The city of San Juan is the perfect blend of a modern neighborhood with fresh tropical vibes and the calming sound of crashing waves. Regardless of the season, the weather is always pleasant, making it fun to explore the city’s hidden corners.
Whether you want to take a step back into the distant past or enjoy a piña colada by the beach, this is a city with a range of diverse pleasures hidden in its core.
If you are wondering what to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, start with this list of 6 fun activities.
1. Explore Old San Juan
Old San Juan has five centuries of history packed into it and there are a lot of sights to explore. The cobbled streets and the pastel-colored architecture from the Spanish colonial era might remind you of Spain, but the city has a unique charm of its own.
To start with, visit the historic fortress of Castillo San Cristóbal that defended San Juan Bay from external attacks centuries back. This imposing structure is a masterpiece of military engineering and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another prime attraction is the Catedral de San Juan Bautista. It’s one of the oldest churches in the Western Hemisphere, dating back to 1521. The Spanish fortress El Morro is another top attraction that has witnessed various battles over the centuries.
Then, visit the grand architecture of the Teatro Tapia, the oldest permanent theater in Puerto Rico.
Walking through the colorful streets and plazas of the old city is a joy in itself and you will find some great spots for photo ops. For example, the famous Fortaleza Street with colorful umbrellas or kites floating over it like a canopy is a tourist magnet.
The other attraction is a range of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, as well as street vendors selling delicious local recipes. If you are tired from the walks, recharge with a dish of mofongo and a bottle of Medalla.
2. Visit Condado Beach
Located in the heart of San Juan, Condado Beach is the perfect place to take a break from the bustling ambiance of the city. The promenade, framed by plush hotels and resorts, sees many tourists renting beach umbrellas and chairs to relax on the sands.
Condado isn’t a secluded beauty like most other beaches in Puerto Rico, but the trendy neighborhood and the tourist-friendly ambiance make it a popular choice. There are upmarket restaurants along the street where you can taste Puerto Rican recipes.
In addition, there are vendors along the beachfront where more adventurous gastronomes can try the local delights. The street also has some premium fashion boutiques that shoppers would love.
The Condado Beach is also a popular spot for swimming and surfing. However, the unpredictable rip currents can make swimming risky, especially for young swimmers. Check whether the flags on the beach are red. If so, then the water is not safe for swimming.
3. Check Out the Bacardi Rum Distillery
The rum distillery tour at Casa Bacardí is a unique experience that will help you to understand the history of Bacardi and observe the distilling process. There are different tour options, like the Bacardi legacy tours and rum-tasting tours. If you have a few days to spare in San Juan, this rum pilgrimage tour is one of the fun things to do.
Inside the sprawling distillery complex, the vibe is exciting, with each tour starting with a welcome cocktail from the outdoor pavilion bar where you can even play games on the grounds.Once the tour starts, the tour guide will give you an overview of Bacardi’s history, its ingredient sourcing process and sustainability initiatives, and the distilling process.
Those interested in spirits and cocktails will find the unique rum production and aging processes to be fascinating. You can even taste some vintage rums from reserve bottles that are not sold anywhere.
Perhaps you prefer something more immersive? Then a mixology tour in the distillery can be an excellent option. This is a fun experience where you head to a classroom with other participants and try preparing some special cocktails. Sip the cocktail and head to the gift shop to pick some souvenirs.
4. Experience World-Class Shopping
From world-renowned designers like Armani, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Ann Taylor, and Lacoste to local boutiques and artisans, the shopping experience in San Juan is among the best in the Caribbean. With a wide variety of shopping options, this isn’t an experience you would want to miss out on.
Head to the Mall of San Juan to check out the gorgeous designs from luxury retailers and for the finest dining experience. Ashford Avenue is another popular destination for shopaholics as it has elite boutiques and shops displaying the works of some of the most talented designers from Puerto Rico.
You can browse through a refined collection of apparel, watches, and jewelry stores from local, as well as international designers.
Many shoppers looking for retail therapy prefer the pedestrian-friendly ambiance of Old San Juan. The area is a great place to hunt for some authentic, one-of-a-kind Caribbean crafts including jewelry, folk art, shawls, pottery, and ceramics.
Beyond that, you will find tourist trinkets, imported clothes and furnishings, and hand-rolled cigars. While you will not find Cuban cigars, watching the street vendors rolling their products is a special experience.
Another popular item that tourists pick is high-quality handmade lace which captivates with its craftsmanship. Other items worth picking are Caribbean fragrances, sauces, soaps, spice mixes, coffees, and more, each offering a unique taste of the region..
5. Visit a Museum
The Museo Casa Blanca in San Juan takes you back in time to provide a taste of life on the island in the 16th and 17th centuries. The museum, once the residence of Juan Ponce de León and his family, offers an outstanding view of the old city. A guided tour will take you through the furniture and artifacts in the house distributed in the bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchen.
To delve deeper into history, visit the Museo de las Américas for a closer look at the cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. The museum displays relics, folk arts, pottery, and exhibits on African heritage and vestiges of colonization. It also displays works from local artists and is a venue for various creative workshops.
Art lovers can visit the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art. While the contemporary structure of the museum is eye-catching, the art collection is no less impressive.You’ll encounter stunning sculptures, vibrant paintings, and striking photography exhibitions that provide a glimpse into the dynamic artistry of Puerto Rico.
6. Discover El Yunque National Forest
A visit to this National Forest is a must-do on the list of activities. This tropical rainforest sits on the slopes of the Luquillo Mountain Range covering around 29,000 acres of land area. The lush forest has vibrant greenery, sparkling streams, and beautiful waterfalls.
Keep in mind that the National Forest is about a 45-minute drive from San Juan so it’s a bit of a hike. You can book a day trip or head to the forest in your car.
Some of the best spots in the forest are Juan Diego Falls, La Coca Falls, and the La Mina waterfalls. The Mt. Britton Tower is a popular trail and offers great views of the forest and the coast. The Yokahú Tower is another point that offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Birdwatchers will love these trails as multiple tropical birds are found in the forest, including the famous Puerto Rican Amazon – a green parrot. Some trails, like the Angelito trail, also give you the option to take a refreshing dip in streams and swimming holes.
The hiking trails in the forest are of different categories, ranging from easy to difficult. Many of the trails are easily accessible and do not require a guide. However, check the forest website to confirm if a trail is open before heading for it. While heading for the forest, pack a rain jacket or poncho and wear waterproof hiking boots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico?
The period between December to April is the dry season and the best time to visit San Juan. However, to avoid crowds, May and early June are ideal times.
Do I need to speak Spanish to get around in San Juan?
Even if you don’t speak Spanish, you will have no problem getting around in San Juan. While Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, most people working in the tourism and service industries in the city are bilingual.
Can I visit San Juan on a budget?
Yes, you can. There are inexpensive places to stay in San Juan and compared to other U.S. tourist destinations, food and drinks are more affordable. To keep costs down, try visiting the island during the off-season.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, there’s no shortage of fun things to do around San Juan, Puerto Rico and you need to have a few days in hand to uncover this beautiful region.
A city that will charm you with its enticing architecture, the tropical sea air, and superb foodSan Juan is also a cultural hub that hosts multiple festivals, concerts, and art events throughout the year.
If you are looking for real estate in San Juan, The Colectivo Group can help you pick the best options that meet your preferences. Our experienced team is ready to help in every step of the buying process to ensure a hassle-free arrangement.