What is San Juan?
The Caribbean Sea is really a nature gift to visitors even for those who want to spend precious time under United States best islands such as Turks and Caicos or St. Lucia. In that list, today we’re going to explain about the country’s most underrated yet most interesting island city called “San Juan”.
San Juan is the capital and largest city of Puerto Rico, part of the Caribbean Sea filled with charming streets, beaches, rainforests, best historic sites (Spanish influenced architectures), restaurants and bars. But what backpackers really need to understand about this city unlike other island cities, San Juan blends historical, natural and cultural aspects which fulfill every visitor’s intention, no matter what your purpose of visit is.
But taking brave steps to enjoy things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico is quite a puzzle. There are a lot of things adventure backpackers can do and don’t. So, understanding what are the things you can do here in this city will be the ultimate goal. Therefore we came with the most valuable insight about what are the unique things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico within your limited period of time.
10 Unique Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico
1. Take Walk in Old San Juan Streets
Starting your day from the city’s old town is a really cool idea. San Juan’s Old Town is filled with friendly walkable streets where visitors do leisurely walk amidst its colorful attractions. Each time walking its streets it exhibits different sides of the San Juan such as Spanish colonial architecture, charming plazas, historic forts and cobblestone roads.
Streets founded by the Spanish colonists during 1521, but today place stand as the major hub of historic and architectural evidence. But visitor’s one thing truly observed here in this city is its blue cobblestones. These are iconic attractions of the city paved with blue bricks during industrial slag. While walking its streets you’ll be much blessed to see historic mansions, bougainvillaea, defense fortifications like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Calle Fortaleza.
If you’re an art lover or simply stroll to look at the city’s unique architectural or brilliant paintings, Old San Juan streets are a perfect place for you. The town is filled with pastel painted buildings, wrought iron balconies and walking friendly blue cobblestone streets making it perfect spots to grab photos to your camera.
Do not stop walking until you get to the city’s lively plazas, cafes, or bars. Remember the old town of San Jana is filled with the most beautiful shops, galleries, artisan markets where visitors can buy locally handmade crafts or souvenir stuff.
2. Enjoy Your Time at Paseo de la Princesa
Your list of things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico must add Paseo de la Princesa. Exploring some of the iconic attractions here in Paseo de la Princesa is another duty of a backpacker to indulge its rich historical heritage of the city.
Constructed in 1853, where visitors are freely allowed to walk along its beautiful waterfront, considered as the most scenic stroll in San Juan city. During your journey it is very important to spend some time with The Raices Fountains and San Juan Gate. The Raices fountain is 1992’s sculpture fountain representing local identity and cultural symbolising of European, African and Taino authority. If you pass a little further, there is another attraction like Puerta de San Juan eagerly waiting for you. Once served as a main entrance to the city, but today they allow us to see its brilliant architectural works.
Most of the place attractions fall to 19th century architecture, including its Plaza Licenciado Eugenio. Adhered to the old city wall and it helps you to walk along the old gate of the city to see the city’s epic fountains, shady trees and easy to buy local craft items and grab snacks.
Take a stop at Paseo, often called a centre of cultural activity, where strollers find handmade souvenirs, soak its lively atmospheres and take some breath-taking photos with your family.
Try to eat Puerto Rican cuisines at its popular Princesa Gastrobar restaurant and attend any local live music venues to experience the city’s travel vibes.
3. Relax at Condado Beach
Condalo Beach San Juan city’s most visited and relaxing gateway to backpackers especially for those who like skiing and walking along sea shores. Spending your precious time in this lively atmosphere and beachfront resort can be a ultimate things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
The beach often serves resort experiences with ultimate marine life and water activities. Visitors see long stretches of golden sand where they easily surf and parasailing above turquoise waters. However Condado Beach is well known for its calm water and line of palm trees, ideal for paddleboarding, jet skiing and swimming.
Make sure that there are some precautionary measures travelers must be aware of. Condado Lagoon is the best place to do most of your activities here (try to avoid going to deeper or longer sea areas). Lagoons help you to do kayak and paddleboarding as well as a better place to avoid extreme risk activities like surfing or jet skiing.
Even today a lot of visitors get the same feeling as what Miami Beach is offering. Beach welcoming atmospheres really impress every visitor, there are some shopping boutiques, colorful nightlife, yoga classes, high end restaurants/bars and some activities which really match the Miami Beach vibe and charm.
4. Visit EI Morro
Another popular destination in the Old Town is often called Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Your entire purpose of finding the best place to see the city’s brilliant historic heritages EI Morro always sits on top. EI Morro is a 16th century Spanish citadel primarily built as a military base above 140 feet from the Atlantic Ocean.
