Top Things to do in San Juan
The 10 Best Free Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture. Get to know its roots by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists mostly of Spanish colonial buildings. Flesh out your self-guided history lesson with a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then reward yourself with a cooling dip at Luquillo or Carolina Beach, then a tasty tour of the Bacardi rum plant.
Restaurants in San Juan
1. Old San Juan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,304 reviews
Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm.
Reviewed By MaryannL521 - Fair Oaks, United States
Old San Juan is beyond charming. There is so much history here, great architecture, landmarks, cobblestone streets, wonderful food, great museums, El Morro and San Cristobol, beautiful parks and plazas and lovely residential streets. We walked everywhere but also rode the free trolley. There are three trolley lines that will take you almost anywhere in the old city. A good place to begin is to stop at one of the many Tourist Information Centers. We found the one directly across from Pier One to be the most helpful. Here we got a list of museums and their hours as well as a self guided walking tour and directions to take the ferry to Casa Bacardi. Don't miss the San Juan Gate, Fortaleza Street, the cathedral, the San Juan Historic Cemetery and the Paseo de la Princesa. Enjoy!
2. Paseo de la Princesa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,216 reviews
This restored 19th-century esplanade is the place to begin your stroll through Old San Juan, because of its central location and its inexhaustible charm.
Reviewed By JoeNathan9249 - Saint Paul, United States
Beautiful walk along the harbor. Lovely little playground (please see below) along with lovely walk through plants) and a very nice fountain
3. La Puerta de San Juan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,029 reviews
Four centuries ago this gate was the main entrance into the city.
Reviewed By JeanneCristello11 - Philadelphia, United States
The La Princesa path leads to La Puerta de San Juan or San Juan Gate. This was the colonial entrance to the walled city of San Juan, created to closely monitor its visitors and protect the city. The Gate is located near San Juan Cathedral, convenient for the many travelers wishing to pray after their safe journey. Written at the top of the Gate is "Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini," a portion of a Catholic hymn that translates to "Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord." This was designed to remind each person entering San Juan that God was important. There you can see a drawing depicting the San Juan Gate and beach area during colonial times next to the area today.
4. Calle de la Fortaleza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
A bustling street full of shops and boutiques.
Reviewed By G8104EAjanetd
The umbrellas weren’t up when we went, but the street was covered with a large Puerto Rican flag. The street was also closed off and you couldn’t go down near the Governor’s Mansion. There are however, a lot of great shops, restaurants and bars along the street and it’s very lively all day and night.
5. La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Visitors can take guided tours through this World Heritage Site, a 40-room mansion completed in 1540 that was used to defend against foreign invaders.
Reviewed By lobstaluva - Springfield, United States
This beautiful blue mansion, facing San Juan Harbor, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 1500s as a fortress, it is now the residence and working offices of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Half hour tours are free of charge! It includes parts of the mansion, chapel, dungeons and gardens with great views. In 1846 the facade was changed to give it a more palatial look instead of military. It is the oldest functioning executive mansion in the Western Hemisphere.
6. Ocean Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
A serene and charming beachfront neighborhood.
Reviewed By robynmichelet - Menomonie, United States
We stayed in an airbnb in Ocean Park. It was a very nice and safe neighborhood with lots of restaurants within walking distance and an easy uber ride to Old San Juan.
7. La Rogativa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
A monument portraying a San Juan legend.
Reviewed By JeanneCristello11 - Philadelphia, United States
This statue is located in one of the most beautiful parts of San Juan. To the right of the statue are 180-degree views of the San Juan Bay. La Rogativa translates to "The Procession". This bronze statue was created by Lindsay Daen to represent the legend of a Catholic Bishop leading women through the street during the British invasion, singing religious songs and carrying torches pleading for God's help, as shown in the statue. The British army mistook this procession as the backup from the Spanish army and retreated from the city. This is known as the first time local islanders fought for their island and commemorates the success of driving out the British. Nearby, the Caleta de las Monjas street offers some of the most beautiful views in San Juan.
8. Calle del Cristo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
"That shopping street," as known to cab drivers; a tourist must.
Reviewed By rduinc - Saint Louis, United States
Cool street with several restaurants, bars, boutique hotels, and shops. Catedral de San Juan Batista and Plaza de la Catedral also located here. Well worth a visit. We did not have a car, but from what it appeared, parking could be challenging.
9. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,390 reviews
Built in 1540 and the site where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed, the the Catedral de San Juan is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture.
Reviewed By orioles833 - West Chester, United States
Stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, crosses, altars, stained glass windows, and an assortment of other items inside a beautiful, historic Catholic church. There's something special about walking inside a 500 year old building, and it's even more profound when it's a church. We only spent about 45 minutes here, as we were short on time, but we could have easily spent 2 hours here in total awe of such a amazing place.
10. Calle San Sebastian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
A lively strip of cafes and bars - and well-dressed pretty people.
Reviewed By 314159hm - Hartford, United States
This street near the top of the old city’s hill is home to a mural depicting Pedro Albizu Campos, martyred hero of the island’s freedom movement. It is my ritual to visit it every time I return to San Juan and meditate quietly on our tragic yet hope-filled history. At night the street is a river of bars and loud salsa music, celebrating the now: without irony, without contradiction. Vivas!
