Curator’s statement
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is special to me for its unique mix of history, culture and convenience. As a US territory, it’s an easy, safe getaway with no passport needed, yet it feels like stepping into another world. I love wandering the colorful streets of Old San Juan, soaking in the rich history and indulging in incredible food that blends Spanish, African and Taino flavors.
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Where to stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
La Fortaleza: Explore the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere, a symbol of Puerto Rico's storied history.
Capitol of Puerto Rico: Visit this stunning building housing the Legislative Assembly, adorned with mosaics and steeped in political heritage.
Old San Juan Walking Tour: Wander through cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings while uncovering the city's historic landmarks.
El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro): Marvel at this 16th-century fortress with breathtaking ocean views and insights into Puerto Rico’s military history.
Parque de las Palomas: Relax in this peaceful park where you can feed pigeons and enjoy stunning views of the bay and cityscape.
Escambrón Beach: Soak up the sun at this picturesque beach, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing near historic landmarks.
Distrito T-Mobile: Dive into San Juan’s entertainment hub with top-notch dining, live music and vibrant nightlife.
Day trips
El Yunque National Forest: Discover lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls and hiking trails in this tropical paradise just an hour from San Juan.
Arenales Caves and Waterfall: This hidden gem offers a mix of hiking, cave exploration and a refreshing dip under a stunning waterfall.
Bacardí Rum Distillery Tour: Learn about Puerto Rico’s iconic rum at the “Cathedral of Rum,” with tastings and mixology classes available.
Bioluminescent Bay: Experience the magic of glowing waters at night in nearby Fajardo or Vieques, a truly unforgettable activity.
Ziplining Adventures: Soar through Puerto Rico’s lush canopy with thrilling zipline tours, perfect for adrenaline seekers.
Culebra Island (Flamenco Beach): Take a ferry to this tranquil island, home to Flamenco Beach, consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches.
Places to eat & drink in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Breakfast
Caficultura: For a great start to the day, I love their perfectly brewed coffee and creative breakfast options like stuffed French toast.
Pinky’s: Their fresh fruit smoothies and hearty breakfast sandwiches are my go-to for a casual, delicious morning meal.
Lunch & Dinner
Raíces: I always recommend this spot for authentic Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo in a welcoming, traditional setting.
Santaella: This is my favorite for elevated Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist, and the cocktails are just as incredible as the food.
La Placita de Santurce: I love the variety of casual eateries here, perfect for trying local favorites like alcapurrias or fresh seafood.
Drinks
La Factoría: This speakeasy-style bar is my top pick for creative cocktails and a lively vibe — it’s a must-visit in Old San Juan.
JungleBird: I always recommend this spot for its tropical cocktails and cool tiki bar atmosphere.
Taberna Lúpulo: For craft beer lovers, their extensive selection and laid-back vibe make this my favorite hangout.
El Batey: I love this dive bar for its quirky, graffiti-covered walls and relaxed, authentic Old San Juan feel.
Street Food:
Piñones: Just outside San Juan, Piñones is the perfect spot for authentic street food, from crispy alcapurrias to fresh empanadas, served in open-air kiosks.
Luquillo: Known as "La Pared," Luquillo Beach features a strip of food kiosks where you can try everything from pinchos (skewers) to refreshing coconut water.
Need to know
Hurricanes have severely impacted Puerto Rico’s electric grid, leaving parts of the island with ongoing outages and inconsistent power supply. The good news is that most resorts and well-known brand hotels have reliable backup systems. It’s always wise to check with your hotel concierge for the latest updates on what’s open or affected nearby.
If you have time, take a Puerto Rican cooking class to learn how to make local staples like mofongo or arroz con gandules. I recommend booking with a class that includes a market tour for an authentic experience. You can also Make your own Perfume: Visit Fragrances of Puerto Rico to craft a custom scent that embodies your trip.
Travel Advisor
Lacey Hayes
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our San Juan page.