop to Puerto Rico for $233 roundtrip

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Should you add San Juan to your travel wish list?

Located on the north-eastern coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan is the capital and largest city on this fascinating Caribbean island. Given it’s prime location in the heart of the Caribbean, it’s no surprise that Puerto Rico is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean.

Aside from its beautiful sandy beaches and tropical climate, San Juan is a city rich with history and culture.

San Juan a Latin American city with Spanish-based culture mixed with African traditions and Taino culture. It’s the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas and the oldest under United States jurisdiction.

Most of our research highlighted San Juan’s former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobal, as the prime tourist attractions in San Juan. However, the highlight from our time in Puerto Rico was wandering the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.

We love its colourful buildings and European-influenced architecture. It’s a photographer’s dream!

Quick Guide to San Juan, Puerto Rico

Table of Contents

In this post, we share our travel tips for San Juan Puerto Rico. Skip ahead using the Table of Contents above. And, if you have any questions, please leave us a comment below.

This post was originally published in 2016 and updated in July 2021.

Should you travel to San Juan?

If you haven’t visited San Juan, or seen photos of the city, you’ll likely be surprised by the size of it. This is not a quaint Caribbean town on a laid-back tropical island. It’s a metropolis with tall skyscrapers, highways and all of the American brands you’d expect to see in a major US city.

I mention this not to sway you from visiting, but to set proper expectations.

We were surprised when we looked out the window of the airplane and saw the size of the city as we approached the airport. We expected to see a small town with a few low rise buildings and tall palm trees, not rows of high-rise condominiums.

The city is divided into old and new.

The new part of the city includes the business district, thriving seaport, residential neighborhoods and popular beach strips like Isla Verde and El Condado.

The old part of town, founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, is where most tourists will spend their time. The old walled city is filled with cobblestone streets, brightly painted colonial buildings and fortifications that have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While Old San Juan is a monument to the past, new San Juan is a vibrant city that captivates residents and visitors alike with its beaches, nightclubs, casinos, museums and restaurants.

It’s not a cheap destination though, especially if your home currency is not $USD. You’ll need to adjust your expectations if you think Puerto Rico is a cheaper travel destination, like Mexico. It’s more comparable to Miami or Honolulu.

San Juan Cruise Port

The Caribbean is the most popular cruising destination in the world and San Juan has one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. In fact, the San Juan Cruise Port is said to host an estimated 500 cruise ships (approximately 18 different cruise lines), resulting in over 2 million cruise ship passengers per year. That’s a lot of cruisers!

Because San Juan is the anchor for many Eastern and Southern Caribbean cruises, and it’s a turnaround port for many cruise ships, most cruisers will end up in San Juan at some point in their Caribbean travels.

Don’t make the common mistake of only giving yourself one day before and after your cruise ship experience.

There are so many things to do in San Juan that you’ll want to allow yourself at least 3 or 4 days. We spent 3 days in San Juan prior to our cruise departure and 5 days afterwards, which gave us plenty of time to fully experience the city. It also allowed us to spend a few days lounging on the beach.

The most popular areas for tourists stay are Old San Juan, Ocean Park, Isla Verde and Condado. We stayed in both Old San Juan (3 days at the Sheraton Old San Juan – more about that hotel here) and Isla Verde (5 days at an apartment rental on the beach).

Read: Taking a Caribbean Cruise? Here’s what you need to know

Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Like most coastal cities, San Juan has a lot to offer beach lovers and water sport enthusiasts. The most popular beaches in San Juan are Condado, Playa Escambron, Ocean Park and Isla Verde (Carolina).

These beaches sit on the northern coast of Puerto Rico and can get quite windy at times, which makes ideal conditions for kite-surfing, wind surfing, body boarding and surfing (you’ll need to ask the locals about where the best surf spots are – surfing just ain’t my thing).

You can rent personal watercrafts (sea doo or jet ski) at most of the city beaches. There were a few different vendors near our apartment on Playa de Isla Verde. The going rate was approx US$80 for 30 minutes. It’s not cheap, especially with the way the $CAD is valued these days, but they looked like powerful machines.

You can also book snorkeling, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, whale watching and catamaran tours from most tour operators and hotels.

Basically, whatever you want to do, San Juan has you covered.

Sightseeing in Old San Juan

If you’re on a cruise and you only have a few hours in San Juan, sightseeing in Old San Juan should be at the top of your list.

The old city is a relatively small area so it’s easy to do a self guided tour. Put away the map and let your curiousity take over. Wandering the streets and getting lost is the best way to discover its hidden alleyways and authentic restaurants and shops.

It’s quite hilly in some areas, and the roads are mostly cobblestone, so it’s not the best terrain for a baby stroller. You can take a free trolley service – see below for more details.

The main tourist attractions in Old San Juan are the fortification of La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site.

This historical site includes the three forts of San Felipe del Morro, San Cristóbal and San Juan de la Cruz. It also includes and a large portion of the City Wall, which is designated as a World Heritage Site.

Other points of interest in Old San Juan:

Plaza de Armas – one of the main squares in San Juan
Cathedral of San Juan Bautista (pictured above)
Parque de las Palomas
Puerta de San Juan or San Juan Gate
Fortaleza Street – shopping and restaurants
Plaza de Ballaja (also referred as Ballajá Barracks)
Plaza San Juan Bautista
Museums – Casa de la Familia and Museo de la Farmacia

If you have time, check out Paseo de la Princesa, a 19th-century esplanade that wraps around the ancient city walls. The walkway ends at the stunning Raíces Fountain, which symbolizes the island’s cultural roots (pictured above). We began our walking tour here and it was nice that is has plenty of shade to escape the hot mid-day sun.

Free Trolley around Old San Juan

There are 4 routes to choose from with 26 marked stops throughout Old San Juan (similar to a bus stop). There are two types of trolleys – an open-aired trolley that looks like a train of over-sized golf carts and another trolley that looks like a small bus.

The longest route takes about 30 minutes to complete. The circuit passes most of the popular attractions on the way, so you can hop on and off as you please.

It’s not a tour, so there are no tour guides giving you information. However, it’s a great way to see the sights, especially when you’re traveling with young children or family members with mobility issues.

Bio-luminescent Kayak Tour in Fajardo

There are plenty of things to do in Puerto Rico, but there is one adventure that stands out from the rest – night kayaking to Laguna Grande to witness the amazing bioluminescent phenomenon.

There are only a few places in the world that offer such an opportunity. Therefore, we made it a priority to include this unique kayak adventure during our time in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Read about our tour – Bioluminescent Kayak Tour in Fajardo

Explore a real Pirate Ship in the Caribbean

Docked beside the cruise ship port on Calle Marina, across the street from the Sheraton Old San Juan hotel, is a beautiful wood pirate ship. Okay, so it’s not actually a real pirate ship, but it’s a pretty awesome replica, and your kids won’t know the difference! Our boys saw it and immediately wanted to check it out.

We’re not sure how often the boat is docked there. However, if you see it docked near Old San Juan, it’s worth checking out. At the time of our visit, it cost $10 per adult and $5 per child over 5 years old. You only need 15-30 minutes to see it all, so it’s a fun activity for younger children.

Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour

If you love rum, a visit to the largest premium rum distillery in the world is a must.

You can book a tour or catch the ferry from Old San Juan to the Bacardi Distillery. The ferry is only $0.50 per person. When you arrive in Catano, take a short taxi to the factory for approx $3.00 per person.

More details here – http://www.visitcasabacardi.com/

El Yunque Rain Forest

El Yunque National Forest, formerly known as the Luquillo National Forest, is the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest system. It’s one of the most biologically diverse national forests in the US, hosting hundreds of animal and plant species, some of which are endemic to Puerto Rico.

Start your visit at the El Portal Rain Forest Center to get familiar with the park. You don’t need a guided tour but there are many available. Highlights of the park are its many hiking trails, the Yokahu Observation Tower, Coca Falls and La Mina Falls.

Rent a car and explore surrounding areas

Another fun thing to do is rent a car and explore San Juan and its surrounding area. There are some great lookout spots and quiet beaches just outside the city that are too far to reach by transit, so renting a car is a fairly cheap way to experience these spots. Driving is similar to what you would expect in Canada or the US.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking San Juan is a cheaper destination, like Cuba or the Domincan Republic. Prices are similar to the United States, if not a little more pricey given that it’s a touristy destination. There are large banks and ATM’s around town that dispense US dollars.

How’s the beach in San Juan?

The beaches in San Juan were nice. We found the sand to be silky, soft and (mostly) clean. The beaches play a big role in San Juan’s culture, so they can get quite busy during the day.

We spent most of our time at Playa Isla Verde, which tends to see a mixed blend of locals, expats and tourists. There are plenty of palm trees on the beach so we always had shade available, which is essential with little ones.

You can also rent beach chairs and umbrellas directly on the beach. The going rate was about $20 for a chair and umbrella for the day.

Some hotels include beach equipment for its guests. Our apartment rental came with fold up beach chairs that we brought down to the beach.

We purchased some cheap shovels and pails for the kids at the Walgreens store that is located across the street from our apartment rental, so our boys were able to play in the sand for hours.

We didn’t end up swimming in the ocean because our boys are still too small and we worried about the strong undertow. Although, we did play in the waves that crashed on the shore.

Is San Juan safe?

Yes, San Juan is safe and friendly. The tourist zones in Puerto Rico are safe and a police presence is visible, particularly in Old San Juan and in the resort areas of Isla Verde and Condado.

Of course, common sense and basic safety measures should always be practiced. Don’t get stupid drunk and flash your cash, don’t wander the dark streets or beaches alone at night, don’t get into stranger’s cars, etc. You get the idea.

It’s a big city, so it has all of the typical big city problems, like opportunistic crimes, drugs, gangs, etc.

Tourism drives the local economy, so residents are very welcoming and English is widely spoken understood.

What about the food in San Juan?

The food scene in San Juan is great, especially in the tourist areas. Like the people of Puerto Rico, the food is quite diverse and influenced by generations past. We love that many of the restaurants have an outdoor space, either along a sidewalk or on a patio.

We found a few restaurants right on the beach, so we were able put our toes in the sand while eating lunch. This is a huge win when dining out with impatient little ones. We enjoyed a couple of cold cervezas while our boys ran around in the sand – everybody wins!

Recommendations for restaurants in San Juan:

Palio– Located in the Sheraton Old San Juan. It has the best patio for happy hour beers. The view is outstanding and the beers are served in a frosty cold cup.
The Boutique Cafe & Lounge – Best for tapas and small plates. Located in the Condado area, it is best to go for brunch.
Jose Enrique – Serves up Latin American and Puerto Rican cuisine. Try the traditional PR dishes, they are excellent.
Casita Miramar – Great spot for authentic Puerto Rican food. During the week they are mainly only open for dinner, but have longer hours on the weekend.
Punto de Vista Restaurant – Located in Old San Juan. Serving delicious Puerto Rican and Latin American food. It’s good for both lunch and dinner.
El Jibarito – Serving up Latin American and Puerto Rican, it’s great for lunch or dinner. You must try the mofongo, it is so good!
Molinis Cafe and Restaurant – Located in Condado, it serves Latin American food. The menu changes daily based on the availability of local ingredients. It’s great for both lunch or dinner.
Ropa Vieja Grill – Located in the Condado area, it serves up Cuban and Latin American cuisine. The black bean risotto and the canoas is the recommended dish. It’s best to go here for dinner.
St Germain Bistro and Cafe – Get the basil mojito. Here you’ll find salads and sandwiches. It’s best for lunch.
Intercontinental in Isla Verde – The restaurant on the beach is a great place for beers, views and pub style food. The portions are huge. You’ve been warned

San Juan has most of the typical American food brands available, including Chillis, McDonalds, Taco Bell, Subway, Senor Frogs, etc. If you’re not feeling adventurous, you can always default to a familiar dining experience.

Where to stay in San Juan?

Puerto Rico has plenty of accommodation options that fit every lifestyle, budget and timeline. Thanks to foreign investment, hundreds of beautiful vacation properties have been built over the past ten years. Most of these are available for rent on websites like VRBO and AirBnB.

We spent 3 days in Old San Juan and 5 days at Playa Isla Verde.

We stayed at at the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel (pictured above) for two nights before our Caribbean cruise. This hotel is conveniently located across the street from the San Juan cruise ship terminal and it’s within walking distance to Old San Juan’s tourist attractions.

