San Juan, Puerto Rico Destination Guide
Section 1: Intro to the Destination
There truly is something for everyone at this popular travel destination, from romantic strolls around the old town, to red hot night life in the new town. San Juan, the capital of the island of Puerto Rico, nestles on the Atlantic coast ensuring sun lovers the luxury of long tropical beaches and balmy evening beach parties. Seeped in history, this vibrant sea port is one of America’s first colonial possessions. A stroll around the old town reveals an elegant array of colonial style houses in colors of yellows, blues, reds and greens. In contrast the new town is modern, vibrant with edgy restaurants and beach front hotels.
Which of the Following Phrases Best Describes this Destination?
historic, vibrant, romantic
What’s the Destination Known For?
The Old Town of San Juan is the most frequented tourist attraction on the island. The charming blue/grey cobble-stoned streets meander through residential areas just bursting with colour and vibrancy. Yet at the same time there is an air of tranquility and calm on the narrow streets. Impressive colonial townhouses line the streets, each one unique in its colored stucco and paintwork. The commercial part of the old town bustles with activity. Shops and restaurants attract all kinds of visitors eager to indulge in the tropical atmosphere of this beautiful town.
Fantastic Nightlife! The nightlife in both the old town and the new town is hot, energetic and sexy. Turbocharged and furious nightclubs offer all night entertainment. The town also boasts long sandy beach front entertainment with cool bars, casinos, and sophisticated lounges for a more relaxed evening experience.
Beaches - most year round visitors can find themselves on the many beaches in the San Juan area. Just pick your favorite or visit a new one everyday. Either way going to the sandy, beautiful beaches of San Juan are a must.
Getting There
Location: Av. Aeropuerto, Carolina, 00979
Located about 10 miles from the city center
Visa: United States travellers do not require a visa to enter Puerto Rico.
Bus: The AMA bus service is the cheapest way to get to the old town and other areas such as Condado and Isla Verde. Fares are around $0.75 to $1.
Taxi: Can be found outside the main terminal and cost around $19 to $20 for 5 people depending on destination. Taxis from the airport are generally a safe way to travel to your destination.
Shuttle Cars: Can be reserved online and offer a 24/7 service. Quotations for fares are given online and vary from destination to destination.
TJR Ceiba International Airport
Located about 33 miles from San Juan
Location: Old Roosevelt Roads Naval Base
Taxi: Can be found outside main terminal. Costs around $80. Journey Time 1.45 minutes. Fixed rates. Make you get a receipt for the fixed rate before you get in the taxi. Carries up to 5 passengers (Van) 7 passengers.
Shuttle Bus: Can book online. Costs around $39. Journey time 1.45 minutes. Runs every 15 minutes.
Public bus: Costs around $12. Journey Time 1.05 minutes
Uber: Costs around $74. Journey time around 54 minutes.
Main Railway Station: Sagrado Corazon, San Juan
Major Highways
Interstate P2 Ponce (south western)
Interstate PR2 San Juan (north eastern)
Interstate PR1 Ponce (south western)
Interstate PR3 San Juan (north eastern)
Interstate PR3 Ceiba/Roosevelt Roads Naval Base (south eastern)
Interstate PR2 San Juan (north eastern)
Local Etiquette
Tipping: It is customary to leave a tip of 10-20% of the bill when eating out. $1 dollar person if you are serving yourself; $2 for staff who assist with your luggage.
Greeting: The standard way to greet people in San Juan is to say “Hola” with a small hug
Gestures: Handshakes are appropriate when being introduced to someone. A nod of the head is sufficient when entering a restaurant or bar. Address people by their title: Señor, etc.
Table manners: The same etiquette is used in San Juan as it is in most countries. Polite eating habits, elbows of the table, and unhurried eating are the norm. Also you must find your own table in a restaurant in San Juan.
Toasting: It is customary to clink glasses when toasting.
Words/Phrases to use often
Hello – Goodbye
Please – Por favor
Thank you – Gracias
Yes – Si
No – No
I don’t understand – No entiendo
Everything is good! – Está todo bien
Cheers! – Salud
What time do you open/close? – ¿A qué hora abres?/ ¿A que hora cierras?
Weather
Spring:
High: 84 F / 29 C
Low: 72 F / 22 C
Summer:
High: 86 F / 30 C
Low: 75 F / 25 C
Fall:
High: 86 F / 30 C
Low: 75 F / 24 C
Winter:
High: 84 F / 29 C
Low: 70 F / 21 C
Elevation 115 ft / 35 m
The best month for swimming is August, the average sea temperature is 84F. The wettest month of the year is November.
The weather is best between March and May with the sunshine lasting between 9 hours. Fantastic months for warm weather and not so many crowds would include September and October. In winter, it will be a little cooler overall but still quite sunny and warm throughout the 8 hour day.
How to dress: The climate in San Juan Puerto Rico is tropical with hot weather all the year round. The Puerto Ricans are not afraid to show a little skin, however loose cotton clothing is also a great suggestion for clothing in the tropical climate.
Getting Around
In-city transportation:
Car: renting a car is highly suggested while visiting San Juan and Puerto Rico in general. It is the best way to get around the city and island.
Taxis Fixed rates divided into 4 zones. For getting around San Juan zone 3 and zone 5 taxis are appropriate. They will get you all round the area. Zone one is $15 per trip. Zone 4 is $19.
Uber: There are Uber car services in San Juan.
Walking: This is the best way to experience Old San Juan. Most everything is within walking distance. Remember to wear practical footwear. The weather is hot and the cobble-stoned street in the old town can become uncomfortable to walk on without adequate footwear.
Section 2: What to See, Do, and Eat
Breakfast
American/Caribbean
$
Location: Calle McLeary San Juan
Times: Monday to Sunday 6:00-22:00
Neat Casual
Best dish: Spanish Omelette
Caribbean/American
$
Location: Ponce de Leon
Times: Monday to Thursday 8:30-19:00; Friday 8:30-23:00; Saturday & Sunday 10:00-15:00
Neat Casual
Best dish: Croque Monsieur
Caribbean, American, Latin, Vegetarian
$$
Location: Old San Juan, 407 Calle San Francisco
Times: Monday to Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday & Sunday 8:00-21:00 (Breakfast until 15:00)
Neat casual
Best dish: Old San Juan Breakfast
Brunch
American/Caribbean
$
Location: Av. Doctor Ashford 1106, Condado
Times: Monday to Sunday 8:00-11:00 (except Tuesday 16:00-23:00)
Neat Casual
Best dish: Chicken and Egg
American, Latin, Caribbean
$$
Location: 401 Calle de San Francisco, San Juan
Times: Sunday to Saturday 8:00-16:00
Casual dress
Best dish: Revoltillo De Vegetales
Latin, American, Contemporary
$$
Location: Old San Juan, 210 Calle San Francisco
Times: Monday to Sunday 8:00-20:00
Neat casual
Best dish: Wild Caught Salmon Benedict
Lunch
Authentic Puerto Rican
$$
Location: 282 Calle Sol, San Juan
Times: Monday to Sunday 10:00-21:00
Smart Casual
Best dish: Chillo Frito Entero (Fried Red Snapper)
American, Latin, Puerto Rican
$$
Location: 1129 Ashford Ave, San Juan
Times: Monday to Sunday 6:00-23:00
Neat casual
Best dish: Monfongo
Mexican
$
Location: 1014 Ashford Ave, San Juan
Times: Monday to Sunday 11:00-23:00
Neat Casual
Best dish: Kabanas Burger
Dinner
Italian, Pizza
$$
Location: 207 Calle Tanca, San Juan
Times: Sunday to Wednesday 12:00-24:00; Thursday to Saturday 12:00-2:00 am
Neat casual
Best dish: pizza
Organic, Contemporary, New American
$$
Location: 1055 Ashford Ave, San Juan
Times: Tuesday to Thursday 18:00-22:00; Friday & Saturday 18:00-23:00; Sunday closed
Smart casual
Best dish: Fixed-price three course menu
Steakhouse, Caribbean
$$
Location: 104 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan
o Times: Monday to Sunday 11:00-22:00 (closes at 17:00 on Wednesday)
Smart casual – no sportswear
Best dish: Paella Criolla (for two)
Other
Food Truck, Caribbean
$
Location: 1321-1323 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Times: Monday to Saturday 11:00-22:00; Sunday closed
Casual dress
Best food: Crispy Burritos
Bar, Filipino
$
Location: 200 Wilson San Juan
Times: Monday 18:00-3:00 am; Tuesday to Sunday 13:00-3:00 am
Smart Casual
Best dish: Dinakdaken Salted Calamares
Fun fact: You can get a haircut while you are there
Wine Bar, Gastropub
$$
Location: 156 Calle Sol, 3rd Floor San Juan
Times: Saturday & Sunday 10:00-24:00; Monday to Friday 16:00-24:00
Smart casual
Best food: Tapas
Top things to See and Do
La Fortaleza (The Fortress)
From the sea the building presents an awe inspiring sight, sitting high above the shore line on magnificence stone foundations. The front of the building could not be more different. Visitors are presented with an elegant mansion house, glittering in the sunshine, its stone-washed pale blue façade a picture of colonial glory. Built in the 16th century as a fortress, La Fortaleza is now the magnificent residence of the governor of Puerto Rico.
Location: 63 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901
Time Open: Monday to Friday 9:00-17:00
Price: free
El Morro Fort (Castillo San Felipe de Morro)
This magnificent citadel was built by the Spanish to protect the island from invaders during the 16th century. Many tried and failed to breach it walls, until it succumbed to the forces of America in the 19th century. A World Heritage site, the fort offers visitors a tantalizing glimpse into the past with century boxes and cannons still in place within its walls. The construction of the lighthouse was made by the United States when it fell under their ownership. The elegant pathway leading up to the front of the fort is flanked either side by well manicured lawns.
Location: 501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901
Time Open: daily 9:00-18:00
Price: admission $7.00
The cemetery may not seem like a ‘must-do’ experience, but the town is well known for its beautifully designed cemetery where many colonial figures were laid to rest. Perched high above the Atlantic coast line, the cemetery is dominated by the exquisite 18th/19th century chapel which forms the centrepiece of the cemetery. The chapel’s beautiful red domed roof, and circular design, attracts hundreds of visitors every year who enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the many tombstones and statues along with the glorious views across the Atlantic Ocean.
Location: west end of Calle Norzagaray, San Juan 00901
Time Open: daily
Price: free
Condado, as a tourist attraction, goes back to the mid-20th century and has kept its charm as a Miami Beach style attraction. There is no shortage of very cool bistros and exclusive shops sporting designer label goods with labels such as Lisa Cappalli and Nono Maldonado, who is a native of the island. Ocean Park the mile-long stretch of sand to the east of Condado is a special attraction, with its beautifully maintained shoreline edged with fashionable beach homes.
Location: Condado
Time Open: daily 24/7
Price: free
This is a natural attraction made up of a huge network of caves hundreds of feet below ground. The largest cave is around 10 stories high. Visitors are driven in an open trolley down a series of winding roads to the cave complex. Visitors then experience a walking tour through the caves where they can see stalagmites and stalactites millions of years old in cathedral size caves.
Main Attraction: The Cave complex
Location: Puerto Rico National Park, Quebrada, Camuy 00669 (about 1 hr west of SJ)
Time Open: Wednesday to Sunday 8:00-17:00 (last tour starts at 15:30)
Price: $18 per person
Visitors kayak through these beautiful bioluminescent lagoons that glow at night. Gliding through these lagoons is like taking a trip to another world. They are protected by the Puerto Rican nature reserve. Dip your hand in the waters and make magical bioluminescent trails that sparkle as bright as the stars above you.
Main Attraction: The lagoons
Location: PR-987, Km. 5, Las Croabas, Fajardo, PR (about 1 hr east of San Juan)
Time Open: Monday to Saturday 17:00-20:45 (tours take 2 hours)
Price: starting at $48
This fabulous shopping centre has everything the discerning shopper could want. Designer fashion, there’s familiar fashions such as Banana Republic, and Victoria’s Secrets. The spectacular design of the store attracts hundreds of visitors each year who can spend the whole day there, browsing the many departments and eating at one of the many food outlets.