Your duty here is to take a small leisure stroll or guided walking tour to explore inside history, forts and some historical treasure. If you’re going with your guided tour he’ll explain briefly about its underground and how and why Spanish rulers took over this island and established a military base here. While spending time at its military base you’ll get a great opportunity to get a clear idea about Spanish American war history.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site made according to the “never defeat” idea. Constructed according to a maze-like layout which helps resist massive enemy naval sea attacks. However its stonewall play a very crucial role when it comes to protections of EI Morro.
The interior is a really cool place to see battements and cannons. Each of the war equipements are displayed systemately, everything explaining the role and importance made during the war. From the top of EI Morro’s walls visitors easily enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding Atlantic oceans and even Old San Juan.
5. Walk in La Perla Neighbourhood
San Juan has some of the country’s best neighbourhoods which allow you to discover every part of the city’s attractions. In the same way, the La Perla neighbourhood is most recommended to head on while you are looking to enjoy local art and music or any glimpse of the culture of San Juan.
Located just outside of the historic city walls (old San Juan), once you start walking its streets, neighbourhood present the city’s most beautiful, colorful homes, street arts and offers breathtaking views of the coastal bay throughout your journey.
Besides that, there are a lot of things travelers can expect within this vibrant neighbourhood, but the perfect coastal setting is the more eye-catching one. Take a stop at the “Malecón”– colorful coastal edge to see city walls and surrounding colorfully decorated homes and streets. Continue your walking to get great views of Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
City’s rich street art collections, such as murals, rooftop displays, painted facades, painted walls, and some visual identity at every point of the neighbourhood. If you’re photography enthusiastic, it is a good idea to bring your camera to capture the most crazy and eye-catching street art before starting your walk.
If you haven’t visited or discovered places like the Museum of San Juan or EI Bowl and community ventures, then this is the perfect time to do so. Colectivo Perlarte a renowned local art studio to see locally influenced art works. Visit La 39 to enjoy Sunday evening live music and dancing events. Try to eat La Garita for a better dining experience with sweeping views of the ocean.
6. Discover Puerto Rican Art at Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
In the list of unique things to do in San Juan Puerto, discovering unique and interesting native Puerto Rican art collections make more value to your journey. Housed around 24 dedicated galleries that heartily welcomes visitors to see 17th century old paintings, sculptures, photography and some century old masterpieces.
Constructed in 1996, today holds more than 1,000 art works, most of them created by popular artists from Puerto Rico. The museum is massive and contains 24 galleries, visitors can choose any sort of gallery according to which one to discover. The building’s east wing features a stained glass piece that mostly presents the island’s colonial history. However, the museum’s small koi fish pond and mini sculptures must add things to your museum journey.
Most of the museum’s art pieces are made by the native artists such as Jose Campeche and Franscisco Oller. Augusto Marin EL Grito de Lares is the most prominent collection here.
To enter Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico visitors need to pay $15 for adults and $9 for kids (more than 4). Museums open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Backpackers can expect some thematic exhibits, temporary exhibit programmes within the museum. If you’re interested in learning how to make poetry, concerts or wish to be part of any contemporary dance programmes, then visit its official website and book your ticket today.
7. Explore its Massive Rainforest
Puerto Rico is home to a massive tropical rainforest region making it the only massive tropical rainforest in the entire U.S. forest systems. If you’re looking to take a tour away from San Juan city to indulge in native rich natural beauty, then this rainforest is the perfect spot for you.
Located just 14 minute’s drive from the centre of the San Juan, where the most famous EI Yunque natural forest awaits you to enjoy the region’s most epic hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, native flora and fauna and breathtaking tropical sceneries. Once you start walking within EI Yunque national park you’ll be very fortunate to see more than 240 species of trees, orchids, and ferns.
Out of its total 29,000 acres of reserve areas, plenty of hiking trails are available to nature enthusiastics. If you like nature walking, take a stroll to see natural pools, La Mina Falls and simply feel the romantic mountain breezes.
Besides, EI Yunge, Puerto Rico rainforest combined with many other smaller protected reserves such as Carite forest and Toro Negro Forest. Both forest areas are an ideal location to make your first high altitude trails, see cloud forests, and swim at natural pools and crystalline swimmings.
8. Appreciate Architecture of San Juan Cathedral
There are plenty of architectural buildings and historical artefacts spread across the city, but particularly exploring and appreciating the unique architecture of the San Juan Cathedral is the most crucial things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. San Juan Cathedral is the oldest and most historically significant cathedral in the US.
