Puerto Rico 2 Day Itinerary

48 Hours in Puerto Rico: A Taste of the Island

This itinerary focuses on exploring Old San Juan and its historical charm, with options for both beach lovers and those interested in culture and nightlife.

Day 1: Historic Charm & Coastal Views

  • Morning:

    • Things to Know: Old San Juan is best explored early in the day before the midday heat and cruise ship crowds arrive.

    • Activity:

      • Start with a stroll through Old San Juan: Explore the colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic forts like Castillo San Felipe del Morro or Castillo San Cristobal. Take stunning photos of the architecture and enjoy the views from the San Juan Bay.

    • Must-See:

      • Castillo San Felipe del Morro: This 16th-century fort offers breathtaking views of the ocean and historical significance.
      • Castillo San Cristobal: Immerse yourself in the history of this impressive fort and explore its hidden tunnels and dungeons.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch with a view: Grab a bite to eat at a restaurant overlooking the San Juan Bay, like El Jibarito or La Factoría.

    • Explore the historical charm: Wander through the charming streets of Old San Juan, discovering its unique shops, art galleries, and street art. Visit the historic sites like:

      • Castillo San Felipe del Morro: This 16th-century fort offers breathtaking views of the ocean and historical significance.
      • Cathedral of San Juan Bautista: Admire the beautiful architecture of this historic cathedral.
      • Casa Blanca Museum: Discover the history of the Spanish colonial era in this well-preserved mansion.

    • Cool off at the beach: Enjoy a refreshing swim and soak up the sun at one of San Juan’s stunning beaches like Condado Beach or Isla Verde Beach.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner & Drinks in a Historic Setting: Head to a restaurant with a rooftop patio for dinner and drinks while enjoying the beautiful sunset over the ocean (e.g., La Terraza de la Casa Blanca, El Convento Hotel’s Terrace).
    • Experience the Nightlife: Old San Juan is known for its vibrant nightlife. Explore the lively bars and restaurants in the area for a delicious meal and a taste of local culture.

Day 2: Beaches & Culture

  • Morning:

    • Beach Day: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Isla Verde, enjoy the sun and sand.
    • Explore the El Yunque National Rainforest: Take a hike to stunning waterfalls and lush trails.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch with a view: Indulge in a traditional Puerto Rican lunch while overlooking the rainforest (e.g., kiosks near Luquillo Beach).

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at El Yunque: Enjoy a delicious meal and experience the beauty of the rainforest at night.

Things to Consider:

  • Transportation: Consider staying in Old San Juan and exploring on foot. For day trips outside the city, you can use taxis, Uber, or car rentals.
  • Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for travel to Puerto Rico.
    • Currency: The U.S. dollar (USD) is the official currency.

Day 2:

  • Activity: Explore the vibrant El Yunque rainforest with its lush vegetation, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Enjoy traditional Puerto Rican cuisine: For a truly authentic experience, head to Luquillo for “kiosks” (small roadside restaurants) offering local delicacies.

Things To Do in Old San Juan:

  • History: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Old San Juan by visiting:

    • El Morro Fortress: Explore this iconic fortress and its stunning views.
    • San Cristóbal Fortress: Discover the intricate tunnels and fortifications.
    • Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAP): Admire a collection of art from the island’s history.

  • Must-See Beaches:

    • Isla Verde Beach: Enjoy the vibrant beach scene with its beautiful beaches and plenty of nightlife options.
    • Condado Beach: Relax on the beach or explore the nearby streets for shopping and dining.

  • Food & Drink (continued):

    • Enjoy a refreshing drink: Sample local drinks like “coquito” (a coconut-based cocktail) and “piragua” (shaved ice with flavored syrup).

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife:

    • Experience a “Chinchorreo”: This is a cultural tradition of bar hopping through the island’s many charming bars and restaurants, enjoying local snacks and drinks.

Food & Drink (continued):

  • Enjoy the local cuisine: Explore the flavors of Puerto Rico with a delicious meal at a traditional restaurant.
  • Try a “Kiosko” meal: In Old San Juan, there are many restaurants offering “rooftop dining” experiences. This offers a taste of Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.

Other Tips:

  • Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun is strong in Puerto Rico, so protect your skin!

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or electrolytes, especially when exploring the island outdoors.

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases: While English is widely spoken, knowing a few words like “hola,” “gracias,” and “por favor” will be appreciated by locals.

  • Stay Safe: Be aware of your surroundings in Old San Juan, as with any tourist destination. While generally safe, it’s wise to avoid secluded areas at night.

  • Enjoy the “kioskos”: Experience the vibrant “kioskos” (small, roadside bars and restaurants) for food, drinks, and local atmosphere.

Possible Beaches & Food:

  • Isla Verde Beach: A bustling beach with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean or a relaxing day on the sand.
  • **Cond

Enjoy a “Chinchorreo” experience: This is a great way to enjoy the local flavors, like mofongo (fried plantains and pork), arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas), and mofongo (a traditional Puerto Rican dish).

  • Bring cash: Many smaller businesses in Old San Juan may not accept credit cards.

  • Learn about the history: Explore the historical sites of Old San Juan, including the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro and the Castillo San Cristobal.

  • Sample local delicacies: Enjoy the fresh seafood and vibrant nightlife at Isla Verde’s many “kioskos” (small, roadside bars and restaurants) or enjoy a taste of Puerto Rican culture and cuisine by trying some of the traditional dishes and drinks offered in these locations.

Enjoy the local culture:

  • Experience the culinary scene: Try “La Casita Blanca,” a popular restaurant with a focus on traditional Puerto Rican food.
  • Embrace the nightlife: Grab a “mojito” (a rum-based cocktail) or “piragua” (another delicious treat!) and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the local bars and restaurants in Old San Juan.

Enjoy the history:

  • Visit El Morro: Explore the historical significance of this 16th-century fortress, which protected San Juan for centuries.
  • Take a walking tour: Discover the hidden gems of Old San Cruz with a knowledgeable guide.

This is just a sample itinerary. You can customize it to your interests and time constraints. For example, you could:

  • Explore local history: Visit historical sites like the “Castillo San Cristobal” or the “Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico” (depending on your interest).
  • Experience the nightlife: Enjoy a night out in San Juan with a taste of the nightlife scene and its vibrant atmosphere.
  • Enjoy the natural beauty: Explore the beaches of El Yunque National Forest, like Luquillo Beach, for a taste of the island’s natural beauty.

Remember to be respectful of the local culture while you are traveling. Remember that

Enjoy the local culture (continued):

  • “Chinchorreo” is a fun and unique way to experience the local culture:
  • Explore the El Yunque National Rainforest: Hike to stunning waterfalls, like El Portal Falls, for breathtaking views and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Puerto Rico.

Enjoy your trip!