If you travel to Puerto Rico, you can’t miss visiting San Juan.
San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, and is home to iconic beaches and centuries-old architecture.
As a local, I can tell you first hand that the oldest city in the United States has lots to offer.
In this article, I will cover the 40 best things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico:
Old San Juan is a neighborhood of San Juan full of historic fortresses and culture.
Old San Juan should be on your “to do” list when visiting the city for vacation.
Explore El Morro Fort, La Perla, the San Juan Cathedral, and many more historic monuments.
Learn more in our article Old San Juan – All You Need To Know.
Condado is a beachfront community and one of the neighborhoods of San Juan. Condado Beach is the largest and most popular beach in the tourist area.
Condado is located between La Concha and The Marriott Resort.
Learn more in our article Condado – All You Need To Know.
Try your luck in a casino.
There are many casinos to choose from in San Juan.
It doesn’t matter if you choose the Condado Plaza Casino or the Casino of Santurce (among others) either way you’ll have a blast.
For more ideas of what to do at night, read our article Nightlife In San Juan.
There are plenty of malls in the San Juan area.
Including Plaza Las Americas — the largest mall in the Caribbean and Mall of San Juan (for high-end shopping).
Besides the malls, there are plenty of areas full of stores in San Juan where you can go shopping.
Check out our article 21 Essential Things To Pack For Puerto Rico before your trip to make sure you are prepared.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) to experience a new view of contemporary art.
You’ll enjoy exhibits of Puerto Rico’s community that includes social issues and cultural currents.
Learn more about museums around the island in our article 12 Best Museums In Puerto Rico.
The interesting thing about La Placita is that it’s a shapeshifter.
During the day, La Placita is a picturesque marketplace where you can find the best vegetables and fruits.
But at night it turns into a party place where you can drink and dance all night.
Puerto Rico is home to three bioluminescent bays, one of which is the brightest in the world.
Although these bio bays are not in San Juan, Laguna Grande Bioluminescent Bay is the closest, located about an hour from San Juan.
Make sure to visit at least one bio bay during your trip to Puerto Rico. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Check out our article Bioluminescent Bays Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know to learn more.
Ocean Park is one of the beaches of Condado.
This beautiful beach is most popular for water sports and travelers who like to stay active.
You can bodyboard and kite surf in the water and also do a little jogging in the surroundings.
Enjoy the latest releases of independent and foreign films in comfortable seating and a relaxed atmosphere.
There are a few Fine Arts Theaters you can choose from in San Juan — including Fine Arts Café, Fine Arts Popular, and Fine Arts Miramar.
Visit Calle Loiza for a great night out.
Calle Loiza is located in the Condado neighborhood of San Juan.
This street is lined with pubs, nightclubs, and bars. You will enjoy the party ambiance and its street art at the same time.
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Photo Credit: @chefito_kruz
The Condado Lagoon is perfect for paddle boarding.
If you are into water sports I recommend paddle boarding in the lagoon of Condado.
You don’t need to make a reservation to experience the amazing view while enjoying paddle boarding.
This entertainment center is one of a kind!
There is only one place in Puerto Rico where you can catch a movie, dine in a fine restaurant, and zipline all in the same place.
Visit this monumental structure.
Convention Boulevard is mostly used for big events like concerts, auto expos, big conferences, and so on.
But even when there are no scheduled activities on Convention Boulevard it’s still an amazing sight.
Enjoy the sights in an eco-friendly style.
Rent your bike and experience San Juan while riding a bicycle.
Either because you want to better appreciate the views or because you want to help the planet, bicycle riding in San Juan is a must-do!
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Photo Credit: @bikerentpuertorico
Enjoy the street art of San Juan.
This amazing urban art can be found on Calle Cerra in the Santurce neighborhood where you’ll find the most popular murals.
You can walk around yourself or take a tour.
Try the ice cream and frozen yogurt from Puerto Rico.
You can choose from various ice cream shops like Cool Hope Creamery, Peccas, Señor Paletas, and many more.
You can also enjoy either a delicious breakfast or brunch with coffee and/or tea.
Surfing in San Juan is a great experience.
Visit “La 8” (The 8), the perfect beach area for experienced surfers because of its largest waves.
Located at the entrance of Old San Juan — right beside Escambrón Beach.
Pine Grove Beach in Isla Verde is known as the best spot for beginner surfers.
For more info about surfing in Puerto Rico, make sure to read the article The Best Surf Spots in Puerto Rico.
Snorkel with sea turtles!
Experience the coral reefs, sea turtles, and many tropical fish of Puerto Rico.
You can book the San Juan guided snorkel tour of Escambrón Beach, or enjoy it by yourself in Condado Beach and many others.
Be sure to read our article The 25 Best Snorkel Spots in Puerto Rico.
There are many kayaking spots in San Juan.
Rent your kayak for the day and enjoy the tropical waters.
You can also go night kayaking and experience an amazing kayaking-led light tour.
Visit the Centro de Bellas Artes.
Enjoy Puerto Rican theater plays, classic music festivals, and theater events in this scenic musical center.
If you enjoy theater plays there are many other theaters in San Juan like Teatro Tapia and the Francisco Arriví.
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Visit 24 Market Place for a fun night out.
The 24 (as locals call it) is a sports bar/meeting point. Enjoy many events in this social hang-out spot.
You will also love their bakery/Deli/Restaurant food.
You can’t miss visiting 24 Market Place on your next visit to Puerto Rico.
Experience the views from a new perspective.
You only have to download the Bird app on your phone to unblock the scooter of your choice and off you go!
Rent one of the coolest electric scooters and ride the Condado streets for a unique experience.
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Photo Credit: @skootelrides
Visit this restaurant/bar for a night full of music and delicious food.
Experience the Puerto Rican way to hang out! Enjoy a different event every night.
Taste a delicious dinner while drinking and dancing.
Show off your singing skills or sing out of tune.
Visit one of the many karaoke bars in San Juan and have a blast with your friends and family.
You can choose between Daiquiri Lounge, El Quincé, or El Local en Santurce.
Check out the smallest beach in Condado, La Playita (Little Beach).
Enjoy its waveless waters right next to the Condado Lagoon.
You can relax in the sand or swim the whole day.
Take a relaxing massage or a facial in one of the spa centers of San Juan.
Visit one of the Spa Centers of San Juan like Euforia Spa Center and spoil yourself.
Experience aromatherapy, body wraps, or acupuncture.
Check out Euforia Spa Center in the following video:
This avenue is full of Miami Vice vibes.
Experience this nonstop nightlife avenue lined with restaurants, nightclubs, and stores.
You can also find most of the San Juan hotels on Ashford Avenue.
Another amazing beach in Condado.
Known as a good spot for surfers and an entry point to Ocean Park Beach.
The beach’s mid-size waves make a perfect place to surf for experts and beginner surfers alike.
Check out Playa Ultimo Trolley in the following video:
This park is perfect for the whole family.
Enjoy the awesome features of this relaxing park with a stunning ocean view.
Bring your kids and spend the day in Parque del Indio.
You must try the Kasalta Bakery breakfast!
Even President Barack Obama had his breakfast here the last time he visited Puerto Rico.
Experience a mouthwatering blend of Spanish and Caribbean cuisine.
Their menu offers hot soup, Spanish mallorcas, Cuban sandwiches, and more.
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Photo Credit: @linnyslunchbox
An exciting spot to try out.
Visit this food truck park to try a diversity of food and cocktails.
From Mexican food to artisanal beers, anything you fancy you may find it here.
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Photo Credit: @miramarfoodtruckpark
The most exclusive nightclub in San Juan is located in the iconic Fairmont El San Juan Hotel and Casino.
The favorite of many celebrities, this ultra lounge nightclub offers a selective ambiance.
Spend the night like a celebrity in Club Brava. The place to see and be seen.
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Photo Credit: @clubbrava
For table reservations text or WhatsApp at 787-674-8000.
Try the Piña Colada where it was invented!
This famous tropical drink was created right here in Puerto Rico in 1954 and it’s available almost everywhere on the island.
But if you want to go directly to the place of its creation, check out Barrachina.
Chocolate Cortés is the largest chocolate manufacturer in the Caribbean.
When visiting Puerto Rico you should not only try the Cortés chocolate but you should also visit Chocobar Cortés in Old San Juan.
There, you will taste their delicious chocolate and a variety of food and cocktails.
Visit Parque Luis Muñoz Marín.
Complete with playgrounds, biking lanes, water areas, and a dog park! This is the place to take your kids and family for a fun day.
You can also rent a gazebo for the day.
The perfect breakfast and lunch place.
Visit Bistro Café with your friends and family to enjoy a delicious breakfast in a relaxing atmosphere.
Try the Moca waffles and Nutella French toast!
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Photo credit: @bistrocaferest
Experience this gastronomic park.
Lote 23 is known for highlighting Puerto Rico’s culture and cuisine.
Hop from kiosk to kiosk in this vibrant food hub while enjoying a diverse variety of food, coffee, and drinks.
Experience the magic of a full moon.
Every Full moon locals gather in Ocean Park Beach, Condado to share stories and celebrate the magic of the full moon.
A unique experience!
Sobao is where you will find the best bread in Puerto Rico!
Visit this bakery/restaurant for the best sandwiches around.
Be sure to try the Pepito Sandwich!
Take a walk in this park to appreciate its impressive trees and sculptures.
Besides being the perfect place to relax, this park is excellent for photography and videomaking due to its stunning grounds.
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Photo credit: @rigauarquitectos
The three most popular things to do in San Juan are to visit Old San Juan, enjoy its amazing beaches, and experience the nightlife of Ashford Avenue.
Three days is perfect for an introductory experience! If you want to fully appreciate all San Juan has to offer I would recommend at least 4 days.
San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and has many things to do.
I recommend that you check out Old San Juan and Condado whilst you are in San Juan.
I also recommend that you visit a bio bay. There are three bio bays in Puerto Rico, with one being just an hour from San Juan. Check out our article to learn more about Puerto Rico’s bioluminescent bays.
For a broader experience in Puerto Rico be sure to read our article about 45 Best Things Do do in Puerto Rico.
Writer at PuertoRico.com. I have lived in Puerto Rico my entire life. When I’m not writing, I work in the healthcare industry as a Quality Control Specialist. After Hurricane Maria, my teammates and I were responsible for ensuring that life support equipment reached patients in need around the island.