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Houses in Old San Juan
For other places with the same name, see San Juan (disambiguation).

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, and at about 395,000 its largest city. It has one of the best harbors in the Caribbean. The city will celebrate its 5th Century in 2008 or 2021, depending if they count from the founding of Caparra or the act of moving the Caparra settlement to Puerto Rico isle (Old San Juan)

Districts

  • Old San Juan - The historic part of the city, home to most historic attractions, galleries and museums.
  • Puerta de Tierra - Situated right in the middle of Old San Juan and Condado, this largely residential area is home to a few hotels and attractions.
  • El Condado - This upscale residential neighborhood is also the beach resort part of the city and has many hotels and restaurants along its main drag, Ashford Ave.
  • Isla Verde - This area of San Juan, more in the city of Carolina than of San Juan itself, is closest to the international airport and has nice beaches and parks.
  • International Convention Center District - now has the new Convention Center which includes a fountain that plays traditional Puerto Rican music and Occidental classical music and in the near-future will also include a hotel, restaurants and shopping centers.
  • Hato Rey - the business center, hosting the main banks, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, Roberto Clemente Coliseum, Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot and Plaza las Americas the largest shopping center in the Caribbean featuring many American chains including the world's largest Sears and JC Penny's department stores.
  • Rio Piedras - home of the main campus of the University of Puerto Rico. It is a former municipality and is now part of the city of San Juan.
  • Santurce - a historical part of Puerto Rico and the cultural capital, having two art museums and a performing arts center
  • Miramar - near El Condado, known for expensive and historical houses

Understand

Location

A watchtower in the fort of El Morro, guarding San Juan

San Juan is the oldest city under the United States dominion. San Juan is in the north-east of Puerto Rico, and features distinctly century-old architecture, such as Spanish military forts built from the 1540s to 1800s, an active harbor, and a very active economic area in the Hato Rey district. San Juan has magnificent beaches, hotels, plazas, historic sites, museums, etc.

San Juan has a land area of about 76 square miles. The city's population is approximately 395,000.

Climate

San Juan is a tropical city with winter temperatures typically ranging in the low 80s during the day, and low 70s at night. Summer temperatures are generally in the high 80s during the day, and high 70s at night. Summer does include high humidity. The city has a tendency to receive rain and thunderstorms from April to November in the afternoon. Be mindful that San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico have the possibility of being hit by hurricanes or tropical storms from July to November.

Culture

San Juan is a Latin American city with Spanish-based culture, mixed with African traditions and Taíno culture. Museums of modern art exist abroad. The citizens of San Juan are very festive, as on the rest of the island. San Juan has bars and discotheques all-around the city, from Old San Juan to even the southern part of the city that stay open to 3:00-4:00AM. San Juan has become very modernized as of late, with its first Metro line (called Tren Urbano) and buses. Like most large cities, however, there is a small population of vagrants and beggars lining the streets.

San Juan is the financial capital of Puerto Rico. There are facilities for petroleum and sugar refining, and pharmaceuticals.

Get in

By ferry

Ferries del Caribe [1] operates an international passenger and vehicle service from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The overnight journey requires WHTI-compliant [2] documentation and there are strict rules regarding vehicle transportation. Fares payable in USD.

By plane

San Juan is served by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU IATA), a large international hub airport about 14 km away.

All major US Airlines operate scheduled services to various destinations on the mainland, with seasonal air charters operating additional routes.

Scheduled services within Puerto Rico include:

Scheduled international services include:

  • Air Canada (Montréal, Toronto)
  • Air France (Guadeloupe)
  • Air Sunshine (St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola, Virgin Gorda)
  • American Airlines (Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, New York JFK, Philadelphia)
  • Avianca (San José [seasonal], Bogotá)
  • Cape Air (Tortola, St Thomas, St Croix)
  • Copa Airlines (Panama City)
  • Iberia (Madrid)
  • Insel Air (Curaçao, St Maarten)
  • JetBlue Airways (Santo Domingo)
  • LIAT (Antigua, Dominica, St.Vincent)
  • Mexicana (Mexico City)
  • PAWA Dominicana (Santo Domingo)
  • Seaborne Airlines (Anguilla, Beef Island, Dominica, Ft De France, Pointe-a-Pitre, St. Croix, St Thomas)
  • Southwest Airlines (Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Houston - Hobby, Orlando, Tampa)
  • United Air Lines (Dulles, Washington D.C.)
  • Virgin Atlantic (Antigua, London-Gatwick)

Seasonal international air charters include:

  • Condor (Frankfurt)
  • Expressjet (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo-Las Americas)
  • Pace Airlines (Santiago de los Caballeros, Santo Domingo-Las Américas, Punta Cana)
  • Skyservice (Toronto, Montreal)
  • Sunwing Airlines (Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto)
  • Thomson Airways (London-Gatwick, Manchester)
  • USA 3000 Airlines (Punta Cana)
  • USA Jet Airlines (Punta Cana, Santo Domingo-Las Americas)

Most travelers opt to rent a car here or take a taxi (fixed fares of $15-25 to most points in the city, plus an extra $1 per luggage item). If you have more time than money, you can take public bus B-40 to Rio Piedras and connect onward to your destination in the city with another local bus or elsewhere on the island with a público (best only attempted in the morning). Correct change is necessary. No dollar bills accepted.

Get around

There are pros and cons to the various methods of getting around San Juan.

By car

Getting around various parts of the city, and the rest of the island, as well as to and from the airport, will be much more convenient with a car. Though some road signs may be in Spanish, on the plus side driving is almost a universal language, and with this being an American territory, the road sign shapes are going to be as familiar to you - if you are used to American road signs. And after all, when you see the word norte sitting above a numbered-road sign enough times, it won't take you long to realize that means north. However, a car could entail parking fees as you travel around to your destinations so you will need to budget for that, and if you go to Old San Juan, parking will be quite difficult.

By bus

A typical bus stop.

If you're planning on staying in and around a general area of San Juan and have plenty of time, you may be able to get by on public buses. The system is inexpensive at only $0.75 a ride, and will eventually take you near to where you want to go. To ride the bus, first find a stop for the correct routes (see below for some ones useful to tourists). The bus stops are marked "PARADA". When you see your bus coming, be sure to wave/flag it down otherwise it may just pass you by! When the door opens, toss your $0.75 into the fare box near the driver. Only coins are accepted on board so stock up on those quarters! ($0.05 and $0.10 coins are also accepted.) Then, pull the cord to get off at your destination.

Be sure to pack your patience. Contrary to some bus schedules (even ones posted at the bus stops themselves) stating buses arrive every 15 minutes, service can be infrequent and very unpredictable; you may wait anywhere from 10 to 90 minutes for a bus to arrive. You may find that bus routes directly to and from places of interest around San Juan do not exist, and that a transfer with additional waiting times are involved. Rush hour buses may be very full. Further, buses generally may stop running around 8:00pm, and may not be extremely safe after dark.

There is not any direct bus route from the airport to Condado or Old San Juan. Also, keep in mind, if you are planning to get back to the airport by bus, some bus drivers may not let you board the bus with carry-on baggage. You may want to plan in advance to take a taxi back to the airport if your hotel has no shuttle. Carrying baggage on the city bus tends to be less of an issue when you initially head from the airport.

In Old San Juan, there is a large bus terminal near the harbor front that serves as the terminus of many buses. If you take public transit, you will probably end your day waiting here. To get around Old San Juan, there is a free trolley bus - look out for the numbered signs. Though, keep in mind that traffic in and around Old San Juan gets very heavy, so once you board the bus (or trolly) you still are not guaranteed a quick trip.

Useful routes
  • B-21 connects Condado, the convention center, Old San Juan, and the Sagrado Corazon Tren Urbano station. Most buses on this route are fairly new.
  • A-5 connects Isla Verde to Old San Juan via Mirimar.

Check with AMA [3] (Spanish only) to inquire about routes and times. There is also a large, on-the-wall bus map at the ferry terminal in Old San Juan.

Outside of San Juan

There are no public buses connecting San Juan to the rest of the island. There are vans that are like group taxis with specific routes called "guaguas." You can inquire about trips outside of San Juan at the guagua terminal in Rio Piedras. But keep in mind, guaguas may make multiple stops to maximize revenue, and it could take ages to get you to where you are going on the island.

By ferry

The Cataño Ferry (La Lancha de Cataño) is a public ferry serving Old San Juan and Cataño. It crosses San Juan Bay every 15-30 minutes.

By taxi

Taxis can be found hanging around hotels and the east end of Calle de la Fortaleza in Old San Juan.

Set rates have been established for travel between San Juan's major tourist zones. As of January 2015, rates are as follows [4]:

Zone Route Cost
1 Airport LMM to hotels in Isla Verde $10
2 Airport LMM to hotels in Condado/Ocean Park/Miramar/Convention Center $15
3 Airport LMM to hotels and piers in Old San Juan $19
4 Piers in Old San Juan to hotels in Old San Juan area $7
5 Piers in Old San Juan to hotels in Puerta de Tierra $7
6 Piers in Old San Juan to hotels in Condado/Ocean Park/Miramar/Convention Center $12
7 Piers in Old San Juan to Airport LMM (and possibly Isla Verde hotels) $19
None Piers (Old San Juan) to Plaza Las Americas $14
None Piers (Old San Juan) to Plaza Carolina shopping center $24
None Airport LMM to Plaza Las Americas $18
None Airport LMM to Plaza Carolina $14

More fixed rates (like LMM Airport to Cataño, or Airport to Ponce) are available on the cab website.

The cabbie should use the meter when not using one of the fixed rates. The meter an initial charge of $1.75, a charge of $0.10 per 1/19 mile and $0.10 for every 25 seconds of waiting.

You may also incur some other charges (perhaps even on set rates):

Charge Amount
Charge per piece of luggage $1
Charge per call $1
Charge for rental per hour $36
Night Charge (10:00PM until 6:00AM) $1
Minimal Charge per trip $3
Charge for 5 passengers or more (only in vans) $2

Tolls are paid by the passenger. A 10-15% tip is expected but not required. For any issues with cabs, contact the Tourist Transportation Department at 787-999-2100 ext. 4502 between 7:30AM to 4:30PM Monday through Friday.

By train

The Tren Urbano station at Sagrado Corazón. Most are above ground.
A map of the system.

San Juan now served by a rapid transit rail line called "Tren Urbano" (Urban Train) [5]. The train starts about a mile south of Condado in southern Santurce with the station of Sagrado Corazón. It then continues south through Hato Rey, Rio Piedras before leaving San Juan proper to the west for the suburbs of Guaynabo and Bayamón. While it does not connect popular tourist locations like Old San Juan, El Condado or the airport, it is a useful way to see more of the city.

The stations are very large, new, and seem to have English speaking attendants. They have fare-purchase machines like New York City (in both English and Spanish) that give you a fare card. Save your fare card because you need to swipe it to exit! Rides were $1.50 each way regardless of distance. There are discounted fares for students, children and elderly people on both the buses and the train, though your US mainland ID showing you are either old or a student does not seem to work to get you a discounted ticket.

A normal visitor can access the system from tourist areas by:

  • Taking the Acua Expreso ferry (temporarily discontinued) from Old San Juan to the financial district, where you'll find the "Hato Rey" station right next to the ferry dock, or
  • Taking the B-21 bus to the station Sagrado Corazon, or
  • Walking from Condado to the station Sagrado Corazon (not recommended at night)

By walking

If you are not afraid of a 3 mile walk, you may be inclined to walk between various points of interest in San Juan. This can be a good way to see the cityscape and the places that tourists do not always go. As with any large city, you should be alert for cars and such. You should also pay attention to where you are going. The recession has not been kind to Puerto Rico, and tourist areas in San Juan are interspersed with areas that may look a bit rough to a suburbanite's eye. Be alert and you should be fine, but before planning any long walk, you might want to search for information about areas in San Juan to avoid as a tourist.

Talk

Spanish is the dominant language in San Juan and throughout Puerto Rico. English is also very widely spoken and understood (approximately one-third of the population speaks English "Very Well" or better according to the 2000 U.S. Census). Most businesses within the tourist areas of the city are fully fluent in English and those businesses tend to hire employees who are bilingual, thus speaking English very well. In addition, English is widely taught in high schools, with most students understanding some basic English. As a visitor, be prepared to use some high school level Spanish to drivers to communicate about luggage, restaurants, or anything not a normal tourist spot.

See

El Morro from San Cristóbal
La Fortaleza
  • El Castillo San Felipe del Morro "El Morro" : is a sixteenth-century citadel that lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is part of San Juan National Historic Site and was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983.
  • El Castillo de San Cristóbal, (787) 729-6960. A Spanish fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was built by the Spaniards to protect against land based attacks on the city of San Juan. It is part of San Juan National Historic Site. It covers 27 acres of land and is 150 ft tall. Open every day from 9AM to 6PM.
  • Palacio de Santa Catalina "La Fortaleza" (or The Fortress in English) is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, who is Puerto Rico's head of Government. It was built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the harbor of San Juan. The structure is also known as El Palacio de Santa Catalina (or Palace of Santa Catalina). It is the oldest executive mansion in the New World. La Fortaleza was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
  • La Catedral de San Juan Bautista: contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. It was built in the 1520's, soon to be wrecked by a hurricane, and then rebuilt in 1540. After being rebuilt, it was robbed in the late 1500's, and then, in 1615, it was damaged by a hurricane. In 1917, a lot of changes were made to restore the building. Tours are given daily from 8:30AM-4PM.
  • Castillo de San Jerónimo is a small fort located in the entrance to what is known today as Condado, Puerto Rico lagoon in San Juan. The fort defended San Juan from attacks by Sir Francis Drake in 1595, Sir George Clifford "Earl of Cumberland" in 1598 and Sir Ralph Abercromby.
  • Iglesia de San Jose dates back to 1523. This building was originally called the Church and Monastery of Saint Thomas Aquinas. Before Ponce de Leon was moved to the San Juan Catedral, his body was buried here for 300 years.
  • Ayuntamiento or Alcaldia or City Hall.
  • The municipal cemetery of Santa María Madgalena de Pazzis, located just outside the city walls.
  • Fuerte San Geronimo is a fort that was built to tighten defense within the city. There is a small museum inside.
  • Centro de Bellas Artes is the largest fine arts center in the Caribbean. Concerts, Plays, and Operas are hosted here. This fine arts center opened in 1981.
  • Bacardi Rum Factory, +1 787 788-8400. M-Sa 9AM-4:30PM, Sunday from 10AM-3:30PM. Also called the "Cathedral of Rum" and covers 127 acres. Free tour, including a trolley ride around the premises.

Do

Condado Beach

Check out the beaches in Condado and Isla Verde.

A popular point of interest is Old San Juan, a 7-block area that has become popular for tourists as well as residents. The narrow streets of old San Juan are packed with people so it is recommended to experience Old San Juan by foot in order to avoid too much traffic. You can take a taxi for less than $20 from most hotels but for .75 you can also take the B21 bus which picks up from many locations near the hotels and is very easy to use.

Check out the parks in San Juan.

  • Central Park is the park to visit if you're looking for traditional activities such as jogging, tennis, baseball, etc.
  • La Marquesa Canopy Tour - Located about 30 minutes outside of San Juan in Guaynabo you can tour the La Marquesa Forest Reserve via zip line. It is a low impact experience suitable for people of all ages. Those who are up for extreme adventure travel may find this a little too easy.
  • Munoz Rivera Park, Av. Ponce de León. Tu-Su 9AM-5PM. Located by the ocean and has beautiful trees and landscaping. A great place to tour by foot.
  • Parque de las Palomas overlooks La Princesa Jail. From this park you are able to see a great view of the mountains, harbor and the city.
  • The Casino of Puerto Rico is a large building with a 12 foot chandelier and an open ballroom, built right before World War I.
  • The Teatro Tapia, (787) 721-0169 or (787) 721-0180. Built in 1832, this is one of the oldest theaters in the Western Hemisphere. This building, which was named after Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, has been remodeled twice, once in 1949 and once in 1987. Plays, ballets, and other concerts and events are held here.

Learn

  • Ateneo de Puerto Rico (museum) Founded in 1876, it is the largest cultural institution in Puerto Rico. Art contests and classes are held here as well. Hours are M-F 9AM to 4:30PM. (787) 722-4839.
  • Casa del Libro, (787) 723-0354. Tu-Sa 11AM-4:30PM. A museum holding nearly 5,000 early works of manuscripts and books, some as from as old as the 15th century. This museum is most known for having two royal mandates signed by Ferdinand and Isabella concerning arranging Columbus' fleet for his second voyage.
  • Cuartel de Ballaja, (787) 724-5052. M-F 10AM-4PM, Sa,Su 11AM-5PM. Guided tours M-F 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM and 2PM. Completed in 1863, and in 1881 a chapel was added. This building originally housed military personnel and is now a museum containing Caribbean and European American arts and artifacts. Free admission.
  • Felisa Rincón de Gautier Museum :At Calle Clara Lair. Open M-F 9AM-4PM. Felisa Rincón served as the mayor of the city of San Juan for 22 years, between 1946 and 1968. The museum that commemorates her memory is in a 300-year-old building. Free.
  • La Princesa (former municipal jail, now a history museum) Overlooks San Juan Bay. La Princesa was built in 1837. A beautiful structure that has beautiful landscaping. It is surrounded by a wall and contains many trees, as well as a fountain and a sculpture. Open M-F from 9AM to 4PM. (787) 721-2400.
  • Museo del Niño (Children's Museum) at Calle del Cristo 150. Open: Tu-Th 9AM-3:30PM; F 9AM-5PM; Sa-Su 12:30PM-5PM. Through interactive exhibits, children learn simple lessons, such as the benefits of brushing teeth or recycling aluminum cans, or the value of caring properly for pets. Admission $5; $4 children 14 and younger.
  • Museo Nuestras Raíces Africanas( Our African Roots Museum), Plaza San José, Calle San Sebastián. Open Tu-Sa 8:30AM-8:30PM. This museum documents the African contribution to the sociology of Puerto Rico. Admission is $2 for adults; $1 for seniors, children, and students; free for ages 10 and under.
  • Museo de Arte ( Museum of Art), 299 Av. José de Diego, Santurce. Open Tu and Th-Sa 10AM-5PM; W 10AM-8PM; Su 11AM-6PM. Puerto Rico's most important gallery, which opened in 2000 and was constructed at a cost of $55 million, is a state-of-the-art showcase for the island nation's rich cultural heritage. Admission is $6 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, $3 for children under age 12.
  • The Pablo Casals Museum, Calle San Sebastián 101, (787) 723-9185. Tu-Sa 9:30AM-5:30PM. Casals came to Puerto Rico in the 1950s and was the conductor for the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. The museum contains footage of his concerts as well as other pictures and manuscripts.
  • Spanish barracks (now museum de Ballaja)

Work

Employment opportunities in Puerto Rico are to be found in the varying sectors of the territory's economy; key among these are education, financial services, government (municipal, territorial & federal), pharmaceutical and tourism. Proficiency in both Spanish and English are among the key skills required by local employers.

Employers in Puerto Rico are required to verify the eligibility of prospective workers to accept employment in the United States[6].

Buy

  • Plaza las Américas, "The Center of it All", biggest mall in the Caribbean, containing more than 300 stores anchored by the world's largest JC Penney, plus Macy's, Lacoste, American Eagle, A|X and Sears. It has a movie theater and restaurants such as Chili's, Macaroni Grill, Margarita's and Tierra del Fuego. If you need or want to visit a good example of a modern, enclosed mall from the U.S. mainland, this won't disappoint.
  • Old San Juan, Shopping in Old San Juan is diverse, with retailers scattered among many narrow streets. Stores include many fine jewelers, arts, crafts and mercantil shops, at least one drug store, and a few branded "outlets". You'll also find numerous cafes and a few fine restaurants. For walkers, the humidity and tropical sun may make the mid-late afternoon temperatures a bit oppressive. Alternatives include going early as stores open (typically 10AM on weekdays) or catching a free trolley winding throughout the area, with opportunities to get off at marked stops wherever desired. The trolley tends to stay very full on afternoons when cruise ships are in.

Eat

  • Al Dente, Calle Recinto Sur 309, Old San Juan, +1 787-723-7303. M-F 12PM-3PM; M-Sa 6PM-11PM; Sun 12:30PM-4PM and 6PM-10PM. The oldest continuously operated Italian restaurant in Puerto Rico.
  • Café Puerto Rico, Calle O'Donnell 208, +1 787 724-2281. 11:30AM-11PM. Creole cuisine. On the Plaza de Colón, enjoy the view along with a great meal. Great spot to stop for a drink, snack & conversation too. Live music weekends & some weekdays. Recently expanded to the second floor. Best meal: stuffed snapper (fillet + lobster, crab, shellfish in a flavorful broth) + rice & beans + sweet plantains. $9-$21 main course but order side dishes too.
  • El Alcázar, 1013 Ave. Roosevelt. New Spanish restaurant which serves a variety of "Tapas", seafood and several meats. Also has a variety of Wines. The ambience is romantic and live music is offered several times a month.
  • El Asador, The Grill Old San Juan, 350 San Francisco St (Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 00902), +1 787-289-9966. 10AM - 4AM 7 Days a Week. El Asador Bar Restaurant The Best Meats Cuts & Puerto Rican Cuisine located at the entrance of Old San Juan, the heart of nightlife in the Old City. It is the most stylish and exclusive Bar Restaurant in San Juan, a two level Restaurant with an exterior patio the perfect environment for an exciting experience. Delight with an early lunch or a romantic dinner in one of the most beautiful interior patios of the Old City, or why not enjoy the best music and liveliest party in San Juan until sunrise. El Asador is a cozy and sophisticated Bar Restaurant, patronized by upscale, trendy, local and tourist.
  • La Bombonera, +1 787-722-0658. Calle San Francisco, west of Tanca. 7:30AM-8PM. Authentic local cuisine in an unassuming landmark atmosphere unchanged for decades. Serves lunch and dinner. Fresh pastries. Superlative coffee. Inexpensive.
  • Luigi's Restaurant, 104 Diez de Andino, Condado, 787-722-2672. M-Sa 11:30AM-3PM and 6PM-10PM; Su 12PM-5pPM. Serves Italian and Genovese cuisine.
  • Margarita's, Several locations including 3rd level at Plaza las Américas and 1013 Ave. Roosevelt, 787-792-0283. One of the traditional Mexican food restaurants that exists in the island.
  • Milagros y Sean's, Isla Verde. Delicious traditional home cooked Spanish food and half-edible Irish cuisine if you're not in the mood for good tasting things. Bartender makes great cocktails and pours a terrible Guinness. Lounge area with 90's hip-hop, R&B classics, and semi-tolerable fiddle.
  • Ostra Cosa, Calle del Cristo 154, Old San Juan, 787-722-2672. Daily 12PM-10PM. Reservations recommended. The ambience here is one of the most sensual and romantic in Old San Juan.
  • Pamela's restaurant, (787)726-5010, Calle Santa Ana 1. Traditional Caribbean and Puerto Rican dishes are prepared by a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. You have the choice of eating inside or outside on the beach. Lunch runs around $15 while dinner is a little more (around $20-$25).
  • Parrot Club, Calle Fortaleza 363, Old San Juan, 787-725-7370. Daily 12PM-3PM; 6PM-11PM. Live music, either Brazilian, salsa, or Latino jazz, is offered nightly as well as during the popular Sunday brunches.
  • Ramiro's, Av. Magdalena 1106, Condado, 787-721-9049. M-Sa 12PM-3PM & 6PM-11PM; Su 12PM-3PM & 6PM-10PM. Creole" style cooking pioneered by owner and chef Jesús Ramiro.
  • San Juan Hard Rock Café, Old San Juan.
  • Tantra is located at 356 Calle Fortaleza and serves international cuisine. Great creative and nightlife atmosphere. A warm, candlelit environment with great food and great martinis. Moderately priced, entrees run from around $13-$17. (787)977-8141.
  • Tierra del Fuego, 3rd Level at Plaza las Américas, 787-294-7019. One of the best Argentinean restaurants where you will be able to savor a tender, juicy cut of meat prepared by chefs and cooks who, together with the warm staff of waiters and hostesses, are without representation of a trade union that can defend their rights of having fair wages and benefits.
  • UVVA Restaurant, (787) 727-3302, 1 Calle Tapia, Ocean Park. International creative cuisine by Chef Jose Vicente is served from 8AM until 11PM. The ambiance is elegant and casual.
  • BUNS Burger Shop, 1214 Ashford Ave. (In front of Marriott Hotel). 11:30am-4:00am. Great burgers with high quality beef. Over 40 beers, some on tap.

