San Juan, Puerto Rico-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old San Juan

Morning

  • Stay: Hotel El Convento (a historic hotel in the heart of Old San Juan)
  • Breakfast: Cafeteria Mallorca (try their famous mallorca pastry)

Afternoon

  • Visit: La Fortaleza (the oldest fort in the New World) and take a stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa promenade
  • Lunch: El Jibarito (try their mofongo with garlic shrimp)
  • Explore: The colorful streets of Old San Juan, including Calle de la Fortaleza and Calle del Cristo

Evening

  • Dinner: La Parroquia (try their traditional Puerto Rican dishes like arroz con gandules)
  • Nightlife: Visit the bars and clubs on Calle de San Sebastián, such as La Cubanita or El Batey

Day 2: Beaches and Water Activities

Morning

  • Breakfast: Cafeteria Don Pedro (try their coffee and pastries)
  • Beach: Visit Condado Beach or Ocean Park Beach for some sun and sand
  • Water Activities: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the nearby lagoon, Laguna del Condado

Afternoon

  • Lunch: La Estación (try their fish tacos and craft beer)
  • Visit: The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Art Museum) to learn about local art and culture

Evening

  • Dinner: 1919 Restaurant (try their contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine)
  • Nightlife: Head back to Old San Juan for live music and cocktails at La Placita or El Olivo

Day 3: El Yunque National Forest

Morning

  • Breakfast: Café Rico (try their coffee and breakfast sandwiches)
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour or rent a car to drive to El Yunque National Forest
  • Hike: Explore the forest’s trails, such as La Mina Falls or Mount Britton Tower

Afternoon

  • Lunch: El Jardín de la Roca (try their traditional Puerto Rican dishes)
  • Swim: Visit the natural swimming hole, La Piletas, in the forest

Evening

  • Dinner: Back in San Juan, try La Bombonera for some creole cuisine
  • Nightlife: Enjoy live music and salsa dancing at Nuyorican Café or La Terraza de San Juan

Day 4: Local Markets and Cuisine

Morning

  • Breakfast: Mercado de Río Piedras (try local fruits, cheeses, and pastries)
  • Market: Visit the historic market, La Plaza del Mercado de San Juan, for souvenirs and snacks

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Try some traditional Puerto Rican street food at a kiosk in the market
  • Cooking Class: Take a cooking class at Casa Solare to learn about local cuisine and cook your own meal

Evening

  • Dinner: Enjoy your self-cooked meal or try La Estación again for dinner
  • Nightlife: Relax with a cocktail at El Batey or enjoy live jazz music at Jazzarte

Day 5: Luquillo Beach and Bio Bay

Morning

  • Breakfast: Cafeteria Don Pedro (again, because it’s that good!)
  • Transportation: Take a guided tour or rent a car to drive to Luquillo Beach
  • Beach: Spend the morning relaxing on Luquillo Beach, known for its picturesque views and calm waters

Afternoon

  • Lunch: Try some of the famous kiosks at Luquillo Beach for local cuisine
  • Bio Bay: Take a guided kayak tour of Mosquito Bay (Vieques Bio Bay) to see the bioluminescent bay

Evening

  • Dinner: Back in San Juan, try La Casita de Rones for some seafood and live music
  • Nightlife: End your trip with a bang at Brava Nightclub or enjoy a romantic sunset view at El Morro

Things to Know

  • Puerto Rico is a US territory, so no passport is required for US citizens.
  • The local currency is the US dollar, but credit cards are widely accepted.
  • Spanish and English are both official languages, but you may encounter some language barriers.
  • Be prepared for tropical weather with sunscreen, hats, and light clothing.

Tips

  • Try to avoid traveling during peak season (December to April) for smaller crowds and lower prices.
  • Rent a car or take guided tours to explore the island more easily.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historical sites.

Transportation

  • Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is about 10 miles from San Juan’s city center.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services are widely available, but be prepared for higher prices than in the US.
  • Public transportation options include buses and trains, but they may not be as frequent or convenient.

Other Things of Interest

  • Visit the nearby island of Vieques for more beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Take a day trip to the Arecibo Observatory, home of the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope.
  • Explore the historic site of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fort.

This itinerary should give you a good taste of San Juan’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Enjoy your trip!