Great way to see Old San Juan and try a variety of Puerto Rican food. El Portal Rain Forest Center provides a good introduction to the area. We don’t accept payments in exchange for favorable reviews. Walk The Paseo del Morro. Drinks were made well and you got to see Old San Juan from another point of view. The most popular things to do in San Juan Islands with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are: Maya's Legacy Whale Watching; Western Prince Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours; All Aboard Sailing; Spirit of Orca Whale Watching & Wildlife Tours; San Juan Safaris; See all kid friendly things to do in San Juan Islands on Tripadvisor We finished and got back on the bus just before curfew. San Juan Island is the second biggest and most populous of the islands, with a less wild, more gently undulating landscape than Orcas Island, much more going on than Shaw or Lopez Islands, and a chill, relaxing vibe that is hard to beat. places to visit and vacation in Puerto Rico, Top Attractions & Landmarks in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan is home to an active art community, and there are various art galleries that add to the scene. Locals from towns across the island come to San Juan to enjoy the year-round cultural events, great entertainment, excellent food, and dance to the sounds of salsa played at the elegant squares and restaurants around the city. Playa Flamenco isn't actually located on the main island of Puerto Rico, though. In San Juan, you can dig into the sultry flavors of Puerto Rican food or try the many restaurants that take fusion cuisine to a whole new level. Old San Juan is the most beloved place on the island for residents of Puerto Rico, the epicenter of culture, music, food, and traditions. Top Things to Do in San Juan, Caribbean: See Tripadvisor's 303,584 traveller reviews and photos of San Juan tourist attractions. This rain forest hike was the highlight... Full-Day Rainforest and Waterfall Adventure from San Juan. This is a must do for the family or a romantic outing to see San Juan from a different perspective! While the building exudes an air of calm authority, it occupies a site that was long one of the most contested strategic positions in the Caribbean: La Fortaleza. Just north of the Old San Juan district, within the San Juan National Historic Site, lies Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century citadel, or fortress. It helped that we had a little kayaking experience beforehand, but they gave good directions to the beginning kayakers too. Find tickets for the best tourist attractions for … It was pitch dark going through the mangroves. Playa Flamenco also holds remnants of Puerto Rico's military past; on the northern edge of the beach are two old military tanks which are worth an amble along the beach to see. So that was a little disappointing. You want to look up constantly at the adorned wrought-iron balconies of colonial homes painted in bright or pastel colors. Explore the colorful buildings and charming streets of Old San Juan in a small group with the help of writer David Rodriguez, author of ‘The Rise and Fall of the Great Barbate.’ During the course of your day, the knowledgeable author helps you discover the area’s key … Set on an island and walled on 3 sides, the Spanish constructed massive walls and several forts to protect their colony. Whether you’re having a romantic wedding, honeymoon, holding a business meeting or convention, or planning a great vacation with family and friends, Puerto Rico will surely satisfy your travel wishes. One of the coolest experiences I have ever encountered!! Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel. Just north of the Old San Juan district, within the San Juan National Historic Site, lies Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century citadel, or fortress. Old San Juan area is very walkable, but there is more of San Juan than that to see.. Jacob is the best - informative, fun & relaxed! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. If you only have time for only one epic adventure, make it a kayaking tour of Laguna Grande, where you can marvel at the natural phenomenon of millions of bioluminescent microorganisms glowing in the water after dark. Offering superb views over the Old Town of San Juan, as well as the iconic El Morro fortress, you can sit back as you watch the sunset over the Caribbean. Also known as Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis, this cemetery is one of … The beach was on the “must do list” everyday in San Juan for my girls. The Caves and a beach would be one day. Instead, you'll have to take a short boat ride to the smaller island of Culebra. 4. Whale watching, hiking, visiting Mount Constitution, kayaking, driving the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway. Drinks were made well and you got to see Old San Juan from another point of view. Many great things to be seen in old San Juan ! The Caves and a beach would be one day. This vibrant neighborhood is a must see. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Follow our 10 tips to get a sense of this unique island, it’s rare wildlife, astonishing nature, rich history and culture and, most importantly, to … I loved kayaking through the mangroves and hearing the frogs and other sounds of nature. The Wedgwood blue and white Santa Catalina Palace was built in 1533 and makes an impressive sight as you approach through a narrow Old San Juan street. Copyright 2020 | San Juan Puerto Rico.com | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | By using this site you agree to the Terms of Service. Please try again on the. Tucked away in Old San Juan is La Factoria, known as one of the Top 50 Bars in the World. Unfortunately when we got to the bay itself it was well lit by the moon and stars which was beautiful. The mild morning temperatures were perfect for morning excursions, lunch at the beach (maybe a nap under the umbrella for little ones) followed by sandcastle making and swimming. Bring your camera for the hundreds of gorgeous photo ops, with the San Juan Bay as the perfect background. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The guides we're knowledgeable and friendly. The site of the monuments was named a national historic site by UNESCO and is a must … Whether you want to see it from above, from the water, or from a historical high point, here’s where to find the best views in San Juan. Walking & Biking Tours. This trip was awesome. It was easy to keep up and follow our guide in the kayak, and they made sure no one was left behind. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1) Stroll the Colorful Streets of Old San Juan El Yunque Rainforest Half-Day Trip from San Juan. Grab a lounge chair, put on sunblock, and lay under the sun so you can return home with the perfect tan. It was a unique experience to see the bioluminescence glowing in the bay. You’re planning a Caribbean vacation, so of course, you want beaches. 10 San Juan Island Must-Do’s for First Timers Updated January 2019 Follow our 10 tips to get a sense of this unique island, it’s rare wildlife, astonishing nature, rich history and culture and, most importantly, to … Paseo de la Princesa. Benny was an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable and accommodating. Typically cemeteries are not at the top of must-visit attractions, but the Old San Juan Historic Cemetery (Cementerio de San Juan) is a sight to behold. We were greeted and treated so well throughout the tour. I love that each of the islands in the San Juans has its own distinctly different personality. Island lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike flock to San Juan’s tropical rain forest, turquoise waters, and 16th-century Spanish colonial historic district—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tennis shoes and shorts. Most notable are El Morro Castle and Fort San Cristobal, both part of a San Juan National Historic Site and available to view in one day, if need be. Head to Ashford Avenue in Condado, for boutiques and a few high-end stores. Drop the map and get lost around the 7 colorful blocks full of historical gems, museums, relaxed cafes, great shops, restaurants, and more… The free trolley is a nice way to give your feet a break and get acquainted with the Old City. View Gallery. Hands down the best part of our trip!! As you now know, it’s a small island, so there aren’t a whole lot of options when it comes to deciding where to go. Whale watching, hiking, visiting Mount Constitution, kayaking, driving the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway. Despite being only 15 minutes from the mainland town of Fajardo, Cayo Icacos is an undeveloped island that feels like the middle of nowhere. Old San Juan is certainly teeming with tourists year-round, but it’s still very much residential area as well. Its a pretty good trip to see something different than beach and the Old San Juan. There is so much to do in the San Juan Islands. Best Things to Do & Attractions in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Best Things to Do in San Juan, Capital City of Puerto Rico, Top Museums to Visit in San Juan, Puerto Rico, We hope you enjoy your visit to San Juan Puerto Rico. The tour was a fantastic way to see a lot of San Juan without having to walk the hilly terrain. This loop of state-maintained highways through the San Juan Mountains can be done in your own car and at your own leisure, but be aware that various parts of this beautiful, scenic drive do feature steep drop-offs without guardrails. Old San Juan is the oldest city in the Western hemisphere. Here are 10 things that I did on my recent trip after doing a ton of research on the area. Discover the top things to do in San Juan. A day on an out-island is another. You can explore Old San Juan on your own, if you’re short on time and wish to make the most of your time in Old San Juan, we recommend you book a walking tour. There is so much to do in the San Juan Islands. Francisco our guide was fantastic. If you only have a day in Old San Juan, tour one of the forts and then simply walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Head to. Lots of adventure tours- ranging from just about 1 hr to all day. This rain forest hike was the highlight of our stay in San Juan . The most popular and beloved fort on the island is Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), it is easier to navigate and the grounds are filled with joy with children and adults alike flying a kite, be sure to buy one and join in. We had a great driving tour of San Juan with Hector. The one and only downfall is the trip is far from San Juan ~2. A must-visit for any history buffs, architectural nuts and other people who like pretty places.San Juan National Historic Site: It’s a fortress that was built in the 17th century to defend San Juan… For an impressive view of Old San Juan’s harbor, take a sunset sailing tour through the bay on the Amazing Grace, a top sail schooner, the same type used to fight the British in the American war for independence and the War of 1812. The fort of Castillo San Felipe del Morro protected the capital from enemy ships and now provides … Amazing sail around San Juan on the Amazing Grace sailboat. No trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico is complete without a visit to colorful, historic Old San Juan! We have reviews of the best places to see in San Juan. The night kayaking was a cool experience. Stroll the streets, visit the forts, take a free trolley, shop, eat, drink and enjoy salsa music and dancing in this historic colonial city that is rich in old world European charm. This guide presents all the best things to do and attractions in San Juan with something for everyone in the family including the top 5 Things to Do in San Juan, top sights and landmarks, popular tours near San Juan, top museums, shopping, and more. The trip left promptly, the sail was peaceful and it was a great way to see San Juan. One of the best things to do in Puerto Rico is to join a sunset sailing tour off the coast of San Juan. Pretty flora with the sound and sights of waterfalls . We went on a night when the moon was bright, so we had to put a tarp over the boats to see the glow, but it was fun anyway. We welcome your feedback. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Francisco and Pedro were fantastic. Skip the line and book fun activities and tours with Expedia. From beautiful beaches to eclectic shopping, from incredible cocktails to flavorful local cuisine, I've narrowed it down to 9 must do things in San Juan … Playa Flamenco is a stunningly scenic beach that is an ideal day trip for those vacationing on Puerto Rico in the Caribbean. Even if you’ve never given much thought to how this Caribbean staple gets from the cane fields to your mojito, the Casa Bacardí Visitor Center offers a surprisingly interesting experience. Knowledgeable and he tailored the trip to us. He was very informative. San Juan is the home of world famous Bacardí rum. We really enjoyed this tour!! His English was very good too. This guide is researched, written and published independently of advertisements. San Juan Bay sits at the heart of the city of San Juan, with innumerable sites, neighborhoods and attractions ringing its shores. Old San Juan & Condado Tourist Districts are among the best foodies destinations in San Juan. Our driver Frankie was great and informative. Here’s our list of must-do's and must-sees for first timers. Private Driving Tour of San Juan Highlights. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. It isn’t the isolated seclusion, however, that draws visitors to Icacos; rather, it’s the pristine snorkeling and offshore reefs where schools of colorful, tropical fish all flit and sway with the waves. #1: Surfing at Point Break. Considered ‘the birthplace of Orange County’ the chapel, which still stands today, was the place where Saint Serra once celebrated mass. From beginning to end this was by far one of my best of San Juan things to do! San Juan is a city with many fortifications that are accessible for the public to explore and offer a living history lesson for visitors of all ages. We're creating your account. Rio Camuy Cave Park (Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río Camuy), Don’t Miss These Must-Do Activities in San Juan, Culebra Day Trip by Catamaran from Fajardo, El Yunque Rainforest Off the Beaten Path and Bio Bay Kayaking Combo Tour, La Parguera Glowing Bioluminescent Bay Boat Tour from San Juan, Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure Tour from San Juan, Deserted Island Catamaran Day Sail from Fajardo, Bio Bay & El Yunque Rainforest Combo Tour, El Yunque Off the Beaten Path Hiking Tour, LED Night Kayak - Condado Lagoon - Guided Excursion, Bioluminescent Bay Night Kayaking & Rainforest Combo Tour, Bioluminescent Bay Glass Bottom Kayak Tour from San Juan, Junglequi Zipline Adventure withTransportation from San Juan, Full-Day Culebra and Flamenco Beach Snorkeling from San Juan, Transportation between airport, hotels and bnb's in San Juan, Full-Day Zipline and Waterfall Rappelling Adventure Near San Juan, Bacardi Rum Distillery and Old San Juan Tour, Transportation Full-Day Rainforest and Luquillo Beach Adventure in San Juan, El Yunque Rainforest Off the Beaten Path & Hiking Tour, Old San Juan Sunset Walk & Taste Food Tour, El Yunque National Forest Tour from San Juan, Bio Bay Night Kayaking with transportation from San Juan area, Oneway - to/from SJUAirport, Cruise Port, Hotels in SAN JUAN - Mercedes Minivan, Toro Verde 8 zipline plus the Beast with Transportation, Airport Transfers: SJU to Hotels in Isla Verde/Condado/Old San Juan Puerto Rico, Rainforest Nature Walk & Bio Bay Night Kayaking Combo with Transportation, Oneway - to/from SJUAirport, Cruise Port, Hotels in SAN JUAN - LARGE GROUPS, North Coast of Puerto Rico from San Juan: Waterfall and Cueva del Indio, Click to see tours and tickets to experience. Because of that, San Juan is perhaps the closest thing to a foreign vacation an American can take without ever leaving American soil, and the top 10 things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico are worth the trip on their own. This may take a few seconds... Something went wrong. we had been to San Juan several times before but he found new things for us to see. Night BioBay Kayak Tour from Vieques Private Bioluminescent Bay Boat Experience from San Juan (all-inclusive) ** Taking a trip like this will allow you to get some amazing photos. A great way to get to know the food culture of Puerto Rico is by booking a tour which often includes sightseeing in the historic district. Since the weather was amazing it was an easy compromise. Naturally it would be cruel to lead you all the way through this grown-up version of Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and not let you sample the wares, so pure rum and cocktails are handed out towards the end. Widely considered to be among the best galleries in Puerto Rico, they include the Walter Otero Contemporary Art Gallery, Galeria Botello, and Galeria … The citadel, surrounded like it is by an expansive green lawn and the dramatic rocky coast, sits on quite a beautiful spot; the imposing fortress walls create an interesting contrast to the sparkling blue sea. Also known as Balnearnio Montserrat, Luquillo Beach is beautiful tranquil crescent of powdery sand famed for its palm trees and long stretch of fine yellow sand. When the wind blows, the lawn that connects the citadel to the town is a popular kite-flying spot. We got to experience a variety of food types/drinks and she paid special attention to all dietary restrictions. 19 Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico 4 Dance Salsa at La Factoria. The most iconic spots on the bay are the pair of fortresses that face each other at the bay’s mouth. Outdoor Activities. For lovers of chocolate everything, Chocobar Cortés, is a must; for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert and a cocktail. 15 Terrific Things To Do in San Juan Puerto Rico 1. But because if all the natural light we were unable able to really see the bio luminescent. Having the transportation from our hotel in San Juan was huge!! Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Designated a National Historic Site in 2001, this scenic walk along the water offers... 2. San Juan Island is the second biggest and most populous of the islands, with a less wild, more gently undulating landscape than Orcas Island, much more going on than Shaw or Lopez Islands, and a chill, relaxing vibe that is hard to beat. The 16th-century citadel sits at the northwestern-most point of the island and... 3. Thank you to this wonderful crew and sail for making wonderful memories for my family!! High quality food stands line the beach serving a variety of treats, ranging from ice cream and fruit smoothies to ceviche and empanadas. This tour was an excellent way to see Old San Juan, learn about its history and try many different foods. He understood what we wanted to see and made sure we we saw it and much more. The waterfalls, the river, the food. I loved my tour of Old San Juan I want to visit again soon, the tour guy was great. Castillo San Felipe del Morro. It was so cool to see Old San Juan from a different view. He understood what we wanted to see and made sure we we saw it and much more. The trip left promptly, the sail was peaceful and it was a great way to see San Juan. 3. A day on an out-island is another. Inland, the compact grid of hilly, narrow streets, with their colorful houses and elegant wrought-iron balconies, represents one of the oldest and best-preserved town centers in the Western Hemisphere. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I highly recommend booking them. Check out the following attractions when in town and you’ll want to keep coming back for more. Experience Fort El Morro’s grandeur and savor the colors and history of an active old city from a distance. There’s a lot for visitors see and do in the city, and it lives up to the hype. With two days to spend in the Puerto Rican capital, you’ll be able to tour the colonial old city, explore otherworldly bioluminescent bays, and head farther afield to experience Puerto Rico’s rain forests. What are the top things to do in San Juan? SEE THE OLD SAN JUAN HISTORIC CEMETERY. Phone +1 787-729-6960 Perhaps nothing captures the history of Puerto Rico more than Old San Juan's... Dine Out on Fortaleza Street. I loved my tour of Old San Juan I want to visit again soon, the tour guy was great. Our guide was funny and informative. Chocobar Cortés (210 Calle San Francisco) ~ Chocobar Cortés is in the top 5 of the best restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico, according to Trip Advisor. It depicts the cultures that formed the people who inhabit Puerto Rico. Let us help you start planning your San Juan … San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico is one of the top places to visit and vacation in Puerto Rico, offering world-class attractions, attractive beaches, rich cultural experiences, and great tours to nearby attractions around the island. Lots of adventure tours- ranging from just about 1 hr to all day. Great way to see Old San Juan and try a variety of Puerto Rican food. Our entire trip to San Juan has been wonderful, but this was definitely the highlight. Very professional and nice Guide with an excellent english. Puerto Rico ⏐ San Juan Puerto Rico ⏐ Best Things to Do in San Juan. Yup- in fact you can do most of them in 4-5 days. This tour was an excellent way to see Old San Juan, learn about its history and try many different foods. To the west, the 16th-century Castillo San Felipe del Morro (commonly known as El Morro) … It was an hour n half drive to and from. This is a beautiful place to visit and will be back for sure.!!! We were the first ones picked up, and the driver even arrived 15 minutes earlier than he was scheduled to, but driving through San Juan traffic to all the other pickup locations took a long time- no fault of the driver- and we were later than scheduled getting to the boats. He was knowledgeable and maximized our time. It was a unique experience to see the bioluminescence glowing in the bay. Navigate these massive and magnificent fortifications and explore their tunnels, dungeons, ramps, and barracks. The Rain forest was gorgeous, calming, and exactly what we wanted. Luminescent little disappointing, overall , Bio Bay Night Kayaking - 8:00pm Round-trip Transportation from San Juan Area. The trip was absolutely amazing! These Bioluminescence tours are simply amazing and must be at the top of your must-do adventure list then visiting Puerto Rico. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in April. The hotel is also across the street from the cruise ship docks so … Its a pretty good trip to see something... Its a pretty good trip to see something different than beach and the Old San Juan. San Juan, Puerto Rico is a gem of a city in on an island that is as beautiful as it is full of adventure. Remnants of the thick walls and ballasts still protect the western harbor today and a must visit is Castillo San Cristóbal. Two historic houses of worship bookend the center: in the north, the simple white exterior of the San José Church and the comparative grandeur of the older Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, built in 1521, in the south. The Puerto Rican capital’s proximity to El Yunque National Forest makes it easy to escape into the lush wilderness, hiking to waterfalls or soaring through the air on a zipline. These cookies do not store any personal information. In San Juan, there’s always a reason to celebrate, dance, and gather with family and friends. A number of bus trips bound for Northern Luzon pass through San Juan. The guide was awesome and super informative!! Do in San Juan, written and published independently of advertisements for favorable reviews the website to you. And published independently of advertisements constantly at the start of the coolest experiences I is. On sunblock, and there are plenty of things to do in San Juan place to visit and will back. Western harbor today and a beach would be one day drinks were made well and you to... Harbor today and a museum which traces the company ’ s origins in Cuba to its current global domination we! 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