Puerto Rico, a captivating Caribbean island and a US territory, is a dream destination for travelers seeking warm weather, rich culture, and stunning landscapes without the need for a passport for US citizens. Having explored the vibrant capital city of San Juan on two separate occasions, in 2022 and 2024, I’m thrilled to share an updated and expanded guide to help you plan your perfect trip to Puerto Rico. San Juan effortlessly blends historical charm with modern city life, offering an unforgettable travel experience. Get ready to fall in love with Puerto Rico just like I did!
Colorful buildings in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Discovering San Juan: A Blend of History and Modernity
San Juan, the heart of Puerto Rico, is a sprawling city of over 300,000 residents, extending far beyond the iconic cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. While Old San Juan is a major draw, celebrated for its vibrant colonial architecture and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city encompasses numerous contemporary neighborhoods, each with its unique character. During my visits, I focused on exploring San Juan, but future travels to Puerto Rico are sure to include adventures to other captivating regions of this diverse island.
It’s true that San Juan, like many major cities, presents contrasts. While areas of poverty exist, particularly outside the main tourist zones, neighborhoods like Old San Juan, Condado, and Miramar, where I spent my time, felt remarkably safe and welcoming. Stepping into San Juan is like entering another world. The Spanish language dominates, the architecture is distinctly colonial Caribbean, and even the flora is exotic compared to the mainland US. This unique blend of cultures makes Travel To Puerto Rico a truly enriching experience, feeling much further removed from everyday American life than its geographical location might suggest.
Charming street view in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Effortless Travel to Puerto Rico
One of the biggest perks of planning travel to Puerto Rico from the United States is the ease of access. As a US territory, Puerto Rico welcomes American citizens without the need for a passport. This seamless travel extends to currency – the US dollar is used – and cell phone service, eliminating international roaming charges. For those on the East Coast, there’s no time change to adjust to!
San Juan’s primary airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), is well-connected with direct flights from most major US cities. Excitingly, direct flights are now available from my local airport in Norfolk, Virginia, making travel to San Juan even more convenient than during my previous trips which involved layovers.
Getting around San Juan is straightforward. Uber is readily available and generally affordable. While my first trip in 2022 saw smooth Uber rides, my recent visit in 2024 experienced longer wait times, possibly due to fewer drivers or increased demand. If you prefer greater autonomy, car rentals are easily arranged, ideal for exploring beyond San Juan and discovering more of Puerto Rico’s diverse landscapes.
Coastal road in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan Resorts: Caribe Hilton vs. La Concha Renaissance
During my travels to Puerto Rico, I had the pleasure of staying at two exceptional San Juan resorts: The Caribe Hilton and La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort. Both offer fantastic experiences, though it’s worth noting that all-inclusive resorts aren’t typical in Puerto Rico like in other Caribbean destinations or Mexico, as it is a US territory. If forced to choose a favorite, I would lean slightly towards The Caribe Hilton, where the stunning pool area truly captured my heart and made my first Puerto Rico trip feel magical. However, La Concha is also a superb choice with its own unique advantages. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
The Caribe Hilton:
- Pros: Spectacular pool complex with a swim-up bar, daily complimentary resort activities, spacious accommodations, diverse on-site dining options, a secluded yet accessible location, a luxurious spa (additional cost), and bragging rights as the birthplace of the Piña Colada!
- Cons: Smaller beach area, requires a bit more travel to reach off-property restaurants.
La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort:
- Pros: Located on a large public beach in the vibrant Condado district, within walking distance of numerous restaurants and bars, rooms offer beautiful beach views, and the lobby bar boasts incredible nachos.
- Cons: On-site casino attracts non-hotel guests, pool areas are more spread out, fewer complimentary guest activities.
 The stunning pool at Caribe Hilton |
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| The amazing pool at the Caribe Hilton, perfect for relaxation and fun. |
 Comfortable room at Caribe Hilton |
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| Spacious and well-appointed rooms at The Caribe Hilton ensure a comfortable stay. |
 Pools at La Concha Renaissance from above |
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| A bird’s-eye view of the stylish pool area at La Concha Renaissance. |
 La Concha Renaissance from Condado Beach |
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| The modern architecture of La Concha Renaissance beautifully contrasts with the oceanfront. |
Savoring San Juan: Culinary Delights
San Juan is a food lover’s paradise, brimming with restaurants serving delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. The food scene is a vibrant mix of Caribbean flavors and unique local dishes, with Mofongo, made from mashed plantains, being a must-try. From casual eateries to upscale dining, San Juan offers a range of culinary experiences. Through my two trips, I’ve narrowed down some absolute favorite dining spots in Old San Juan and Condado:
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Señor Paleta (153 Calle de Tetuan, San Juan): This delightful gelato ice pop shop is a must-visit. So good, I returned on both trips! Customize your frozen treat with various toppings for the perfect sweet escape while exploring Old San Juan. My personal favorite is pictured below – a gelato pop with chocolate drizzle and almonds.
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La Verguenza (Old San Juan & Condado locations): Another repeat favorite, La Verguenza is a casual spot serving up fantastic drinks and authentic Puerto Rican food. It has a relaxed, Caribbean sports bar vibe. Their coconut mojito is exceptional, and I highly recommend the fried pork dish, a consistent favorite across both visits. The Old San Juan location offers more scenic views, but the menu is consistent at both locations.
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El Viejo Almacen (251C Calle de Cristo, San Juan): For a more refined experience, El Viejo Almacen is an upscale Argentinian restaurant in Old San Juan. The ambiance is sophisticated, perfect for a special occasion like Ryan’s birthday dinner we celebrated here. The cheese and ham pasta was divine, and the appetizers were equally impressive. Ideal for a romantic night out or celebratory meal.
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Christianson (1131 Ashford Ave, San Juan): This Condado bar and restaurant boasts a unique floral décor, with flowers adorning the ceiling and walls. While we only enjoyed cocktails here, they were phenomenal! Definitely worth considering for a full meal on a future visit.
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Tayzan (1157 Ashford Ave, San Juan): If you’re craving something different, Tayzan offers delicious Chinese and Japanese cuisine with generous portions. It inspired us to find a good sit-down Chinese restaurant back home! A great option for a break from Caribbean flavors.
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Tavola (1131 Ashford Ave Suite 3, San Juan): This Italian restaurant in Condado has a unique speakeasy dining area, where we enjoyed a memorable meal. Tavola serves a variety of Italian classics in a truly special setting.
 Drinks at La Verguenza |
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| Refreshing drinks at La Verguenza, the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring. |
 Puerto Rican food at La Verguenza |
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| Authentic and flavorful Puerto Rican dishes at La Verguenza. |
 Pina Colada at Caribe Hilton |
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| Sipping on a Piña Colada at its birthplace, The Caribe Hilton. |
 Speakeasy dining at Tavola |
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| The unique and intimate speakeasy dining experience at Tavola. |
 Gelato pops from Senor Paleta |
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| Delicious and customizable gelato pops from Señor Paleta in Old San Juan. |
Experiencing San Juan: Top Activities and Attractions
San Juan is bursting with activities and sights to explore. Here are some must-do experiences to include in your travel to Puerto Rico itinerary:
- Wander the Colorful Streets of Old San Juan: Lose yourself in the rainbow-hued streets of Old San Juan, a photographer’s dream! Simply strolling and soaking in the atmosphere is a joy. Discover souvenir shops and local markets tucked away in charming corners.
Colorful street in Old San Juan
Colorful buildings in Old San Juan street
Blue buildings in Old San Juan street
Pink buildings in Old San Juan street
- Calle de la Fortaleza: Capture the iconic imagery of Calle de la Fortaleza, leading to the governor’s palace, La Fortaleza. While street access may be restricted, the colorful decorations overhead still make for fantastic photos from a distance.
Calle de la Fortaleza decorations above street
Calle de la Fortaleza decorations from afar
- San Juan National Historic Site: Immerse yourself in over 500 years of history at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the grounds for free, or pay a small fee to delve inside the forts and learn about their fascinating past managed by the US National Park Service.
San Juan National Historic Site Fort Castillo San Felipe del Morro
San Juan National Historic Site Fort walls
San Juan National Historic Site ocean view
San Juan National Historic Site cannons
- Spot the Cats of Old San Juan: Keep an eye out for the charming street cats of Old San Juan! While I saw more on my first trip, these friendly felines always brighten any travel day.
Cute cat in Old San Juan
Two cats in Old San Juan
Cat relaxing in Old San Juan
- Beaches of San Juan: Enjoy the coastal beauty of San Juan. While the water might be a bit darker than other Caribbean spots and riptides are common, the beaches are perfect for sunbathing, relaxing on the sand, and enjoying the ocean breeze. Condado Beach offers a long stretch of public beach access.
Condado Beach in San Juan
Ocean waves at Condado Beach
Beach chairs at Condado Beach
- El Yunque National Forest Excursion: Escape the city and explore the lush El Yunque National Forest, just an hour from San Juan. Numerous tour operators offer guided day trips to this natural wonder. Choose a tour that matches your desired activity level, from gentle hikes to more adventurous options. Our tour included a rainforest hike, a visit to a swimming hole with optional cliff jumping, and a scenic mountain drive to a waterfall and lookout point. A refreshing change of pace from the city!
El Yunque National Forest lush greenery
El Yunque National Forest river
El Yunque National Forest waterfall lookout
El Yunque National Forest mountain view
- CASA Bacardi Rum Distillery Tour: Visit the world’s largest rum distillery, CASA Bacardi, located in San Juan. Take a tour to learn about the history of this iconic brand and enjoy a complimentary Bacardi cocktail as part of your visit. A fun and informative experience!
Bacardi Distillery welcome sign
Bacardi Distillery buildings
Bacardi Distillery rum barrels
Bacardi Distillery cocktails
- MADMi Museum: For art enthusiasts, the MADMi Museum showcases modern art from Puerto Rican artists in a beautiful building. A worthwhile solo excursion during my first trip.
MADMi Museum exterior
MADMi Museum art exhibit
MADMi Museum colorful art
More Activities to Consider:
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Plaza Las Americas Mall: For a rainy day, Plaza Las Americas is a large, well-maintained indoor mall with a mix of American, European, and local stores, including retailers not commonly found in all US regions.
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Night Kayaking in Bioluminescent Bays: A truly unique experience! Puerto Rico is home to several bioluminescent bays, a rare natural phenomenon. Guided night kayaking tours offer an unforgettable way to witness this magical spectacle.
Bioluminescent bay kayaking at night
Final Thoughts on Travel to Puerto Rico
San Juan, Puerto Rico, is an exceptional Caribbean destination that I wholeheartedly recommend. Its rich history, vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning scenery, combined with the ease of travel for US citizens, make it an ideal vacation spot. My two trips have only deepened my appreciation for this captivating city, and I eagerly anticipate future travels to Puerto Rico. If you have your own San Juan recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
For easy planning, here’s a Google Map with all the locations mentioned in this guide.
God Bless,
xoxo Annaliese