Drink

  • Brava, At Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde. Cover $15, free for residents of El San Juan Hotel. Open Th-Sa from 10PM until 4AM.
  • Cigar Bar, At Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde. Daily 6PM to 3AM.
  • Club Laser, Calle del Cruz 251, near the corner of Calle Fortaleza.Cover $8-$12 (free cover for women before midnight on Sat) The club is usually open Th-Su from 10PM until 4AM.
  • Dákiti, Calle San Sebastián, Pub with two floors. Idilic for the San Sebastián Festivities.
  • Dragonfly, Restaurant and bar on Forteleza Street in Old San Juan.
  • El Patio de Sam, Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan. One of the most popular late-night joints with a good selection of beers. Live entertainment is presented here M-Sa.Open daily noon to 1AM.
  • Logan's Irish Pub, Calle Bori 496, Río Piedras. Daily 11:30AM to 1AM (closes at 2:30AM F-Sa). A sports bar with TV monitors and high-energy rock 'n' roll.
  • Rumba, Calle San Sebastián 152. The site for the filming of many of the crowd scenes within Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Cover $15.
  • Shannon's Irish Pub, Marginal Martínez Nadal, Guaynabo. Daily 11:30AM to 1AM (closes at 2:30AM F-Sa). A sports bar with TV monitors and high-energy rock 'n' roll.
  • Nuyorican Cafe, +1 787-977-1276. Calle San Francisco #312. Good live music venue in Old San Juan. Salsa, Latin jazz, folkloric music.
  • Ristorante Pinoli, 404 De Diego Ave. Puerto Nuevo (Just off Roosevelt Ave. on the right), +1 787-273-1611. 12-3 6-10. This is one of the finest Italian restaurants in Puerto Rico. The menu is very creative with new dishes added based on the fresh ingredients available on any given day. This is a cloth napkin establishment. $30.
  • Pieria, 310 Fortaleza St., Old San Juan. Great bar and club in South Fortaleza St. This is the place where fashionable locals come to mingle in the weekends. Opens at 10PM and starts getting packed after Midnight.
  • BUNS Burger Shop, 1214 Ashford Ave. (In front of Marriott Hotel). 11:30am-4:00am. Great burger place with over 40 beers. High quality beef is their priority. $8-12.

Sleep

San Juan has a wide range of accommodation, but few budget options of any kind. European-style youth hostels do not exist in the city. Colonial-style city hotels are clustered in Old San Juan, while the big beachfront resorts are mostly out in Condado and Isla Verde.

You'll be looking at $100/night for even a basic hotel room, and well north of $300 for a five-star resort. However, discounts are available in summer (low) season.

Budget

There are a number of vacation apartments which are walking distance to the beach, comfortable with fully equipped kitchen for saving money meals. You can find these individually-owned apartments in either condos in front of the beach in Isla verde or in areas in Ocean Park and Condado walking distance to beach.

You might not have the daily housekeeping service but this option is good to receive a more authentic stay rather than in the sterile unchanging hotel. These accommodations can vary from $50-$80

Posada Colonial apartments ( ocean park/ Condado) area minutes from the beach has very high reviews ( range $70 night complete and private apartment)

There is also a New Budget options new to the island in the way of a Hostel/GuestHouse that accommodates the frugal traveler for $20 to $55 a night

Old San Juan: Posada San Francisco with private room guest house style and traditional Hostel style; Dorms

There are other areas of San Juan as:

Santurce ( in low income neighborhood): where Other hostels can be found for much less.

