San Juan is the capital and largest city in Puerto Rico and sits on the Atlantic coast of the island. Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States so you will not need a passport if you are an American citizen and they use the US dollar. The main language spoken is Spanish, although a good majority of the people also speak English, especially in the tourist areas. It is a quick trip from the eastern side of the states but offers a different culture entirely.
Epic things to do in San Juan
- Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- Wander Old San Juan
- Enjoy a beach resort
- Experience the Puerto Rican Cuisine
- See or do something new
The most epic thing to do is to explore the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fortification on the corner of the inlet of Old San Juan. Learn about its 500-year history as an important military outpost for Spain and later the United States. Wear some sturdy footwear and get lost in the history of the old fortress walls. Check the website for hours and prices. Also included in your ticket is the admission to San Cristobal on the opposite side of the city.
Once you have worked up a thirst, you can wander the cobblestones streets of Old San Juan, which offers loads of shopping, restaurants and watering holes. It is very picturesque area, but it is also a major hub for cruises to stop for the day, so it can get very crowed and the shopping is entirely geared to tourists.
If you are looking for a less crowded, more relaxing experience, I recommend planning your trip to stay at a beach resort hotel. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, although it was a good half hour outside of Old San Juan, we enjoyed days of leisure deciding between the beautiful pool or the equally beautiful beach.
Puerto Rican cuisine is an experience of island flavors mixed with traditional staples. The garlicky fried plantains, slow-roasted pork, rice and beans and the local catch of the day are amazing. Some traditional dishes to try are Mofongo, Lechon Asado, pasteles, empanadillas, arepas and flans.
There are many opportunities to embark on a new adventure – explore the bioluminescent bays, or the rainforest. Take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest or a ferry to visit one of Puerto Rico’s sister islands – Culebra or Vieques.
If you live in the United States, San Juan can offer a quick escape to enjoy a weekend of sunshine, beaches, history, and an opportunity to experience a new landscapes and foods. Viajes Seguros!