San Juan Cathedral located in the heart of the Old San Juan historic district, stands as resting place of Juan Ponce De León and Martyr San Pio. The cathedral stands 19th century architectural legacy features of both Gothic and Neo classical architectural styles. When you enter inside of this cathedral you’ll see vaulted ceilings, murals, paintings, stained glass windows and high altar and some frescoes in a major part of the building.
However, Cathedral Bell Tower is a major attraction facing Calle de San Jóse. It looks like a circular stone staircase primarily used during war time as a warming system. It’s Neoclassical Facade, the most interesting one made after earthquakes, looks like a crisp and whitewashed exterior under neoclassical design.
The cathedral was built in 1521, but due to some natural disaster major parts were destroyed and again they were rebuilt in 1529. Besides being a rich architectural landmark, the cathedral once stood as a major relief station, the island’s great Catholic religion centre and cultural hub to the San Puerto people.
9. Enjoy Your Time at Bioluninescent Bay
If you’re coming with your family/kids and looking to start your day at San Juan at most interesting place, then Bioluninescent Bay is an ideal place to start your things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico. Located in the Fajardo town where a shallow lagoon surrounded by the mangrove forest and where thousands of bioluminescent microorganism’s flash bright blue lights appearing when water is upset.
Laguna Grande in Fajardo is the most visited and recommended place to do your Bioluninescent tour. Visitors expect paddle service through dark mangrove areas during night time to watch a dark millions of glowing plankton. However, paddle helps you to discover most remote areas of mangrove forest areas to find bright blue glow water while microscopic dinoflagellates process. Kayaking is also an ideal activity to enjoy the changing color of the water.
Interestingly water will emit neon blue flash and turn its colour even when water is disturbed by swimming, splashing or paddling too. Visit Cabeza de San Juan Nature Reserve to see thousands of flash bright blue water.
To enjoy your Bioluninescent Bay you better to book a valid Bioluninescent Tour. Book your tour at GetYourGuide for more and better experience with the price range of $70-$120. Choose a combo pack if you’re going with your family.
Laguna Grande in Fajardo is close to San Juan city and you can reach it just by taking 1 hour shuttle service. In addition to Lagan Grande, Puerto Rico is home to other popular bioluminescent sites like Mosquito Bay in Vieques and La Paraguera id Lajas.
10. Eat Authentic Puerto Rican Food
San Juan is full of renowned restaurants that serve authentic Puerto Rican cuisines like Mofongo and lechón. Most of the food you’re going to eat majorly influenced by Spanish, African and Taino traditions. If your primary purpose of things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico is to make a successful culinary trip, then is it a good idea to know what to eat in San Juan and where?
Take a walk in Pinones Broadwalk where good numbers of restaurants and street food stalls are lined one by one. Each one serving traditional Puerto Rican foods like bacalaito, alcapurrrias, and succulent roasted pork and Mofongo dishes.
Try to eat Mofongo, a classical food in this region made through mashed fried plantains mixed with garlic, pork and broth serve as both a side and main dish. To eat your first Mofongo in the city, it is better to head to Cafe Caleta or Cocina restaurants. In addition to Mofongo, Pernil, Alcapurrias, Tostones, Tembleque and Arroz con Gandules are major food options to try.
Visit La Vergüenza to enjoy your evening cocktail under its lively settings and great view options. Its friendly terrace and bustling nightlife make it a great stopping point within Old San Juan city. Anita Gelato, a unique gelato shop available in both Old San Juan and Condado locations, often known for its friendly atmospheres and scoops. Don’t forget to grab your cheesecake caramel, traditional chocolate or strawberry mascarpone to try.
When to Visit?
Visiting San Juan could be varied from person to person and what kind of things they can do in San Juan. But March to June is a more ideal time to make most of your activities and things. This season blends less travel crowds, quieter streets makes your travel more budget friendly and convenient. In June month many traditional festivals and beachgathering are held, admire yourself for spending more time on the beach and cultural activities.
Try to avoid visiting between December to March, when more travel enthusiastics are coming and it may affect your trip ideas.
Is San Juan Really Safe to Visit?
To this questions our straight answer is “yes”. After we did basic research and past travel records of the city, we came to know that the city had a lower rate of travel scams and travel related crimes.
But what we suggest to every backpacker before stepping into the land of San Juan is that, some places are widely secure and some are not. Places like Old San Juan, La Perla Neighbourhood (day time), beach areas, Condado, Ocean broadwalks, old town streets, Isla Verde are perfectly safe to travel even for solo visitors. I think all these neighbourhoods and attractions added in our list of things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
Avoid traveling to places like more crowded areas, don’t make any changes in your travel plan so often and skip to visit more isolated areas or late night walking. Choose any valid guides or book your transportations from trusted sources like Uber, so it gives you more confidence and offers credibility.
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