San Juan in Puerto Rico serves as a great getaway from your daily life. Want to spend a relaxing vacation? You should visit San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, when you are here, you may need a list of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
That is why we have prepared a list that will introduce the new and exciting things San Juan offers. Many people assume that San Juan is a typical beach destination. While one of its specialties is its beaches, there is much more to this beautiful Caribbean Island.
Finally, here are the top 16 exciting things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico that you cannot miss. Each entry in the list is worth every second you spend there.
Best Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico
Best Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico (1-8)
1. Walk Through the Colorful Streets of Old San Juan
Since Old San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, it is the most important place on the island. The architectural formation of Old San Juan is what makes it so popular. Additionally, historic buildings constructed during the 16th century (when Spain ruled this island) serve as tourist attractions.
But, one of our favorite things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, is to walk through the beautiful and colorful Spanish-style streets. We suggest strolling through the main streets of Calle Fortaleza, Calle San Sebastian, and others.
- Address: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Wiki Page: Click here
- Fun things to do: Walk through the colorful streets, and visit the historic buildings of Old San Juan.
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotel Nearby: Sheraton Old Juan Hotel
2. Understand the History of Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of those historic structures we mentioned. Spanish people built the landmark in the 16th century to protect the island from sea invasions.
The fort has several floors, and each serves a specific purpose. For instance, they contain barracks, a courtyard, kitchens, etc. However, our favorite spot in the fort is the intriguing views of San Juan. We assure you that you will spend quality time here with your family and friends.
- Address: Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Official website: Click here
- When should you visit: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Fun things to do: See the scenic views of San Juan and understand the history of San Juan in the 16th century.
- Entrance fee: $10 for adults and free for children below 15 years.
- Hotel Nearby: Casablanca Hotel
3. Taste the Delicious San Juan Cuisines
Your trip to San Juan will be incomplete if you don’t taste the San Juan cuisines. This place fills itself with some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico. The menus will consist of both local and international delicacies. Hence, no matter your taste, you will find something here.
Some famous and traditional dishes of San Juan include Mofongo, Pastelón, Alcapurrias, etc. Eating them is one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
- Famous Hotels: Marmalade, La Casita Blanca, Casita Miramar, etc.
- Best time to visit: Whenever your appetite wants
- Fun things to do: Taste the local cuisines of Puerto Rico in San Juan.
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4. Do Not Forget the San Juan Beaches
If you are searching for the best beaches in Puerto Rico, then San Juan is the place. Escambron Beach, Ocean Park, and other beaches are some of the best beaches found on the island.
On these beaches, you can do a variety of things. For instance, you can play beach sports or relax under the Caribbean Sun. However, do not forget to bring sun lotion to protect yourself from sun tan.
- Famous Beaches: Escambron Beach, Condado Lagoon, Ocean Park Beach, etc.
- Best time to visit: Whenever you want
- Fun things to do: Play beach sports, relax under the sun, go surfing, etc.
5. Learn Salsa
One of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, is to learn Salsa with your partner. Puerto Rican culture is known for the Salsa dance. Hence, you must try the dance form at least once when you reach here.
San Juan has several quality Salsa teachers who will help you learn the dance form with perfection.
- Famous Salsa Clubs: Essence Dance Academy, Santurce Salsa Club, etc.
- Fun things to do: Learn Salsa from experts in San Juan.
- Entrance fee: Contact the concerned club.
6. Experience Puerto Rico Culture Through Festivals
Another beautiful way to spend time in San Juan is to attend its festivals, exhibitions, etc. Attend them to understand Puerto Rican culture better.
If you visit San Juan at the right time, you must attend the Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián. This festival lasts four days and is the most famous one on the island. It fills the stage with various musicians, artists, and others who make these four days memorable. Hence, it is one of the most exciting things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
- Address: San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Wiki page of San Sebastián Festival: Click here
- Best time to visit: January
- Fun things to do: Attend the Puerto Rican Festivals
7. Visit the Botanical Garden
Botanical Gardens are a great tourist attraction in many places. It is accurate for Puerto Rico as well. Located at the University of Puerto Rico, this garden consists of a Japanese sculpture garden and an artificial waterfall.
Visiting the Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico if you want to escape the crowds and need a place to rejuvenate.
- Address: San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico
- Wiki Page: Click here
- When should you visit: 6 AM – 4 PM
- Fun things to do: See the Japanese Garden, Sculpture Garden, and an Artificial Waterfall and become photogenic.
- Entrance fee: Free
- Hotel Nearby: La Botanica Hotel
8. You Cannot Miss San Juan Cathedral
San Juan Cathedral is a place for those who love to visit historical monuments and forts. This Cathedral holds a vital position in San Juan’s famous structures.
