Is San Juan Safe For Tourists In 2024? – All You Need To Know

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, but is it safe to visit?

Almost five million tourists travel in and out of San Juan every year. 

I’ve been traveling to Puerto Rico every summer since I was a child, so I’ve learned a lot about San Juan and which parts are safe. 

In this article, I will cover:

What is San Juan?
Is San Juan, Puerto Rico a safe place to visit?
Where is the safest place in San Juan to stay as a tourist?
Is San Juan safe at night?
Is San Juan safe for solo travelers?
Is San Juan safe to walk around?
Other frequently asked questions

 

What is San Juan?

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, located on the northeastern shore of the island. 

76% of the population of Puerto Rico lives and works in the San Juan area.

It is the most populous place in Puerto Rico, as well as the most important seaport.

San Juan has beaches, a lagoon for water sports, and a tropical climate year round.

San Juan has a rich history and is the oldest European-established city in the United States. 

For more information on all you can do and see in San Juan, take a look at our article San Juan, Puerto Rico (2022 Guide) – All You Need To Know

 

Is San Juan, Puerto Rico a safe place to visit as a tourist?

Yes, San Juan is very safe for tourists to visit. 

San Juan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puerto Rico, and is not any more dangerous than a city in the United States mainland would be.

image of an Aerial view of San Juan
San Juan is a coastal city that welcomes over 5 million tourists per year.

Although there are issues with gang violence and trafficking in Puerto Rico, these very rarely affect tourists. 

The biggest threat to tourists is petty crime, like pickpocketing and theft, but if you keep an eye on your belongings and don’t wander into dark or unknown areas, you’ll be okay. 

For more details about exactly what dangers there are when traveling in Puerto Rico, read our article: Is Puerto Rico Safe For Travel? 12 Things You Need To Know

 

Where is the safest place to stay in San Juan as a tourist?

Condado is the place where many tourists feel the safest. 

image of Condado Beach
Condado is a beach-front neighborhood of San Juan where many tourists stay on their visit to Puerto Rico.

Condado is very tourist friendly and has a thriving nightlife scene, with many restaurants and clubs.

Bars stay open late, so there are always people out and about. 

In our article Condado – All You Need To Know, you can read about all Condado has to offer. 

 

Is San Juan safe at night?

Yes, San Juan is safe at night, as long as you take some precautions. 

Avoid walking alone in poorly lit, unknown neighborhoods.

image of bridge over Caribbean
Condado and Old San Juan are popular and safe nightlife destinations.

If you’re walking at night, it’s best to travel with a friend or in a group, and have a well-known route planned to get to your destination. 

It’s very unlikely that you’ll be caught in the wrong place at the right time, but you can make it even less likely by limiting your alcohol intake, keeping your belongings close, and walking mindfully. 

 

Is San Juan safe for solo travelers?

Yes, San Juan is safe for solo travelers of any gender. 

image of a tourist
Solo travelers will find plenty to do in San Juan.

Traveling alone at night is when you need to be careful, but as long as you walk in well-lit and populated areas, you’ll be okay. 

 

Is San Juan safe to walk around?

Yes! San Juan is great to walk around. 

There are a lot of walkable areas in San Juan where you can visit museums, restaurants, clubs, the beach, etc. 

image of San Juan, Puerto Rico resort
San Juan is a very walkable city that has many areas where it is better to explore without a car.

Walking at night is more dangerous, but not any more dangerous than walking on the mainland United States. 

For physically disabled travelers there might be some difficulty, as sidewalks are not always well maintained, and can be narrow and crowded. It is the most crowded around mealtimes. 

For neurodivergent travelers, heavy traffic and crowds may present sensory issues. 

 

FAQ section

Is San Juan safe for a family vacation?

Absolutely! San Juan has many family friendly museums, beaches, restaurants and activities.

Is San Juan safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Yes, San Juan is one of the safest places that LGBTQIA+ travelers can visit. San Juan has a thriving LGBTQIA+ scene, especially in Condado, where same sex and gender nonconforming couple can be seen walking day and night.

 

Final thoughts

San Juan is very safe for tourists, and is a must-see area for anyone looking to experience Puerto Rico. 

There are many hotels and resorts that you can safely stay at with your family.

If you are looking for things to do, then check out our article where we cover the 45 best things to do in Puerto Rico.

Is San Juan Safe For Tourists In 2024? – All You Need To Know
Article by

Jenny Diaz

Writer at PuertoRico.com. Growing up in New York and spending my summers in Puerto Rico, I have always loved writing, travel, and animals. I began my career as a travel writer, and after many different jobs in media, I have settled back into what I love most. I enjoy the beach, exploring the island with my family, and coffee!

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