7-Day Itinerary for San Juan, Puerto Rico

• Day 1: Old San Juan - Walk on cobblestone streets to see colorful Spanish-style houses, visit the imposing El Morro Castle, Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, and Paseo de la Princesa, a pathway that connects the castle and the waterfront. End the day by watching the sunset at Plaza del Quinto Centenario.
• Day 2: Beaches and Bacardi Distillery - Spend the day basking on the white sandy beaches of Isla Verde or Condado. In the late afternoon, join a guided tour of the Bacardi Distillery, sample their products, and learn the history of the Bacardi family.
• Day 3: Rainforest Adventure - Take a day trip to the El Yunque National Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. Hike one of its many trails to see waterfalls, exotic plants, and wildlife.
• Day 4: Wine and Dine - Start the day with a visit to the Mercado de Santurce, sip Puerto Rico's local coffee, and snack on vibrant tropical fruits. In the evening, indulge in the city's booming food scene. Must-try restaurants include Marmalade, La Jaquita Baya, and 1919.
• Day 5: Casa Bacardi and Art Museum - Visit Casa Bacardi in the morning to delve deeper into the world of rum, then head to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in the afternoon. Take a glimpse of Puerto Rico's art from the 17th century to the present through its ever-changing exhibits.
• Day 6: Flamenco Beach and Bioluminescent Bay - Take a day tour to Culebra Island and enjoy the picturesque Flamenco Beach. End the day by signing up for a magical Bioluminescent Bay Kayak tour, where you'll paddle in a bay that glows blue at night due to the presence of plankton.
• Day 7: Castillo Serralles and Ponce - Take a day trip to Ponce, the second-largest city in the country. Visit Castillo Serralles, a castle-style mansion built in the 1930s, and the Museo de Arte de Ponce, displaying 400 years of European art. On the way back, stop at Barrachina restaurant in Old San Juan and order a Pina Colada.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• El Morro Castle (1-2 hours, $10)
• Bacardi Distillery (2 hours, $15+)
• El Yunque National Rainforest (4-6 hours, $20 for entrance fee)
• Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (2-3 hours, $10)
• Bioluminescent Bay Kayak tour (90 minutes, $50+)
• Castillo Serralles (2-3 hours, $10)
• Barrachina Restaurant (1 hour, $15+)
Total Estimated Costs: $120+

Transportation:

San Juan has reliable public transportation in the form of buses, trolleys, and taxis. Uber and Lyft are available. Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore outside of the city. Travel costs vary depending on your choice of transportation and destination.

Useful tips:

If you have extra time, consider taking day trips to the nearby islands of Vieques and Culebra, known for their beaches and snorkeling. You can also check out Mosquito Bay, another bioluminescent bay located in Vieques. If you only have a short time, skip Day 7.

Airports:

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is the primary airport serving San Juan, located in Carolina, about 5 miles southeast of San Juan. It is the fourth largest airport in the Caribbean and offers direct flights to major US cities, Europe, and Latin America.