Location: 525 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan, 00918
Time Open: 24 hour access
Price: Free
This is a beautifully long stretch of pristine beach that is a popular ‘must-do’ with tourists. Visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Snorkelling can be done off the beach itself with many wonderful varieties of fish to be seen. There are beach bars, cafes and shops within walking distance of the beach. This is a great beach to spend the day at.
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico
Time Open: daily 24/7
Price: Free
Festivals/Parades
Fiesta de la Calle San Sebastián (San Sebastian Street Festival)
The San Sebastian Street Parties are the way Puerto Ricans celebrate the end of Christmas. The celebrations which take place the third week in January kick off with a holy mass. The party lasts 4 days. Visitors to Puerto Rico period this period will see street after street decorated with flowers and colourful buntings. There are street performers and touring musicians. At night it is dancing all the way. The festival dates back to the 19th century and was created to raise funds for the local parishes.
Main Attraction: Floats, music and street performances
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date: Third week in January
Price: Free but the parade is a charity event so expect to dig deep
The carnival takes place a week before Ash Wednesday and lasts the whole week. It takes place at the same time as the Mardi Gras in new Orleans. It is believed that the carnival came into existence in 16th century as a masked parade. There is street performance, parades and floats. One of the popular events is the colourful vejigante masked parade. The masks are said to represent the devil.
Main Attraction: The street parties
Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Date: February or March depending on Ash Wednesday
Price: Free
Nightlife
For those looking for a great evening dancing the night away then Patrick’s is the spot. Hundreds of visitors frequent this all night bar every year. There is dancing, music, great food and even a TV sports bar. Noisy and energetic this establishment is a must-do for many young visitors to San Juan
Main Attraction: All night entertainment
Location: 1157 Ashford Avenue, San Juan, PR 00907
Time Open: Wednesday to Saturday 17:00-6:00 am; Sunday 17:00-5:00 am; Monday closed; Tuesday 17:00-24:00
Price: $$
This is an edgy and chic all night bar that attracts many young visitors every year. The décor can be described as cute. This really is a funky bar and the music is cool. Waitresses are sexy and there is even a small where you can play strip poker.
Location: 1503 Calle Loíza, San Juan, 00911
Time Open: Wednesday to Friday 20:00-6:00 am; Sunday to Tuesday closed
Price: $$$
This cocktail/wine bar is a must-do experience. The décor is what could be called shabby/chic. Graffiti covers the walls which are strewn with twinkly lights. There is a unique almost clandestine atmosphere with people speaking in hushed voices. The wine bar in another room is noisier and much smaller. The wine menu is displayed on a large chalkboard.
○ Location: 148 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, 00901
Time Open: Monday to Sunday 18:00-4:00 am
Price: $$
Hidden Gems
This elegant hotel, also known as ‘The Nunnery’ is an historic building which encapsulates all that is colonial Puerto Rico. Many visitors however, are not aware that, according to local people, its corridors and opulent rooms are home to many ghosts from the past.
Main Attraction: The colonial style and its ghostly guests
Location: 100 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901
Time Open: daily 24/7
Price: free
How to best experience it: book a night and stay at the beautiful hotel
Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate)
This little gem is well worth a visit. The doorway (gate) originally served the purpose of keeping invaders at bay. During the 16th century many foreign invaders were keen to acquire the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. Today visitors can stroll through the gate at their leisure. Be prepared to be amazed if you enter the gate from within the town. You will be met by the spectacular view of San Juan Bay
Location: Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan, 00901
Time Open: daily 24/7
Price: Free
Juan Eddie Rosado has been making his Limbers (crushed fruit flavoured cups of ice) for over 46 years and he makes and sells them from his own house. If you don’t know where it is you will never find it and yet even the King of Spain has stopped awhile to partake of Eddie’s stickless popsicles.
Location: Calleta De La Hunjas
Time Open: daily
Price: $
