San Juan, Puerto Rico
About San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is steeped in rich history and cultural charm. Nestled along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, it boasts a captivating blend of Spanish colonial architecture, colorful streets, and lively plazas.
Visitors can explore the centuries-old forts of El Morro and San Cristobal, immerse themselves in the bustling energy of Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets, and indulge in the flavors of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.
Getting There
The international airport in San Juan is Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU).
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
Go Local
NEVER drink Starbucks, the local bean is always better!
Old San Juan
Just a short drive away, this historic area is perfect for walking tours. Visit landmarks like El Morro, San Cristóbal, and the picturesque streets lined with colorful colonial buildings.
Miramar Food Truck Park
Nestled in the back corner of the Miramar Food Truck Park is a culinary gem: a James Beard Semifinalist. Chef Ruben Guzman of Leña Eh received a nomination in early 2024 for Best Chef: South. Don’t miss the Choripán, a local chorizo creation topped with chimichurri and served in a brioche bun drenched in buttery goodness.
weather links & TIDES
SAILING CLUBS
Marinas/boat ramps
Marine Stores
Sails/Rigging
Boat Services
Fuel
LAUNDRY SERVICES
hardware stores
Grocery stores
RESTAURANTS
Known as one of the top fine dining restaurants in Puerto Rico, 1919 serves impeccable, upscale, New American cuisine. Located in the Hotel Condado Vanderbilt, 1919 Restaurant is known for their stunning ocean views, extensive wine list, flawless service, and above all, their fabulous 4 and 5 course pre fixe menus. Both pre fixe menus offer private collection wine pairing, or, you can opt out of the pre fixe and create your own multi course meal a la carte. For the wine lovers, note that 1919 Restaurant offers a ‘Cellar Experience’- a private experience where the Sommelier guides you thru a perfect wine and cheese pairing- call to make a special reservation.
*Note that 1919 has a strict dress code: “Formal attire. Shoes required. No dressy shorts or beach sandals.”
Address: 1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907
Phone: +1 787-724-1919
Prices: $$$
Santaella is a popular local restaurant focused on innovative and fresh Puerto Rican cuisine. Blending local flavors with modern techniques, Santaella offers a creative menu filled with Puerto Rican favorites with a twist, and a killer selection of artisanal craft cocktails. Locals love the grilled octopus, the tuna skewers, and the fabulous goat cheese quesadillas at Santaella, and comment on the cool vibe of the restaurant- it is chic and modern, and feels like you are dining in a trendy industrial green jungle. Sound interesting? It is!
Address: 219 C. Canals, San Juan, 00907
Phone: +1 787-725-1611
Prices: $$$
Located in El Blok Hotel, Placita serves refined Puerto Rican cuisine in a beautiful and welcoming environment. With a small dinner menu that usually features 4 to 5 mains, and always a special or two, depending upon what was freshest that day, Placita is a solid guarantee for a fresh and fabulous meal. With most menu items cooked on the mesquite grill, locals recommend the Daily Catch or Daily Special, as well as the Black Seafood Risotto, and the Wood Fired Cod. Vegetarians note there is often an excellent veggie special, and know that classic cocktails are solid, some with a cool creative local twist.
Address: 158 Calle Flamboyan, Vieques, 00765
Phone: +1 787-741-6020
Prices: $$$
Known as the chic fine dining experience not to miss in Old San Juan, Marmalade offers a stunning international menu of creative plates, cocktails, and wine. Offering only tasting menus- there is a 4 or 5 course option for groups of up to 5 guests, or a 14 course tasting meal for groups of 6 or more- both are offered with or without wine pairing. The dining room is stylish, welcoming, and beautiful at Marmalade, and the service is top notch. Foodies and drink lovers do not miss this long-time fine dining gem!
Address: 317 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901
Phone: +1 787-724-3969
Prices: $$$
Calling all chocolate lovers! Chocobar Cortes is a unique concept that features chocolate as the star of the entire menu. Almost every single menu item on the large diverse menu features chocolate as an ingredient. From breakfast favorites like chocolate French toast and chocolate pancakes, to burgers featuring chocolate ketchup, all the way to their famous, and local favorite, Chocolate Grilled Cheese. And they don’t stop at food at Chocobar Cortes- their unique chocolate cocktails also light up the menu.
