Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Caribbean, has a rich history dating back to its colonization by Spain in the 15th century. Its culture is a blend of Taíno, Spanish, African, and American influences, reflected in its music, dance, and cuisine. It’s known for its beautiful beaches and rainforests, as well as colorful Old San Juan. The best part of Puerto Rico is the warm and welcoming people who will make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive. Read The Ultimate Puerto Rico Travel Guide to help you prepare for your trip!
Things To Know
- Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken
- The currency is USD
- The best time to visit is between April to June which is right after the busy winter season and before the rainy season starts.
- There are taxis and ride-share services available but renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the island, especially if you plan to visit more remote areas
Where to Stay
Condado: Located just east of Old San Juan, Condado is a trendy beachfront neighborhood known for its upscale hotels, luxury shops, and bustling nightlife. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for a fun urban atmosphere with easy access to the beach.
Old San Juan: Known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and Spanish Colonial charm, Old San Juan is a great choice if you don’t mind being a bit further from the beach. Staying here puts you within walking distance of historic landmarks, charming cafes, and lively nightlife.
Isla Verde: Situated near the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Isla Verde is a popular resort area known for its beautiful beaches, high-rise hotels, and nightlife. It’s a convenient choice for travelers seeking a beachfront vacation with plenty of amenities nearby.
Things to Do
El Yunque National Forest – located a quick drive from San Juan in Northeastern Puerto Rico is the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System, spanning approximately 28,000 acres. There are many hiking trails, waterfalls, and towers to check out and it’s easy to drive from point to point. Here are some highlights:
- Juan Creek Falls is a must-see, but be sure to arrive before the park opens to avoid crowds!
- Mount Britton Tower Hike – easy to moderate hike with a tower at the top
- Baño Oro and Grande – former swimming holes now just for looking
Explore Old San Juan – the historic district of Puerto Rico’s capital city, is a colorful neighborhood that transports you back in time with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and rich cultural heritage. Here are some top things to do:
- Take photos at Calle Fortaleza and Calle de la Luna
- Watch the cats at Parque de Los Gatos
- Try Puerto Rican coffee at Cuatro Sombras
- Enjoy rooftop drinks at La Vergüenza
- Watch the sunset on Paseo del Morro
- Try chocolate infused dishes at Chocobar Cortes
Visit the Castles of Old San Juan – Old San Juan is home to two impressive fortresses which were built by the Spanish during their colonial rule over Puerto Rico. These fortifications are iconic landmarks of the city and are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. $10 USD will get you entry into both for the day! Here is some more information on each:
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro):
- Built in the 16th century, El Morro is a sprawling fortress that overlooks the entrance to San Juan Bay.
- It was constructed to defend the city from seaborne attacks by rival European powers.
- It’s characterized by its massive stone walls, cannons, and lookout towers. Visitors can explore the fortress’s various levels, including the sentry boxes, barracks, and dungeons.
- It has panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and San Juan Bay
- Built in the late 18th century, San Cristóbal is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the Americas.
- Like El Morro, San Cristóbal was designed to protect the city from land-based attacks and served as a key defensive structure during the colonial period.
- Has a network of underground passages and galleries
Have a beach day – Puerto Rico is known for its stunning beaches, offering a wide range of coastal landscapes, from pristine white sands to dramatic cliffs and hidden coves. Here are two of the best:
- Playa Condado – located in the Condado neighborhood in San Juan. This is an urban beach known for its lively atmosphere, golden sands, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. This beach is easy to access and has amenities.
- Playa Fortuna – located in the town of Luquillo – a stunning beach known for its natural beauty, golden sands, and impressive waves. The beach is backed by coconut palms and almond trees, providing plenty of shade.
Visit Rincon – located on the western coast of Puerto Rico, Rincon is a laid-back beach town known for its surf culture, stunning sunsets, and relaxed atmosphere. Here are the best things to do:
- Dine at La Copa Llena
- Relax at Domes Beach
- Check out the food trucks
- Have a drink at Ola Sunset Cafe
- Visit the Punta Higuera lighthouse
- Watch the sunset at Sandy Beach
Swim In a Bioluminescent Bay – Puerto Rico is home to 3 of the 5 bioluminescent bays in the world and La Parguera is the only one you can swim in in Puerto Rico! Here was our experience:
- This is the tour we went on and I’d highly recommend it!
- The whole experience is 2 hours – you get to take a boat ride to a reef where you can swim and watch the sunset and then head over to the Bio Bay to swim some more,
- The bioluminescence is magical to experience but difficult to photograph and nearly impossible to capture in a video!
- The complimentary drinks were a nice touch!
Places to Eat
- Kasalta Bakery – Bakery with traditional Puerto Rican pastries
- Ladi’s – Puerto Rican cuisine with oceanfront views. Try the mofongo!
- Lela’s Eatery – Delicious brunch spot in Ocean Park neighborhood
- La Casita Blanca – Puerto Rican cuisine with a charming atmosphere
- Antojitos del Callejon – Authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in Old San Juan
- Anita Gelato – The best gelato flavors and quality you’ll find!
- La Copa Llena – Restaurant in Rincon with beautiful beach views
Jordan
Amazing! A guide just like the locals live!
Peter
Thank you! These tips were so helpful for my last trip there.