San Juan, Puerto Rico-2-day-itinerary

August 6, 2024

Day 1: Explore Old San Juan

9:00 AM - Start the day with breakfast at La Bombonera: A historic café serving traditional Puerto Rican pastries and coffee. Try their famous “cuajada” (a type of flan).
- Address: Calle de la Fortaleza, 155, San Juan, 00901
10:00 AM - Visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro: A 16th-century fort that’s a part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Learn about the history of Puerto Rico and the island’s strategic importance.
- Address: Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, 00901
11:30 AM - Walk along the Paseo de la Princesa: A scenic promenade with stunning views of the ocean and the fort.

1:00 PM - Grab lunch at Marmalade: A restaurant serving modern Puerto Rican cuisine. Try their famous “mofongo” (a dish made from mashed plantains).
- Address: 317 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901
2:30 PM - Explore the streets of Old San Juan: Wander through the colorful streets and admire the historic architecture.
4:00 PM - Visit the Catedral de San Juan Bautista: A beautiful Catholic cathedral built in 1521.

7:00 PM - Enjoy dinner at El Jibarito: A restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Try their famous “arroz con gandules” (a rice dish with pigeon peas).
- Address: 251 Calle de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901
9:00 PM - End the day with a stroll along La Paseo: A scenic walkway with beautiful views of the ocean.

Day 2: Beach Day and Old Town

9:00 AM - Start the day with breakfast at Café con Cita: A café serving traditional Puerto Rican pastries and coffee.
- Address: Calle de la Fortaleza, 155, San Juan, 00901
10:30 AM - Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico: A museum showcasing the art of Puerto Rico. Admission is free.

1:00 PM - Grab lunch at La Parroquia: A restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine. Try their famous “empanadas” (meat or cheese pastries).
- Address: 155 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901
2:30 PM - Visit the Escambrón Beach: A beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters.
- Address: Avenida Cerra, San Juan, 00911

7:00 PM - Enjoy dinner at La Estación: A restaurant serving modern Puerto Rican cuisine. Try their famous “pork belly empanadas”.
- Address: 155 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901
9:00 PM - End the day with a show at the Teatro Tapia: A historic theater hosting various shows and performances.

Accommodations

Hotel El Convento: A historic hotel located in the heart of Old San Juan. Rates start around $200/night.
- Address: Calle del Cristo, 100, San Juan, 00901
La Terraza de Bellamar: A boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and stunning views of the ocean. Rates start around $250/night.
- Address: 1111 Ponce de Leon Ave, San Juan, 00907

Transportation

Uber: Available in San Juan, but be aware that prices may surge during peak hours.
Taxi: A reliable option, but expect to pay around $20-30 for a short ride.
Walking and driving: Old San Juan is best explored on foot. For longer trips, rent a car or use public transportation.

Tips

Respect local customs: Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage. Be respectful of the island’s history and traditions.
Try local cuisine: Puerto Rican food is delicious and unique. Try to try some local dishes during your stay.
Bring sunscreen: The sun can be strong in San Juan, so don’t forget to pack sunscreen.

Things to know

San Juan has a rainy season: From May to October, San Juan experiences heavy rainfall. Plan accordingly.
Hurricane season: Puerto Rico is susceptible to hurricanes from June to November. Be aware of weather conditions and follow local advice.
English is widely spoken: While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Other things of interest

Bioluminescent bay: A beautiful bay that’s home to bioluminescent organisms. Visit at night for a stunning display.
- Address: Mosquito Bay, Fajardo, 00741
El Yunque National Forest: A beautiful forest with hiking trails and waterfalls. Visit for a unique experience.
- Address: Rte 3 Km 28, El Yunque, 00724