Nestled on the Atlantic Coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan is often the primary port-of-call while you arrive on the island. Being the most important metropolis, it’s bought centuries of historical past, vibrant neighbourhoods and a heap of one of the best issues to do in San Juan dotted all throughout the town.
These all make it a firm-favourite to go to when in Puerto Rico. This all makes it an amazing place to begin your journey across the island or for a metropolis break, too.
Truthfully, the entire island of Puerto Rico is gorgeous, particularly with all of the beautiful locations to see. You received’t wanna miss it! That being stated, if it’s a metropolis vibe you’re after, then San Juan would be the place to be.
So, to hit the bottom operating, I wished to share some epic locations to go to in San Juan while you discover the town.
Have a look, beneath, at one of the best issues to do in San Juan. Have a tremendous journey!
1.) Previous San Juan
For me, Previous San Juan is the primary place you must go to as soon as arriving within the metropolis!
You see, right here you’ll be able to stroll by way of Previous San Juan and take in the tradition and historical past (which is superb) in probably the most historic neighbourhoods in Puerto Rico.
With centuries of historical past and colonial buildings relationship again centuries, it’s the type of place that’s excellent for historical past buffs or should you simply fancy a chilled-out stroll.
As you potter round, you’ll be capable of absorb Garita del Diablo, the sixteenth Century Puerta de San Juan metropolis gate and associate it up with a go to to Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
For a very cool little bar, pop into El Batey Bar. It’s nothing fancy however one of many oldest watering holes within the metropolis. Such an amazing expertise.
Should you’re getting hungry, pop into Café Manolín for his or her Mofongo full of shrimp.
Once more, it’s not the type of place you go for a elaborate meal nevertheless it’s bought all of the environment and attraction for a very genuine lunch within the Previous City.
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2.) Castillo San Felipe del Morro Castillo San Cristobal
Speaking of Previous San Juan, don’t neglect to go to a few of the oldest forts within the Americas while within the metropolis. Generally known as El Morro, Castillo San Felipe del Morro took the Spanish many years to complete many centuries in the past.
Filled with historical past and offering improbable views, El Morro nonetheless stays among the best issues to do in San Juan should you’re into your historical past.
Sure, it’s most likely one of many extra standard (and generally busier) spots in San Juan – however rightly so! The historical past is unimaginable to see.
Oh, and don’t neglect to pop over to Castillo San Cristobal, too. Nonetheless, to this present day, it’s one of many largest fortifications that Spain ever constructed within the new world!
You may even spot a few of the resident iguanas, too.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Puerto Rico
3.) Santurce
Perched inside the beating coronary heart of San Juan, Santurce is a neighbourhood you received’t need to miss while visiting the town.
It’s a thriving artwork scene, surrounded by vibrant murals, foodie vans, hip cafes and dwell music spots besides!
As soon as within the space, be sure to discover the Museum of Artwork (MAPR) for his or her eighteen halls stuffed with 1000’s of artistic endeavors. If that’s not your factor, head to the streets round Calle Cerra the place you’ll get to see heaps of avenue artwork and murals to see.
Plus, you’ll get to name into MUSA for a tasty lunch (and cocktails) – their blackened tuna is all the things!
4.) La Perla
La Perla is a group these days, however that wasn’t all the time the case. For hundreds of years, this was an space the place enslaved folks had been pressured to dwell (as they weren’t allowed inside the metropolis).
These days, the group is a vibrant mixture of buildings and spots to go to particularly for vantage factors from the shoreline.
If starvation strikes, you should definitely pop into La Garita that has some tasty mofongo and unimaginable views throughout the shore. Simply remember, you’ll be able to wait a short while for the meals to reach!
As with all cities, use wise precautions when exploring areas. Though secure within the daytime, I wouldn’t advocate strolling round this space alone at night time.
5.) La Fortaleza
Only a brief methods away from El Morro, yow will discover La Fortaleza – a spot you’ll be able to’t miss.
You see, that is the compound the place the house and workplace of Puerto Rico’s Governor are positioned and is beautiful to see. Painted a fantastic blue, the colonial constructing is a UNESCO Nationwide Historic Website and was constructed over the previous couple of centuries.
With heaps of historical past, it’s the type of place you’ll have to guide a guided tour for. You see, you’ll be able to’t simply wander round La Fortaleza however you’ll be able to hop inside on a guided weekday tour that lasts round 30-minutes or so.
Simply you should definitely take ID with you, you received’t get in in any other case!
6.) Condado
Located simply shy of the Previous City of San Juan, Condado is a neighbourhood that’s excellent if you would like a while on the seaside.
Now, Condado Seaside may get a little bit busy on weekends, nevertheless it’s nonetheless an amazing spot to relax out and go for a little bit dip! Simply arrive earlier within the morning if you wish to keep away from many of the crowds. Plus, you’ll be able to hire chairs and umbrellas proper on the beachfront.
Not solely that, it’s bought a heap of accommodations and little foodie spots the road the bays and shoreline too. It’s among the best issues to do in San Juan should you fancy just a few days enjoyable within the metropolis.
Oh, and don’t neglect lunch at Orozco’s Restaurant – a very casual spot for one of many tastiest native dishes in Condado.
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7.) El Capitolio
In all probability one of many grandest buildings in all of Puerto Rico, El Capitolio is gorgeous to go to.
As soon as right here, hop on one of many guided excursions to see the unimaginable structure inside. Although, it’s typically hit and miss should you can really get on one. Nonetheless, price a gander and to ask when you arrive within the space.
Alternatively, should you just do see it from the skin, you should definitely go to the Plaza de San Juan Bautista for one of the best views of El Capitolio.
Plus, there’s a beautiful strolling space round Playa del Capitolio, too.
Afterwards, head over to Waffle-era for a tasty brunch. Their ‘Bridget Particular’ waffle with cream cheese and is so good.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Puerto Rico
11 Finest Issues To Do In Puerto Rico