San Juan travel

San Juan

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.

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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

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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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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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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