The rooms are a good size and we had no problem getting a standard crib for our little one. The hotel has a rooftop pool that offers outstanding views of San Juan Bay. More hotel info here.

Rainbow views from our apartment balcony.

We also rented a 2 bedroom apartment located in the Isla Verde area.

The condo is located directly on the beach (pictured above) and it has a nice pool. There are several restaurants within walking distance, both on the beach and on the main road. There are also a few big casinos in the neighborhood.

It’s a nice area to spend a few days lounging on the beach, which is precisely what we were looking for.

We spent an afternoon on the beach in front of the Royal Sonesta San Juan (formely the InterContinental San Juan Hotel). We checked out the pool area and captured the above photo. It’s a really nice property.

See more photos of this San Juan resort here.

When is the best time to visit San Juan?

The most popular time to visit is during the winter and cruise ship season, from November to April. San Juan has a tropical monsoon climate and enjoys an average temperature of 81.0 °F (27.2 °C) year round.

In the winter, temperatures can drop to around 60 °F (16 °C). In the summer, temperatures can climb to 90 °F (32 °C) or higher. We visited at the beginning of January, in peak season, and it was warm. Some days got to over 30 degree Celsius.

San Juan gets very busy during winter, so accommodation prices are higher and availability is limited. We noticed a big jump in prices starting January 1st vs earlier in December.

>But let’s get serious, there’s never a bad time to visit Puerto Rico!

How to get to San Juan?

The tourist areas are conveniently located close to San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States, which makes it very easy for Americans to visit. Flights departing from the United States and arriving in San Juan are not treated any differently than domestic flights for US citizens. This means that Americans don’t need to have a passport in order to visit this Caribbean island.

Note: some United States airlines/airports classify San Juan, Puerto Rico as a domestic flight, while others classify it as an international flight. Make sure you confirm your departure terminal ahead of time!

The most convenient way to get around San Juan is by taxi or rent a car.

It shouldn’t cost more than $40 USD for a taxi from the San Juan airport to Old San Juan, Condado or Isla Verde. Make sure you confirm with the taxi stand before you leave. Most taxis will charge extra fees per bag (expect this).

We took a taxi from the airport to the Sheraton Old San Juan hotel and it cost US$30 for a private 7-passenger van that was able to take all of us (4 adults, 2 kids) and our luggage. These large 7-person taxi vans are common place in San Juan.

Should you add San Juan to your travel list?

San Juan is an interesting and diverse city that has a lot to offer its visitors. It deserves to be a stand alone destination, not just a travel hub for cruise ship passengers.

Sure, it has fantastic white sandy beaches and tall palm trees, but you’d expect that from a Caribbean island. It also has lush rain forests, rugged mountain peaks and exotic coastlines. Again, that’s what we would expect from a Caribbean island.

But what really makes this city special is its fusion of past and present.

From the European-influenced colonial buildings and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the lavish resorts, stylish restaurants and trendy nightclubs on Playa Isla Verde, San Juan has all the ingredients for a perfect vacation. It’s safe, friendly and accessible, and it’s oozing with culture, creativity and Caribbean sizzle.

Yes, you should definitely add San Juan to your travel wish list.

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Have you visited San Juan? What did you think?

Share your feedback and travel tips in the comments section below. Our readers thank you!

Chapter 2 San Juan. Getting to know the participants. Travel around the world with music and without a penny for the soul

The first unpleasant incident happened to us already on the way to San Juan. We had dinner on the plane, after which Julian suddenly felt ill.

“Damn, my whole body itches,” he complained.

His hands were covered in red spots, so when we went through all the customs formalities, Julian immediately went to the airport doctor. As it turned out, he was simply poisoned by stale food, and since there was nothing fatal in this, we went to the city. nine0003

Puerto Rico is a state located in the Caribbean with San Juan as its capital. It has the status of a state associated with the United States, but in the future it may well turn into the fifty-first state. Spanish is spoken here, although some street names are dubbed in English. With regard to the everyday use of the language, in Costa Rica there is an active mixing of the two languages. For example, “one-way” might be written in English, but “two-way” here in Spanish. nine0003

The influence of the States is felt in everything: big cars, big restaurants – all surrounded by tanned Costa Ricans enjoying the rhythms of Caribbean music.

