San Juan

Travel Guide
San Juan
Visit Puerto Rico’s capital to sunbathe on white-sand beaches, shop in stylish boutiques and explore historic buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Enjoy a tropical beach vacation in San Juan and explore the many historic sites in one of the oldest cities in the Americas.

The oldest part of the city, known as Old San Juan (El Viejo San Juan), is a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. Here, you’ll find many of the city’s most popular attractions, historic buildings, restaurants and shops.

Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which has a wide range of exhibits, regular cultural events and a beautiful botanical garden. Just a short walk away is the Catedral de San Juan where you can attend a Spanish mass or view the final resting place of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer and the first Governor of Puerto Rico.

No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the San Juan National Historic Site. This massive complex is World Heritage listed and includes many of the city’s defensive walls and fortresses. Plan to spend several hours here as you can explore dungeons and tunnels, and climb towers for 140-feet-(42-meter) high views of the city.

San Juan is well known for its excellent shopping, so make the time to wander along the Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan’s popular shopping street. You’ll find famous international boutiques alongside merchants selling local goods.

Those looking to relax on the beach should head east of Old San Juan to Isla Verde. This beach is close to the main attractions, but far enough away to be a good place for some peace and quiet. For those with children, Luquillo Beach, where coral reefs protect a lagoon, is a great option.

Despite severe traffic congestion, residents and visitors to San Juan primarily travel by car, although a free tourist trolley runs in Old San Juan. Some areas offer a metro system and public buses, but the best option for visitors is usually either walking the shorter distances or taking advantage of a local trolley or taxi service.

Where to stay in San Juan

San Juan

Old San Juan

4.5/5(354 area reviews)

The fascinating museums and captivating waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Old San Juan. A stop by Port of San Juan or Pier 1 might round out your trip.

Old San Juan
Condado

Condado

4.5/5(760 area reviews)

Oceanfront and upscale, Condado boasts picturesque beaches alongside hotels, nightclubs, casinos, and shops. Stroll through La Ventana al Mar park, and enjoy easy access to public transport via T21 and D53 bus routes.

Condado
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico showing street scenes

Santurce

Bask in the sun on Atlantic Ocean beaches and experience vibrant nightlife at La Placita de Santurce, while exploring museums like the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico. Enjoy easy access to public transportation via bus lines and the Tren Urbano.

Santurce
San Juan Cemetery

San Juan Antiguo

4.5/5(1,143 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of San Juan Antiguo. Make a stop by Port of San Juan or Castillo de San Cristobal while you're exploring the area.

San Juan Antiguo
San Juan showing a sandy beach, a city and tropical scenes

Ocean Park

4.5/5(274 area reviews)

Upscale beachfront community with trendy beachgoers, Ocean Park offers kitesurfing and windsurfing opportunities. Stroll along Calle Loíza for bars, restaurants, and boutiques or unwind at nearby Parque Barbosa.

Ocean Park
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Miramar

4/5(155 area reviews)

Characterized by quiet streets and mature shade trees, this historical district boasts the Puerto Rico Convention Center, Isla Grande Airport, and Club Nautico. Just a short distance from Old San Juan and Condado, future plans include improved walkability and train connections.

Miramar
Condado Ocean Club - Adults Only
Condado Ocean Club - Adults Only
4 out of 5
1045 Avenida Doctor Ashford, San Juan, PR
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩356,570 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
₩356,570
₩458,613 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in San Juan. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,210 reviews)
"Staff is amazing!"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Condado Ocean Club - Adults Only
Costa Bahia Hotel Paseo Caribe
Costa Bahia Hotel Paseo Caribe
3.5 out of 5
1 Calle San Gerónimo, San Juan, San Juan
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₩175,122 per night from Nov 11 to Nov 12
₩175,122
₩190,883 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 11 - Nov 12
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,701 reviews)
"All good 👍"

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024

Costa Bahia Hotel Paseo Caribe
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
4.5 out of 5
1309 Ashford Avenue, San Juan
The price is ₩431,850 per night from Dec 4 to Dec 5
₩431,850
₩578,551 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 4 - Dec 5
Book a stay at this beach hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,158 reviews)
"This property was very nice and clean and the staff was very courteous and helpful."

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2024

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
San Agustin Apartments
San Agustin Apartments
3 out of 5
200 C. San Agustín, San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (182 reviews)
"I like the convenience to be able to walk to the restaurants, grocery store, and the Morro. Everything was walkable distance customer service amazing the only thing I didn’t like is that there’s no TV in the bedroom only in the living room. I would stay there again."

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2024

San Agustin Apartments
Old San Juan Rentals
Old San Juan Rentals
3.5 out of 5
251 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, Netflix, and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (436 reviews)
"Amazing property, very well located at the city center, walk distance to main atractions and restaurants, beds were super super confortable. Good in general."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

Old San Juan Rentals
Lofts At San Agustin
Lofts At San Agustin
3 out of 5
207 C. San Agustín, San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (102 reviews)
"Love the Location"

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

Lofts At San Agustin
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of San Juan

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2604
" "5 - Excellent 63.6986301369863%
4 - Good
1211
" "4 - Good 29.623287671232877%
3 - Okay
229
" "3 - Okay 5.601761252446184%
2 - Disappointing
29
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7093933463796478%
1 - Terrible
15
" "1 - Terrible 0.3669275929549902%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent city, highly recommended.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

I love San Juan.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

they should clean the city

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It’s not an area I’m dying to go back to right away.

5/5 - Excellent

Angelle

Great vacation! Definitely would suggest!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A great place to visit with great ,warm and friendly people and the place to discover :)

Cities near San Juan