Address: Old San Juan: 210 C. de San Francisco
Phone: +1 787-722-0499
AND
Condado: 55 Condado Ave
Phone: +1 787-722-0499
Prices: $$
Located in the heart of Condado, Chef Mario Pagán’s signature restaurant offers a unique and modern Puerto Rican gastronomic experience. Stylish and streamlined, Mario Pagán offers a reflection of the unique cuisine of Puerto Rico. Blending local ingredients with international techniques, the cuisine is creative and exciting, and above all, filled with local flavor. The dining room is contemporary and comfortable, and perfect for a special night out. Locals recommend the Lobster Thermidor and the Sea Bass, both pair perfectly with one of Mario Pagán’s lavish craft cocktails.
Address: 1110 Magdalena Ave, San Juan
Phone: +1 787-522-6444
Prices: $$$
A great place for families, or anyone seeking solid local fare, Bebo’s is a cafeteria-style café that serves excellent local food along with basic American fare. Bebo’s is a popular local spot- it gets crowded and loud, there is a full bar, and the price is right- large portions for smallish prices. A great place to pick up food to go as well, Bebo’s Café is a casual authentic PR spot for an excellent local meal in San Juan. Don’t miss the fruit frappes and the incredible desserts!
Address: 1600 C. Loíza, San Juan, 00911
Phone: +1 787-726-5700
Prices: $$
Colorful, welcoming, and kid friendly, Casita Miramar serves authentic Puerto Rican food in a fun and interesting environment. Housed in a traditional Miramar ‘casona,’ or large house, where every space is unique, this vibrant spot offers all of your traditional PR favorites, as well as many inventive spin offs. Casita Miramar feels celebratory- the colors, music, and general vibe are upbeat and welcoming, and goes perfectly with the fabulous craft cocktails. Local say do not miss the tres leches cake. It is hands-down-next-level-do-a-dance-of-joy good. Reservations highly recommended!
Address: 605 Av. Miramar, San Juan, 00907
Phone: +1 787-200-8227
Prices: $$$
Surrounded by trees and vegetation, Princesa restaurant offers upscale traditional Puerto Rican fare in a unique and exceptionally beautiful environment. Located in Old San Juan, this family friendly spot invites you to dine within the trees on the spectacular patio, or inside amongst the vegetation in the comfy dining room. There is often live music, and always a celebratory vibe- and if you like rum this is the place to order a flight and learn all about it. Locals rave about the Piña Coladas and the risotto. The food is known as old school Puerto Rican fare and goes perfectly with the rum… YUM YUM.
Address: 2 Paseo De La Princesa, Calle Shurmberg, 00901
Phone: +1 787-723-7878
Prices: $$
Located right near Escambron Beach, El Hamburguer is a super casual hamburger stand and local hangout known for their incredible burgers and sides. The burgers, yucca fries, and onion rings are all local favorites, but really everything is fab. For the burgers, note that the meat comes out as a giant meatball on top of the bun, and veggies are always on the side, and they offer a veggie burger option as well. Expect long lines every day at this local burger institution- but know that the prices are cheap, the line moves fairly quickly, and the food is always worth the wait.
Address: 402 Av. Luis Muñoz Rivera, 00901
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the historic district of Old San Juan. El Morro, as it is called, offers the chance to explore interesting labyrinth tunnels, climb ramparts for stunning panoramic views of the area, and explore centuries of Puerto Rico’s rich history. Over the centuries El Morro played a significant role in several military battles, including fights against English, Dutch, and American forces. El Morro has massive walls, towering battlements, and an intricate design that reflect the architectural mastery of its builders. Allow a few hours to explore the many rooms (and steps) of the fort and citadel, as well as the surrounding area. Visitors get to meander thru everything on your own, from kitchens and rooms, to the fort itself. The views of the water and city are spectacular here, and offer many incredible photo ops. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and water, and if you do happen to forget something, no worries, there is a gift shop on the premises.
Located along the coast to the east of El Morro, Castillo San Cristóbal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was named after the patron saint of land travelers Saint Christopher, and is considered the largest fortress ever built in the Americas. Built to protect the city of San Juan from attacks from the east, the fortress has three levels and an extensive series of innovative outer defenses built to protect it from attacks of both land and sea. The fort took over 150 years to complete, and offers visitors the opportunity to explore its intricate passageways, bastions, and exhibits that detail its military history and architectural significance. The grounds are also amazing and worth exploring, and the views are out of this world. Don’t forget your comfy walking shoes and water!
