San Juan Puerto Rico 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old San Juan

  • Morning: Check-in at a hotel in Old San Juan. Some recommended options are El Convento, Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, or La Terraza de San Juan Hotel Boutique.

  • Breakfast: Visit La Bombonera for traditional Puerto Rican dishes or Café de la Opera for a continental breakfast.

  • Morning/Afternoon: Start your day exploring the colorful streets of Old San Juan. Visit historic sites like El Morro, a 16th-century fortress, and La Fortaleza, the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Don’t forget to take pictures at the iconic Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Church.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Santurce’s Metropol Restaurant for a taste of local seafood or Marmalade for fusion cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Head to Casa Blanca, one of the oldest houses in San Juan, now turned into a museum. Next, visit the San Juan Cathedral and the Church of San José.

  • Evening: Enjoy a walk along Paseo de la Princesa, an underground passageway that leads to the sea. For dinner, dine at Oceano, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views.

Day 2: Explore Puerto Rico’s Nature

  • Morning: After breakfast, head to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Hike the La Mina Falls trail.

  • Lunch: Have a picnic lunch at the forest or grab a bite at La Estación Restaurant upon return to the city.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Caribbean’s only tropical rainforest bioluminescent bay, Mosquito Bay in Vieques Island. You can take a ferry from Fajardo.

  • Dinner: Dine at Hacienda Xtreme or Sun Bay Restaurant & Bar for a delicious dinner with ocean views.

Day 3: Discover Puerto Rico’s Culture and Art

  • Morning: Visit the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (MAR) in Santurce, a vibrant neighborhood known for its street art.

  • Lunch: Have lunch at Santaella Restaurant, offering contemporary Puerto Rican cuisine.

  • Afternoon: Take a stroll along Calle Loíza, Santurce’s famous street for its murals and street art. Visit the Galería de la Mula and the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de San Juan (MAC).

  • Evening: End your trip with a visit to Club Brava, a cultural center that promotes music, dance, and theater in Puerto Rico. For dinner, dine at Marmalade or Metropol in Santurce.

Things to Know:

  • Spanish is the main language spoken in Puerto Rico, although English is also widely spoken.
  • The local currency is the U.S. dollar.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are available, but consider using public transportation for a more authentic experience.
  • Tip at least 10% in restaurants and round up taxi fares.
  • The average temperature ranges from 75°F (24°C) to 88°F (31°C) throughout the year.

Transportation:

  • To get around San Juan, consider walking, using public buses (Guagua), or renting a car or scooter. For day trips outside of San Juan, you can rent a car or use ferries to reach destinations like Vieques and Culebra.