Activities

Castillo San Felipe del Morro & Castillo San Cristobal: Both forts are walkable from Old San Juan and offer a glimpse into hundreds of years of history. There are also beautiful views while you're exploring since both are on the water. With the strong breezes from the water, it’s common to see people flying kites in the grassy areas in front of El Morro.

Isla Verde Beach/West: If you’re looking to enjoy some time on the beach but don’t want to travel too far, check out the beautiful Isla Verde Beach/Isla Verde Beach West. There are also restaurants and bars that you can enjoy near the beach.

Casa Bacardí: Located across the bay from Viejo San Juan, this is the distillery of Bacardi rums. They offer a variety of tours, tastings and classes.

Day trip

If you are looking to escape the city during your trip, consider adding time to visit El Yunque National Forest. It is the only tropical rainforest within United States forest systems.

Cafes & snacks

Coffee is grown in Puerto Rico, so it’s definitely worth checking out the cafes while visiting.

CafeLab: This relaxed and airy coffee shop offers all the classic coffee drinks - some come with a pizzelle-like cookie. There is seating in the back, while the front has products available for purchase from local artisans. The staff are very friendly; they even recognized me and remembered my order by the second day!

Alteza Specialty Coffee: This cozy coffee shop has a modern vibe with a second-story seating area. Their coffee is beautifully crafted and they have a small selection of pastries and sandwiches to order.

Senor Paleta: San Juan can get downright hot! A refreshing option to beat the heat in Old San Juan is the paleta. Paletas are similar to popsicles but focus on fresh ingredients. This shop also offers paleta toppings plus gelatos and sorbets. I personally recommend the Coco (coconut) paleta

Restaurants

Princesa - Cocina Cultura: This restaurant is focused on Puerto Rican classics in an elevated, yet relaxed setting. There is also an outdoor bar with an extensive rum selection and seating, which is great in the evening surrounded by plants, ambient lights and the songs of the coquí frog.

Kaffe Haus Old San Juan: Kaffe Haus is a fun place for brunch with a wide selection of both coffee and cocktails. It’s a larger space than you often find in the Old San Juan, so it’s a nice option for groups.

Kumo Rooftop: This rooftop restaurant is located in Isla Verde. They feature Japanese influenced cuisine and a nice cocktail list. The real stunner is the view of the coastline. This can be popular, so make a reservation, especially if you want to be there around sunset.

Bars

Antiguo 26: They offer delicious cocktails while surrounded by antiques with a lounge feel. Their menu is also delicious and offers small plates, specializing in local recipes with Spanish influences. I’d recommend sitting at the bar to have a chat with the friendly bartenders if they’re not too busy.

La Factoria: This is a combination of rooms with six bars. Their creative cocktails have earned them a spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list multiple times. I happened to be around during their 10 years celebration and can see why it continues to be a popular spot.

Scryer Rum Barrelhouse & Rooftop: Their rooftop bar is a relaxing place to enjoy a cocktail, especially during a nice evening. This bar is also the barrelhouse for Caribbean-produced Scryer Rum. Rum tasting and tours are available in the late afternoon.

Patio de las Flores: A vibrant cocktail lounge in Isla Verde offering unique drinks and food. Their cocktails often come with flair or interactive aspects, elevating it beyond just a drink.