more, Things to Do in San Juan, Caribbean - San Juan Attractions. We have reviews of the best places to see in Puerto Rico… The simplicity of walking becomes an extraordinary experience in Old San Juan. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. For all that it lacks, Old San Juan has an incredible 500 years of history, beautiful colonial architecture liberally splashed with tropical colors and timeless magic that makes it one of the most enchanting destinations in the Caribbean. Biomes include Tropical Rainforest, Mountains, Temperate Forest, Taiga, Polar, Life of Antarctica, Tundra, Grasslands & Tropical Savannah. Grab a lounge chair, put on sunblock, and lay under the sun so you can return home with the perfect tan. Discover San Juan: 25 of the Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico’s Capital City 134 shares While most people think of San Juan as just the romanticized Spanish colonial city of Old San Juan, there is a healthy balance of activities, entertainment, and gastronomic options located both within the old city wall and the modern city beyond it. Tuesday –  Friday:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays:  10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m, Wildlife Museum / Museo de Vida Silvestre. + Castillo San Cristobal – San Juan, Puerto Rico, You’re planning a Caribbean vacation, so of course, you want beaches. Built between 1854 y 1864 to house Spanish soldiers and their families. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. The most popular and beloved fort on the island is Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), it is easier to navigate and the grounds are filled with joy with children and adults alike flying a kite, be sure to buy one and join in. Take a break from the sun and visit museums of art, history, and those often holding entertaining/ interesting events. The “El Morro” exterior grounds are some of the most beautiful and beloved attractions in Puerto Rico and home to many cultural events, excellent kite-flying in the trade winds. Cool Things To Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Latest Update - August 24, 2019 at 11:02 am. Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico #2 – Visit Old San Juan. Old San Juan & Condado Tourist Districts are among the best foodies destinations in San Juan. Among the museums, you can visit the residence built for Juan Ponce de Leon, where his family members resided. It’s an old city -- founded in 1521 by Spanish colonists, the port is a melting pot where Taino (the island’s native culture), African, and Latin influences can all be found. 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The most popular things to do in San Juan with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Hotels near (SJU) Luis Munoz Marin Intl Airport, Hotels near Center for Studies On PR San Juan, PR, Hotels near University of Puerto Rico, Bayamon, Hotels near Universidad Teologica del Caribe Trujillo Alto, PR, Hotels near University of Puerto Rico - Carolina, PR, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in San Juan, Castillo San Felipe del Morro: Tickets & Tours‎, Castillo de San Cristobal: Tickets & Tours‎, San Juan National Historic Site: Tickets & Tours‎, Catedral Metropolitana Basilica de San Juan Bautista: Tickets & Tours‎, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: Tickets & Tours‎, The Capitol of Puerto Rico: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Things to do near Plaza del Mercado de Rio Piedras, Things to do near Plaza San Juan Bautista, Things to do near Luis Munoz Marin Intl Airport (SJU), Things to do near F.L. These cookies do not store any personal information. I had no idea it was as beautiful as it is or that there’s so much to do in Old San Juan alone. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try. Walking around old San Juan, Puerto Rico is very interesting. Fortin Geronimo is sadly at risk of collapsing into the water and it may not be standing for long. + Calle Norzagaray Walking Tour  ⎮  + Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is the meeting place for the Legislative Assembly. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Paseo de la Princesa – San Juan, Puerto Rico. Make sure to bring your camera for breathtaking photo opportunities. Located on the second floor of  Cuartel de Ballaja, in Old San Juan. Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Thursday, February 6, 2020, By Farida Zeynalova. El Capitolio (the capitol building) is located just outside the Old City Walls. Things to do in San Juan with kids. Many events are held at the center courtyard. Puerto Rico has so much to offer, and it wasn’t even on my radar until about a month before we went. This used to be a popular meeting place where goods were sold and cafes where people met. Locals from towns across the island come to San Juan to enjoy the year-round cultural events, great entertainment, excellent food, and dance to the sounds of salsa played at the elegant squares and restaurants around the city. As the second-oldest European-founded city in the Americas, San Juan is the beating heart of history and culture in Puerto Rico. Old San Juan (aka Viejo San Juan) is the city’s historic area located at the northwest triangle of the islet of San Juan. See it at Paseo de la Princesa in Old San Juan. 12 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO. What to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico's colourful capital San Juan — the oldest city in the US and its territories — sits proudly on the island’s Atlantic coast and is packed with places to see, eat and salsa into the early hours. Now, let’s start to take a closer look at these destinations so you can make up your mind. We have reviews of the best places to see in San Juan. The stunning Caribbean island of Puerto Rico is famous for its beaches, colourful Spanish colonial buildings, centuries-old fortresses, tropical rainforest, food, and the warm hospitality of its people. There are also tree-shaded plazas throughout the Old City, some with little kiosks scattered about them. San Juan is the most popular tourist destination in Puerto Rico, a great central location, and the best starting point when visiting the island. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. San Juan, Puerto Rico is a gem of a city in on an island that is as beautiful as it is full of adventure. One of the best things to do in San Juan is to walk and eat. The cemetery sits outside the 20-foot walls of fort, One of the most beautiful and meaningful statues in, You won’t find Fortin on any top lists but we think it is worth a stop. We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. In San Juan, you can dig into the sultry flavors of Puerto Rican food or try the many restaurants that take fusion cuisine to a whole new level. What are the top attractions to visit in San Juan? San Juan has a variety of beaches, from Miami-style to more laid-back natural settings. Old San Juan has no beaches, no resort hotels, and not a whole lot of natural beauty—yet it's still one of the best places to visit in Puerto Rico. The capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan is a vibrant city that’s always full of life. Here are fun, unique things to do in Puerto Rico for food, fun and sun! The forts of Old San Juan are must-see attractions, where you’ll step back 500 years in time. A day of adventure and history awaits you as you wander down cobblestoned streets in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in San Juan, Caribbean on Tripadvisor: See 84,201 traveller reviews and photos of San Juan tourist attractions. For those looking for vegetarian or vegan options, this city has got plenty to choose from! Day 1: Old San Juan. Castillo San Cristobal – San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Museum of San Juan is a beautiful mid-19th century landmark. Visit Colorful Old San Juan, the 2nd oldest city in the New World. The top attractions to visit in San Juan are: What are the best outdoor activities in San Juan? Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. San Juan National Historic Site also includes the forts of San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo) and the city walls. Old San Juan is the most beloved place on the island for residents of Puerto Rico, the epicenter of culture, music, food, and traditions. We won’t tell you which beach to visit, visit our beach guide to choose which best suits your preference. Other exhibitions include popular art in America, history of the natives in America (22 ethnicities), the African heritage, the conquest and colonization of Puerto Rico and the newborn evolution that makes up what Puertoricans are today. When most people think of San Juan, Puerto Rico, they think of the colorful old colonial buildings and the Spanish forts found in Old San Juan. The buildings are a sea of pastels, many with bougainvillea-draped balconies. More about San Juan National Historic Site attractions. A great way to get to know the food culture of Puerto Rico is by booking a tour which often includes sightseeing in the historic district. The constitution of. Drop the map and get lost around the 7 colorful blocks full of historical gems, museums, relaxed cafes, great shops, restaurants, and more…  The free trolley is a nice way to give your feet a break and get acquainted with the Old City. When in Puerto Rico’s capital accompanied by young ones, these are some of the best attractions for the family. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Puerto Rico, Caribbean on Tripadvisor: See 201,394 traveller reviews and photos of Puerto Rico tourist attractions. If you happen to be here on a Saturday, be sure to stop, a farmer’s market is held every week. This small fort is an easy walk for those staying in Condado. She has some amazing travel tips there. Ribas Dominicci Airport (SIG), Things to do near Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, Things to do near Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, Things to do near Doubletree by Hilton San Juan, Things to do near San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, Things to do near AC Hotel by Marriott San Juan Condado, Things to do near La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort, Things to do near Hyatt Place San Juan/City Center, See all attractions in San Juan on Tripadvisor, See all outdoor activities in San Juan on Tripadvisor, From Fajardo: Icacos Deserted Island Catamaran & Picnic Cruise, Arenales Caves and River Adventure in Puerto Rico, El Yunque Rainforest Off the Beaten Path and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour, Let me show you MY island! This is one of the best museums in San Juan, featuring permanent exhibitions about the history and culture of Puerto Rico and the Americas the entire family will enjoy. Top Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico: See Tripadvisor's 83,614 traveller reviews and photos of 439 things to do when in San Juan. You’ll always find something new and interesting happening at the San Juan Museum. The energy is vibrant, yet relaxed, like a tropical destination ought to be. Voted as one of the “Best Caribbean Islands for Foodies“, San Juan has turned cooking into a delicious art. Plus, it’s a U.S. territory so you don’t even need a passport and they use dollars. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. In San Juan, there’s always a reason to celebrate, dance, and gather with family and friends. Keeping children entertained can be a challenge, but luckily there are a variety of kid-friendly things to see and do in San Juan. If you’re looking for lots of outside activities and cultural things to do in San Juan be sure to pack a hat & sunscreen as Puerto Rico weather is quite warm during the summer. Top 255 Things To Do in San Juan. Casa Blanca Museum, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. We created a DIY walking tour which includes the next “must thing to do” on the list (link below). The Best Things to See on a Trip to Puerto Rico. Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico: See Tripadvisor's 83,567 traveller reviews and photos of things to do when in San Juan. We have reviews of the best places to see in San Juan. Do not miss out on the previous entries of this series. If you only have a day in Old San Juan, tour one of the forts and then simply walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Following up on the series of things to not do in specific locations, today I bring you 8 things to avoid in San Juan, Puerto Rico. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The mission of Museo de San Juan is to “enrich, preserve and disseminate the history, artistic riches and cultural heritage of the Capital City of San Juan”. The Catedral Metropolitana Basílica de San Juan Bautista is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, Puerto Rico, not to mention the oldest cathedral in the U.S. and the 2nd oldest in the Americas. Excellent museum for families with children and history buffs. San Juan offers a great variety of shops ranging from local art galleries, unique souvenir shops, boutiques, and luxury stores. A caveat: I don't live in Puerto Rico; this itinerary is written 100% by a tourist, with other first-time visitors to San Juan in mind! Castillo San Felipe del Morro by mikndor3. The further I dug into Puerto Rico, the more I wanted to go. San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico is one of the top places to visit and vacation in Puerto Rico, offering world-class attractions, attractive beaches, rich cultural experiences, and great tours to nearby attractions around the island. + Paseo de la Princesa – San Juan, Puerto Rico, + Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, Copyright 2020 | San Juan Puerto Rico.com | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | By using this site you agree to the Terms of Service. Not only on her native Puerto Rico, but also in many different destinations she has visited. Navigate these massive and magnificent fortifications and explore their tunnels, dungeons, ramps, and barracks. Group tours with friendly park rangers are available, or you may walk on your own. This guide is researched, written and published independently of advertisements. Paseo Caribe makes visiting even more interesting, you can stop at various restaurants and shops after seeing the fort. San Juan Wildlife Museum is an excellent educational museum for both adults and children, with exhibits of about 200 mammals with insight on their habitat. Included on the list of “Most Scenic Walks in the World”, this walkway makes it to the top of our list for setting the mood for the start of a wonderful walking tour of Old San Juan. Become a foodie insider with Flavors of San Juan Food & Culture Tours is Puerto Rico’s original food and cultural tour of Old San Juan. Here are 10 things that I did on my recent trip after doing a ton of research on the area. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Try Puerto … Outdoor activities are plentiful, so having fun in the sun is easy. One of the coolest things to do in San Juan. Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico: See Tripadvisor's 83,818 traveler reviews and photos of San Juan attractions. Best Things to Do & Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Best Things to Do in San Juan, Capital City of Puerto Rico, Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in San Juan, Rico, We hope you enjoy your visit to San Juan Puerto Rico. Here are some of the best things to do in this Caribbean capital. We welcome your feedback. Head to. $4 – Children up to 12 years old, students & seniors 65 + years. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Whether you’re a history buff or not, you’ll want to spend a few hours inside. Tour the history-packed San Juan, zip line through a tropical rainforest, and hit the beach. Old San Juan is like a giant museum with many attractions easily accessible by foot. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in San Juan, Caribbean on Tripadvisor: See 84,199 traveler reviews and photos of San Juan tourist attractions. The Museum Includes: Permanent exhibits about the history of San Juan, temporary exhibits & an amphitheater. Explore the treasures of this colonial-yet-cosmopolitan city. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Bring your camera for the hundreds of gorgeous photo ops, with the San Juan Bay as the perfect background. Day trip to Vieques' bioluminescent bay and Culebra's white sand beaches. Head to Ashford Avenue in Condado, for boutiques and a few high-end stores. Cowabunga, dudes. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The ideal time to visit the area would be during April as the temperatures are between 75°F (24°C) and 84°F (29°C). San Cristóbal is bigger and one of the top 5 must-see attractions on the island. On an island of millions of people, San Juan is an exciting and unique destination. 1. More about San Juan National Historic Site attractions. This 6-level fort is magical both inside and out and is the most popular fort in San Juan. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. San Juan is a capital city that is filled with hundreds of years of culture and history. There are countless historical and cultural activities to do in San Juan, so no matter how long your visit (whether a weekend city break or a Spring Break holiday), it’s a great city for any type of traveler. Travelers favorites include #1 Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques), #2 Old San Juan and more. The best day trips from San Juan according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the most popular things to do in San Juan with kids? Get a popsicle at Senor Paleta. This area is a popular cruise destination and one of the most frequently visited by tourists in Puerto Rico. You want to look up constantly at the adorned wrought-iron balconies of colonial homes painted in bright or pastel colors. You can explore Old San Juan on your own, if you’re short on time and wish to make the most of your time in Old San Juan, we recommend you book a walking tour. Entry to the fort is not allowed, you’ll be observing it from the. Do you like cookies? We don’t accept payments in exchange for favorable reviews. 2. Old San Juan is an amazing blend of cultures and food options. 3. The best outdoor activities in San Juan according to Tripadvisor travelers are: What are the best day trips from San Juan? Puerto Rico ⏐ San Juan Puerto Rico ⏐ Best Things to Do in San Juan. Its capital, San Juan, sits right on the Atlantic coast. Stay at a beachfront hotel so you can simply walk to the beach and have easy access to great restaurants and beachside entertainment. Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot  – biggest indoor arena in Puerto Rico. Ranking of the top 19 things to do in Puerto Rico. Again, make sure to bring your camera while exploring all levels of the fort. Today Cuartel Ballaja is a cultural center housing Museo de Las Americas, a coffee shop, restaurant, dance school and some offices. Feel free to. Despite Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico is still safe to visit. Below we have a list of things to do in San Juan and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. Whether you want to just sit on a lounge chair and relax or be actively doing water sports, San Juan has a beach for you. Then walk and eat some more! 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.. places to visit and vacation in Puerto Rico. This list of things to not do is brought to you by Yina from My Nomad Tips. (with visit to El Yunque), See all day trips from San Juan on Tripadvisor, See all kid friendly things to do in San Juan on Tripadvisor. Most people don’t connect visiting a cemetery with a Caribbean vacation, but it is definitely worth visiting this Puerto Rican landmark. Inside the museum, you can enjoy art exhibits rotated regularly. Surfing: Jot this activity down in your trip planner. From the nearby rainforest to relaxing poolside stays, there are plenty of things to do in San Juan. San Juan is the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean, chosen as a stop by major cruise lines, giving cruisers world-class attractions and rich cultural experiences that can easily be done by simply walking across the piers. In San Juan, Puerto Rico one local favorite is the Plaza de Armas, the original main square for the city. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Covering 27 acres, this is the largest Spanish fort in the New World and an architectural masterpiece, allowing you to travel back 500 years, it is a must-see during your visit to Old San Juan. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Because of that, San Juan is perhaps the closest thing to a foreign vacation an American can take without ever leaving American soil, and the top 10 things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico are worth the trip on their own. Here you will learn more specifics about San Juan, the places you can visit in and near the city … + Best Beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico.