San Juan Puerto Rico 4 Day Itinerary

4 Days in San Juan, Puerto Rico: A Vibrant Itinerary

This itinerary is designed for a 4-day trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, offering a mix of history, culture, beaches, and nightlife.

Where to stay:

  • Old San Juan: Immerse yourself in the charm of the historic district by staying at a boutique hotel like Hotel El Convento or CasaBlanca Hotel.
  • Condado/Isla Verde: For a luxurious beach vacation experience, choose a beachfront hotel in these areas. You’ll have easy access to beautiful beaches and upscale amenities.

Things to know:

  • Currency: The US dollar is the official currency in Puerto Rico.
  • Language: Spanish and English are both official languages. While most people speak English, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience and interactions with locals.
  • Safety: Generally safe for tourists, but exercise caution in crowded areas and at night. Stick to well-populated tourist areas and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Day 1: Immerse Yourself in History

  • Morning: Start your day exploring the cobblestone streets and colorful colonial architecture of Old San Juan.

    • Visit: El Morro Fortress, Castillo San Cristobal (the other historic fort!), San Juan Cathedral, Paseo de la Princesa for stunning ocean views

  • Afternoon: Wander through the historic district, visiting the charming plazas and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

    • Explore: Plaza de Armas, which features the iconic fountain and colorful buildings; or delve into the history of the city at the Museo de Arte y Arqueología.
    • Relax: Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in Old San Juan like “Cafe Puerto Rico” for traditional coffee and pastries or “El Jibarito” for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine.

  • Evening: Experience the nightlife of San Juan.

    • Head to: La Factoría, a multi-level bar with several themed spaces, each offering unique cocktails; or enjoy live music and salsa dancing at one of the many vibrant bars in Santurce.
    • Tip: Ask locals for their favorite spots – they’ll be happy to share!

Day 2: Beach Bliss & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the beaches of Condado, known for its upscale vibe and beautiful turquoise waters.

    • Beach options:
      • Playa Condado: Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
      • Isla Verde Beach: Lively beach with a wide range of restaurants and bars along the shore.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) to learn about the island’s diverse art scene.

  • Tip: Spend some time in the museum gardens, which feature sculptures and installations by renowned Puerto Rican artists.

  • Evening: Explore the culinary scene of Santurce with its vibrant food culture and delicious local restaurants.

Day 3: Culture & Cuisine

  • Morning: Visit Old San Juan’s historic sites.

    • Explore: The cobblestone streets, cobbled together from history books and historical accounts to explore the rich culture of Old San Juan.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the El Yunque National Forest, experiencing its lush rainforest trails.

  • Tip: Take advantage of the hiking trails in the afternoon.

  • Evening: Immerse yourself in the local culinary scene with a traditional Puerto Rican dinner.

    • Restaurant options: “Casita Miramar” for their exquisite mofongo or “Pirilo Pizza Rustica” for delicious wood-fired pizzas.

  • Tip: Try a different type of local food each night to get a taste of the diverse culinary offerings available in San Juan.

  • Things to consider:

    • Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Old San Juan.
    • Consider visiting “La Placita de Santurce” for a lively market atmosphere with street vendors selling food, drinks and crafts.

  • Restaurant & Activity recommendations:

    • Casita Miramar: A cozy restaurant in the heart of Old San Juan, known for its traditional cuisine.
      • Must-try: Mofongo (mashed plantains), mofongo stuffed with seafood or chicken are excellent options!
    • **“CasaBlanca” for “Casita” and “El Yunque” for its natural beauty

  • Things to consider:

    • Booking a reservation in advance is always a good idea for restaurants, especially popular ones.
    • Enjoying the nightlife of Old San Juan can be a lot of fun!

  • Day trip: Enjoy exploring the rest of the island’s culture and history.

Day 4: Relaxation & Exploration

  • Morning: Relax on the beach or by the pool.

  • Activity options:

    • Explore the beaches: Spend the morning swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the sand at beautiful beaches like “Isla Verde Beach” or “Ocean Park Beach”.

