San Juan Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Juan
San Juan showing cuddly or friendly animals and heritage elements
San Juan showing château or palace, a beach and general coastal views
Puerto Rico Island featuring tropical scenes, a city and a beach
Castillo San Felipe del Morro featuring heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Visit Puerto Rico’s capital to sunbathe on white-sand beaches, shop in stylish boutiques and explore historic buildings dating back to the 16th century.

Enjoy a tropical beach holiday in San Juan and explore the many historic sites in one of the oldest cities in the Americas.

The oldest part of the city, known as Old San Juan (El Viejo San Juan), is a small island connected to the mainland by bridges. Here, you’ll find many of the city’s most popular attractions, historic buildings, restaurants and shops.

Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, which has a wide range of exhibits, regular cultural events and a beautiful botanical garden. Just a short walk away is the Catedral de San Juan where you can attend a Spanish mass or view the final resting place of Ponce de Leon, a Spanish explorer and the first Governor of Puerto Rico.

No trip to the area is complete without a visit to the San Juan National Historic Site. This massive complex is World Heritage listed and includes many of the city’s defensive walls and fortresses. Plan to spend several hours here as you can explore dungeons and tunnels, and climb towers for 140-feet-(42-metre) high views of the city.

San Juan is well known for its excellent shopping, so make the time to wander along the Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan’s popular shopping street. You’ll find famous international boutiques alongside merchants selling local goods.

Those looking to relax on the beach should head east of Old San Juan to Isla Verde. This beach is close to the main attractions, but far enough away to be a good place for some peace and quiet. For those with children, Luquillo Beach, where coral reefs protect a lagoon, is a great option.

Despite severe traffic congestion, residents and visitors to San Juan primarily travel by car, although a free tourist trolley runs in Old San Juan. Some areas offer a metro system and public buses, but the best option for visitors is usually either walking the shorter distances or taking advantage of a local trolley or taxi service.

Where to stay in San Juan

Condado

Condado

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Condado. Make a stop by Condado Beach or Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort while you're exploring the area.

Condado
San Juan

Old San Juan

4/5(1 area review)

The interesting museums and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Old San Juan. A stop by Port of San Juan or Pier 1 might round out your trip.

Old San Juan
Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico which includes street scenes

Santurce

While you're in Santurce, take in top sights like Condado Beach and jump on the metro at Sacred Heart Station to see more of the city.

Santurce
San Juan featuring tropical scenes, a city and a beach

Ocean Park

Ocean Park is known for its stunning beaches, and you can see some sights area like Playa Ocean Park and Calle Loiza.

Ocean Park
San Juan Cemetery

San Juan Antiguo

4/5(3 area reviews)

Amazing beaches interesting history and top sights from Port of San Juan to Castillo de San Cristobal – discover San Juan Antiguo, a destination also famous for its shopping.

San Juan Antiguo
Fort San Jeronimo which includes heritage elements

Puerta de Tierra

4/5(1 area review)

Travellers to Puerta de Tierra praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Port of San Juan and Escambron Beach.

Puerta de Tierra
The Condado Plaza Hotel
The Condado Plaza Hotel
4 out of 5
999 Ashford Avenue, San Juan
The price is Rp3.719.430 per night from 12 May to 13 May
Rp3.719.430
Rp4.696.244 total
includes taxes & fees
12 May - 13 May
Stay at this 4-star beach resort in San Juan. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,104 reviews)
"Overall this place was very nice. Staff was amazing the only problem was they were over booked and did not acknowledge the balcony I paid extra for but did acknowledge a French style balcony but, a lot of debris and cigarette butts were underneath."

Reviewed on 25 Apr 2025

The Condado Plaza Hotel
Caribe Hilton
Caribe Hilton
4.5 out of 5
1 San Geronimo Street, San Juan
The price is Rp3.366.000 per night from 19 May to 20 May
Rp3.366.000
Rp4.586.175 total
includes taxes & fees
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this beach resort in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
"The staff was amazing — especially housekeeping. The location is great. Bring on the beach and beach views. We can’t wait to go back!"

Reviewed on 28 Apr 2025

Caribe Hilton
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
4.5 out of 5
1309 Ashford Avenue, San Juan
The price is Rp6.378.570 per night from 26 May to 27 May
Rp6.378.570
Rp8.294.497 total
includes taxes & fees
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,186 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

San Juan Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hugo's Rental
Hugo's Rental
2 out of 5
200 C. de O'Donnell, San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this aparthotel in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and housekeeping. Popular attractions Port of San Juan and Pan American Pier are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (147 reviews)
"Perfect place to stay in old San Juan, they were very accommodating to hold our luggage until check in time, the only downfall of the property is you have to haul your luggage up the stairs."

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

Hugo's Rental
San Agustin Apartments
San Agustin Apartments
3 out of 5
200 C. San Agustín, San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a business centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (288 reviews)
"The area is pretty close to everything and close proximity to the old town. Parking was great! And the overall apartment is quiet and feels safe!"

Reviewed on 26 Apr 2025

San Agustin Apartments
Old San Juan Rentals
Old San Juan Rentals
3.5 out of 5
251 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in San Juan. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, Netflix and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (579 reviews)
"The unit that we stayed in was on the 4th floor with absolutely beautiful views of ocean, the city and the Governor’s mansion! That being said, it was on the fourth floor with no elevator, so pack lightly ~ we didn’t. Wonderful stay with a workout!"

Reviewed on 27 Apr 2025

Old San Juan Rentals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of San Juan

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great place with lovely architecture, colours and character. Definitely worth a visit for a few days.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Enjoyed visit to mall and tour of fort. Stopped here for a couple of days after cruise. Think I did not do my research enough before trip as the area was one I would have preferred to avoid as a tourist Tropicalia apartment was nicely clean

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

First time in San Juan and came for a wedding. Puerto Rico is more expensive than mainland US, but the people are warm and welcoming. Very nice place and is somewhere I need to visit again without for proper vacation.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Friendly locals, safe atmosphere, interesting to explore.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Some areas run down. Only stayed one night and that was in tourist area

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Sun Juan beautiful place with lots of sunshine along with happy people going about their business.

Cities near San Juan