San Juan Puerto Rico 7 Day Itinerary
San Juan, Puerto Rico - 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Explore Old San Juan
- Check in at your accommodation (Recommended: El Convento or Hotel El San Juan)
- Start exploring Old San Juan with a stroll down Calle del Cristo, visit the historic El Morro fortress and San Cristobal Castle
- Lunch at Santaella Restaurant for Puerto Rican fusion cuisine
- Visit the colorful streets of Santurce, stop by La Placita de Santurce for local food and music
- Dinner at Jose Enrique’s restaurant in Santurce
Day 2: Beaches & Bioluminescent Bay
- Morning visit to Balneario de Luquillo or Flamenco Beach
- Lunch at Kiosks Luquillo (food trucks serving local dishes)
- Afternoon trip to Fajardo to see the BioBay kayaking tour (pre-booking is essential)
- Dinner back in Old San Juan, try La Fonda del Jibarito or Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar
Day 3: Explore El Yunque National Forest
- Rent a car and drive to El Yunque National Forest (about 1 hour from San Juan)
- Hike La Mina Falls trail, swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall
- Lunch at La Casita de Altagracia or Guavate’s roadside restaurants for mofongo
- Return to San Juan and relax
- Dinner at Barrachina (original home of the piña colada)
Day 4: Day trip to Vieques Island
- Morning ferry ride from Fajardo to Vieques Island
- Rent a scooter or golf cart and explore the island, visit Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay in the evening
- Lunch at Sun Bay Beach Bar & Grill or Hacienda Tropical Restaurant
- Dinner at El Quenepo or Cafe Puerto Rico
- Return to San Juan by ferry
Day 5: Art & Culture
- Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico in Santurce
- Lunch at Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar or La Casita Verde
- Afternoon at Gallery Espiral (contemporary art gallery) and walk around the contemporary art district of Santurce
- Dinner at Verde Mesa or Metropol Restaurant
Day 6: Day trip to Culebra Island
- Morning ferry ride from Fajardo to Culebra Island
- Spend the day exploring Flamenco Beach, visit Culebrita Island, snorkel, relax
- Lunch at Playa Largo Restaurant or Zanzibar Food & Music
- Return to San Juan by ferry
- Farewell dinner at Oceano (Seafood) or La Factoria (Latin fusion)
Day 7: Departure
- Last-minute souvenir shopping in Old San Juan or Santurce
- Lunch at El Jibarito (traditional Puerto Rican food) or Tostaderia La Lupita (tacos)
- Check out from your hotel and depart from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
Things to Know:
- Spanish is the primary language, but English is also widely spoken
- Local currency is US Dollar
- Puerto Rico uses American plugs (Type A and B)
- Tipping is expected (15% in restaurants, 20% for taxis and tour guides)
Transportation:
- Renting a car is the best way to explore the island, but be aware of the local driving habits
- Uber and taxi services are available in San Juan and some tourist areas
- Public buses (guagua) are an affordable option for getting around San Juan
Tips:
- Bring cash as some smaller restaurants and shops may not accept credit cards
- Stay hydrated, drink bottled water to avoid any issues with the local tap water
- Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites