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About this guide
A captivating island in the Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico offers a beautiful blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that resonates with travelers worldwide. An Afro-Puerto Rican heritage, eclectic music scene, and delicious island cuisine make San Juan a great spot for a getaway. From Santurce to Río Piedras, the neighborhoods come alive with authentic music, colorful murals, and a strong sense of community. Learn about the island's history at the Museo de las Américas or savor Puerto Rican delicacies like mofongo and piraguas. Whether it's exploring historic landmarks, relaxing on pristine beaches, or indulging in a spa retreat, San Juan welcomes everyone.
- Best time to travel: December to April (peak season), July to August (off-season), September to November and May to June (shoulder season)
- Time zone: Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Language(s): Spanish, English
- Noteworthy: Festival de la Calle de San Sebastián (January), St. John’s Night Festival (June), Piña Colada Festival (July), Ventana al Jazz (September to December)
- Best for: Island Getaway, Beach Adventures, Wellness Travelers, Caribbean Foodies, Art and Music Festivals
Get Away: Getting To And Around San Juan, Puerto Rico
By Air
Travelers can fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico, directly into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Serving major cities worldwide, this main airport is located a short distance from the city. Though there's no immediate need for a passport to the U.S. island territory, it's a best practice to bring it just in case.
By Car
Driving allows guests to easily reach various attractions, beaches, and neighborhoods around the city. However, be aware of traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Consider using public transportation or walking for shorter distances within the city center.
By Public Transit
San Juan has a reliable and extensive public transportation system in The Metropolitan Bus Authority, which includes buses and trains. The Tren Urbano is a convenient light rail system connecting various parts of the city for a cost-effective way to explore the local culture.
Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico On Foot
San Juan has a breezy atmosphere and historical charm that deserves to be explored with a stroll through the city. Many of the city's top attractions, including Old San Juan, Paseo de la Princesa, and La Placita de Santurce, are located within walking distance of each other.
Quick facts
Atlantic Standard Time (AST)
USD ($)
Spanish, English
Good For
Island Getaway
Outdoor Adventures and Wellness Travelers
Caribbean Foodies
Art and Music Festivals
Keep in mind
- Festival de la Calle de San Sebastián (January)
- St. John’s Night Festival (June)
- Piña Colada Festival (July)
- Ventana al Jazz (September to December)
Gourmet
Gourmet: Places To Eat In San Juan, Puerto Rico
Marmalade Rest and Wine Bar serves a five-course menu featuring local seafood and meats, homemade pastas, and seasonal handmade desserts. The globally-inspired organic menu includes lamb tagine, lobster risotto, vegan pasteles, and port poached pear on almond-hazelnut cake.
Chocobar Cortés serves locally sourced ingredients in their savory entrees and decadent desserts, emphasizing the local chocolate culture. Dishes include Puerto Rican chicken noodle soup, Mofongo with Churrasco steak, burgers, rice bowls, and more.
In San Juan's art district, Musa Puerto Rico serves globally-inspired brunch to dinner recipes and expertly crafted cocktails. The menu includes Mongolian chicken hash brown, street kabobs, mac and cheese, and Tres Leches French toast.
Princesa Cocina Cultura blends Old World charm and modern ambiance with authentic 1800s century gastronomy. The Caribbean menu offers fresh local swordfish, beef stew, mofongo, coconut flan, and Mallorca pudding.
For authentic Japanese ramen, Peko Peko serves expertly prepared noodles and flavorful broths. Guests can enjoy a variety of ramen, including light Shoyu, rich Tonkotsu, and spicy Kurimi.
As a James Beard semi-finalist shop, Vía Láctea Plant-Based Ice Cream serves plant-based ice cream made with high-quality ingredients. Specialty flavors include matcha parcha, coco sorbet, and guava panetela with flavors that suit vegan and non-vegan ice cream lovers.
Play
Play: Things To Do In San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Clear Bottom Kayak Tour At Condado Lagoon offers a unique and tranquil experience paddling through crystal-clear waters. Visitors learn about Puerto Rico's rich history and marine ecology on a fun morning adventure.
Experience the hands-on Afro-Puertorican Drum Workshop where guests learn the history of African beats and Caribbean rhythms. An instructor teaches the techniques to create different sounds while connecting to the ancestral heritage.
Sandra Farms Coffee Tour in Mountain Forest Paradise shares the fascinating history and eco-friendly production of Puerto Rican coffee. A guide shows the farm’s sustainability practices with samples of the locally grown coffee and chocolates.
If you want to savor the sunset, the Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour offers an evening of local cuisine and delicious cocktails. Explore the historic cobblestone streets while learning about Puerto Rico's history and culture.
The hands-on A Taste of Puerto Rico Cooking Classshares the best-known techniques of Puerto Rican cuisine. Guests start with preparing local ingredients and later master traditional recipes in private or group sessions.
Take an ATV Single Rider Adventure through the rugged landscape at the Hacienda Campo Rico. Navigate challenging trails on this outdoor adventure while enjoying gorgeous views of mountains, mangroves, and lagoons.
The Elevated Four-Course Dinner Experience takes guests above the city lights in full panoramic views of San Juan. The ocean breeze adds an authentic ambience to the gourmet meal and makes for unforgettable moments of luxury and thrill.
For a full day of outdoor fun, the Camuy Cave, Indian Cave, and Waterfall Adventure shares the natural wonders in San Juan. Visitors learn about stories of Taino natives etched on cave walls and take a swim in the refreshing waterfalls.