Located next to the Luis Muñoz Rivera Park, Escambron Beach is a beautiful local beach that offers excellent snorkeling, sunbathing, and sea glass collecting. The beach is protected by coral reefs so the marine life is plentiful, and the water is clean and clear, great for swimming and snorkeling. Escambron Beach is lined with palm trees, which offer a bit of shade, and there are often local businesses that rent chairs and umbrellas, as well as food and drink carts. Note that this is a popular local beach and it often gets crowded by noon on weekdays, so on weekends make sure to arrive early. There is a paid parking lot, and the beach is easily accessibly by public transportation and uber. There is a lifeguard on duty, as well as showers and restrooms available.
Located in Puerto Rico’s Northeast Region, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system. Measuring under 29,000 acres, it is small in size, yet still one of the most biologically diverse of all the forests. There is breathtaking scenery, clear mountain rivers, and outdoor recreation opportunities year round in El Yungue. From El Portal Visitor Center, an awesome walkway meanders through the surrounding treetops, and there is a cute outdoor café with great tacos too. Trails lead to La Mina waterfall and Mount Britton, then up to the spectacular high-altitude dwarf forest. In the south, check out the ancient petroglyphs, made by the area’s indigenous Taíno people. While exploring, make sure to listen for the nightly calls of the coquí tree frogs, and most importantly: always, ALWAYS stay on the paths!
Cayo Icacos is a tiny uninhabited island with stunning white sand beaches and some of the most beautiful turquoise waters in the Caribbean. Its natural beauty and easily accessible location – just 1.5 miles off Puerto Rico’s stunning east coast – make it a perfect day trip from San Juan.
To reach Cayo Icacos you must arrive by boat. There are water taxis and boat charters, or you can boat there your self- it is a short, scenic boat ride to one of the best beaches in PR for swimming and snorkeling. Note that the beauty of the island is the perfect beach and views, but with that beuaty comes no amenities such as restrooms, food services, and umbrella rentals. You must pack all of the essentials you will need for your beach day- water, sunscreen, food, etc. etc. Note that there IS cell service on Cayo Icacos.
Luquillo Beach is a popular area beach located about 30 miles outside of San Juan. Renowned for its beautiful golden sands, clear waters, and palm tree-lined shores, Luquillo Beach is situated on the northeastern coast, and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The beach is famous for its gentle waves, making it perfect for swimming and family-friendly activities. Additionally, Luquillo Beach serves as a gateway to the El Yunque National Forest, offering an excellent opportunity to combine a beach day with a rainforest adventure.
One of the unique features of Luquillo Beach is the presence of the Luquillo Kiosks, a series of over 60 food stalls and small restaurants located nearby. These kiosks offer a variety of traditional Puerto Rican foods, including freshly caught seafood, fried snacks like alcapurrias and bacalaítos, and tropical drinks. The kiosks provide a vibrant, local culinary experience, making them a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
Spend a Day Exploring Old San Juan
Old San Juan offers tons of opportunities for a day of exploration. There are excellent historical sights, a great variety of shopping options, and excellent restaurants and bars. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as it is very hilly, and it is always a good idea to bring water for the hot and humid PR weather.
For shopping, visitors love the area due to its fabulous variety- everything from fine jewelry to souvenir t-shirts are available in the area. Locals recommend shopping along Cristo, Calle Fortaleza, and Calle San Francisco, and to dip in and out of the air-conditioned stores for much needed cool down sessions!
Calle Fortaleza is the most famous street in the area. As one of the oldest and most photographed streets, it is known as “Umbrella Street” since it became famous from the umbrellas, (and now all kinds of things!), suspended from high above the street.
Local Tips: Note that cruise ship days are the busiest days in Old Town, so try to avoid these days if possible. Locals also suggest avoiding Calle Norzagaray, which is the road that runs along the north side of Old Town. It skirts an area that is unsafe for visitors.
For something unusual and extremely unique to the area, strongly consider a Bioluminescent Bay kayak tour, an incredible opportunity to kayak through the spectacular glow-in-the-dark bioluminescence. There are only five ecosystems in the world with a high enough concentration of bioluminescence to get the title of Bio Bay, and PR is home to three of the five! They are: Mosquito Bay, Laguna Grande, and Parguera. Laguna Grande is the closest to San Juan, a lagoon rather than a bay, and is an approximately 1hr and 15 minute drive from town. There are many tour options, and note for the adventurous ones, it is legal in PR to go on your own without a guide.