The Cathedral’s origin dates back to 1521 and is a member of the San Juan National Historic Sites. Surprisingly, the Cathedral also houses the remains of Puerto Rico’s first governor. Hence, it is on our list of best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, because it holds a great historic value.
- Address: del Cristo, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 9 AM – 4 PM from Mondays to Fridays and 8 AM to 1 PM on Sundays. Cathedral remains closed on Saturdays.
- Entrance fee: Nil
- Hotel Nearby: Hotel El Convento
Best Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico (9-15)
9. El Museo Las Americas – A Key to American History
Another must-visit historic place in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is El Museo Las Americas. It served as a Spanish military barracks in the 16th century but later got rebooted into a hospital during WWII.
However, as of today, El Museo Las Americas is a museum that houses the vital and iconic history of the American continent. Hence, visiting it is one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
- Address: C. Beneficencia, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: 9 AM to 4 PM from Wednesdays to Fridays and 11 AM to 4 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.
- Fun things to do: Understand the history of the American continent.
- Entrance fee: $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12.
- Hotels Nearby: Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
10. Rent a Bike to Travel Through San Juan
Do you want to explore San Juan uniquely and differently? If yes, you can rent a bike to roam around the colorful streets of San Juan with your family and friends.
Below, we have listed the best bike dealer who will rent a bike to you. There are other bike rentals in San Juan as well.
- Address: Ashford Ave, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Official website: Click here
- Best time to visit: Open from 7 AM to 6 PM each day except Sundays.
- Fun things to do: Roam San Jaun through Bikes
- Rental fee: Varies depending on how long you want to use the bike.
11. Go Shopping in San Juan
San Juan has several shopping outlets that amaze you with their quality products. Art galleries, malls, souvenir shops, brand stores, and every other outlet is in San Juan. Thankfully, most of them are within walking distance. Hence, you don’t have to travel distances to fulfill your shopaholic desires.
- Famous Malls: Norte Shopping Center, Plaza Las Americas, The Mall of San Juan, etc.
- Fun things to do: You can shop for clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and many more from various shopping outlets.
12. Enjoy San Juan’s Nightlife by Bar Hopping
Bar Hopping is one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. The quality bars here will help you experience the Nightlife to the fullest.
Bars in San Juan are full of life and dancing. Hence, drinking a few shots in one bar and then going to another bar for dancing is entertaining for many.
- Famous Bars: El Batey Bar, El Bar Bero, La Factoría, etc.
- Best time to visit: At night
- Fun things to do: Enjoy the Nightlife of San Juan
13. Go Surfing at San Juan Beaches
On the Caribbean beaches, surfing has to be one of the favorite activities of tourists. It is one of the top things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. Hence, book a class and enroll with the famous surfing clubs. They will teach you from scratch and make you a master surfer in no time.
- Famous Surfing Clubs: Spectrum Surf School, La Punta Surf Club, etc.
- Fun things to do: Surf through the shores of San Juan
- Surfing fee: Contact the concerned club for detailed packages.
14. See the Mesmerizing Sunset Views of San Juan
Do you want to take your partner to a romantic place? If yes, there is no place better than the sunset viewpoints of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Furthermore, you can even become photogenic and click photos under the perfect orange glow.
Therefore, you must not forget to see the sunset as it is one of the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
- Famous Sunset Viewpoints: South Beach, Lime Kiln State Park, El Morro’s esplanade, etc.
- Best time to visit: During sunset time (6 PM to 8 PM)
- Fun things to do: Watch the eye-satisfying sunsets in San Juan.
- Entrance fee: Nil
15. Go Dancing at La Placita
La Placita is our favorite destination for having a lively dancing experience. Here, you can meet locals and hang out with them. This way, you will learn a lot about Puerto Rican culture. The place comes to life with music, dancing, and food stalls at night.
- Address: 205 Calle José M. Raffucci Morales, San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Wiki page: Click here
- Best time to visit: At night
- Fun things to do: Enjoy your trip by dancing.
- Hotel Nearby: The Wave Hotel
FAQs
How much will it cost me for a vacation in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Puerto Rico is a destination for those willing to spend on a quality vacation. Furthermore, it is also relatively more expensive than other Caribbean Islands. Hence, you can expect a budget of $700 for a solo trip, while $1,200 for couples.
When should you visit San Juan, Puerto Rico?
For the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico, you should visit the island between April and June. At this time, the temperatures are moderate and suitable for you to roam in San Juan. We recommend not visiting this island between August and September due to the high chances of hurricanes.
How should I travel in San Juan?
The best way to travel in San Juan is by bike. You don’t need a car because Puerto Rico is a small Island. Hence, the bike is suitable for traveling distances in San Juan. You can even rent these bicycles.
How many days are sufficient to stay in San Juan?
If you plan a trip, you need at least 7 to 10 days to cover all the best things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. You should go for a two-week trip as you can roam the whole of Puerto Rico without worrying.
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