The Palace Hostel #720-432-0712

San Juan International Hostel

Mid Range

  • Alasol at 318 Calle del Sol, Viejo San Juan. Fully furnished one bedroom apartments with parking space in Old San Juan. Phone: (787)724-4456 , Phone: (787)564-3683
  • Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde, 7012 Boca de Cangrejos ave, +1 787 791-0404. A beautiful hotel located on the gorgeous beach of Isla Verde just minutes from the international airport in San Juan, with several restaurants and a casino.
  • Embassy Suites, Isla Verde. Use their national web site.
  • Hampton Inn, Isla Verde. Use their national web site.
  • Hosteria del Mar, 1 Calle Tapia, (Ocean Park), Phone: 727-3302 or Phone: 800-742-4276.
  • Le Consulat, 1149 Magdalena Ave, +1 787-289-9191, fax: 787-723-8665. Condado. The boutique-style hotel, is ideally located in the El Condado section of San Juan.
  • Palm View Realty, 5970 Isla Verde Avenue, +1 888-268-5281, fax: 727-1415. Palm View Realty Specializes in short term rentals as well as condo, apartment and house sales in Puerto Rico. Affordable rentals are Beach Front and fully furnished.
  • San Miguel Plaza Hotel. Lodging accommodations include free continental breakfast, parking, Internet, business center and gym, all for a low rate per room and the lowest tax rate, with no additional or hidden charges.
  • Tu Casa Boutique Hotel, 2071 Calle Cacique, (Ocean Park), Phone: 727-5100.

Splurge

  • Hotel El Convento, 100 Cristo St, +1 787 723-9020. Located in the heart of Old San Juan, this Small Luxury Hotel was a Convent until the late 19th century. It has a 4 story courtyard with a pool on the roof and spectacular views of Old San Juan.
  • The Gallery Inn, 204 Norzagaray Street (Old San Juan 00901, Puerto Rico), +1 787-722-1808. The only hotel in Old San Juan with Atlantic Ocean views. Spectacular, 300-year-old boutique hotel, art gallery and museum in one. 26 gorgeously unique accommodations, owned by artist / sculptor Jan D'Esopo. Fascinating Old World charm.
  • El San Juan Hotel & Casino, 6063 Isla Verde Avenue, +1 787-791-1000. Beachfront location in the Isla Verde district of San Juan and 15 minutes from the shopping, entertainment, and history of charming Old San Juan.

Stay safe

Use common sense when going around. The tourist areas, like the Old City, Condado, and Isla Verde tend to be very safe. There is a wonderfully visible, 24-hour police presence in the Old City.

Use caution when riding a bicycle around the city as roads are often crowded and some are unpaved. Be sure to pay attention to the roadway on which you are riding and the traffic.

Pedestrians need to use similar caution in Old San Juan. While traffic usually is slower, the streets are narrow, and sidewalks very narrow, sometimes crowded, with occasional trip hazards.

Go next

  • Arecibo - You can go see the Arecibo observatory and Cavernas del Rio Camuy (Camuy River Caverns) in the same day. Arecibo is about one hour west of San Juan.
  • Loiza - On the north coast of Loiza you will find Piñones, a great place to go to the beach and eat some of the best Puerto Rican fried food. Just minutes away from El Condado and Old San Juan.
  • Fajardo - In eastern Puerto Rico a nice trip to make is Las Cabezas de San Juan, a natural reserve, you will have a tour around the place where they will show you the different types of plants in the reserve and then the lighthouse which now serves as a small museum, the place has a spectacular view. Reservation is required.
  • Rio Grande - The Caribbean National Rain Forest or El Yunque is located here, a great place to spend the day with nature, enjoying an awesome view and walking between trees and small rivers. There are many different trails, the La Mina trail affords hikers to swim in a waterfall towards the middle of the trail.
This city travel guide to San Juan is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.