Heres what you should know about visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“San Juan is the perfect destination.
Even after hundreds of years of history, it feels like now is the time to visit San Juan.
A pedestrian street in San Juan.Credit:Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Best Things to Do
Admire age-old architecture.
Seek out local art.
Sip local rum.
Guest room in Condado Vanderbilt.Courtesy of Condado Vanderbilt
Hit the beach.
Get outdoors.
The beach isn’t the only reason to get outdoors in San Juan.
A person swimming in El Yunque National Park.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Reyes recommends paddleboarding in Laguna del Condado, or even “more adventurous activities like night kayaking.”
Less than an hour from the city is Puerto Rico’s lush tropical heart,El Yunque National Forest.
While innovative, it’s imbued with a deep respect for traditional flavors and culinary heritage in every bite.
Several dishes from Cocina al Fonda.Gabi Perez/Courtesy of Cocina al Fondo
The lush garden patio dining room is particularly romantic at night with live music.
There’s no a la carte menu here, just different tasting menu options.
Fuel the party with friedalcapurriasandpastelillosfromLa Alcapurria Quemaor any of the numerous eateries in the area.
Interior of La Factoria.Courtesy of La Factoria
Everyone from Bad Bunny and Ozuna to Feid name-dropsFifty Eightin the lyrics of their biggest hits.
Dimly lit and salsa-filled, it manages to feel like a local haunt despite its fame.
Jump on a local-led excursion with Patria Tours for an enlightening historical and cultural background.
Old San Juan’s colorful buildings.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Hotels on the beach make Isla Verde ideal for a fly-and-flop, resort-style stay in San Juan.
At its heart is Popular Plaza, illuminated by oversized LED screens and filled with a massive outdoor stage.
This travel high season is also marked by higher prices and beaches busier with travelers escaping colder climates.
People enjoying a sunny day at Castillo San Felipe del Morro.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
A vintage car in San Juan.Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
