San Juan tours, sightseeing, things to do

San Juan

Trip Planning & Itineraries

Scattered clouds. Warm.

11:33 AM Monday, Nov 23
Scattered clouds. Warm.
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The Puerto Rican capital is where Caribbean cool meets slick Americana, dancing to the beat of syncopated Latin rhythms and the glow of tropical sunsets. It's a colorful, diverse and culturally unique place, where hip, funky restaurants nestle next to 15th-century Spanish forts; sprawling concrete shopping malls encroach upon tropical rainforests; and glitzy casinos front some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, diving or fishing, while history buffs will love sightseeing tours of Old San Juan's cobblestone streets and, on the south coast, Ponce, with its museums and Spanish colonial buildings. Ultimately though, a visit to San Juan is about sailing across the Caribbean to unwind on white-sand beaches by the crystal-clear sea.

Best of San Juan: Top 3 Must-Do Experiences

Snorkel and Picnic Cruise

Snorkel and Picnic Cruise

From USD $84.49

El Yunque Rainforest Tour

El Yunque Rainforest Tour

From USD $53.50

Best of San Juan: Suggested Itineraries

San Juan is the second-oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas, established in 1521 and only beaten in age by Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Shoehorned onto a tiny islet guarding the entrance to San Juan harbor, the atmospheric Old City mixes history and pulsating modern energy, with surreal sounds and exotic sights at every turn. Our itinerary suggestions will help you get to know this lively city and the myriad things to do in San Juan.

Day 1: Discover Old San Juan

San Juan Sightseeing Tours

A sure-fire way to get to grips with this Caribbean cutie is aboard a San Juan Duck Tour. This unique tour takes you on a combined land and sea adventure through Old San Juan, past the piers and cruise ships, into the Condado Beach Area and along the coast for seaside views. Plus, after touring by land, you'll splash down into the Caribbean for a cruise in the unique Duck amphibious vessel. To complement the experience, take an afternoon tour of Old San Juan's cobblestone streets, museums and famous Cristobal Fort, then drop into the Bacardi Rum Distillery for a tour and a nip of rum.

Day 2: Cruise the Caribbean

San Juan Cruises

Next day it's time to relax and take in that laid-back Caribbean beach vibe. A picnic cruise is the perfect way to spend the day. A catamaran sails you across to the deserted island paradise of Icacos, off the coast of San Juan, to soak up the sun on white-sand beaches, picnic on tropical delights and snorkel underwater coral reefs in that crystal-clear water. If you prefer to spend the day fishing, why not charter a private fishing boat for a day of sport fishing for dorado, wahoo, sailfish, tuna and blue marlin.

Day 3: Day Trips from San Juan

Day Trips from San Juan

Take the opportunity to visit the Pearl of Puerto Rico, the colonial city of Ponce. You'll visit the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park and see stately plazas and beautifully restored neo-classical mansions. Or head into the lush sub-tropical rainforest for the day on a trip to El Yunque. It's an amazingly photogenic world of nature trails, waterfalls and scenic views, so take along your camera. Or perhaps you'd like to don your boots for a hiking tour of El Yunque. For something different, combine a visit to El Yunque with time spent lazing under coconut palms at Luquillo Beach.

Best of San Juan: Top 3 Hotels

Acacia Seaside Inn

This former Spanish colonial-style mansion has been transformed into a boutique hotel featuring a chic smorgasbord of sophistication and style. There's funky wall art, a fern-filled restaurant, and luxurious Jacuzzi - and it's all just steps away from North Shore's best beach.

San Juan La Concha

Cutting-edge modern style abounds at La Concha but the plush amenities can't compete with the spectacular ocean views from every guestroom, which just blow you away every time.

Hotel El Convento

Housed in a 16th-century former convent, this luxury boutique hotel is a sublime confection of vanilla and cream colonial architecture in the heart of Old San Juan. The sophisticated, historical ambiance is the perfect foil for El Convento's European-style comfort and modern amenities.

San Juan: featured traveler photos
Beautiful Vista

Photo by: Anonymous, United States of America

Doing what: El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip from San Juan

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