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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to San Juan: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into San Juan
- San Juan, the capital city, is a lovely place with soft sand beaches and a plethora of cultural attractions, as well as a vibe that could quickly turn it into a holiday destination in and of itself.
- Luxury beachfront hotels and resorts can find in San Juan and the surrounding districts.
- Historic forts, colonial architecture, fine dining, museums, and much more are all walking distance.
- Old San Juan’s heart is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture meets contemporary Puerto Rican culture.
- The city’s attractions and tourist establishments are now housed in the old buildings.
- The city can be very quiet or extremely lively depending on the number of cruise ships in port.
- Capital- San Juan
- International Airport - Luis Muñoz MarĂn International Airport (SJU)
- Population- 2,445,000
- Currency- the US dollar
- Time - GMT-4
- Driving side- Right
- Main electricity- 120 V
- Official Language- Spanish and English
- Religion- Roman Catholic
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in San Juan
- The beautiful San Juan Cemetery is located along the coast, adjacent to El Morro, and high above the ocean.
- The San Juan Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the Americas and one of the oldest structures in San Juan.
- The Museo de las Americas explores Puerto Rican history, focusing on art, ethnic groups, and colonization.
- The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is one of San Juan’s highlights and a major player in the Caribbean cultural scene.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit San Juan
- After the busy winter season and rainy summer, the best time to visit is between mid-April and June.
- Spring weather is also delightful, with temperatures barely rising above the mid-80s on most days.
- The island has the best weather in winter, which is why it is also the most crowded and expensive time to visit, but with careful planning, you may be able to find a good deal during those months.
- You could also plan a fun and inexpensive trip for the fall when hotels can be as low as $80 per night.
- However, keep in mind that a fall visit exposes you to the effects of the Atlantic hurricane season.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in San Juan
Old San Juan
- Old San Juan’s streets are time capsules, displaying nearly 500 years of history, with historic forts and Spanish colonial architecture sets the scene.
- Restored 16th and 17th-century colonial buildings, many of which house shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, and other public buildings, can be found in the seven-square-block area.
- The Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro, is the most dramatic feature and the true showpiece of Old San Juan, located on land overlooking the sea in the San Juan National Historic Site.
- Explore the city’s authentic charm by simply strolling the streets, admiring the old architecture, and dining on an outdoor patio.
- Fortaleza, the San Juan Cathedral, and Castillo de San CristĂłbal are also highlights.
- Make sure to stop by some of the museums, many of which are worth visiting, to admire the architecture of the building that houses the collections.
- This entire area is walkable, though the walkout to El Morro fort adds significantly to the length of a walking tour.
Fuerte San Felipe Del Morro
- The fort, known colloquially as El Morro, is perched above the sea on the point of land jutting out into the sea, guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay.
- El Morro, a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in 1539.
- Construction continued for another 250 years, resulting in one of the Caribbean’s largest Spanish forts.
- The majority of the additional construction occurred between the 1760s and 1780s when many of the walls visible today were built.
- Today, the fort is a maze of ramps, outposts, barracks, dungeons, and tunnels, punctuated by small, circular sentry boxes known as “Caritas.”
- These Caritas, unique to Puerto Rican forts, have become a national symbol.
- The area leading up to the fort is an open lawn with incredible views on every side, either back towards San Juan, including a statement of San Juan Cemetery, or out to sea.
Castillo de San CristĂłbal
- While El Morro is more well-known, Castillo de San CristĂłbal is also fascinating and worth visiting. San Cristobal is more significant than El Morro and the largest fort built by the Spanish in the New World.
- It is spread across 27 acres and consists of five independent units linked by a moat and tunnel, each designed to be self-sufficient if the others fail.
- Between 1634 and 1790, the fort was built to guard the eastern gate to what is now known as Old San Juan.
- It was built to defend against land attacks, as opposed to El Morro, which was created to protect against sea attacks.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
San Juan Off the Beaten Track
Old San Juan
- Old San Juan is a vibrant mosaic of life, music, legend, and history. The crown jewel of Puerto Rico is an unmissable sight.
- The visual treats seem limitless, from the blue-toned, cobblestoned streets to the 400-plus historically listed buildings to the breathtaking ocean views.
- Add to that the quarter’s sensuous yet subtle mood swings: tranquil in the morning, passive in the afternoon heat, romantic at dusk, and positively exuberant after dark.
- Listen to the creaking rocking chairs on Calle de Sol, the clatter of dominoes in La Bombonera, or the powerful African drumming echoing around Plaza de Armas: Old San Juan lives for itself, never selling itself out as just another stop on an itinerary.
- Be prepared to be surprised, captivated, and delighted.
Puerta de Tierra
- The peninsula east of Old San Juan is less than 2 miles long and only a quarter-mile wide.
- This district, Puerta de Tierra, gets its name as the “gateway to land” leading up to Old San Juan’s walls.
