San Juan

Located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan not only boasts having the best harbor in the Caribbean but also the largest population in the country. More than two million people call San Juan home. With year round temperatures in the low 80s (Fahrenheit), it’s no wonder this city is the most popular tourist destination in Puerto Rico. Here is just some of what it has to offer.

Arriving in San Juan

Reaching San Juan is as simple as boarding a flight. The city is home to Puerto Rico’s primary airport, the Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. If you’re coming from elsewhere on the island, you can enter San Juan by car or by publico (shared taxi).

While reaching the city is not a challenge, getting around San Juan once you’ve arrived can be. For most travelers looking to explore more of Puerto Rico, renting a car at the airport is the best choice. However, traffic can be frustrating and parking can be expensive, even at many of the hotels such as the San Juan Hotel Puerto Rico require you to pay for parking. Other options include the bus, taxis, and the rapid transit rail system.

Enjoying the Sights

There are plenty of places to visit in San Juan, especially if you love colonial Spanish architecture. The El Castillo San Felipe del Morro is definitely one of the best attractions. This citadel was constructed in the 16th century and was named a World Heritage Site in 1983 by the UN. You can also visit the sprawling 27 acres of the El Castillo de San Cristobal which is a fort built to protect San Juan. If you want to see and hear some of the best San Juan has to offer, you should spend an evening at the Centro de Bellas Artes which is one of the best fine arts centers in the entire Caribbean. It’s home to concerts, plays, operas, and other events. For something a little less cultural, you can always take the free tour of the Bacardi Rum Factory which is located right in San Juan. And don’t forget to take the trolley ride if you want to see all 127 acres of the factory and its lands.

Things You Must Do in San Juan

While you don’t want to leave San Juan without enjoying the beaches and maybe the casinos, you should also spend some time in Old San Juan. To reach this part of the city, you actually have to cross a bridge because it is on a separate small island. The area has a sense of history with its cobblestone streets and 16th century Spanish architecture. Just strolling down the streets and soaking up the atmosphere made be enjoyable enough but if you want to see some of the sights consider visiting the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Besides the beauty of this church, you can also see the resting place of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.

Shopping in San Juan

If you want to enjoy shopping in Puerto Rico, San Juan won’t disappoint. The city is home to the largest shopping mall in the entire Caribbean. The Plaza las Americas has more than 300 stores, plus restaurants, a bowling alley, a theatre, and more. You’ll also find a large number of quaint shops in Old San Juan, plus a few outlet stores. If you want a unique purchase, Old San Juan is also home to a store where you can purchase beautifully colored butterflies that have been preserved in acrylic.

Enjoying the San Juan Night Life

You can find a wide array of night life in San Juan. If you’re staying at the San Juan Hotel Puerto Rico, for example, you can enjoy plenty of bars, clubs, casinos, and other exciting places for fun. Don’t forget to enjoy a few delicious Pina Colada while you’re visiting San Juan – remember this drink originated in Puerto Rico so this is where you’ll find the most delicious varieties.

Safety Tips

Like Ponce, San Juan is responsible for a large amount of crime in Puerto Rico. You need to take precautions to protect yourself and your property during your stay in the city. Theft is probably the biggest risk for tourists so guard your purchases and your rental car.