Experience a captivating piece of Puerto Rico's history with a visit to the 16th-century El Castillo del Morro, a fortification used to guard San Juan Bay. This architectural gem offers visitors a chance to explore tunnels and barracks built hundreds of years ago.
Explore the colorful streets and charming architecture of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk the well-preserved 16th and 17th-century buildings, learn about past and present Puerto Rico through museums, restaurants, and shops that line the streets.
Delve deeper into the rich history of San Juan with a visit to the San Juan National Historic Site, comprising well-preserved fortifications that tell the tales of European colonialism in Puerto Rico's past. Savor the picturesque views of Castillo de San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro while taking in the beautiful ocean views.
Admire Puerto Rico's art history by visiting Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which features a magnificent collection of contemporary and traditional pieces. Take a self-guided tour through the museum's 24 galleries which showcase a plethora of Caribbean art from Pre-Columbian times up to present day.
Spend your day exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Santurce, the art and culture hub of San Juan. Get lost in the colorful murals, appreciate the street art, and check out the local galleries. Take a walk to one of the most famous landmarks, the towering mural of Julia de Burgos, one of Puerto Rico's greatest poets.
Experience a relaxing day at Piñones, located on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean in the eastern suburb of San Juan. Lounge on the secluded beaches and witness the magnificent rolling waves, along with a variety of traditional Puerto Rican dishes served by the kiosks and food stands on the beach.
For transportation in and around San Juan, the traveler can choose from several options such as taxi or car rental. Uber is also available, while the local bus or trolley offers a more affordable means of exploring the city. While some places are within walking distance, it's important to note that the San Juan metro is currently under construction and not operational. With that said, travelers should expect travel times of up to 20 minutes by car or taxi, and up to an hour for some locations by public transport.
For those with more time, it's worth taking a day trip to the nearby rainforest and visiting the El Yunque National Forest or if you're looking for an adventure, you can go ziplining at Toro Verde Nature Adventure Park, which is around an hour drive from San Juan. If you have less time, consider skipping one of the sites mentioned above, for example, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, and allocating more time to experience San Juan's nightlife or enjoying the stunning beach scenery. When packing, remember to bring some comfortable walking shoes and clothes suitable for a tropical climate!
San Juan has one major airport named Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), located around 13 kilometers southeast of the city center. This airport is modern, with very good facilities, shopping, and dining options. You can take a taxi, Uber, rental car or a public bus to reach the main city center, which takes approximately 20-25 minutes.