11 Best Things To Do In San Juan, Puerto Rico: Ready, Jetset, Go!

No words can possibly describe how beautiful Puerto Rico is. This United States territory in the Caribbean region is a landscape of mountains, waterfalls, and tropical rainforests. Puerto Rico is known for the scents of slow-roasted pork and ocean breezes, the colors of its history, and the medley of Spanish and American influences. If these enticed you to visit this place, one of the best cities to touchdown on is San Juan. There are so many amazing things to do in San Juan.

Formed in 1521, San Juan fuses together its historical authenticity and modern energy that pulsates throughout the territory. The place is a mosaic of evolving neighborhoods, well-polished artifacts from its colonial era, and silk-sand beaches. San Juan is known for its hotel strip, beach bars, and casinos, as well as the Old San Juan neighborhood filled with colorful Spanish colonial architectures and massive, centuries-old fortresses. It’s always fun in San Juan. What are the best things to do in San Juan? Let’s find out. 

Some Of The Best Things To Do In San Juan

Visit San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, and enjoy these great things to do in San Juan. 

1. Stroll Around The Streets Of Old San Juan

The first on this rundown of the best things to do in San Juan is, of course, your visit to the streets of Old San Juan. If you’ve already seen photos or postcards of this Puerto Rican city where there are sets of umbrellas or kites hanging between two structures facing each other, these have to be in San Juan. 

Old San Juan is special in every way. It is renowned for its Old World elegance, stunningly vibrant culture, centuries-old forts, romantic atmosphere, and not to mention its mouth-watering food scene and festive ambience. 

Tourists can take a free walking tour around the area to see historic landmarks such as the La Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista, and Calle Fortaleza, which is one of the most scenic streets of Old San Juan.

You can continue your sightseeing here in Old San Juan as you visit the Puerta de San Juan or the symbolic red gate, the El Paseo de la Princes promenade, the La Catedral de San Juan Bautista – which is the capital’s first cathedral – and the La Fortaleza governor’s mansion. Old San Juan is beautiful. 

2. Walk Down Memory Lane Through 500 Years Of History

You cannot evade learning about history when you go out there to enjoy the best things to do in San Juan. Continue your tour in the walled city of Old San Juan as you travel back in time walking across its cobblestone streets. See charming pastel buildings harmoniously blending with top cultural landmarks and striking monuments that tell Puerto Rico’s history.

Other must-see sights in this tour through 500 years of history include the statue of La Rogativa, the Capilla del Cristo, the San Juan Cathedral, and the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, landmarks that will turn every tourist here to a history major. 

3. Snorkel And Surf At Balneario Escambrón, The Best Beach In San Juan

Many travelers who visit San Juan do so because they want to experience the city’s pristine waters, and there is no reason why you should not. Since Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island and San Juan is located on this island’s northern coast, beaches here are everywhere. 

San Juan has three main and gorgeous beaches: Condado Beach, El Escambrón, and Ocean Park Beach. While they are great beaches, offering things to do in San Juan, from snorkeling to diving, you should know that the best among them is Escambrón, known locally as La Ocho and San Juan’s best balneario or public beach.

Surfers of all kinds come to Escambrón, which combines its dramatic sceneries with family-friendly activities. It’s got exquisite sands, shaded by palm trees and protected by a coral reef that also provides a rewarding snorkeling experience. Snorkelers can see schools of damsel fish and blue tangs roaming the waters. What a beauty.

If you are so far loving this “things to do in San Juan” guide, for sure, you will also love reading about the best photography spots in Puerto Rico. 

4. San Juan Is Home To The Largest Mall In The Caribbean

Knowing that, what first hits your mind? Of course! Shopping! Plaza Las Américas, the largest shopping mall across the Caribbean, is found right here in San Juan. You will definitely find what you are looking for from its wide array of department stores, small boutiques, chain retailers, and specialty boutiques, not to mention its movie theater. 

Aside from Plaza Las Américas, if you are looking for more things to do in San Juan wherein you can go shopping, you can also visit the Mall of San Juan. Though not as huge as Plaza Las Américas, this mall is different in its own right as it is known for high-end shops featuring international brands and upscale local designers.

5. World-Class Nightlife Is Here In San Juan, Puerto Rico

When you think about electrifying nightlife, you think of places like Ibiza or Las Vegas. But if you’re here in San Juan and want to experience nightlife, where should you go? San Juan offers a lot of spots for nightlife, and the experience here is also world-class. 

After the sun sets, the city pulsates with nightclubs, bars, and lounges where you can drink world-famous cocktails and dance the night away. 

If you fancy partying outdoors, you can join the street party at La Placita de Santurce, actually a marketplace that transforms into a ravishing bar and restaurant scene at night. Nearby, you can also visit Calle Loíza, a neighborhood filled with various restaurants.

Otherwise, if you are touring Old San Juan, reached nightfall, and want to party, you can head over to its streets, South Fortaleza and Calle San Sebastián. They are lit up with neon and string lights as the night falls, and offer the best and most unique bars for visitors from all around the world.

We’ve listed Puerto Rico as one of the best places to visit in September. Head over to that link to view the list, complementing this “things to do in San Juan” piece.

6. Visit The Fort At El Morro, San Juan’s Crown Jewel

For more things to do in San Juan that tell about not just the city’s, but also Puerto Rico’s history, head over to the fort at El Morro, San Juan’s crown jewel. 

