San Juan, Puerto Rico 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Old San Juan

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with breakfast at La Bombonera, a cozy café known for its pastries and sandwiches.
    • Visit the El Morro Castle, a historic Spanish fortress offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. [Entry fee: $7 per person]

  • Afternoon:

    • Walk along the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Don’t miss the iconic Puerta de San Juan and the Blue House (Casa Blanca).
    • Explore the San Cristobal Castle, another historic Spanish fortress. [Entry fee: $5 per person]
    • Have lunch at Metro Cafe & Bistro, a popular spot for local cuisine.

  • Evening:

    • Take a stroll along the beautiful Isla Verde Beach and enjoy the sunset.
    • Dine at Oceano, one of San Juan’s finest restaurants, offering seafood with Caribbean flair. [Average meal cost: $50 per person]

  • Night:

    • Return to Old San Juan and spend the night at the historic Hotel El Convento or the trendy La Terrazza Hotel.

Day 2: Discovering Modern San Juan & Surroundings

  • Morning:

    • Begin your day with breakfast at Cafe Puerto Rico, a local favorite.
    • Visit the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (MAPR) to learn about Puerto Rican art and culture. [Entry fee: $5 per person]

  • Afternoon:

    • Take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Hike the La Mina Trail to reach La Coca Falls. [Entrance fee: $5 per vehicle]
    • Have lunch at El Verde Chicken House near El Yunque, known for its traditional Puerto Rican dishes.

  • Evening:

    • Return to San Juan and relax at Arecibo Beach. Enjoy the sunset with a cocktail from one of the beachside bars.
    • Dine at Marisquería Santa Barbara, a seafood restaurant offering fresh catches of the day. [Average meal cost: $30 per person]

  • Night:

    • Spend your last night in San Juan exploring the vibrant Santurce district. Visit the Plaza de las Armas and enjoy local music at Casa Blanca.

Things to Know:

  • Puerto Rico uses U.S. currency (the US Dollar).
  • Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Tap water in San Juan is safe to drink.

Transportation:

  • To get around San Juan, consider renting a car or using the public bus system, Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses (AMA).
  • For day trips outside of San Juan, rental cars are recommended.

Tips:

  • Remember to haggle when shopping in local markets.
  • Try local dishes like mofongo, alcapurrias, and lechón asado.
  • Enjoy your trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico!