San Juan holidays

With its pristine beaches and thriving nightlife, Puerto Rico’s capital has always been an easy getaway for Caribbean-craving Americans. But today’s holidays in San Juan find a world-class city alive with modern art, innovative cuisine and a rich cultural history begging to be explored. From colourful colonial architecture and rainforest hikes to the tastiest rum drinks on the planet, see why San Juan stacks up as a tropical paradise.

San Juan holiday highlights

Soak up the history

Start your holiday in San Juan by exploring the walled city of Old San Juan. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it includes the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (aka ‘El Morro’), a 16th-century citadel. Wander its cobblestone streets and tour La Fortaleza, formerly a fortress and now the governor of Puerto Rico’s residence. Visit Castillo San Cristobal, a sprawling fortified citadel.

Sip a pina colada

There’s no better introduction to the world’s rum capital than sipping a refreshing pina colada. Locals famously argue over where the drink was first mixed. Do your due diligence and sample each bar’s take on this iconic rum and coconut cocktail. Any holiday to San Juan should also include a visit to Hacienda Santa Ana, a nearby rum distillery that’s been delighting drinkers since 1880.

Hike a rainforest

Spectacular nature awaits on your holiday to San Juan. Kayak through the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande in nearby Fajardo. Hike through El Yunque National Forest, home to diverse flora and fauna and stunning waterfalls. Relax on Condado Beach’s golden sands, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Escambron Beach.

San Juan: Know before you go

Language

Spanish, English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-4 (AST)

High season

January – March

Low season

September – October

Find the best time to go to San Juan

Weather in San Juan

March – May: Spring in San Juan is the Caribbean at its best. Temperatures top out around 30°C with low humidity, making it a perfect time to explore outdoor attractions like national parks. Expect a spike in crowds and prices.

June – September: Temperatures tick up in the summer, with highs in the low 30s°C. It’s an ideal season for cooling dips at the beach. Hurricane season begins in June, so keep an eye on the forecast.

October – November: Rain is common in autumn, as the hurricane season continues to November. But you can still catch the odd stretch of sunny weather.

December – February: Mild temperatures and festive celebrations mark the start of San Juan’s high season.

Events in San Juan

San Sebastián Street Festival (January): This lively, multi-day event features a bunch of street food stalls and artisan markets. But the highlight is a colourful parade with masked revellers and giant puppets moving through the streets.

Casals Festival (May to June): Hear performances by world-class artists like cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the New York Philharmonic at this popular event. Led by the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, the festival brings together classical music legends alongside local talent.

Noche de San Juan (June): This spiritual celebration marks the summer solstice with beach parties, bonfires and traditional rituals. Join locals as they jump backwards into the ocean at midnight for good luck.

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The best neighbourhoods in San Juan

Old San Juan

A pastel palette of Spanish architecture forms the backdrop of Old San Juan. This is the best area to stay in San Juan to take in 500 years of historical marvels, from impressive forts to elegant cathedrals and plazas. Stroll its blue cobblestone streets and explore Paseo de la Princesa promenade, which is lined with street lamps, fountains and vendors selling ‘piragua’ (shaved ice with syrup).

Good for: History, architecture, street food

Isla Verde

If you want a taste of Puerto Rican beach life, Isla Verde is the best neighbourhood to stay in San Juan. By day relax on its golden shores or get the blood pumping with some water sports. At sunset settle in at a bar or restaurant along the promenade and watch the Caribbean Sea sparkle. The nightlife is serious here so expect to stay up late.

Good for: Resorts, beaches, water sports

Miramar

The affluent neighbourhood of Miramar delivers an upscale vibe. Located across from Condado Beach with stunning views of San Juan Bay, it’s known for its diverse food scene. Find everything from fine-dining restaurants to the popular Miramar Food Truck Park. There are also numerous galleries and parks to explore here if you need a break from the sand.

Good for: Food trucks, galleries, upscale restaurants

Things to do in San Juan

Rafael Bisbal

Family-friendly things to do

Looking for things to do with the family in San Juan? Start with Museo del Nino de Carolina. It features interactive exhibits, go-karts, a mini zoo, boat rides and more. Or participate in a long-standing local tradition and flying kites on the front lawn of El Morro (vendors sell disposable kites nearby). If the kids are daredevils, try ziplining through El Yunque National Forest.