- The waves of English and Dutch invaders had to march through here when attacking by land.
- Centuries ago, it was the neighbourhood where free blacks and multiracial people lived, outside of the city walls’ protection, housed the Spaniards and criollos (islanders of European descent).
- Today, the district serves as a gateway for cars into Old San Juan, but its north coast is a sight to behold: a dramatic wave-pummeled shore with the palm tree-laden beach, Balneario EscambrĂłn, towards the eastern end.
- Just offshore is EscambrĂłn Marine Park, a popular diving and snorkelling destination with a diverse array of corals and underwater life.
- Inland, there is the sun-dappled Parque Luis Muoz Rivera, the grand Capitolio, and the Fuerte San GerĂłnimo.
RĂo Piedras
- Hato Rey’s flatness quickly gives way to the green uplands of Ro Piedras. Ro Piedras, founded in 1714 and existed as a separate town until 1951, is the home of the University of Puerto Rico and has a thriving academic community.
- There are low-cost cafes, a low-cost shopping street (José de Diego), and the island’s largest farmers market.
- The university is set in lush, palm-filled grounds and is distinguished by a minaret-like clock tower.
- It houses a small museum that houses some of the essential cultural pieces on the island, including work by impressionist Francisco Oller.
- The lush botanical garden of the university is just down the street.
- The Ro Piedras Tren Urbano station is located in the city’s heart.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
San Juan Culture and Traditions
- Puerto Rico is a historic and culturally rich island.
- Despite Puerto Rico being now a US territory, it retains its historical traditions.
- Puerto Rican culture, like its people, is passionate and vibrant, with a rich history of the celebration.
- The musical roots of Puerto Rico can be traced back to the Taino people.
- Their music has a strong Caribbean flavour and was created using handcrafted instruments such as the mayohuacán, a wooden slit drum.
- The gĂĽiro is another traditional Taino instrument from Puerto Rico.
- A hollowed gourd is used to make this percussive instrument.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
San Juan: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Mofongo
#Food
- On your cruise to San Juan, the first dish you should try is mofongo, which is widely regarded as the best Puerto Rican cuisine.
- Whether it is or isn’t is debatable; however, it is unquestionably the most famous.
- It’s a mashed mixture of fried green plantains seasoned with garlic and filled with vegetables, shrimp, chicken, steak, or pork.
- Consider your favourite mashed potato, but much better!
PastelĂłn
#Food
- If you enjoy lasagna, you’ll enjoy the Puerto Rican version even more.
- Perhaps you should try this dish after a full day of activities and shop in San Juan, so you’ve worked up an appetite.
- It’s made with layers of thinly sliced plantains, ground beef, and melted cheese that will make your mouth water.
Alcapurrias
#Food
- Spending time on beautiful beaches is one of the best things to do in San Juan.
- When you’re ready for a snack after a long day in the sun, follow the locals’ lead and try alcapurrias.
- They’re cakes with a green banana batter and delicious fillings like crab, lobster, or meat.
Serenata de Bacalao
#Food
- Serenata de bacalao, a refreshing salad enjoyed all year, is a favourite dish of Puerto Ricans.
- This salad is unique and made with salted cod and is typically accompanied by potatoes, capers, and eggs.
- It’s ideal for a light lunch on a hot day while on one of your shore excursions.
Plaza Las Américas
#Fashion
- Plaza Las Américas, the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall and one of the most impressive in Latin America, provides a complete shopping experience.
- This mall is a must-see if you have a long list of things to do.
- It has over 300 stores and a variety of dining and entertainment options.
- Makeup and beauty products can be found at MAC or Sephora, while items for the whole family can be found at Macy’s and JCPenney, and an outfit for a night out on the town can be found at Michael Kors, Karen Millen, or Zara.
- Finish your shopping day by watching a movie at Caribbean Cinemas.
The Mall of San Juan
#Fashion
- The Mall of San Juan is Puerto Rico’s premier shopping, dining, and deal destination.
- This hotel is just minutes from Luis Muoz Marn International Airport (SJU) and can serve as your first (or last) stop on your holiday.
- It is one of the island’s newest shopping centres, and it houses popular brands like Anthropologie, Armani Exchange, Bulgari, CH Carolina Herrera, Versace, Coach, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and many more.
- Valet parking is included with any purchase. Brunch and dinner are incredibly delicious here, so come hungry for a delectable array of culinary creations.
Plaza del Caribe
#Fashion
- Ponce, a little more than an hour’s drive from San Juan, is home to the famous Plaza del Caribe mall.
- Among the more than 130 stores at this South Region hotspot are Macy’s, JCPenney, and Sears.
- Aside from shopping, you can watch a movie and eat at restaurants such as P.F. Chang’s.
Coqui Water Park
#Fun
- This is a part of El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, and it has four incredible water slides, a large central pool, and fantastic ocean views.
- It is one of Puerto Rico’s family-friendly water parks, with activities for people of all ages.