  • Afternoon: Stroll through the historic streets of Old San Juan.

  • Day trip: Visit a local beach in San Juan, such as Isla Verde Beach for its vibrant atmosphere.

  • Dinner & Drinks: Enjoy a traditional Puerto Rican meal and a taste of the island’s culture at “The Parrot Club” or “Casita de la Abuela”.

Things to consider:

  • Local tips:
    • Ask about “happy hour” deals for drinks and food.
    • Consider: Bringing bug spray, especially if you’re visiting the beaches in the evening.

Day trip options:

  • Explore the rainforest: “El Yunque” is a popular destination for hiking and swimming in the rainforest.
  • Enjoy the beach: Relax on the beach, swim, sunbathe, or go snorkeling.
  • Experience history: Visit “Castillo San Felipe del Morro” and “Isla Grande” for a day of exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and historical sites.

Things to do in Old San Juan (Day 1-3):

  • Explore the forts:

    • Enjoy a stroll through history at “Castillo San Felipe del Morro”.

  • Embrace the vibrant nightlife: * * El Yunque: This beautiful rainforest is perfect for enjoying nature and escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

  • Enjoy the beach vibes:

    • Spend the morning relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean breeze at “Isla Verde”

  • Tip:

  • Stay safe: Stick to well-populated areas like “Condado” for your safety, especially at night.

    • Enjoy a delicious traditional dinner at “La Factoría”, a renowned eatery in San Juan known for its delectable “criollo” cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Enjoy the beach: * * Take advantage of the beautiful beaches and explore the “Isla Verde” area.

  • Things to do:

  • Must-try dishes:

    • For a local food experience: Try “mofongo” (mashed plantains with garlic, pork cracklings, and other ingredients) at a restaurant like “Marmalade”.
    • Other recommendations: Mofongo stuffed with fresh seafood, “pasteles” (a traditional dish made with plantains and meat), and “arroz con gandules” (rice with pigeon peas).

  • Enjoy the beaches of “El Yunque”:

  • Enjoy a leisurely stay:

    • Spend a relaxing morning exploring the beautiful beaches of Old San Juan.

  • Activities for a day trip:

  • Things to consider: when choosing an establishment for your food and drink experiences. Consider: trying “Pirilo Pizza Rustica” known for its delicious pizzas and local ambiance.

Restaurant & Activity recommendations:

  • For a taste of the “Isla” (Island):
    • Try a “piña colada” at a local bar or beachside restaurant.

Day 4: Activities:

  • Enjoy the beach:

  • Must-try dishes:

  • Food & Drink: Enjoy the local flavor of Puerto Rican cuisine, including “Pirilo” pizza in a beachside setting.

Enjoy a delicious meal with a focus on fresh ingredients and local flavors.

  • **Try a traditional “pizza” (with toppings like “alcapurrias”, “pasteles”, or seafood) at “The Parrot Club”

  • Consider: Enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Old San Juan, explore the “Castillo” for its vibrant nightlife and stunning ocean views.

  • Enjoy the beach: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of “Isla Verde”

  • Enjoy the beach:

  • For a taste of: authentic local food and drink, try “La Factoría” or “Casita de la Abuela”

Other Activities:

  • Explore the vibrant nightlife:

  • Visit Old San Juan:

  • Visit the historic “El Morro” fortress: Enjoy breathtaking views and explore the history of Old San Tropical.

  • Experience the local culture: Explore “Calle Loiza” for its vibrant culinary scene, or take a trip to the beach,

  • Enjoy the beach:

  • Enjoy the diverse “Food & Drink” options:

  • For a taste of the local cuisine:

  • Consider: Exploring the art and history of “Isla Verde",

  • Explore: “El Morro” for its stunning views and historical significance.

  • Visit the vibrant: Old San Juan, enjoy the beaches and the local culture!

  • Take a tour: Explore the El Yunque rainforest and experience the beauty of the island.

  • Enjoy the beach: Enjoy “Isla Verde” and its beautiful beaches for a change.

For a relaxing morning: