Are you apprehensive of considering San Juan as a destination to your holiday in view of the ravage caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017? We reinforce the fact that the city is attracting record number of tourists postrevival in October, 2019.Don’t let anything come in your way of exploring the renewed attractions of San Juan.This Small Capital City of Puerto Rico Island in the US has earned many credits – it is the second oldest European-discovered city in the Americas and its forts-La Fortaleza, El Morro, and Castillo de San Cristóbal were listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
That being said, San Juan is more than a historic and cultural site. Familiarize yourself with the busiest seaport’s metropolitan side whose beaches, nightlife, Puerto Rican cuisine, bars and casinos, spas and salsa-dancing are not to be missed. Whether you are planning a short visit or a long weekend getaway, here are the interesting and involving things to do in San Juan.Check for cheap flights from India to USA on Indian Eagle.
Table of Contents
Walk the Streets of Old San Juan:
The best thing to do in San Juan is unfold the thrill of a casual walk along the cobble-stoned streets watching bright pastel buildings and 500 year old forts, monuments of Spanish colonial architecture.The romantic ambience of the street and the historic narrations of a local guide (if you wish to have one) just take you along the way. Visit various shops along way and sip your cup of coffee and continue the walk. Free trolleys are also available for those tired of walking, but not tired of exploring the old city.
Visit Castillo San Cristobal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro – National Historic Sites:
These landmarkfortsare a must-visit for every history buff, admirer of architecture and nature. Not only that, there’s common entry ticket for both the forts! This is one of the top things to do in San Juan. Originally constructed by the Spanish to defend the city from sea and land,Castillo San Cristobaland Castillo San Felipe del Morro (popular as EI Morro) are two magnificent citadels that have now become popular tourist attractionsin San Juan with a fascinating history andarchitecture. They also offer breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea.Explore the three levelsof San Cristobal,its tunnel system, display of military uniforms, Garitas (sentry boxes)all around the outer walls of the fort and take part in popular pastime of flying kites on thespacious lawn of EI Morro. For all photographers, never miss to capture the Caribbean Sea!
Visiting Hours: Open from 9:00am to 6:00pmevery day.
It’s beach time! Head to Ocean Park Beach:
One more refreshing thing to do in San Juan is to visit Ocean Park beach, the favorite low-keyed spot for beach-lovers. Interestingly, this one-mile beach also has hotels, restaurants, condominiums, inns and guest houses.Walkon the soft white sand, have fun water sporting or rest under the swaying palm trees watching children build sand castles. Watching the Sunset at beach is always captivating, isn’t it?
Other notablebeaches: Luquillo Beach, Isla Verde and Condado Beach
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico – Museum of Contemporary Art:
Visitingthe art museumboasting of beautiful collection of modern arthas to be one of the must things to do in San Juan.Acknowledge the evolving art of a city aged over 5 centuries! The museum exhibits all forms of modern art by Puerto Rico’s contemporary artists in a neoclassical Georgian Rafael M de Labra building,formerly a school.The ever-changing display ofworks by modern Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin-American artists includefine collections ofpaintings, posters, sculptures. Take your time to appreciate the detailed creations housed in many galleries on two floors arranged along open courtyard.
Visiting Hours: 10:00am 04:00pm from Tuesday to Friday
11:00am to 04:00pmon Saturday
Other notableMuseums: San Juan Museum of Art and History, Museo de Arte de Ponce, Casa Blanca
Go Shopping at Plaza Las Américas:
Shopping is undoubtedly one of the interesting things to do in San Juan, or in any tourist destination for that matter. You can shop at Old San Juan for unique hand-made souvenirs, trinkets, jewelry or step into the elegant shopping plaza in Puerto Rico- Plaza Las Américas for the fashionable items of international and local brands. With over 300 stores, this is the largest shopping plaza in the Caribbean and the second largest in Latin America. Though your enthusiasm for shopping doesn’t fade, take a break for a show at Movie Theater and appease your hunger at American restaurant, without having to come out of the mall!
Visiting Hours:Mon – Sat 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sun 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Other notable malls: The Mall of San Juan and Plaza Carolina.
Apart from these, also include biological parks like Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park) and Luis Muñoz Rivera Park;El Y unique Rain forest; Cathedral of San Juan Bautista in your list of things to do in San Juan.Meta Description: Looking for some help regarding your trip to San Juan? Are you confused in finalizing the must-visit places and things to do in San Juan? From the historically significant buildings, monuments and art museums to extraordinary beaches and shopping centers, find these five best attractions of San Juan.