We started looking for accommodation. We started with the best hotel called Holiday Inn[6], for which we had a letter of recommendation. But no one showed much interest in the ensemble, which appeared without warning, and we went to other hotels, where, according to the standard scheme, we asked to speak with the hotel manager. nine0003

– Senorita, I would like to speak to the hotel manager.

– How to introduce you?

– Say that we are a group of musicians from Barcelona who are traveling around the world and want to play with you, so we need to see your leadership.

– Wait a minute, I’ll tell him about you now.

At first, this pattern of behavior did not bring proper results, but over time, experience and understanding came that it is better not to tell the administrator all the details from the very beginning. nine0003

– Unfortunately, the manager has been away for a while and will not be able to receive you. Are you willing to wait a bit?

Of course, it would be best to talk to the manager right away, and not go through a galaxy of various administrators, secretaries and other staff members. We also realized this after some time and several unsuccessful attempts. Therefore, next time we came up with the perfect cover so that no one would have any doubts that we should speak with the chief. nine0003

– Hmm, I’d like to talk to your boss.

– How to introduce you?

– I am from a group of Spaniards traveling the world. We would like to book a room with you.

This vague wording suggested that the receptionist would treat us as a group of tourists and treat us accordingly as potential customers. The reaction was instant. We were received with honors, and already in the manager’s office we used all our weapons – diplomacy and courtesy. Anything to convince him to give us the number. nine0003

But we did not understand that under the sign of the hotel, where everyone is friendly and polite, ultimately lies the notorious business aimed at making a profit. So trying to make the hotel manager feel sympathetic was… well, not the best idea in the world.

The next time the scheme was already different.

– We are students, we have no money, but we play music and we can perform in the hotel restaurant. We ask you to help young talents. We do not need much – only accommodation, the bare minimum. nine0003

This seemingly successful idea also failed and did not bring proper results.

And again – the attempt is not torture.

– We are the Tuna group, you know … itinerant musicians, like in the Middle Ages. The hotel’s restaurant can host sumptuous dinners in 14th-century Spain and charge entry fees. Thus, we will compensate you for our stay at the hotel, and the audience will enjoy the performance of seven students full of ideas and enthusiasm, huh? How do you like the idea, is it good? nine0003

At first we were said goodbye in a gentlemanly way, saying “The hotel is full. We can’t help.”

Saved by walking in the old part of San Juan, where on both sides of the narrow sidewalk you can see small, slightly rickety colored houses in the colonial style. A little further – the Caribbean Sea, inviting everyone to soak up the emerald water, as well as the observation deck of La Fortaleza, offering in the evenings a panorama of ready-made tourist postcards on the theme “These beautiful tropics”. nine0003

On the first night after arrival, we were tormented by such a thirst for adventure and the search for new sensations that, despite being tired after the flight, we immediately decided to plunge into this – in the truest sense of the word – hot life with our heads.

Every tourist traveling in any country should stay in it for a sufficient time in order to be able to behave naturally and adapt to the daily bustle of the city. We positioned ourselves as a group ready to decorate any holiday and any other events with our presence. In general, we tried to do everything to stop being just tourists. We had a list of restaurants and our own vehicle in the form of a recently rented automatic Dodge with Manuel as driver. Manuel was a calm and reserved guy of average height, thin. He also wore a mustache and was able to joke in a serious tone. Loved money. His movements were measured and smooth, although, when the mood was right, he could turn into an unrestrained tomboy. He was one of those who were well aware that “Tuna” promised entertainment and travel, but this would come to an end and then he would have to return, become an engineer and live an ordinary life, because this is the way of life and there was no point in trying to change it. nine0003

Alejandrito, huddled in the back seat, kept humming the song “We will march to the sound of the drum.” Blue-eyed, with a thick beard. At twenty-seven, he was in the prime of his life, studying at the university to become a technical engineer. He was constantly thinking about how we could earn money in this adventure, and in general, during the trip, he became a kind of locomotive of our composition. He knew about all the hot spots, he smiled slyly and winked merrily, and his laugh somehow resembled that of the Pink Panther[8]. It was enough to look at him superficially to understand that he was a very good-natured person, incapable of his own will to offend the feelings of anyone from the company around him, no matter how variegated it was. nine0003

“I also love places where they serve hearty cosi-do in Madrid [9], where they smell of women, tobacco and alcohol,” he often said.

That day, as a result of gatherings in a Spanish restaurant, we met a pretty Puerto Rican woman who was sitting at a table with her parents.

– I would like to see you singing under the windows of my house, I would throw you flowers, streamers and confetti from the balcony. And of course I can invite my girlfriends,” she said. And this last phrase had the most inspiring effect on us. nine0003

That was the first party we played at. We drank champagne, sang, danced merengue[10] and salsa[11] in the Puerto Rican style. We were given the flags of Puerto Rico, and everyone who gave, asked for thanks and compliments.

Each of us spoke briefly about ourselves to different people. So, Antonion picked up some girl and, without stopping, chatted about himself.

– My name is Antonio, although everyone calls me Antonion. Of course, I’m not the thinnest in the world, but I’m not fat either. I live in Madrid, studying mining engineering. I am 22 years old and the youngest in the group. Now I’m most interested in music, so I’m studying singing at the conservatory. Some people call me “walking liquor” because sometimes I drink too much of it. nine0003

– Leave me alone, Antonion, stop yelling in my ear and leave me alone.

– Well, maybe we’ll have a drink then? What problems! But smoking is not. I don’t smoke: it’s bad for the vocal cords, and I want to be a professional singer, – he repeated this like a windup (and, by the way, now he sings in the opera).

The introduction of the participants continued, Ignacio was next in line. Thin, short, with a mysterious expression, slightly slanted eyes and wide eyebrows. nine0003

When he evaluated someone, he did it thoroughly, was unperturbed and always decided once and for all whether someone was his friend or not. A lover of meditation, of thinking about his problems, he had something of an ascetic or a hermit, busy thinking about the meaning of life.

His aloof expression attracted many girls. This is what he said:

– Yes, I play on this round piece of cloth with bells on the sides. It’s a tambourine, as you can see.

It’s Roberto’s turn. He began by addressing a Puerto Rican woman. nine0003

– For me and my friends, united under this flag in the garden of your house, this seemingly comic performance is actually very emotional and important, – he said and looked at us – as if wondering if he did the right thing – with an inherent to him with childish spontaneity and a little insecure, which, in general, vividly characterized him as a person.

Roberto was the tallest in the group. Handsome, slender, with a nice face profile and curly hair. He possessed such a universal male beauty that was popular in any women’s society. He was childishly happy and instantly upset, too, like a child. Lover of building castles in the air. If he trusted a person, then he could be easily influenced. nine0003

He went on a journey in search of new entertainment that could bring bright colors and previously unknown sensations into his life.

Some have started having trouble adapting to each other, let’s call it that. After some time, these difficulties sometimes seemed to disappear, and sometimes, on the contrary, only worsened to the point of feeling that such different personalities are simply not able to come to a common denominator. Often someone casually expressed his dissatisfaction with others. nine0003

– Antonion has one “beautiful” quality: he cannot be silenced. Yes, shut up, Antonion, in the end, at least in the car during the return from the hotel.

Julian was the oldest in the group, both in age and in life experience, but to his credit, he was so wise that he could forget about it for a while and be able to become a full part of our young, as he himself said, in order to “gain something new.” Slender, stocky, with glasses and in all his appearance, he looked like Groucho Marx[12]. nine0003

A lover of good clothes made of expensive fabrics: “Silk sits on the skin like a glove.” Able at the right time to demonstrate a cool temper and violent blood.

To be honest, being together 24 hours a day was not the easiest thing: little misunderstandings eventually turned into a real confrontation of different worldviews and characters. However, we believed that such disagreements, in the long run, still could not spoil a good relationship. So, for example, the hostility that arose at first between Antonion and Juan did not prevent them from becoming good friends in the future. And, on the contrary, others, who did not openly show any feeling of hostility, later faced irreconcilable contradictions among themselves. nine0003

We stayed in Puerto Rico for three days. We got acquainted with the local beaches, which stretch for many kilometers and where you can make endless walks. Beaches occupied by people from all walks of life: couples who decided to take a walk, groups of five or six young people with their “cars” and stereos, from which music was abruptly heard, who, having gathered in a circle, tuned them to the same radio wave and competed, who sounds louder, as well as groups of friends and girlfriends sunbathing on the sand to the accompaniment of Caribbean rhythms. nine0003

We left this heavenly place behind, and only one thing was spinning in my head:

Farewell … farewell, land of love, island of Boriken [13]! Adios [14], palm trees and the mistress of the seas !

