Channeling an “all-things local” philosophy, San Juan’s emerging entrepreneurs and trendsetters are riding a wave of creativity. Across the city, bars and clubs rock to the sound of salsa, reggaetón and Latin trap as mixologists craft innovative cocktails from fresh local produce. 

Exploring the city’s prized landmarks is just the beginning. Many of San Juan’s signature experiences involve simply falling into the daily rituals of the city’s distinctive neighborhoods. Here’s our list of the top things to do in San Juan.    

The courtyard at Museo de las Américas, which chronicles the rich history of Puerto Rico and its people © Kimberley-Marie Sklinar / Lonely Planet

1. Tour Old San Juan’s impressive architecture

Small but perfectly formed, Old San Juan is a historical repository of beautifully preserved colonnaded buildings, historic plazas and streets cobbled with ballast from Spanish galleons. Walls from the 16th century enclose a seven-by-seven grid of streets that brim with flower-filled patios, eclectic boutiques, contemporary art galleries and a handful of engaging museums. 

Two strategically positioned fortresses – built by the Spanish to thwart buccaneering Brits and Danes – guard the bay like giant sandcastles plucked straight from a child’s picture book.  A surfeit of architectural showpieces includes the venerable Gothic-style Catedral de San Juan Bautista, built in 1540, and the palatial fort of La Fortaleza, the eye-catching official residence of Puerto Rico’s governor.

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2. Trace 500 years of San Juan history 

Over the past five years, San Juan has been in the throes of a renaissance.

In the wake of 2017’s devastating Hurricane María, the city’s palpable spirit of resilience and recovery will reach a dazzling crescendo in June 2022 when the city celebrates its 500th anniversary. As part of the event, the Museo de San Juan is presenting two exhibits that trace the island’s history and art and a two-hour walking tour of Old San Juan.

The outstanding Museo de las Américas stands as a testament to the historical importance of the second-oldest European settlement in the New World (only Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic is older).  Evocatively housed in former military barracks, the museum’s well-curated displays chronicle the island’s rich African heritage, indigenous culture and tumultuous colonial period in thought-provoking ways. 

Discover the best of Puerto Rico in San Juan’s vibrant neighborhoods 

Originally built to repel invaders in the 16th century, today El Morro is a major tourist attraction © Joel Carillet / iStock via Getty Image Plus

3. Explore the iconic fort at El Morro

Built over the span of two centuries to repel Puerto Rico’s seaborne aggressors, El Morro – the city’s crown jewel – kept the Spanish flag flying over San Juan for almost 400 years until American troops poured into the city in 1898. 

Majestically rising above the northwestern point of the Old San Juan peninsula, this 16th-century site became a national monument in 1961. El Morro towers 140ft (43m) above the Atlantic Ocean and forms a fascinating labyrinth of dungeons, vaults, barracks, turrets, lookouts and secret passageways.  Ringed by walls that top 45ft (14m) in places, these fortifications came close to bankrupting the Spanish crown, which funded their construction.

On weekends, local families flock to the fort’s grassy promenade to picnic, walk their dogs and fly kites – you can pick one up from the vendors in front of the site. 

4. Dance salsa at La Factoría

One of San Juan’s must-visit cocktail bars, La Factoría rejuvenated the city’s bar scene when it opened in 2013. Now La Factoría is an international phenomenon, thanks in no small part to the iconic reggaetón hit “Despacito.” Graffiti-etched passageways link to a chic lounge, a sultry wine bar and a salsa dance floor.  

The common theme is terrific music and virtuoso mixology. A house favorite is the Lavender Mule, a potent combination of house-made ginger beer and lavender-infused syrup. 

Always save room for mofongo –a popular Puerto Rican dish © Alleko / Getty Images

5. Embrace Puerto Rico’s farm-to-table movement at Santaella

A stone’s throw from La Placita de Santurce, José Santaella’s world-class restaurant is a trend-driven and simply fun place to try contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine. Located inside a former hardware store, the spot has an industrial decor that contrasts with flamboyant tropical murals and Caribbean dishes that fuse authentic local flavors and international cooking styles. 

There’s plenty on the menu to satisfy vegetarians, pescatarians and meat lovers alike. Try the succulent jumbo shrimp drizzled with a garlic cream sauce or the sashimi-grade ahi tuna skewers that are perfectly spiced. 

