Nestled on the Atlantic Coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan is often the primary port-of-name once you arrive on the island. Being the biggest metropolis,  it’s received centuries of historical past, vibrant neighbourhoods and a heap of the perfect issues to do in San Juan dotted all throughout the town. 

These all make it a agency-favorite to go to when in Puerto Rico. This all makes it an incredible place to begin your journey across the island or for a metropolis break, too. 

Truthfully, the entire island of Puerto Rico is gorgeous, particularly with all of the beautiful locations to see. You received’t wanna miss it! That being stated, if it’s a metropolis vibe you’re after, then San Juan would be the place to be.

So, to hit the bottom working, I needed to share some epic locations to go to in San Juan while you discover the town.

Have a look, beneath, at the perfect issues to do in San Juan. Have a tremendous journey! 

1.) Previous San Juan

For me, Previous San Juan is the primary place it’s a must to go to as soon as arriving within the metropolis!

You see, right here you possibly can stroll via Previous San Juan and take in the tradition and historical past (which is wonderful) in one of the vital historic neighbourhoods in Puerto Rico.

With centuries of historical past and colonial buildings relationship again centuries, it’s the sort of place that’s good for historical past buffs or in the event you simply fancy a calming-out stroll. 

As you potter round, you’ll be capable to soak up Garita del Diablo, the 16th Century Puerta de San Juan metropolis gate and accomplice it up with a go to to Castillo San Felipe del Morro.

For a completely cool little bar, pop into El Batey Bar. It’s nothing fancy however one of many oldest watering holes within the metropolis. Such an incredible expertise. 

Should you’re getting hungry, pop into Café Manolín for his or her Mofongo filled with shrimp.

Once more, it’s not the sort of place you go for a flowery meal but it surely’s received all of the ambiance and allure for a very genuine lunch within the Previous City.  

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2.) Castillo San Felipe del Morro  Castillo San Cristobal

Speaking of Previous San Juan, don’t overlook to go to a few of the oldest forts within the Americas while within the metropolis. Generally known as El Morro, Castillo San Felipe del Morro took the Spanish many years to complete many centuries in the past.

Full of historical past and offering unbelievable views, El Morro nonetheless stays probably the greatest issues to do in San Juan in the event you’re into your historical past.

Sure, it’s most likely one of many extra well-liked (and typically busier) spots in San Juan – however rightly so! The historical past is unbelievable to see. 

Oh, and don’t overlook to pop over to Castillo San Cristobal, too. Nonetheless, to today, it’s one of many largest fortifications that Spain ever constructed within the new world!

You may even spot a few of the resident iguanas, too. 

Learn extra: Best issues to do in Puerto Rico

3.) Santurce

Perched throughout the beating coronary heart of San Juan, Santurce is a neighbourhood you received’t wish to miss while visiting the town.

It’s a thriving artwork scene, surrounded by vibrant murals, foodie vans, hip cafes and stay music spots as well!

As soon as within the space, ensure that to discover the Museum of Artwork (MAPR) for his or her eighteen halls full of 1000’s of artworks. If that’s not your factor, head to the streets round Calle Cerra the place you’ll get to see heaps of road artwork and murals to see.

Plus, you’ll get to name into MUSA for a tasty lunch (and cocktails) – their blackened tuna is every thing!

4.) La Perla

La Perla is a neighborhood these days, however that wasn’t all the time the case. For hundreds of years, this was an space the place enslaved individuals have been compelled to stay (as they weren’t allowed throughout the metropolis).

These days, the neighborhood is a vibrant mixture of buildings and spots to go to particularly for vantage factors from the shoreline.

If starvation strikes, remember to pop into La Garita that has some tasty mofongo and unbelievable views throughout the shore. Simply bear in mind, you possibly can wait a short time for the meals to reach! 

As with all cities, use smart precautions when exploring areas. Though protected within the daytime, I wouldn’t advocate strolling round this space alone at evening.

5.) La Fortaleza

Only a quick methods away from El Morro, you’ll find La Fortaleza – a spot you possibly can’t miss.

You see, that is the compound the place the house and workplace of Puerto Rico’s Governor are positioned and is beautiful to see. Painted a ravishing blue, the colonial constructing is a UNESCO Nationwide Historic Website and was constructed over the previous few centuries.

With heaps of historical past, it’s the sort of place you’ll have to e-book a guided tour for. You see, you possibly can’t simply wander round La Fortaleza however you possibly can hop inside on a guided weekday tour that lasts round 30-minutes or so.

Simply remember to take ID with you, you received’t get in in any other case! 

6.) Condado

Located simply shy of the Previous City of San Juan, Condado is a neighbourhood that’s good if you’d like a while on the seaside. 

Now, Condado Seaside may get a bit of busy on weekends, but it surely’s nonetheless an incredible spot to relax out and go for a bit of dip! Simply arrive earlier within the morning if you wish to keep away from a lot of the crowds.  Plus, you possibly can lease chairs and umbrellas proper on the beachfront. 

Not solely that, it’s received a heap of motels and little foodie spots the road the bays and shoreline too. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in San Juan in the event you fancy just a few days stress-free within the metropolis. 

Oh, and don’t overlook lunch at Orozco’s Restaurant – a completely casual spot for one of many tastiest native dishes in Condado. 

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7.) El Capitolio

Most likely one of many grandest buildings in all of Puerto Rico, El Capitolio is gorgeous to go to. 

As soon as right here, hop on one of many guided excursions to see the unbelievable structure inside. Although, it’s usually hit and miss in the event you can really get on one. Nonetheless, price a gander and to ask when you arrive within the space. 

Alternatively, in the event you just do see it from the surface, remember to go to the Plaza de San Juan Bautista for the perfect views of El Capitolio.

Plus, there’s a beautiful strolling space round Playa del Capitolio, too.

Afterwards, head over to Waffle-period for a tasty brunch. Their ‘Bridget Particular’ waffle with cream cheese and is so good.

Learn extra: Best issues to do in Puerto Rico

11 Best Things To Do In Puerto Rico