I’m leaving to go back to heaven one day, To good old San Juan .

This text is an introductory fragment.

nine0000 Tours to Rio San Juan from Moscow 2023

Catalonia Santo Domingo 5*

Dominican Republic,
Santo Domingo

Cleanliness. For breakfast, papaya has been served with the peel for some time now. It is not hygienic and inconvenient to clean. The only restaurant in Santo Domingo serves this way. Last year the breakfasts were not tasty and especially the fruit for breakfast was very scarce.

Catalonia Santo Domingo 5*

Dominican Republic,
Santo Domingo

The view from the executive suite is simply mind-blowing. on a high floor. just a thrill. don’t skimp, take it off. It is not clean enough. but for the Dominican Republic it’s good

Grand Bavaro Princess 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

We were satisfied with everything, starting from the very arrival, a very pleasant employee of Schnaider, warmly met, settled in a good room. In general, I liked all the staff with whom we intersected. Good food, cocktails, wonderful huge area, beautiful beach. We will definitely return. I recommend this hotel.

Whala! Boca Chica 3*

Dominican Republic,
Boca Chica

Good afternoon! I recommend the hotel. The cleanest sea, in the morning you wake up to the singing of birds, Russian-speaking workers in the hotel. I note delicious passion fruit for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I regretted that I didn’t go on an excursion to see the whales, you won’t spare money, everyone came from this excursion with a great impression, I decided at the end of my stay, but it was too late. Thank you 1001 tour for the recommendation and help with choosing a hotel. I will now be your regular customer. nine0003

Impressive Resorts & Spa 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Excellent hotel. Delicious food in all restaurants. A good beach with a pier, there are always places on sunbeds, several pools. Lots of animation and entertainment. Good for kids, there is a kids pool and playground. Reception is also good. Lots of entertainment for adults and children, shops on the territory with reasonable prices. Recommend. Cleaning the room was a little slow, constantly at different times and few towels, although in general they cleaned well. The prices in the SPA are exorbitant compared to other countries. $155 for 80 minutes of massage is too much. The restaurant sometimes accumulated a large queue at the entrance and constantly at the same table at the entrance sat a strange elderly couple who watched everyone, I wonder who they are, maybe ancient vampires?))))

Impressive Resorts & Spa 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Beautiful, green and well-groomed area) Towels were not always brought to the room in a timely manner and not in a complete set. The towels are washed out, gray and need to be replaced. Did not like plastic cups and glasses in the restaurant and bars.

Whala! Bayahibe 4*

Dominican Republic,
Bayahibe

large rooms, cozy area, the staff is trying, homely, clean, like a weekend hotel is excellent. price = quality. There is no problem to spend time on the Dominicus beach, tents are transported every 30 minutes from 00.09morning to evening, travel time 10 minutes. Bed is comfortable, pillows are great. there was no such

21 Palms B&B

Dominican Republic,
Samana

Everything is in the best traditions of Europe. Real ecotourism with a European touch. Good bar, jacuzzi, hot water in the room, good internet, air conditioning in the room, no TV, peace and quiet. The beach is very close. Polite staff, around posters in four European languages. Value for money. The quality is good, but the prices are not designed for European youth with a limited budget. More like an elderly couple with a decent bank account who misses the rural home comfort. And with all the city services, which, of course, are available here. Well, the bed is too narrow. Perhaps, for an Italian or Portuguese couple, thirty-five meters is normal, but for Germans or Slavs … We are so big.)

Melia Caribe Beach Resort 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

really liked the customer focus. we were at the hotel during the hurricane. and although for three days it was terrible, scary, it broke a bunch of trees and plants. The hotel staff were excellent. everyone was provided with food in the rooms. quickly repaired the damage. and there was even some entertainment in the lobby. thanks to all the staff of the hotel

Serenade Punta Cana Beach, Spa & Casino Resort 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

everything is clean and tidy in the hotel, good food, alcohol, swimming pools. staff tin, something interrogated is unrealistic. complaints are in vain. I asked for bed linen 5 times, literally, in one day, personally and by phone, they brought it to me at night. the security guard at the hotel said that there was a hotel taxi to the store, as a result, his friend drove up in a dirty car to take him to his store to buy souvenirs. And so with everything in terms of personnel.

