35 Best Things to Do in San Juan, PR (By a Local)
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Looking for things to do in San Juan? Fortunately, the city offers some truly epic attractions for every type of visitor. And, as a San Juan local, I know them all well!
Most tourists stick with the top attractions in Old San Juan, but as an island local I know there is a LOT more to discover in other areas like Santurce, Condado, Ocean Park, and Hato Rey.
San Juan is home to many of my favorite things to do in Puerto Rico, so I know how hard it is to choose between all the amazing attractions in San Juan. To help you out, I compiled this local’s list of the absolute best activities to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico – so you don’t miss out on any of the city’s fun!
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Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan
Walk the colorful streets of the capital’s old town
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Old San Juan Walking Tours on Viator
Old San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, and one of the most popular places to visit on the island. The city has multiple historical buildings in San Juan’s historic site that date back to the 16th century when Puerto Rico was under the Spanish Empire’s control.
Old San Juan is home to beautiful colorful Spanish-style houses and national landmarks like El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. Don’t forget to visit main streets like Calle Fortaleza, Calle del Cristo, and Calle San Sebastian.
🛎️ Need a hotel? If you’re wondering about the best hotels and areas in Old San Juan, check out my guide to where to stay in San Juan to find the place that best suits your needs.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Explore one of Puerto Rico’s most famous landmarks
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 729-6960 | Website | Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Mon-Fri, Closed Sat-Sun | Entrance: $10, adults, Free under 15 | 👉 Book El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal Tour on Viator
Castillo San Felipe del Morro is easily the most famous landmark in Puerto Rico. The fort built by the Spaniards in the 16th century protected the north coast of the island from any sea attacks.
El Morro, as it’s popularly known, features multiple floors with barracks, kitchens, storages, an inner courtyard, and fantastic views of the city walls. The lowest level of El Morro gives a great view of the sea.
Castillo San Cristobal
Stand on top of this UNESCO World Heritage Site
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 449-4049 | Website | Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | Entrance: $10 | 👉 Book El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal Tour in Viator
Castillo San Cristóbal is another historical landmark history buffs can’t miss in Old San Juan. Like the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the castle is within the Unesco World Heritage Site. Built in 1634, the Castillo San Cristobal is the largest Spanish fort in the American continent and its purpose was to protect the old city from land attacks.
San Juan Food Tour
Sample some of San Juan’s best delicacies
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book a Food Tour on Viator
Puerto Rican cuisine is something you can’t miss in Puerto Rico. San Juan is home to some of the best restaurants on the island with both local and international flavors.
A visit to Puerto Rico isn’t complete without trying the traditional mofongo and arroz con habichuelas. Some popular eating spots in San Juan include Old San Juan, Condado, Miramar, Santurce, Calle Loíza, and Piñones.
If you would love to try everything there is to Puerto Rican food, book this Old San Juan food tour to enjoy the best of the local cuisine. I recently took it, and it’s one of the highest rated tours in Puerto Rico.
San Juan Bay
Sail through this beautiful bay
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Top San Juan Bay Cruises on Viator
Instead of walking, enjoy the beautiful scenery of San Juan while navigating through San Juan Bay on a boat. While many commercial ships and cruises enter and exit the bay, small boats also take tourists around the San Juan bay while listening to lively music and eating good food.
🚢 Visiting on a Cruise? Check out my guide to the best San Juan excursions.
San Juan’s Beaches
Sunbathe on some of the best beaches in Puerto Rico
Beach lovers don’t have to go outside of San Juan to enjoy the beautiful beaches of Puerto Rico. San Juan’s beaches are some of the best on the island. Condado Beach, Ocean Park, and Escambron Beach are great options to spend the day with family.
Playa Peña is a private beach right in front of El Capitolio and is ideal for a romantic San Juan sunset walk. It’s a great couple activity in Puerto Rico. Isla Verde, although a bit farther, is another great beach option close to San Juan.
👉 Local Tip: The beaches in San Juan are mostly urban beaches and, honestly, can get crowded during the high season. Check out my guide to the best beaches in Puerto Rico to learn about other beaches on the island you can visit, many of which are less crowded!
Salsa Class
Take a salsa class and level up your dancing skills
👉 Browse San Juan Salsa Classes on Viator
When you think of salsa, you probably think of the Caribbean and Puerto Rico! That’s why one of the best things to do in San Juan is to take a salsa class with your partner. Not only will you be learning to dance, but you’ll know more about the local culture and you’ll make new friends.