The signature trifongo adds yucca and sweet plantains to the traditional mofongo recipe (fried green plantains mashed with meat or seafood) and is one of the best items on the menu. Farm-to-table roasted cauliflower and butternut squash come served atop feta cheese labneh and almonds.

At the sleek bar, mixologists craft tropical libations and inspired interpretations of classic cocktails – local favorites are the Sandía Mojito (made with watermelon) and the tequila-infused Espresso Martini. 

A foodie’s guide to San Juan 

6.

Feel the city’s creative pulse at La Placita in Santurce

The revitalized neighborhood of Santurce bursts with color and creativity; the hub of this rapidly gentrifying barrio is La Placita, a historic farmers market by day and vibrant outdoor party by night.

Come evening, office workers swing by, groups of friends spill out onto the streets and families gather at the many bars and restaurants that surround the square. From 10pm onward, everything kicks up a notch, as musicians take to the makeshift stage and spirited salsa and perreo dancing takes hold. Invariably, the revelry continues until dawn. 

Within walking distance of the historic plaza, you’ll find some of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated art museums. Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, the Museo de Arte Puerto Rico contains over 4000 artworks spanning the 14th through 19th centuries. (The museum has a particularly strong collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings).

The Museo de Arte Contemporáneo collection features 1200 Latin American, modern Caribbean and diaspora artworks from the mid-20th century to the present.  

City beaches like Balneario Escambrón are a highlight of any visit to San Juan © Infinite_Eye / Shutterstock

7. Surf and snorkel at Balneario Escambrón 

Surfers of all stripes are drawn to San Juan’s consistent swells, diverse breaks and laid-back vibe. Perched on the northern end of Puerta de Tierra, just outside Old San Juan, Playa Escambrón – known locally as La Ocho – is considered San Juan’s best balneario (public beach). 

Escambrón combines dramatic scenery with family-friendly recreation and amenities. Beautiful palm-shaded sands are protected by a coral reef which provides rewarding snorkeling opportunities at Escambrón’s namesake marine park. Snorkelers can float among schools of blue tangs and damsel fish that carouse magnificent brain coral. (For prime marine life viewing and visibility, aim for the western side of the conspicuous rock offshore.)

The Batería del Escambrón (Escambrón Battery), a small 18th-century fortification, or the oceanfront Parque del Tercio Milenio, a popular green space peppered with trails and bike paths, both merit a visit.  

8. Take a Casa Bacardí rum tour 

A short ferry and taxi ride from the main islet of Old San Juan is Casa Bacardí, the rum giant’s flagship factory and spiritual home since the Bacardi family fled from Cuba to Puerto Rico in 1936. 

The largest of its kind in the world, the distillery produces a staggering 100,000 gallons of rum each day. The Bacardi Visitor Center (included with each tour) is a must-see – its “cathedral of rum” interior, designed to reflect a Cuban villa, houses an interactive history of both the company and rum that includes a film, audio guides and the opportunity to nose rum ingredients. 

Bacardi offers two signature tours: a rum tasting tour ($75) and a mixology session ($75). Or simply enjoy a cocktail on the waterfront pavilion and views of El Morro with a bar visit ticket ($20).  

9. Shop and dine local along Calle Loíza

Dubbed the “Avenue of the Arts,” Calle Loíza overflows with stylish cafes, eclectic restaurants and concept stores that channel Puerto Rico’s #apoyololocal (shop local) movement.  

The collaborative zeal and resilience of Loíza’s female entrepreneurs have defined the island’s recovery post–Hurricane María. In the space of several blocks, you can peruse the ocean-inspired dresses of former Allure editor and San Juan native Tanamá Besosa Castillo at T Playa; savor a robust cortadito made with locally produced beans at Café con Cé, and rejuvenate with a tropical-fruit smoothie at Kamoli Juice Bar. 

Refuel at Tresbé, built around bright yellow shipping containers, for a casual alfresco lunch of classic Puerto Rican bites and international fusion fare. 

Art is everywhere along Avenida de Diego and Calle Tapia. One of the area’s most emblematic artworks, Loíza Brinca by local artist Abéy Charrón enlivens an entire building with the Puerto Rican flag. On the corner of Loíza and Benitez Castaño, check out the bold, geometric mural by up-and-coming local design studio Kiik Create. 

These 5 San Juan souvenir ships highlight Puerto Rican culture 

10.

Sample locally grown coffee at Hacienda Pomarrosa

Head out of bustling San Juan to experience Puerto Rico’s dramatic topography on a day trip to the foot of the island’s highest mountain, Cerro de Punta.

Hacienda Pomarrosa is a family-run specialty coffee farm that operates daily tours of its plantation within peaceful, panoramic surroundings. Owner Kurt Legner and his son Sebastian guide visitors through the history of coffee (with tastings) and lead an informative walk around the vibrantly green coffee-growing areas. 

The tour concludes by heading to the various production floors before rounding off with another exceptional brew. One coffee tour is offered daily Monday to Saturday from 11am to 1pm; advance reservations are required.

You might also like: 
Top 5 day trips from San Juan
Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture at these San Juan classes
The best things to do in Puerto Rico: history, surf and tropical adventures  

Explore San Juan – Puerto Rico Ferry anchored by Hornblower

SAN JUAN

Welcome to the capital of Puerto Rico!

San Juan is an incredible city rich in history, cuisine and culture at every turn. History buffs will love exploring the colourful streets, centuries-old forts and churches that dot the cityscape. In fact, as of 1983, Old San Juan has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No matter how many times you’ve visited, there’s always something new to discover in this city.

Old San Juan is filled with historic and colourfully painted houses dating back to the 1500s. On a stroll through the old town, everywhere you look you’ll find a wealth of vibrant homes. Many of them date back more than 400 years. Be sure to visit the Plaza de Armas, the main square, as well as Fortaleza Street, to enjoy all the aerial decorations during your stroll.

Along Playita del Condado you will find the most modern resorts, as well as some of the best sun and beach spots Puerto Rico has to offer. Its proximity to the hotel zone means that it is surrounded by restaurants, bars, and even water sports right in the center of town. It is free and open to the public. This tourist spot is sure to please families of all ages for a fun and relaxing day in the sun.

No trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without some mofongo. It’s a special dish of fried plantains, fried meat and chicken broth that Puerto Ricans have been enjoying for decades. You can find this tasty dish almost anywhere, but it’s definitely worth remembering Restaurante Orozco, El Jibarito, and Punto de Vista as some of the best in town.

Old San Juan is known for its vibrant nightlife, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for a drink. In fact, Puerto Rico is known for piña coladas, the island’s national drink. If you’re visiting during the festive season, be sure to try coquito, the Puerto Rican eggnog. As for bars, we recommend La Taberna Lúpulo, La Factoría, and Barrachina.

Visit the historic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or simply El Morro. It is a 16th century citadel named in honor of King Philip II of Spain. It was designed to protect the city from attackers from the sea. While El Morro was built to protect against invaders arriving by sea, Castillo San Cristobal was designed to protect against those arriving by land. It was completed in 1790 and included part of the city of San Juan. Today it occupies 27 hectares and is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World.

Old San Juan is full of boutiques that will satisfy all your shopping needs. In these shops you’ll find jewelery, handicrafts, clothing and plenty of souvenirs to take home. Plus, the prices are usually pretty good. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s always fun to meet the locals and get to know the Puerto Rican culture better.

• San Juan was founded in 1521 and is the second oldest city in the western hemisphere.

• Residents of San Juan are known as active Sanjuaneros.

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Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art Museums, exhibitions nine0422	798 m. from hotel		more
Puerto Rico Museum of Art Museums, exhibitions	1379 m. from hotel nine0422		more
Luis Munoz Marine Park City parks and gardens	nine0112 1766 m. from hotel		more
nine0022 Luis Munoz Rivera Park City parks and gardens	1786 m. from hotel
San Juan Central Municipal Park Nature	1931 m. from hotel nine0422		more
Airport Fernando Luis Ribas Dominici Transport facilities		more
nine0022 Sixto Escobar Stadium Sports and outdoor activities	2442 m. from hotel
Fort San Jeronimo Architecture, monuments	2569 m. from hotel nine0422		more
Ocean Park Recreation and entertainment	nine0112 2774 m. from hotel		more
nine0022 Market Square Shopping	3439 m. from hotel		more nine0422
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