Top Things to do in San Juan
Countries
Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Best Neighborhoods
The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture. Get to know its roots by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists mostly of Spanish colonial buildings. Flesh out your self-guided history lesson with a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then reward yourself with a cooling dip at Luquillo or Carolina Beach, then a tasty tour of the Bacardi rum plant.
Restaurants in San Juan
1. Old San Juan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,304 reviews
Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm.
Reviewed By MaryannL521 - Fair Oaks, United States
Old San Juan is beyond charming. There is so much history here, great architecture, landmarks, cobblestone streets, wonderful food, great museums, El Morro and San Cristobol, beautiful parks and plazas and lovely residential streets. We walked everywhere but also rode the free trolley. There are three trolley lines that will take you almost anywhere in the old city. A good place to begin is to stop at one of the many Tourist Information Centers. We found the one directly across from Pier One to be the most helpful. Here we got a list of museums and their hours as well as a self guided walking tour and directions to take the ferry to Casa Bacardi. Don't miss the San Juan Gate, Fortaleza Street, the cathedral, the San Juan Historic Cemetery and the Paseo de la Princesa. Enjoy!
2. Ocean Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
A serene and charming beachfront neighborhood.
Reviewed By robynmichelet - Menomonie, United States
We stayed in an airbnb in Ocean Park. It was a very nice and safe neighborhood with lots of restaurants within walking distance and an easy uber ride to Old San Juan.
3. La Plaza del Mercado Santurce
4. La Placita de Santurce
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
LaPlacita de Santurce is a muststop for anyone visiting Puerto Rico. It was founded more than 100 years ago asa two-tiered market square, full of shops to buy fruit, vegetables, meat,medical offices and much more. Now, in the day it functions like a market placewith some open restaurants and in the night from 6:00 in the afternoon theFamous "Placita de Santurce" comes tolife. There are recognized restaurants and local kiosk that sell fried foods likeempanadillas, alcapurrias and bacalaitos.From Thursday to Sunday the atmosphere increases in the Placita. Here you can dance salsa or merengue with live music,listen to jazz, rock band, sing karaoeke or have a good time in the night clubs. History, food and nightlife all in one place.
Reviewed By DrSoulpr - San Juan, Caribbean
This Placita “townhall” offers the best to all because during the day they sell from clothes, plants, coffee, to tabaco cigars and fruits/meat etc and at an early night the restaurants and bars (more than 20) open their sides to the public. Sometimes they have live music and people are dancing on the streets!! I live walking from here and love it because you can walk to the beach, two museums and two supermarkets in a radius of 15 minutes walking!! Every last Saturday a man comes with baked good that are delicious Pedro Alejandro makes the best “pastelillos de bacalao” and “guava pastries” I’ve ever tasted!
5. Calle Loiza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
The dining scene is currently booming. San Loiza Street is a bona fide art scene in the neighborhood of Santurce, and with it, a vibrant area renewal. The center of this is Calle Loiza, also known as San Juan’s own hipster headquarters. Loiza Street starts at the corner of the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan at Gallery Plaza and stretches between the tourist hubs of Condado and Isla Verde.
Reviewed By shelleyc543 - Tulsa, United States
I had a fabulous brunch at Vianda, and asked if there was a district whereby where I could do some shopping that was authentic/interesting and not what I could find at home. She directed me to Calle Loiza, which was exactly what I was looking for. I stopped at Vice Versa, a vintage shop, and purchased a few pieces to take home. I also bought my son a shirt at the Sixne Concept Store, which was hip enough for a 15-year-old, but still remarkably well-priced. I made the mistake of continuing to walk beyond Calle Loiza to Ashford Avenue, and that's time I won't get back. Let me be a cautionary tale. Stick with Calle Loiza.
6. Santurce
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 72 reviews
This San Juan neighborhood is just southeast of the old city.
Reviewed By lisacmoran
Visit Santurce for a taste of true Puerto Rican urban arts and culture. Walk the streets and check out the stunning murals and end at La Placita, the market that turns into a nighttime festival Thursday through Sunday. We missed the market because we arrived too late but loved the music, food and drinks of the street fest in the square. This is off the usual beaten tourist path but one of the best ways to experience the fun of this friendly island!
7. SoFo
8. Gems & Metals
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
Jewelry store for the gemstone lover! Learn about gems while shopping a unique selection of local jewelry. Get something nice for yourself or as a gift! Custom designs + jewelry repair service available.
