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San Juan

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© Lyma Rodrigués/Discover Puerto Rico

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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

  • Puerto Rico, Old San Juan, section of El Morro Fortress

    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 de San Cristobal, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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    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…

  • Plaza del Cuartel, in front of Museo de las Americas, near Galeria Nacional/National Gallery, and Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena

    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…

  • SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO - JUNE 04: The entrance of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rican Museum of Art) on June 4, 2012 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  Photo by Alfredo Sosa/The Christian Science Monitort

    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…

  • Isla Verde Beach, San Juan, Puerto Rico

    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

    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

    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

    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…

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.

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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.

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Transportation

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

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Free Things to Do

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

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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.

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Day Trips

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

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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. 

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