San Juan’s Iconic Plazas
Hop between the capital’s multiple plazas and see what makes each of them tick
San Juan is home to multiple public plazas filled with the city’s history and culture. Plaza de Armas is one of the most popular plazas in San Juan and is home to frequent activities with local food and Bomba and Plena music ideal for the people that want to blend in with the locals.
👉 Love History? Check out this great San Juan walking tour to visit the most important plazas in Old San Juan, learn about their fascinating history, and finish the day by watching the sunset in El Morro, one of the must-see attractions in Old San Juan.
Festivals
Dive deeper into Puerto Rican culture by experiencing one of San Juan’s best festivals
Old San Juan is home to some of the best concerts, exhibitions, and festivals in Puerto Rico. The most famous festival is Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, also called “San Se”, which is a four-day festival with local artists, music, dancing, and food that party lovers can’t miss.
La Fortaleza
Take a tour of this historical government building
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 721-7000 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 5 pm Mon- Fri, Closed Sat-Sun
La Fortaleza is the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico and is another structure that belongs to San Juan National Historic Site, but not everyone knows that you can take a tour to see it inside. Besides its medieval-looking appearance, La Fortaleza sports a breathtaking interior decoration and a surrounding garden.
Botanical Garden
Relax and connect with nature at this stunning garden
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 758-9957 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 4 pm daily
The Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico is one of the hidden gems of San Juan. This Garden features a Japanese garden, a sculpture garden, and an artificial waterfall.
The Botanical Garden is the ideal place for people who want to step out of the crowds of San Juan and want to connect with nature instead. Due to the pandemic, you have to make a reservation to enter.
Sites & Attractions
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San Juan Cathedral
Visit the historical site
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 722-0861 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Mon-Sat, 8 am – 1 pm Sun
History lovers shouldn’t miss the San Juan Cathedral, one of the best historical things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico.
The beautiful structure, built in 1521, forms part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Besides its historic value, the Cathedral keeps the remains of Juan Ponce de León, the first governor of Puerto Rico.
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis
Check out this gorgeous cemetery
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 480-4617 | Hours: 7 am – 3 pm daily
Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis is more a piece of art than a cemetery. You can see the dozens of beautiful sculptures depicting Christian scenes while listening to waves down splashing outside the cemetery. It also contains the tombs of various famous Puerto Rican figures.
Paseo de La Princesa and Paseo del Morro
Stroll down these historic streets to get a great view of the city walls
If you take a stroll down Paseo de La Princesa, not only will you be able to appreciate the Old San Juan city walls better, but you’ll reach the Puerta de San Juan or San Juan Gate.
This iconic door is the only entrance that stands today from the four doors that originally gave path to the city. If you continue down El Paseo del Morro, you will reach El Morro too.
👉 Love History? If you want to learn about the history behind Paseo de La Princesa, Paseo del Morro, and the famous San Juan Gate, book this awesome walking tour to know how Old San Juan came to be.
San Jose Church
Visit America’s second oldest church
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 918-3800 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5:00 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mon-Tue
The San Jose Church just opened after nine years of restoration, and the results are worth a visit.
The church dates back to 1532 and is an example of Spanish Gothic architecture. You will find beautiful frescos, arches, chandeliers, and paintings inside. Even if you’re not religious, you’ll love this historical building in the heart of San Juan.
Museums & Culture
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Museum of Contemporary Art
Check out one of the best museums in Puerto Rico
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 977-4030 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Wed-Sun, Closed from Monday to Tuesday | Entrance: $5, free for seniors
The Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico is a great stop for people that enjoy contemporary and abstract art. It’s one of the top museums in Puerto Rico and it organizes family events and movie nights almost every weekend. You can find the activity calendar on their social media.
Santurce
Find the street art at this eclectic festival
Every year Santurce hosts a festival called Santurce es Ley that features dozens of international muralists that create art in different corners of San Juan. It’s a great artsy thing to do in San Juan.
Art lovers can’t miss the astonishing murals that stand between common buildings and businesses. While you’re in Santurce, you can also enjoy something to eat at some of the local restaurants.
👉 Local Tip: Although Santurce is safe for visitors, some tourists might feel intimidated walking around the area. If you would rather have a guide take you to see the murals, book this street art in Santurce tour to visit Santurce worry-free.
Museo Las Americas
A museum where even the building itself is loaded with history
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 724-5052 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm Wed-Fri, 11 am – 4 pm Sat-Sun, Closed Monday and Tuesday | Entrance: $6, adults, $4 under 12
El Museo Las Americas is a San Juan museum with history itself. The structure was once the military barracks of the Spanish military and later it was a hospital during the Second World War. Today the museum hosts collections about the history and mixed culture of the American continent.
El Velorio
Find the hidden tokens in the painting
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 763-3939 | Website | Hours: 9 am – 4 pm Monday, Closed Tue-Sun
El Velorio is a painting by Puerto Rican painter Francisco Oller. The huge painting is famous for its hidden tokens and meanings. El Velorio translates as The Funeral and it depicts how people celebrated a child’s funeral in the countryside during the XIX century.
Family-Friendly Things
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San Juan Sip and Paint
Sip on a refreshing drink while you create a masterpiece
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 725-1960 | Website | Hours: 12 pm – 10:00 pm Mon-Sat, Closed Sundays | 👉 Book a San Juan Sip and Paint Activity
Right across the popular Plaza de Armas in San Juan, you’ll find San Juan Sip and Paint. This fun experience allows visitors to create art with the guidance of entertaining and motivating teachers.
Although the group works together to create the same piece, in the end, each student finishes up with a unique piece they can take home. The best part of San Juan Sip and Paint is that you don’t need any experience! All you need is the will to have fun.
It’s a great thing to do while on a family vacation in Puerto Rico.
San Juan’s Chorritos
Refresh yourself after a long day of sightseeing
In Plaza del Centenario in San Juan, you will find a water fountain, locally called chorritos, where you can refresh yourself after a hot day of sightseeing. Locals take their children there frequently too. Just remember to bring an extra change of clothes.
Bike
Rent a set of wheels and zip around San Juan
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 554-2453 | Website | Hours: 7 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 9 am – 5 pm Sat, Closed Sundays
If you´re looking to explore San Juan and Condado with your family in a different way, you can rent a bike or a scooter to ride through the streets. Condado even has a bicycle lane so you can ride safely with your loved ones.
👉 Is Puerto Rico Safe for Travel Right Now? It’s a good question. See my full Puerto Rico safety guide to find out!
San Juan Shops
Shop til you drop at the independent stores and malls
The capital city is a paradise for shopaholics. You will find numerous independent shops, art galleries, souvenir shops, and brand stores within walking distance in Old San Juan. If you’re looking for bigger malls, then head over to Plaza Las Americas or The Mall of San Juan.
Food & Drink
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Bacardi Factory
Take a tour or tasting at this iconic factory
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 275-5800 | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm daily
Although not exactly in San Juan, the Bacardi Factory is only 25 minutes away from San Juan and it’s worth your time if you’re into tastings. The Bacardi factory offers visitors rum tasting tours, mixology classes, and facility tours so you learn about Bacardi rum history and the process behind making it.
Coffee Shops
Sample some of San Juan’s best coffee shops and cafes
If you’re a coffee lover then you will love Puerto Rico’s strong and pure coffee. You will find multiple shops within Old San Juan, Santurce, Condado, and Miramar. Try out Cuatro Sombras, Café Colao, and Barista Squared.
For more, see my guide to the 21 best coffee shops in San Juan.
Bar Hopping
Check out some of San Juan’s best nightlife locations and watering holes
You won’t have to search too much to notice there are a lot of bars and taverns in Old San Juan. Bars in Puerto Rico are a mix of drinks, loud music, and a lot of dancing. You can start bar-hopping in Calle San Sebastian in Old San Juan, where you’ll find different themed bars.
👉 Love a Good Shot? If you’re into bar hopping, but you rather go with someone, book this cocktail walk tour in San Juan to enjoy the best bars in San Juan while in good company.
Food Truck Park
Sample many Puerto Rican cuisines in one convenient location
You don’t necessarily have to take a food tour to enjoy a sample of the different options San Juan offers. You can choose to visit one of San Juan’s food truck parks. Lote 23 in Santurce stays open until late and Miramar Food Truck Park sports foods from different nationalities.
Outdoor Activities
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Surfing
Take classes or hit the waves in this epic surfing destination
👉 Browse Top Surfing Lessons in San Juan on Viator
Puerto Rico is the top destination for surfing in the Caribbean. If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Juan, and you’re an enthusiast that wants to learn how to surf, then book a class with one of the many surfing schools in San Juan.
Or, if you’d prefer to tackle this on your own, then check out my guide to surfing in Puerto Rico!
Snorkeling
Check out the fishes and other sea life
While Flamenco Beach and Icacos are top destinations to snorkel in Puerto Rico, San Juan also sports great beaches for snorkeling in Puerto Rico. Escambron Beach at the entrance of Old San Juan is both a beach for swimmers and for water sports lovers who want to do scuba diving or snorkeling.
👉Afraid to snorkel alone? Try this San Juan snorkeling guided tour to have professionals teach you how to snorkel and guide you through the best coast views of San Juan.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Get out on the San Juan lagoon by renting a kayak or paddleboard
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Browse Top Tours to Condado Lagoon Kayak on Viator
Only a ten-minute ride from Old San Juan, visitors can encounter the Condado Lagoon. If you’re looking for something more active than beach bumming, but you still want to enjoy the sun and the saltwater, you should try paddle boarding or kayaking in the Condado Lagoon. You’ll enjoy the Condado and Miramar skyline and you might even see manatees.
Kiteboarding
Ocean Park Beach has perfect winds for kiteboarding
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 644-1239 | Website
If you’re an adventure-seeker then you’ll love to know you can go kiteboarding in Ocean Park in San Juan. This urban beach sports strong winds and good conditions to do the sport. You can also learn other water sports like wing boarding or book an e-foil hydrofoil experience.
Cheap & Free Things to Do in San Juan
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T-Mobile District
Chill with the locals at this contemporary plaza
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 998-2000 | Website | Hours: 11:00 am – 12 am Sun-Wed, 12:00 pm – 1:00 am Tue-Sat
The T-Mobile District is one of the newest attractions in San Juan and is a great option to meet local people. The modern plaza seeks to bring people together with a variety of free concerts, activities, and restaurants.
Adventure lovers who want to zipline but can’t visit El Yunque National Forest or The Toro Verde Adventure Park in Orocovis, can experience urban ziplining in the T-Mobile District.
The Narrow House
Once a passageway, now it’s the narrowest house in San Juan
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 396-5620 | Hours: 10 am – 4:00 pm Mon-Wed, Sat
San Juan is full of curiosities, and one of them is the narrow house. This house was once a passageway used to pass between buildings.
As the population in the islet grew, so did the demand for housing. Multiple passageways in San Juan became houses, but this one next to Capilla del Cristo is believed to be the narrowest of them.
Curious travelers can call the number above or visit their social media to book a tour of this unique site in the capital.
Watch the Sunset
Experience San Juan’s epic golden hour
👉 Book a San Juan’s Sunset Walking Tour on Viator
Whether you’re traveling alone or with a partner, you can’t miss the sunsets in San Juan. When the time of the golden hour arrives, the historic city and the cobblestone streets acquire a beautiful orange glow perfect to take pictures. The best spot to see the sunset is El Morro’s esplanade.
La Placita
Dance all night long and hang with the locals
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 307-1364 | Hours: 5 pm – 6 am daily
If you’re looking to experience the lively Puerto Rican culture and hang out with locals, you can’t leave San Juan without visiting La Placita in Santurce. This is both a local market during the day and a nightlife reunion spot at night with live music, dancing, and food kiosks.
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Thanks for reading the 33 best things to do in San Juan for history buffs, foodies, families, and adventure travelers. Be sure to bookmark my mega list of the 49 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico.
Have fun experiencing the best San Juan activities!
Thank you so much for sharing all the neat things to see and do!🙌🙌
Glad I can share some of the best of San Juan with you!
My wife and I spend the winters in San Juan. Many thanks for sharing these special local experiences which we will seek to enjoy.
You’re welcome! Hope you enjoy this winter in San Juan even more!
Love you great ideas I have being to a few in my first trip but you had some great ones thank you for my new memories and keep them updated…..stay safe
Going in February. Thank you for all the good suggestions
I was born in Ponce and raised in New York. I’ve been to Puerto Rico many times and enjoyed some beautiful places in the island. These tourists attractions look awesome and will try to visit them soon. Cuando sé termine està pandemia. Guàrdare está informacion para el futùro.
Thanks Vanessa for letting the world know how beautiful and how many great things Puerto Rico has to do. Excelente trabajo. Te felicito!🙏🙏🙏🙏
You’re welcome at Jardín Botánico of Puerto Rico (UPR Botanical Garden) at Río Piedras. Thanks for your description!
I just arrived in San Juan yesterday and have been quizzing every patient local to figure out how to REALLY get a good dose of Puerto Rican culture. This was an amazing help!
Great information and well written. We will be visiting next year. What’s a good month weather-wise?
Thank you,John and Susan
Latitudeadjustmentblog
Hello! I would say between late March and June you’ll enjoy warm weather and good conditions on the beach. You’ll also avoid hurricane season. Check out our guide on the best time to visit Puerto Rico, to see more of the pros and cons of each season.
What is the sitting, giant wooden statue labeled bright futures called? And where is it located?