Impressive Resorts & Spa 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Excellent hotel! very large area, walking around it is a pleasure! the beach and the beach area is clean, the staff is constantly cleaning the algae. The food is excellent!

Grand Bavaro Princess 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Great beach, pool, good grounds, decent bar. The bartenders make good cocktails. In general, I liked everything. From dignity, this is an area where iguanas, flamingos walk, you can feed ducks and turtles. The kids will love it. This is the second year we have been coming here, though this time not for long, we also visited other hotels

Grand Bavaro Princess 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Great beach, pool, good grounds, decent bar. The bartenders make good cocktails. In general, I liked everything. From dignity, this is an area where iguanas, flamingos walk, you can feed ducks and turtles. The kids will love it. This is the second year that we have been coming here, though this time not for long, we also visited other hotels

Weston Suites Hotel 4 *

Dominican Republic,
Santo Domingo

Convenient location to the city center, ideal if you come to go shopping. Hearty breakfast. Not a lot of variety, but everything is delicious. Friendly staff. Would recommend if you are looking for a cheap hotel to spend the night. nine0003

Vik Arena Blanca 4*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Friendly staff, who agreed to provide a better room, also made a discount as a young couple. They organized a cake for my birthday, it was very nice! The location of the hotel is very good. 20 minutes to the airport by taxi. There are many entertaining objects on the territory – billiards, table tennis, tennis, two pools where you can leave the ball through the net. Every day, the staff conducts some kind of activity: water aerobics, all sorts of competitions, darts, dancing, songs, etc. Incredibly beautiful, green and well-groomed area, which is very pleasant to walk around. Every day in the morning the beach was cleaned from algae, there were enough free sunbeds ( Although we were in September, there are much more people in the summer). Several restaurants for all tastes, we mainly ate at Mirator, where there was a buffet. In general, everything was tasty and varied. But without the caterpillar in the salad it would be nicer 🙂 We had a chance to live in two rooms. The rooms could do with repairs, some broken lockers and doors, the ladies in general look a little old. Sometimes there were stained towels, although the rooms were cleaned every day. nine0003

Grand Bavaro Princess 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Very cool hotel! -wi-fi works everywhere and well -a lot of cool restaurants, everywhere is delicious, the buffet is also delicious, varied, ice cream, a bar 24/7 with bloggers and tacos, a cafeteria – with food, in general, everything is super)) -a huge territory, there is even your mangrove forest! Inside the bush there are animals, turtles, macaws, flamingos, ducks, guinea pigs, peacocks go everywhere calmly – cars go and take people where they need to go – a good beach, a lot of space, beautiful sand) we were when there were strong waves, but threw greenery ashore, but of course it’s not the season now, so we didn’t get upset and swam anyway – volleyball, basketball, tennis, music and what not! -the gym is also good!) everything is there)) -good staff)) We had a bungalow, the room was super! Beautiful, big) In general, I advise everyone!))) if we go to the Dominican Republic again, then here)))

Tropical Princess Beach Resort & Spa 4*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

Beautiful well-groomed, clean area, the children really liked the birds and animals – iguanas, peacocks, flamingos. Classy rooms with 2 bunk beds, you can relax with a large family. There are many restaurants and bars, the food is very tasty and varied. Special thanks to the staff at the reception – we had a booking issue due to a flight postponement, everything was resolved professionally and quickly. There were a lot of algae on the beach. Perhaps this is partly a problem of place, because. the hotel is in the bay, and there is more algae. It would be great if they were cleaned more often. nine0003

Piergiorgio Palace Hotel 5*

Dominican Republic,
Puerto Plata

Wonderful atmospheric hotel. Not new, rather with history, but at the same time perfectly clean and everything you need is in working order. Very convenient location. Amazing view from the room. The choice of food for breakfast was amazing. At a fairly low price, everything was at a very high level.

Impressive Resorts & Spa 5*

Dominican Republic,
Punta Cana

I especially liked the staff – they try their best.