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The Best Things to do in San Juan

November 6, 2022 By Travelsauro 1 Comment

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San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is one of the most vibrant destinations in the Caribbean. Wear some good shoes and get ready to walk the streets of this colonial city with Spanish heritage.

Founded in 1521 and formerly known as the “city of Puerto Rico,” this is the second-oldest settlement in the Americas, after Santo Domingo city in the Dominican Republic. Today, San Juan is known for its beautiful architecture, great music and intense nightlife.

Explore the cathedrals, pastel-colored buildings, beautiful balconies, animated squares and huge fortifications of Old San Juan before getting lost in the Latin flavored nightlife.

things to do in san juan streets

The top things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

1- THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

Located in Old San Juan, the second-oldest cathedral in the Americas is a must-see for all those walking the old streets of the capital.

things to do in san juan catedral

things to do in san juan
The streets around the Cathedral of San Juan

2- PLAZA DE ARMAS AND PLAZA SALVADOR BREU

Most activities, such as live music and different shows, are organized in these two squares. Salvador Breu Square has stairs with access to colorful alleys you can wander around.

things to do in san juan plaza breu

things to do in san juan

3- PLAZA COLÓN

One of the most beautiful squares in the city, with several significant buildings on the sides, including the Government Reception Center.

things to do in san juan plaza colon

4- FORT SAN FELIPE DEL MORRO

An impressive sixteenth-century fortification used by the Spaniards to defend themselves against enemies throughout the centuries. Named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, it’s to this day one of the greatest icons of the city.

things to do in san juan fort san felipe

things to do in san juan fort san felipe

5- SANTA MARÍA CEMETERY AND THE DISTRICT OF LA PERLA

Right next to Fort San Felipe, you can see the Santa María Cemetery with the “La Perla” neighborhood in the background. If you want to visit La Perla, I recommend that you go with someone who knows the area because it’s considered a somewhat dangerous neighborhood.

things to do in san juan la perla

6- STROLLING AROUND THE COLORFUL STREETS OF OLD SAN JUAN

This is, in my opinion, the best of all activities: wandering. Old San Juan is actually not that big, so in a few hours you can walk many streets and appreciate the city’s architecture and unique essence.

things to do in san juan streets

things to do in san juan streets

7- PASEO DEL MORRO AND LA PUERTA DE SAN JUAN

If you cross through La Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate), outside the walls you’ll find a lovely walk, in which you can watch the sun set over the sea.

things to do in san juan gate

8- VISIT THE ISLANDS OF CULEBRA AND VIEQUES

These are two of the most spectacular islands in the Caribbean and are not far from San Juan. If you have a couple extra days, I recommend that you visit Vieques or Culebra island for some relaxation after the crazy nightlife of the capital.

Flamenco beach best camping in puerto rico
Flamenco beach in Culebra

Where to go out in San Juan: The nightlife of the city

OLD SAN JUAN

This is certainly most “touristy” part of town, so it has no shortage of bars and clubs in which to party. Although many of the patrons are foreign (especially from the continental U.S.), it’s also a popular area for Puerto Ricans. Tetuan Street is a good place to start the evening, with many bars and terraces, as well as some busking.

things to do in san juan tetuan
Tetuan Street

LA PLACITA

If you want to party as a real Puerto Rican, you have to go to La Placita. It’s out of Old San Juan, but not very far away. The place gets really crowded with people drinking and dancing for hours to the rhythm of salsa.


TRAVEL INSURANCE

I highly recommend that you get a good insurance policy before you visit Puerto Rico. Trusted by thousand of adventurers, World Nomads is one of the best and more reliable options (without breaking your bank).

 

Next Read: Hiking La Soufriere volcano in Saint Vincent


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The best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico


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Travelsauro
Travelsauro

Hi, I’m Miguel; Adventure traveler, scuba diver and hiking lover. I have been traveling the world for the last 12 years and I hope my experiences, photos and hiking routes inspire you to travel the world too.

PUERTO RICO

Comments

  1. Anna says

    August 21, 2019 at 4:36 am

    I want to go to Puero Rico so bad! I met someone from there a few months ago and he made me want to visit even more! I will definitely refer to this post in the future!

    Reply

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