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Top Things to do in San Juan - Puerto Rico Tips
If you are planning a trip to Puerto Rico, you must read this first for the top things to do in San Juan. We cover all the necessary Puerto Rico travel tips! Everything from getting around and places to stay in San Juan to top things to do and what to bring. San Juan is the perfect destination for your next travel adventure. Plentiful Travels brief overview will help you plan your trip in no time.
San Juan is less than a two-and-a-half hour flight from Miami, a trip from the States is easy enough to go even for just a long weekend. Flights can be anywhere from $200 – $500 round trip depending on where you are traveling from.
Explore the local character.
While there are many top things to do in San Juan, don’t forget to just stop and look around.
TOP THINGS TO DO
With all there is to do, you might get overwhelmed at the recommendations and options of things to do in San Juan. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on some great choices:
Forts of Old San Juan
During one of your days there, put your walking shoes on and spend a few hours walking around and throughout the forts that surround the city. Built in the 1500s, these forts were primarily used to keep out invading
countries and pirates. Spend your first sunset walking the base at El Morro. The historic Spanish feel and the views are an unbeatable duo.
If you are with your family, it is also a popular place to fly kites.
Comunidad La Perla
If you’re into photography you cannot pass up the photo opportunities provided by Comunidad La Perla. Sitting beautifully just feet from the ocean and at the foot of El Morro (Fort), the creative spirit of the people that live there has really served as a treat for tourists
and locals alike. La Perla is a gem regardless of it not being an upscale neighborhood.
It was put in the spotlight recently by the well-known music video for Despacito.
Bacardi Factory
In case the name does not sell itself, let me tell you this is well worth a few hours of your day. Only a 5-10 minute ferry ride at $3 round trip, (plus a short taxi to the factory from the ferry port), you will find yourself entering the gates of Bacardi, which tastefully resembles the landscaping of a resort.
There are a few options of different tours to choose from. Each of them come with a welcome drink at the very least. You can go the less expensive route and just do the historic tour for $15, you can do a tasting tour for $50, or go all out and learn new bartending skills as you do a tasting tour for $60. All very worth the experience you choose.
Calle Fortaleza
It would be hard not to find yourself aimless walking around the streets of Old San Juan simply admiring the character of all the buildings. One street to make sure you get a look at is Calle Fortelaza. At the farthest west end of the street sits the Governors residence (or fortress as it is named). Right before the road ends is a net of kites that add even more unique personality to the already beautiful and historic scene.
This is a tucked away tourist hotspot. It is a perfect place for pictures! If you can get there at 7 am you will have it all to yourselves!
Road Trip
There are more gorgeous places to see than one can count but they all take some traveling to get to; both driving and hiking. Renting a car was swift, easy, and inexpensive to do from the Hertz at The Sheraton. I think it was $30 for the day plus the cost of gas. I would recommend leaving no later than 7 or 8 am so you can see more stops along the way.
Regions to see (in no particular order):
- Isabela, San Sebastián, Aguadilla, Utuado, El Yunque National Forest
Where to Stay
San Juan is actually pretty big but if it’s your first time to the city, do yourself a favor and stay near Old San Juan. There’s a good amount of boutique hotels and a few chain hotels to choose from in many of the touristy areas. However, we prefer the Airbnb route because we like the feel of living like locals. You can find them easily in Old San Juan and the neighboring areas, like Condado or Isla Verde for a range of prices. But Old San Juan is where you want to be to experience the culture, the architecture, historic landmarks as well as the local bars and restaurants.
Travel Electronics Organizer
Organize all your electronics and accessories while traveling - chargers, usb cords, etc.
Travel Electronics Organizer
Organize all your electronics and accessories while traveling - chargers, usb cords, etc.
Take pictures anywhere, on anything with this hybrid tripod! Use it with your phone by coupling it with the adapter.
Lightweight Packable Outlander
This backpack is cute, compact, flexible and opens to hold large capacity of items. An easy must-have.
Food and Drink
Old San Juan has so many options to eat, drink, and be merry. Here are our top picks:
Breakfast & Brunch
- Café Berlin
- Chocobar Cortéz
- La Madre
- Waffle-era Tea Room
- Delavida
Lunch & Dinner
- Punto de Vista
- Ladi's Seafood
- Santaella
- Lote 23
- Piñones Kioskos
- Panuchos
Drinks
- La Vergüenza
- The Mezzanine
- Barrachina
- El San Juan
- The Mist
- ARYA
- La Placita
- Calle Loiza
What to pack
We’ve been there, so we know what you need. Here are a few of Plentiful Travels top travel products that you should pack if you will be exploring the top things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Check out our packing tips for ideas on packing for your next trip.
A Caribbean Vacation in Exuma
Check out some other amazing places you can hop around while in the Caribbean!
Swimming with Pigs in the Caribbean
Puerto Rico's cousin, the Bahamas is just a hop, skip and a jump away - where you'll find these adorable swimming pigs!
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