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San Juan, Puerto Rico is the capital city and also the largest city, which is a major port and a famous tourist destination. This place is famous for its historic significance with its well-preserved Spanish culture and heritage. This city is also known to be the oldest European-established capital city. This city is also one of the most important seaports for the surrounding islands. There are various adventurous activities and things to do all around the city, which is famous for its beautiful places and is also a hub for shopping, dining, art museums, history, culture and many more.
Quick Details About San Juan
Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Dimensions: 39 miles long and 111 miles wide
Elevation: 650 meters
Best Time To Visit: December to April
Founded By: Juan Ponce de León
Best known As: La Ciudad Amurallada
Location
Photo: Prayitno / Wikimedia Commons
San Juan is located in the area of the northeastern coast of Puerto Rico that is in an incorporated territory of the United States. This place is located near the southern region of the Atlantic Ocean, the northern region of Caguas, the eastern region of Guaynabo and the western region of Carolina. There are two main water bodies surrounding San Juan, which are the San Juan Bay, Condado and San Jose.
How To Reach
Photo: Mattes / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to visit San Juan is Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, which is also the largest airport located near the city.
By Rail: Tren Urbano Train System is the nearest railway station, which is an automated rapid transit system located near San Juan.
By Road: The Terminal Covodonga San Juan is the nearest busy terminal, located a 6-minute walk away from the city. There are also various cabs and taxis available in the city to tour around.
Things To Do
Here are a few things to do in San Juan that offer an amazing experience to explore the city.
1. Explore The Colourful Streets Of Old San Juan
Photo: Jim Grossman / Wikimedia Commons
Old San Juan is a famous tourist destination to visit in the city. This place is also recognised by the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is known for its vibrant and colourful streets, with beautiful cobblestone walkways, Spanish colonial architecture and many more, which is a unique blend of culture and history. Taking a walk around these streets is an amazing experience to explore the pastel-coloured facades that are also ideal for taking amazing pictures.
Location: Calle Tetuan, Old San Juan PR, 302-312 C. Tetuán, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
2. Kayaking In Condado
Photo: John Trainor / Wikimedia Commons
Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Condado. This place is usually crowded for this activity where the participants are taken into the water early in the morning to get a 360-degree view of the glass-bottom kayak that offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. There are also life jackets provided, and a local guide is allotted to each trip for safety and security. This activity is also ideal for understanding the environment and the nature around the city.
Location: Condado Beach, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
3. Cruise Trip At The San Juan Bay
Photo: Mtmdfan / Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Bay is a popular terminal that has a capacity to receive up to nearly 7 ships at the same time, which is the most convenient port for all the nearby islands. It is also a famous tourist destination. One of the most famous things to do at the San Juan Bay is to take a cruise trip all around to explore the city through water. This activity offers an amazing sunset view during silent site scenes and also sometimes spotting various wildlife like dolphins and sea turtles.
Location: Bahía de San Juan, Puerto Rico
Places To Visit In San Juan
Here are a few places to visit in and around the city of San Juan to have an amazing trip.
1. Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Photo: Godot13 / Wikimedia Commons
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, which is also known as El Morro, is a famous and large fortress and a citadel located in the historical district of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. This place is known to have been first built in 1539 in honor of King Phillip II. This fort also served as a military base for the United States during both world wars. It is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city that covers an area of 140-foot-high entrance to get a view of the San Juan Bay.
Location: 501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
2. San Juan National Historic Site
Photo: Mattes / Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Historic Site is one of the most famous places that is situated in a national park service in the area of Old San Juan that preserves and interprets the famous Spanish colonial era system with its beautiful structures. This place has one of the oldest European fort constructions that is also recognised by the UNESCO Heritage Site. It is believed that these constructions were nearly made during the 16th century. There are various forts, trails, bastions, powder houses and many more to explore.
Location: FVCG+5HX, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is a famous church that is located on the street of Cristo in Old San Juan. This church was built in 1521, which was destroyed by a storm and was later rebuilt in 1529 and was named after a minor basilica. This church has remains of the explorer relics and many more of Pope John Paul II in 1984. This place also has various pictures of Saint John the Baptist and many more. This cathedral is also considered to be the national sign of Our Lady of Divine Providence, which is considered to be the oldest church in the entire country.
Location: 151 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
4. Condado Beach
Photo: jamidwyer / Wikimedia Commons
Condado Beach, located in the city of San Juan, is situated along the Atlantic coast. This place is one of the largest public access beaches in the city and is known for its vibrant atmosphere with various hotels, restaurants and boutique shops. It is usually not recommended to swim at this beach as it has strong and unexpected tides. With the help of professionals, there can be various activities like watching experienced people surfing, picnics and many more along with having delicious food.
Location: Condado Beach, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Timings: 24*7
5. Museum Of Art Of Puerto Rico
Photo: Šarūnas Burdulis / Wikimedia Commons
Museum of Art has 18 exhibition halls, which are located in a historic building that was formerly occupied by the San Juan municipal hospital. This museum has a permanent collection of the earth divided into 24 galleries located in the third and fourth levels of the building. This museum, which was a former hospital complex, was opened in 1966 and was later converted into a museum.
Location: 299 Avenida José de Diego, San Juan, 00909, Puerto Rico
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM
Where To Stay
Photo: Javierpuertorico / Wikimedia Commons
There are many hotels, resorts, villas and many more available in San Juan that offer an amazing view of the coastal region with beach access, outdoor pool parking area, kitchen in rooms, Wi-Fi, AC, laundry service dining options, hot tub, children-friendly rooms, fitness centre and many more for the visitors. All these facilities are provided with a safe, security and hygienic environment. Some of these famous hotels are Bposhtels San Juan, The Tryst Beachfront Hotel, Condado Lagoon Villas, Hyatt Place San Juan and many more.
Where To Eat
Photo: Stephen Lartey / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are many restaurants in San Juan that offer a variety of cuisines with various international restaurants and local dining options available in various places that offer delicious food and drinks with various cocktail bars available throughout the city. There are many famous hotels that provide food at affordable prices that are family-friendly also with hygienic surroundings. Some of these top-rated restaurants in San Juan are Serafina San Juan Restaurant, St. Germain Bistro and Cafe, Santaella, Marmalade and many more.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: ethorson / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit San Juan is between the months of December to April, which is ideal for enjoying the beach weather and various other cultural activities going on in the city. During these months, it is heavily crowded with various festivals being organised. To avoid the crowds and for having a budget-friendly trip, it is recommended to visit this place during the months of May to June or September to November, which still has pleasant weather and is an ideal time for exploring various other activities.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Thought Catalog / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
- Explore the old historical sites
- Try the local food items
- Learn about the culture of the city
- Carry water and sunscreen to avoid the heat
San Juan Puerto Rico, is the best place to visit to explore the beautiful nature, rich history and vibrant culture of this place. This city is a blend of various colourful historic streets, forts, beach views and many more with various tourist attractions. There is also some of the best local cuisine to try with a vibrant atmosphere all over the city, which is an unforgettable experience. Plan a trip with TripXL and learn more about San Juan.
Cover Photo: Francisco Jose Carrera Campos / Wikimedia Commons