- Apart from participating in any thrilling rides or relaxing at the pool, you can also climb the Torre De Yocahu Tower or relax at the Lazy River.
- Families prefer Coqui Water Park’s kid’s pool, and their stylish restaurant and bar is an excellent place to eat.
Surf’ N Fun Water Park
#Fun
- Surf’ N Fun in San German is a significant addition to the list of family-friendly water parks in Puerto Rico, with a wave pool, a lazy river, and a diving area.
- Surf’ N Fun Water Park uses surf simulators to recreate the surfing experience at the Caribbean Sea for its visitors.
- The park is a refreshing destination for people of all ages, and it also has other exciting activities such as water-shooting electric boats and a rappelling wall.
- Surf’ N Fun Water Park also serves food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Olimpia Water Park
#Fun
- The Olimpia Water Park, part of the Albergue Olimpico sports centre, has fantastic water slides and is the only child-friendly water racer in Puerto Rico.
- Families who visit the park enjoy the wave pool, which creates a beach-like atmosphere, and the water barrel.
- Purchasing an Olimpia passport grants access to the water park complex and other amenities such as the rock climbing park and mini-golf course.
- Using the lodging facility at the Albergue Olimpico sports centre gives you access to the water park as well as all of the sports centre’s training facilities such as tennis courts, shooting ranges, gyms, and so on.
Arroyo’s Surfing Park
#Fun
- With its numerous pools, water slides, and playgrounds, Arroyo’s Surfing Park is one of Puerto Rico’s most dependable water parks.
- The WaveOZ FlowRider feature, which allows surfing in the park, appeals to young people.
- This surfing simulator, located in Arroyo’s Surfing Park, is the only one in Puerto Rico and the fourth in the world.
- The water park’s cantina is a great place to unwind with the family. There are also adequate lifeguards on duty to ensure the safety of all guests.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
San Juan: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Visit the Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve in Fajardo to see a bioluminescent lagoon, mangroves, coral reefs, dry forests, and sandy and rocky beaches set between headlands.
- One of our most popular visitor centres is located here, and it’s just a short walk from some of the best resorts in the area.
- From here, you can take traditional, night, and thematic tours by bike, kayak, or trolley, always accompanied by an environmental interpreter. Who will show you everything about the reserve’s ecosystems, landscapes, and wildlife, including the breathtaking view of Puerto Rico’s northeast tip from the top of the Fajardo Lighthouse.
- In Cabezas de San Juan, there are numerous opportunities to help the environment.
- Year-round, they also provide workshops and special events and volunteer and Citizen Science opportunities.
- Cabezas de San Juan is currently closed due to Hurricane Irma and Maria damage to the lighthouse.
- It is located on the island’s northeast tip, and its name is derived from the shape of three rocky headlands that extend to the Atlantic Ocean.
- The Puerto Rico Conservation Trust purchased the land in 1975, and it was designated as a Nature Reserve in 1986.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
San Juan Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- A novella is a heifer, and it is the focus of a popular celebration in San Sebastián, a rural town on the island’s west coast.
- On Sunday, live bands play everything from folk music to salsa, artisans and fried food vendors set up shop in the town square, and amusement park rides are set up.
- A flower-crowned cow leads a parade through town, depicting scenes from country life on elaborate floats.
- The Festival de la Novilla concludes with a traditional music concert.
- Along with Christmas and New Year’s, Puerto Ricans celebrate the Epiphany on January 6th as part of the holiday season.
- According to Catholic tradition, the Three Wise Men (in Spanish, Los Tres Reyes Magos) visited baby Jesus in the manger to bring him gifts.
- In Puerto Rico, town festivals feature parades with locals and actors dressed as the Three Wise Men handing out gifts to children.
- Fiesta de Reyes Juanadina in Juana Daz and Fiesta de Reyes Isabelinos in Isabela are the two most well-known festivals.
- La Campechada gathers artists, performers, musicians, actors, puppeteers, and others to educate about Puerto Rican art and culture.
- The festival honours a prominent Puerto Rican artist who inspires many of the new works displayed during the festivities every year.
- There will be an Artisan Fair, a Book Fair, an Art Fair, guided walks, conferences, workshops, live drawing, theatrical performances, and other activities.
- Each year, the city that hosts the event changes.
- Every year, the “Pineapple Festival” is held in La Parguera, an oceanfront community in the southern town of Lajas.
- The festival includes vendors selling locally grown pineapples, dozens of other local agricultural products and fried foods, and live music from local bands.
- La Parguera has a plethora of restaurants and bars, small hotels, charter boat rentals, and even a bioluminescent bay.
- There is a 5K race with a spectacular view of the marina and mangrove coves during the celebration that make La Parguera a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
FAQs to Plan Your Best San Juan Holiday
Places similar to San Juan to visit
Places similar to San Juan to visit
Places similar to San Juan to visit