Things to do in San Juan
San Juan is the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean and a major tourist destination for North American travellers. It is a city with much to offer its visitors: the beauty and history of the old town, artistic treasures of the Museo de Arte and sun-soaked beaches only minutes from the city centre.
The best way to see the sights and experience the city's attractions is to take a walking tour; either using a guidebook or professional guide. The city is compact and flat, meaning it's ideal to explore on foot. Travellers can take regular rests at the charming piazzas while exploring the old town. Also, the area can get busy and crowded as the day wears on.
High tourist season is from December to April, while June to November is far quieter. A note of caution though is that the island can experience hurricanes during this period.
Old San Juan
Encompassing about seven blocks, this area dates back about 500 years to the Spanish occupation when it served as a military stronghold that even withstood Sir Francis Drake's armi…
Fort San Felipe del Morro
Built in 1540, the mighty six-level fortress of San Felipe del Morro towers 140 feet (43m) above the sea on San Juan Bay, its 18-foot thick (5m) walls having proved a worthy defenc…
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza was built in 1540 as a fortress to guard the entrance to the San Juan harbour, but later became the official residence of the governor. During the following centuries,…
Museo de Arte
Puerto Rico's showcase art gallery is housed in a former city hospital in Santurce and offers a permanent and visiting exhibition. The aim is to highlight the island's heritage thr…
Caribbean National Forest (El Yunque)
The Caribbean National Forest, 35 miles (56km) east of San Juan, is the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Park system and was named El Yunque by the Spanish. I…
Casa Bacardi Visitor Centre
Undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Puerto Rico, a trip to the Casa Bacardi Visitor Centre is a must for travellers to San Juan. Following exile from Cuba in the 1950…
Isla Verde
Isla Verde is San Juan's trendiest area and home to many of its best beach resorts and upmarket hotels. The area's name is inspired by the colour of the water in its bay: a rich gr…