San Juan

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Puerto Rico

$24.99

Overview

Established in 1521, San Juan juxtaposes historical authenticity with pulsating modern energy – a mosaic of ever-evolving neighborhoods, silk-sand beaches and well-polished colonial-era artifacts.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

San Juan

A star of Old San Juan, brooding El Morro sits atop a headland, deterring would-be attackers. The 140ft walls (some up to 15ft thick) date to 1539 and it…
Castillo San Cristóbal

San Juan

The city's second major fort is one of the largest Spanish-built military installations in the Americas. In its prime, it covered 27 acres with a maze of…
Museo de las Américas

San Juan

This museum presents an impressive overview of cultural development in the Americas, including indigenous, African and European influences. Four permanent…
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

San Juan

San Juan boasts one of the largest and most celebrated art museums in the Caribbean. Housed in a splendid neoclassical building that was once the city’s…
Playa Isla Verde

San Juan

With countless tanned bodies lounging or flexing their biceps around the volleyball net, this urban beach basks in its reputation as the Copacabana of…
Casa Bacardí Rum Factory

San Juan

The ‘Cathedral of Rum’ sits in vast grounds near the mouth of San Juan Bay. Three signature tours (45 minutes to 1½ hours) are offered throughout the week…
Playa Ocean Park

San Juan

Protected by offshore reefs and caressed by cooling seasonal trade winds, this wide sweep of diamond-dust sand is a favorite of locals. But this…
Balneario El Escambrón

San Juan

This sheltered arc's raked sand, decent surf breaks, local action and a 17th-century Spanish fort shimmering in the distance are the hallmarks of what's…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

Experience the best of Puerto Rico’s capital with this rundown of the top things to do in and around town.

Read article

Best Time to Visit

Year-round balmy weather, cultural and historical experiences and amazing food make San Juan, Puerto Rico a sure bet any time of year.

Read article

Transportation

From free trolleys to car rentals, here’s what you need to know about getting around Puerto Rico's capital.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Break in case of a budget emergency. These 13 things to do in San Juan won't cost a thing.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

San Juan, Puerto Rico's rainbow-hued capital, is a vibrant hub for music, food and culture. Discover the best of the city in these fun-filled neighborhoods.

Read article

Day Trips

Experience amazing local cuisine, gorgeous tropical beaches and scenic mountain drives with these day trips from San Juan.

Read article

LGBTIQ+ Travel

With a large cluster of gay neighborhoods in Condado, the tourist district and Santurce, San Juan is arguably Puerto Rico’s most LGBTIQ+-friendly city.

Read article