San Juan Puerto Rico 4 Day Itinerary

San Juan, Puerto Rico: A 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Old San Juan

Morning:

  • Check-in at your hotel (Recommendations: El Convento, Sheraton Old San Juan, or La Terraza de San Juan)
  • Breakfast at Bistrot Cacique for a taste of local dishes
  • Visit El Morro, the iconic 16th-century fortress overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
  • Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan and take in its Spanish colonial architecture

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Meson Sandwich for delicious Puerto Rican sandwiches (mofongo)
  • Visit San Cristóbal Castle, another historical fortification
  • Stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa and see the city’s oldest park

Evening:

  • Dinner at Ocean Park Brewery for craft beers and creative cuisine
  • Enjoy a night out in Santurce, visiting bars like La Factoría or Los Jibaros del Intermezzo

Day 2: Discover the Art & Culture Scene

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Café Cuatro Sombras for artisanal coffee and pastries
  • Visit Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico to appreciate local and international artists’ works
  • Head to Santurce and explore the vibrant neighborhood, including Calle Loíza

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at La Cocina for a taste of New Caribbean cuisine
  • Visit Plaza de las Armas to see the famous sculpture of El Soberano, the Taino Chief
  • Explore the art galleries and shops in Santurce

Evening:

  • Dinner at Santaella Restaurant for a fusion of Puerto Rican and Spanish cuisine
  • Attend an evening show at the Teatro Tapones or Centro de Bellas Artes Puertorriqueña

Day 3: Relax & Adventure in Isla Verde

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries along Isla Verde Beach
  • Spend the morning relaxing on Isla Verde Beach or partake in water activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Kioskos de Balneario de Carolina for a variety of food options by the beach
  • Visit the nearby Bosque Estatal de Guánica to explore Puerto Rico’s only tropical dry forest and its unique wildlife

Evening:

  • Dinner at Lechonera Los Pinos for mouthwatering lechón (roasted pork)
  • Enjoy a night out at local bars along Isla Verde Beach or head back to Old San Juan for more options

Day 4: Explore Nature & Relax

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café
  • Take a day trip to El Yunque National Forest, Puerto Rico’s only tropical rainforest, and hike La Mina Falls trail
  • Lunch at La Casita del Yunque for traditional dishes in a rustic setting

Afternoon:

  • Continue exploring El Yunque or return to San Juan and relax at your hotel or by the pool
  • Dinner at Marisqueria Santa Barbara for fresh seafood with beautiful ocean views

Evening:

  • Reflect on your trip and enjoy a final night out in Old San Juan, visiting any places you missed earlier in your trip

Things to Know:

  • Puerto Rico uses U.S. currency (US dollars)
  • Spanish is the primary language, but English is widely spoken
  • Calling codes for Puerto Rico are +1 787 or +1 939
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available, as well as public transportation options

Tips:

  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at water fountains found throughout the city
  • Check local listings for events and performances happening during your visit
  • Embrace the island’s slow pace of life and enjoy the experiences each day brings