Places to eat

Some of the best restaurants in San Juan are food trucks and beachside kiosks. Fill up on fried snacks like cod fritters, land crab ‘empanadas’ (stuffed pastries) and ‘tostones’ (savoury deep-fried green plantain). For something more substantial, try ‘mofongo’, a dish of garlicky mashed plantain served with crispy pork or chicken and prawns.

Shopping

Get your shopping in San Juan done at Plaza Las Americas — the Caribbean’s largest shopping centre. For luxury brands, head to The Mall of San Juan. If you’re looking for souvenirs, La Calle Mall specialises in artisanal wares and handmade goods. Don’t forget to pick up a bag of Puerto Rican coffee, considered to be some of the best in the world.

Beaches

You’ll have no problem locating good beaches in San Juan. Minutes from the city, Condado Beach offers activities like windsurfing, parasailing and diving. Or rent an umbrella and beach chair and simply chill. Playa La Ocho is good for surfing, while Isla Verde Beach offers a true taste of the tropics with palms and smooth sand.

Take in the culture

Spanish, African and the Indigenous Taino people form the unique Puerto Rican identity, which you can learn about at the museums in San Juan. Museo de las Americas documents the history of the American continent, with permanent exhibitions including ‘Popular Arts in the Americas’ and ‘Conquest and Colonization’. The museum is inside a former Spanish military barracks, a sight in itself.

Nightlife

Puerto Ricans love to dance to the rhythms of salsa and reggaeton. There’s also bomba, a style brought to the island by enslaved Africans as a means of self-expression and resistance that continues today. For an authentic taste of the nightlife in San Juan, swing by La Terraza de Bonanza on a Monday night to experience live bomba music and dancing.

Plan your holiday to San Juan

Budget

For a cheap holiday to San Juan, consider travelling in autumn. The weather can still be nice, and prices are lower across the city. An inexpensive meal in San Juan will cost about 20 US dollars ($). A domestic beer costs under $3, and a cappuccino is less than $4. Need a ride? Short taxi trips start at around $7.

Day trips from San Juan

Take a 30-minute flight to the tiny island of Culebra, where you can relax on the pristine white sand of Playa Flamenco, surrounded by palm trees and clear blue water. Or drive an hour west of the city to explore Cueva Ventana, a cave offering stunning views of a lush green valley. Capture the perfect photo and join a biologist-led tour.

Getting around San Juan

There are lots of ways to get around the capital. The city’s historic centre is best explored on foot. Or you can hop on the free Old San Juan trolley. Rideshare services are popular in the city, and Uber is widely available. Public transport in Puerto Rico can be unreliable, so hire a car if you plan to explore further afield.

FAQs about San Juan holidays

Whether it's your first trip or you're back again, this city has a way of making every trip unique. If sightseeing is on your list of things to do in San Juan, you'll want to include Castillo San Felipe del Morro and La Garita del morro de san juan bahia.
The majority of locals here speak Spanish or English. Every city has its own unique lingo, so it's worth picking up a few common expressions to use during your city break in San Juan.
Plan your San Juan trip for February and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 20ºC (68ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
The United States dollar (USD) is the official currency. From shopping at local markets to tipping, carrying some cash during your trip to San Juan will be helpful.
With an average rainfall of 14 cm, September is the rainiest month to go on a San Juan holiday. When the clouds roll in, venture indoors and enjoy the city's galleries, shops, museums and more.
With temperatures reaching a high of 33ºC (91ºF), September is the hottest month in San Juan.
A short break to San Juan of around three days will be enough to see Old San Juan and enjoy the beaches in Condado. A stay of five to seven days will give you more time to visit El Yunque National Forest and take day trips to nearby islands.
A holiday to San Juan can be relatively expensive, especially in tourist areas like Old San Juan and Condado during peak tourist season (December to April). Travelling outside these months will be cheaper, but keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June to November.
Puerto Rico is a US territory subject to US laws, and its capital is considered safe for tourists. There’s a noticeable police presence in popular areas like Old San Juan. Hurricane season can bring severe storms. If you plan your holiday to San Juan for then, stay updated on weather forecasts and follow any official warnings.
May is when ticket prices are cheapest, so start searching for San Juan flights and hotels sometime during that month. Use the cash you save to upgrade to a more luxurious hotel stay or add a few more nights to your trip.