San Juan holidays

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.