Rio Piedras

If you want to explore one of the largest parts of San Juan, you should spend some of your visit in the area of Rio Piedras Puerto Rico. Below is information about the city and why you’ll love spending time there.

Arriving in Rio Piedras

Getting to Rio Piedras is not complicated but you do have a few alternatives. Most people first land by plane at the international airport in San Juan. From there, you can choose to rent a car and drive into this southern suburb. You can also choose to take a bus directly into Rio Piedras if you have a little time and want to enjoy the authentic San Juan.

After you’ve reached Rio Piedras, you can take the new Urban Train Metro to get around the area. Don’t be surprised if you still have to do some walking since the train was designed for commuters and not visitors. You can drive but expect plenty of traffic and limited parking just like in San Juan. Additionally, you can catch a publico which is a shared taxi that can take you deeper into San Juan and surrounding areas for sightseeing.

Enjoying the Sights

One of the most interesting locations to visit in Rio Piedras Puerto Rico is the San Juan Botanical Garden. Although the gardens cover 300 acres, only 75 are available for visitors to explore. On the eastern side of the garden is a display called the Urban Forest of the New Millennium which is a conservation project being handled by the garden and the University of Puerto Rico. Among the other amazing displays in the garden are a chapel made from bamboo, a recreation of Monet’s watery garden from Germany, and an assortment of orchids. Some endangered plants native to the Rio Piedras area are also found in the garden.

Things You Must Do in Rio Piedras

Besides dropping by the botanical garden, you should also hitch a ride on the metro train or the publico so you can visit the University of Puerto Rico. While exploring a college’s campus may not seem like a great choice for vacations, this campus is special. The school was originally the home of the colonial Spanish governors so you won’t just be seeing a university but also some beautiful Spanish architecture.

Shopping in Rio Piedras

If you don’t get enough shopping in nearby San Juan, you’ll more than satisfied with the selection available in Rio Piedras. In the center of the city is a location known as Avenida de Diego. This is a shopping street for walking only. If you’re looking for a good price on the merchandise you want, this is the street to focus our search. Keep in mind it’s very busy. Another unique area for shopping in Rio Pierdras Puerto Rico is the Plaza del Mercado. This group of shops is one of the largest of its type you’ll find on the island, and the variety will definitely keep you spending. If you want to look for some wonderful Spanish literature or mingle with the minds from the college, visit Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Enjoying the Night Life

Like any college town, Rio Piedras has its fair share of small clubs and bars that cater to the students and professors of the university. If you’re interested in concerts or a little relaxation, ask around on the campus during your visit and students will be able to direct you to some local hotspots. Of course, you’re also only a short drive into San Juan where the night life is unmatched. If you’re worried about getting lost after dark, take a taxi.

Safety Tips

One of the nice things about Rio Piedras Puerto Rico is that its one of the relatively safer parts of the San Juan metropolitan area. Thanks to the college community and the tourist activity you’ll find a decent amount of police around. Just be careful, especially when you are doing out at night or drinking. An intoxicated, confused tourist is an easy target for a thief on the streets after dark. You should also always travel in groups, particularly when you venture north into San Juan.

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