© Lyma Rodrigués/Discover Puerto Rico
San Juan
Established in 1521, San Juan juxtaposes historical authenticity with pulsating modern energy – a mosaic of ever-evolving neighborhoods, silk-sand beaches and well-polished colonial-era artifacts.
Attractions
Must-see attractions
San Juan
A star of Old San Juan, brooding El Morro sits atop a headland, deterring would-be attackers. The 140ft walls (some up to 15ft thick) date to 1539 and it…
San Juan
The city's second major fort is one of the largest Spanish-built military installations in the Americas. In its prime, it covered 27 acres with a maze of…
San Juan
This museum presents an impressive overview of cultural development in the Americas, including indigenous, African and European influences. Four permanent…
San Juan
This sheltered arc's raked sand, decent surf breaks, local action and a 17th-century Spanish fort shimmering in the distance are the hallmarks of what's…
San Juan
San Juan boasts one of the largest and most celebrated art museums in the Caribbean. Housed in a splendid neoclassical building that was once the city’s…
San Juan
With countless tanned bodies lounging or flexing their biceps around the volleyball net, this urban beach basks in its reputation as the Copacabana of…
San Juan
Protected by offshore reefs and caressed by cooling seasonal trade winds, this wide sweep of diamond-dust sand is a favorite of locals. But this…
San Juan
The ‘Cathedral of Rum’ sits in vast grounds near the mouth of San Juan Bay. Three signature tours (45 minutes to 1½ hours) are offered throughout the week…
Attractions
Top picks from our travel experts
Parques Luis Muñoz Rivera & Parque del Tercer Milenio
San Juan
Spanning the broad swath between the Atlantic and Av Ponce de León, Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera injects a much-needed green space into the urban landscape…
San Juan
This cupboard-sized cafe, with its industrial-chic walls and Scandi-influenced furniture, brews top-notch coffee, perfect with the delicious vegan…
San Juan
Santurce's famous market – La Placita – is also the hub of one of San Juan's hottest nightlife scenes. Especially good on Thursday and Friday nights, the…
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico
San Juan
This museum sits just down the road from the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in an eye-catching neoclassical Georgian building – the former Rafael M de Labra…
San Juan
While San Juan's cathedral is smaller and less flamboyant than many Spanish churches, it retains a simple elegance. The first church on this site was…
San Juan
A star of Old San Juan, brooding El Morro sits atop a headland, deterring would-be attackers. The 140ft walls (some up to 15ft thick) date to 1539 and it…
San Juan
San Juan boasts one of the largest and most celebrated art museums in the Caribbean. Housed in a splendid neoclassical building that was once the city’s…
San Juan
Set in a former marketplace, this small museum offers the definitive take on the city's 500-year history. A permanent exhibit showcases well-laid-out…
San Juan
The ‘Cathedral of Rum’ sits in vast grounds near the mouth of San Juan Bay. Three signature tours (45 minutes to 1½ hours) are offered throughout the week…
San Juan
This sheltered arc's raked sand, decent surf breaks, local action and a 17th-century Spanish fort shimmering in the distance are the hallmarks of what's…
San Juan
Guarded iron gates mark the imposing La Fortaleza. Dating from 1533, it's the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the western hemisphere. The…
San Juan
This small maritime museum is home to an impressive collection of model boats – from 15th-century galleons to modern-day cruise ships – as well as…
San Juan
This museum presents an impressive overview of cultural development in the Americas, including indigenous, African and European influences. Four permanent…
San Juan
On the southern end of Calle del Cristo, the pigeon-filled Parque de las Palomas is in a tree-shaded cobblestone courtyard on the top of the city wall,…
San Juan
Protected by offshore reefs and caressed by cooling seasonal trade winds, this wide sweep of diamond-dust sand is a favorite of locals. But this…
San Juan
Conjuring up a distinctly European feel, broad Paseo de la Princesa is a 19th-century esplanade just outside the city walls. Lined with antique…
San Juan
Luz cooks up all manner of fried Puerto Rican goodies, such as crab alcapurrias (green plantain fritters) and bacalaítos (salt-cod pancakes) on weekends…
Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
San Juan
This 75-acre urban green lung has hiking trails through arches of bamboo leading to a lotus lagoon, an orchid garden with more than 30,000 flowers and a…
San Juan
While San Juan's cathedral is smaller and less flamboyant than many Spanish churches, it retains a simple elegance. The first church on this site was…
San Juan
A star of Old San Juan, brooding El Morro sits atop a headland, deterring would-be attackers. The 140ft walls (some up to 15ft thick) date to 1539 and it…
San Juan
Hemmed in by hotel towers and punctuated by rocky outcrops, Condado’s narrow beaches are busier than Ocean Park’s and less exclusive than Isla Verde’s…
San Juan
The capitol of the Commonwealth is in an impressive columned and domed neoclassical building in a commanding location overlooking Puerta de Tierra's wave…
San Juan
Built in 1910, the Mercado de Santurce has been the center of activity for over a century, vendors doing a roaring trade in fruits and vegetables from…
San Juan
Popular La Concha boasts spacious and serene white rooms with pops of color and ocean views. Add in its three pools (one adults-only), expansive indoor…
Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Neighborhoods
San Juan, Puerto Rico's rainbow-hued capital, is a vibrant hub for music, food and culture. Discover the best of the city in these fun-filled neighborhoods.
Read articleDay Trips
Experience amazing local cuisine, gorgeous tropical beaches and scenic mountain drives with these day trips from San Juan.
Read articleTransportation
From free trolleys to car rentals, here’s what you need to know about getting around Puerto Rico's capital.
Read articleFree Things to Do
Break in case of a budget emergency. These 13 things to do in San Juan won't cost a thing.
Read articleLGBTIQ+ Travel
With a large cluster of gay neighborhoods in Condado, the tourist district and Santurce, San Juan is arguably Puerto Rico’s most LGBTIQ+-friendly city.
Read articleArticles
Latest stories from San Juan
Neighborhoods
San Juan's vibrant neighborhoods highlight the best of Puerto RicoNov 6, 2023 • 8 min read
Destination PracticalitiesHow to get around in San Juan, Puerto Rico, from rideshares to trolleysDec 13, 2022 • 6 min read
Art and CultureSan Juan's 5 best museums celebrate Puerto Rico's indigenous culture, art and social justice movementsJan 28, 2022 • 4 min read
Food and DrinkBrewed awakenings: where to find the perfect cup of coffee in San JuanJan 26, 2022 • 7 min read
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