San Juan Puerto Rico 3 Day Itinerary

3-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Charm of San Juan

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historic heart of San Juan. It’s a starting point - you can easily customize it based on your interests!

Day 1: Old San Juan Immersion

  • Morning: Arrive in San Juan (SJU).
    • Things to do: Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and explore its charming colonial architecture. Visit the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fortress overlooking the ocean.
  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant like Cafeteria Mallorca for traditional Puerto Rican pastries and coffee.

Things to Know:

  • Time: Allow time for travel between destinations.
  • Budget: Budget for transportation, meals, and activities.

Day 2: History & Beaches

  • Morning: Explore Old San Juan further: Visit the Museo de Arte y Historia de Judíos to learn about the island’s Jewish history and the Paseo de la Princesa, a scenic waterfront promenade with great views.
  • Afternoon: Relax on one of San Juan’s beautiful beaches like Isla Verde Beach for sunbathing, swimming, or water sports.
    • Beach Options: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Isla Verde Beach.

Things to do:

  • Visit historical sites: Continue exploring Old San Juan with stops at the San Juan Cathedral, the Castillo de San Cristobal, and the Casa Blanca (the former residence of Ponce de León).
  • Wander through the colorful streets: Explore the charming streets of Old San Juan, stopping to admire the architecture and visit charming shops.

Food: Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine for dinner at El Jibarito.

Things to Know:

  • Transportation: Old San Juan is easily walkable, but consider using taxis or ride-sharing services to get around the rest of the city.

Day 3: Beyond the Walls

  • Morning: Visit La Fortaleza, the historic governor’s mansion in Old San Juan.
  • Afternoon: Explore the El Yunque National Forest, hike through its lush trails, and admire the stunning rainforest scenery.

Things to do:

  • Explore the beach: Enjoy the sun and sand at Condado Beach or Escambrón Beach.
  • Visit the historic sites: Explore the rich history of the city with a visit to the Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century fortress, and wander through the cobblestone streets and admire its architecture.

Things to do:

  • Explore the Old San Juan: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and explore the shops and restaurants along the historic streets of Old San Juan.
  • Have a farewell dinner at Pirilo Pizza Rustica while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city’s nightlife.

Food & Activities:

  • Lunch: Explore local Puerto Rican cuisine, such as mofongo or alcapurrias, with a delicious lunch in Old San Juan.

  • Things to do:

    • Visit the historic forts: Fort San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Felipe del Morro are both located in Old San Juan.

Things to know:

  • Transportation:

    • Taxis: Widely available and relatively inexpensive, but always agree on a price before starting your journey.

  • Uber & Taxis: Ride-sharing services like Uber are popular in San Juan, but be aware that drivers may sometimes cancel rides due to traffic or other factors.

Things to know:

  • Public Transportation: Public buses are available and affordable, but routes can be confusing for visitors and schedules aren’t always reliable.

Food & Drinks:

  • Budget:

Transportation:

  • Things to do:

    • Explore Old San Juan by foot: It’s the best way to see the sights and soak in the history.

  • Accommodation:

    • Historical Hotels: Stay at a charming hotel with historical significance, like the El Convento Hotel for its historic ambiance or the Caribe Hilton for its beachfront location.

Things to do:

  • Old San Juan walking tour: Explore the cobblestone streets and history of Old San Juan.

Food & Drinks:

  • Stay at a hotel in the Condado area: These hotels are known for their luxurious amenities, stunning views, and proximity to restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

  • Explore the historic sites: Enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and the ambiance of Casas Viejas, a charming restaurant in Old San Juan with a beautiful courtyard.

  • Food & Drinks: Enjoy delicious Puerto Rican food at Cafe Puerto Rico or explore the vibrant nightlife of San Juan.

For your trip, I recommend:

  • Stay: Staying in Old San Juan puts you right in the heart of the action and allows for easy exploration of the area’s many historical attractions.
  • Try local dishes like mofongo and lechon:

Things to Know:

  • Old San Juan is a safe and secure neighborhood, but it is always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft, especially in crowded areas or when using public transportation.

  • Food & Drink Options:

    • Fine Dining:
      • Marmalade Restaurant-Bar (for Caribbean-inspired dishes)
      • Pirilo Pizza Rustica (a popular spot for its modern atmosphere and delicious pizzas)
    • Explore the history of the city: Visit the Museo de Arte y Historia de Judíos, a must-see for understanding the Jewish community’s historical presence in San Juan.

Day 3:

  • Breakfast at a local bakery: Indulge in a traditional Puerto Rican breakfast with pastries and coffee.

  • Explore:

    • Visit the El Yunque National Forest: Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest and explore its stunning trails, waterfalls, and historical significance.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the historic forts: Take a walk through history and enjoy the beauty of Old San Juan’s architecture with a visit to Casas Viejas.

Things to do:

  • Visit the El Morro fortress: Enjoy the views from this iconic structure.

For your transportation within San Juan, it is helpful to know:

  • Taxis are readily available: They are a convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around, but remember that prices are not standardized and you should always confirm the fare before starting your journey.
  • Car rental: This can be an option for exploring outside of Old San Juan, but it’s important to be aware of local driving conditions and customs in Puerto Rico before renting a car.

Remember:

  • Public transportation: Consider using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft for transportation within the city.
  • Taxi availability: Remember that while taxis are readily available, they can be expensive.
  • Safety: Always exercise caution when exploring tourist areas and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Puerto Rican culture:

Things to Know About Puerto Rico:

  • Spanish influence: Embrace the rich history and culture of Puerto Rico by indulging in a traditional meal like Mofongo or Pernil.

Things to do:

  • Explore the local markets: Experience the vibrant atmosphere and discover fresh produce, seafood, and local crafts.
  • Visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery: Enjoy a tour of this historic distillery and learn about the rum-making process.

Remember:

  • Taxis are readily available in San Juan, but they can be expensive.

Travel Tip:

  • Negotiate fares: It’s important to negotiate a price with your taxi driver before starting the ride. This is especially crucial for taxi trips to and from the airport, as prices tend to be higher in these situations.
  • Consider Uber or Lyft: For a more affordable option and greater convenience, utilize the popular ride-sharing platforms available in Puerto Rico.

Things to do:

  • Explore:
    • Experience Old San Juan’s charm:

Let me know if you have any other questions!