Constructed over a span of two centuries to safeguard Puerto Rico from its seaborne aggressors, El Morro kept the Spanish flag hoisted and flying over San Juan for almost four centuries until American troops arrived during the late 19th century. 

El Morro majestically rises above the Old San Juan peninsula’s northwestern point. This site built during the 1500s also became a national monument in 1961. The fort towers above the Atlantic Ocean, and forms an interesting labyrinth of barracks, dungeons, vaults, turrets, lookouts, and secret passageways. Because of the complexity and grandeur of El Morro, its construction nearby bankrupted the Spanish crown. Pretty gripping, right?

7. Dance Salsa And Drink Cocktails At La Factoría, The Shooting Location Of ‘Despacito’

Dancing the salsa and drinking cocktails are common activities among Puerto Ricans, and when you want to join the party, head over to La Factoría, one of San Juan’s must-visit cocktail bars. There are also so many things to do in San Juan when you’re here.

If you love watching music videos and chanced upon La Factoría, looking at it, something familiar will come to your mind. Yes, La Factoría is none other than the shooting location of the popular song, “Despacito.” 

La Factoría is where you can find graffiti-etched pathways linking to a salsa dance floor, a chic lounge, and a sultry wine bar. Visitors who come here love the vibes from the terrific music playing and the mixology. Their favorite is the Lavender Mule, a potent blend of house-made ginger beer and lavender-infused syrup.

8. Go On An LED Night Kayak Excursion In Condado Lagoon

Nothing beats kayaking under the sun as you will really see the stunning views of your surroundings. But here in San Juan, some tourists want to kayak at night. We cannot blame them. The views to see at night are also equally splendid. 

See the city illuminated at night on this night kayak excursion on the Condado Lagoon. You’ll climb aboard a clear bottom kayak equipped with LED lights that you will turn on when the sun has set. Not only that, but this tour also gives the chance for you to paint your face and body with glow-in-the-dark paint, so you will also light up as your boat. This is one of the most unique things to do in San Juan that you must try.

9. Take A Day Trip To The Nearby El Yunque National Forest

El Yunque National Forest may not be in San Juan itself, but it only takes less than an hour’s drive from this Puerto Rican city. So, we’re also including this in the list of the best things to do in San Juan. 

El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, and a sacred place in Puerto Rican culture, so visiting this place is truly a must. Many believe that its name originated from the Taíno word, “yuke,” (the Taíno were among the  indigenous people of the Caribbean) which means “white earth,” referencing the clouds that form around this forest’s mountainous peak. Meanwhile, others simply believe the name derives from Yúcahu, the Taíno deity of fertility.

There are various tours being offered around where you can get to experience this lush and verdant rainforest. Get the best views over the landscape from Yocahu Tower, before heading to the scenic locations like Lo Coca Waterfall and Mameyes River. You can also spend time swimming and lunching out at a local restaurant here before heading back to San Juan.

Enjoying the things to do in San Juan? You might want to explore the Caribbean more, such as heading to the Bahamas. 

10. Learn The Art And Science Of Mixology

Get a good taste of the Caribbean in this cocktail-making master class right at Casa Bacardí, the Puerto Rican home of the Bacardí rum. You won’t just be able to discover the secrets of this world-famous rum, but you’ll also be embarking on a behind-the-scenes distillery tour, getting a sip of a complimentary welcome cocktail, and learning how to make classic cocktails like mojito and shaken piña colada from a true expert. This is one of the things to do in San Juan that you should not miss.

11. Don’t Forget To Drop By The Museo De Arte De Puerto Rico

Aside from learning history at Old San Juan, basking in the sun on San Juan’s beaches, and learning about beverages, you should also include visiting the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico on your things to do in San Juan itinerary. 

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is one of the biggest and most celebrated art museums in the Caribbean. Housed in an impressive neoclassical building that once housed San Juan’s municipal hospital, the museum has various exhibition halls featuring collections that include paintings, posters, sculptures, and carvings dating back from the 1600s to the present, chronicling several renowned Puerto Rican artists like Francisco Oller, José Campeche, Nick Quijano, and Nayda Collazo-Llorens. 

Of course, this may be the first-time you’re hearing about those names unlike, perhaps, Picasso or da Vinci, but that’s the point of visiting this museum, right? To learn about these talents.

Thank you for visiting our “things to do in San Juan” piece. If you enjoyed it, you might also want to visit Miami, which is just a short trip away from this Puerto Rican city.

Make The Most Out Of The Best Things To Do In San Juan: Getting Around

Now, to help you make the most out of the best things to do in San Juan, the beautiful city in Puerto Rico, you should know how to get around. Trains? Buses? Cabs? According to travelers who have been here, the easiest thing to get around San Juan is by car. But, if you prefer not to spend on renting a private car, there are other ways to get around the city, such as by foot, by taxi, through Old San Juan’s free trolley service, by bike, by public bus, and by train. 

Live The Jetsetter Life, Visit San Juan

San Juan is touted as the oldest European-founded city in the Americas. With this being said, San Juan has become the beating heart of Puerto Rico’s history and culture. 

A city where tradition meets modernity in fascinating ways, it has also been a hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Whether you love tropical beaches, historical landmarks, art museums, dancing the salsa, or something else, you’ll never run out of things to do in San Juan. Visit San Juan today. Live the jetsetter life.