San Juan Puerto Rico 3 Day Itinerary

San Juan, Puerto Rico 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Old San Juan and El Morro

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Café con Arte, a local favorite serving coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
  • 10:00 am: Explore Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk along the colorful streets lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Visit El Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro), a 16th-century fort that offers stunning views of the city.
  • 3:00 pm: Take a short walk to La Bombonera, a historic bakery serving traditional Puerto Rican treats like quesito and mallorca.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar, offering contemporary Caribbean cuisine with an extensive wine list.
  • 9:00 pm: End the night with live music and drinks at La Placita de Santurce, a trendy spot in the heart of Old San Juan.

Accommodation Suggestion

  • Stay at Hotel El Convento, a historic hotel located in the heart of Old San Juan, offering luxurious rooms and a rooftop pool.

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or ride-share from the airport to your accommodation (approximately 20-30 minutes).
  • Walk or take a short taxi ride within Old San Juan.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks in Old San Juan.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

Tips

  • Visit El Morro early to avoid the crowds and heat.
  • Try local coffee at Café con Arte, it’s a game-changer!

Day 2: Beaches and Condado

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with breakfast at The Coffee Lab, a modern café serving specialty coffee and delicious pastries.
  • 10:30 am: Head to Condado Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Afternoon

  • 1:30 pm: Take a short drive or taxi ride to Ocean Park Beach, a picturesque beach with calm waters perfect for relaxation.
  • 3:30 pm: Visit the nearby Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Art Museum), showcasing local and international art.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Barrachina, a seafood restaurant located on the beach in Condado, offering stunning sunset views.
  • 9:30 pm: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Condado by visiting bars like La Cubanita or Brava Nightclub.

Accommodation Suggestion

  • Stay at The Condado Plaza Hilton, a modern hotel located near the beach and offering comfortable rooms and amenities.

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or ride-share from Old San Juan to Condado (approximately 15-20 minutes).
  • Walk or take a short taxi ride within Condado.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for crowds and sun exposure at the beaches.
  • Check the opening hours and exhibitions at Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.

Tips

  • Book your beach umbrella and chairs in advance at Condado Beach.
  • Try local seafood dishes like mofongo or arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) at Barrachina.

Day 3: El Yunque National Forest

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with breakfast at Café Rico, a local favorite serving coffee, sandwiches, and pastries.
  • 10:30 am: Head to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System.

Afternoon

  • 12:30 pm: Hike to La Mina Falls, a picturesque waterfall perfect for swimming and relaxation.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the El Yunque National Forest Visitor Center to learn about the forest’s ecosystem and history.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at El Jibarito, a local restaurant serving traditional Puerto Rican cuisine like arroz con pollo (rice with chicken).
  • 8:30 pm: Return to San Juan and enjoy live music or drinks at La Estación, a trendy spot in the Santurce neighborhood.

Accommodation Suggestion

  • Stay at Hotel Casa Sol in Old San Juan, offering cozy rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Transportation

  • Take a taxi or ride-share from Condado to El Yunque National Forest (approximately 45-60 minutes).
  • Rent a car for the day if you prefer to drive yourself.

Things to Know

  • Be prepared for rain showers and uneven terrain in El Yunque National Forest.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, long pants, and sun protection.

Tips

  • Book your guided hike or tour in advance at El Yunque National Forest.
  • Try local desserts like tembleque (coconut pudding) or flan de coco (coconut flan) at El Jibarito.

Additional Tips and Information

Language

  • Spanish is the official language, but many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas.

Currency

  • The US dollar is the official currency.

Weather

  • Puerto Rico has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Be prepared for rain showers and sun exposure.

Safety

  • Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, such as using reputable transportation services and being aware of your surroundings.

Culture

  • Puerto Rico is a culturally rich island with a mix of Spanish, African, and indigenous influences. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.

Enjoy your trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico!