Sofia Alexandra & Jeremy William
Things To Do
Viejo San Juan
Explore the treasures of this colonial-yet-cosmopolitan city. As the second-oldest European-founded city in the Americas, San Juan is the beating heart of history and culture in Puerto Rico. A place where the Old World meets the new in fascinating ways, San Juan is also a hub of more modern pursuits, including shopping, dining, and nightlife. Whether you’re into tropical beaches, historic sites, art museums, salsa music, or something else entirely, you’ll find it in San Juan.
El Morro
Explore the Forts of Old San Juan Standing guard over the Old City, two major landmarks make up the San Juan National Historic Site — a great place to get your footing in the city’s captivating history. The Castillo San Felipe del Morro (more commonly known as El Morro) and Castillo San Cristóbal are two important citadels built by the Spanish to protect the city, both by sea and land. Discover the city walls, tunnels, and dungeons, explore the garitas (sentry boxes) and marvel at the original cannons that these forts still hold. A single ticket will get you into both, where you can learn the story of the Conquistadors and the many legends that have graced Puerto Rico for nearly five centuries.
Historic Stroll - Viejo San Juan
Stroll through 500 Years of History The so-called walled city will give you time-capsule vibes as you walk up and down the cobblestone streets. Charming pastel buildings blend harmoniously with cultural landmarks and striking monuments that tell the story of Puerto Rico. Must-see sights like the Capilla del Cristo, the statue of La Rogativa, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, and San Juan Cathedral will turn every visitor into a history buff. Be sure to visit La Fortaleza, the oldest governor’s residence in the Western Hemisphere. For added context and local color, consider taking a walking tour of the city with a knowledgeable local guide.
Museums & Cultural Institutions
Whether you’re interested in art, literature, music, sports, or folk crafts, you will find a museum dedicated to it in San Juan. Discover relics of Puerto Rican history on display at museums like Casa Blanca, a home built for Spanish explorer Ponce de León. Museo de las Américas, situated in one of San Juan’s old military barracks, explores the art and cultural history of Puerto Rico and the Americas. Institutions like the Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art and the Sports Museum of Puerto Rico give you an immersive journey into the Island’s past and present.
La Playa - The Beach
Beach Time is the Best Time Some of the most popular and picturesque beaches in Puerto Rico are located right in the city of San Juan. Three main beaches: Condado Beach, Escambrón, and Ocean Park Beach, offer everything from swimming and stand-up paddleboarding to jet-skiing, diving, and snorkeling. While Condado Beach and Ocean Park beach have more of a laid-back feel, El Escambrón – a Blue Flag beach – is renowned for its active pursuits.
Bars and Nightlife
After the sun sets, San Juan pulses with nightclubs, bars, and lounges where you can drink world-class cocktails and dance the night away. Join the street party at La Placita de Santurce, a marketplace by day that turns into San Juan’s hottest bar and restaurant scene by night. Nearby is Calle Loíza, a restaurant-rich neighborhood that is quickly becoming a major nightlife destination. And in Old San Juan, streets such as South Fortaleza (SoFo) and Calle San Sebastián are set aglow with neon and string lights after dark, as some of the best and most unique bars in the world open their doors to visitors from all over the globe.