San Juan, Puerto Rico-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
  • 9:00 AM: Pick up rental car or take a taxi/Uber to your hotel
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in to Hotel El Convento, a historic hotel in the heart of Old San Juan
  • 11:00 AM: Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro (Spanish fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Bombonera, a famous bakery and cafe serving traditional Puerto Rican sandwiches and pastries
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan, including Calle de la Fortaleza and Calle del Cristo
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy sunset views from Paseo de la Princesa promenade
  • 8:00 PM: Have dinner at Marmalade Restaurant, known for its creative fusion cuisine

Day 2: Beaches and Parks

  • 9:00 AM: Head to Condado Beach (Playa Condado) for a morning of sunbathing and swimming
  • 11:30 AM: Visit Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera, a beautiful park with gardens and walking trails
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Estación, a trendy restaurant serving modern Puerto Rican cuisine
  • 2:30 PM: Relax at Ocean Park Beach (Playa Ocean Park)
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the San Juan Museum of Art (Museo de Arte de San Juan) in Old San Juan
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at La Parroquia, a restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine

Day 3: History and Culture

  • 9:30 AM: Visit Casa Blanca, the birthplace of Ponce de León’s wife, Ana Gutiérrez, and now a museum showcasing Puerto Rican history
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan Bautista)
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at La Bombonera (try their famous croquetas!)
  • 2:00 PM: Visit El Museo del Nuevo Mundo, a museum showcasing Puerto Rican history and art
  • 4:00 PM: Attend a traditional Puerto Rican music performance at the Teatro Tapia in Old San Juan
  • 7:00 PM: Have dinner at El Jibarito, a restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine

Day 4: Adventure

  • 9:00 AM: Take a day trip to Luquillo Beach (Playa Luquillo), known for its stunning views and seafood restaurants
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at one of the beachside food kiosks in Luquillo
  • 2:00 PM: Go kayaking or paddleboarding in La Mina River, a tranquil and scenic area near El Yunque National Forest
  • 5:00 PM: Visit El Yunque National Forest (Parque Nacional de El Yunque), the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System
  • 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Parrot Club, a restaurant serving international cuisine

Day 5: Shopping and Relaxation

  • 9:00 AM: Visit Old San Juan’s famous shopping street, Calle de la Fortaleza
  • 11:00 AM: Shop for souvenirs or art at La Placita de Santurce, a weekend market in the trendy Santurce neighborhood
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at a food truck or eatery in the Santurce neighborhood
  • 3:00 PM: Relax on the beach or by the pool at your hotel
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy sunset views from a rooftop bar, such as La Parroquia’s El Techo

Day 6: Departure

  • Check-out of Hotel El Convento
  • Return rental car or take a taxi/Uber to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU)
  • Depart for your next destination

Important Information:

  • Transportation: Renting a car is recommended, but public transportation and taxis are also available. Uber and Lyft operate in San Juan.
  • Language: English is widely spoken, but Spanish is the predominant language. Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience.
  • Weather: San Juan has a tropical climate; be prepared for heat and humidity, especially during summer months.
  • Safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing and petty theft in tourist areas. Keep valuables secure and stay informed about local conditions.

Tips:

  • Respect local culture: Learn about Puerto Rican customs and traditions to avoid unintentionally offending locals.
  • Try local cuisine: Experience the flavors of traditional Puerto Rican food, such as mofongo, arroz con gandules, and empanadas.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay refreshed in San Juan’s tropical climate.

Additional Recommendations:

  • Visit a casino: Try your luck at one of the many casinos in San Juan, such as Casino del Mar or La Placita de Santurce.
  • Take a food tour: Explore San Juan’s culinary scene with a guided food tour.
  • Go on a boat tour: Take a sunset cruise or snorkeling excursion to explore San Juan’s coastal waters.

Hotel Recommendation:

  • Hotel El Convento: A historic hotel in the heart of Old San Juan, offering elegant rooms and a rooftop bar with stunning views.