Visiting San Juan for the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

Old San Juan is one of the oldest cities in the Americas, dating back to 1521 when the Spanish colonized Puerto Rico and established a settlement and the fort, Castillo San Cristobal. Today, Old San Juan is a vibrant town, lined with colorful historic buildings with fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops. Explore the cobbled streets on your own or via a walking foodie tour to learn more about this charming town’s long history and sample local cuisine.

If visiting San Juan for the first time, add an evening at La Placita de Santurce (Santurce Market) to your list. During the day, fruit and vegetable stands line the market, and small cafés offer hearty Puerto Rican lunches (try mofongo, a filling dish made from mashed plantains). At night, the area comes alive with locals and tourists dancing salsa and reggaeton and trendy restaurants offering meals at every price range.

Related: Around Puerto Rico in 16 Dishes

If you’re traveling to San Juan on a short trip, the best and most beautiful way to see it (while maximizing your time) is by boat. Take a sunset sailboat tour to soak in the beauty of the Old San Juan coastline from the sea. Plus, see historic landmarks such as Castillo San Cristobal and Condado, San Juan’s most popular beach resort area, from a different vantage point.

Do what many locals do with their time off: Head to Piñones, a beach area about 15 minutes away from San Juan. The neighborhood’s streets are lined with kiosks offering decadent fried Puerto Rican street food like pastelillos (empanadas) filled with stewed crab, savory minced meat, or just cheese or a crispy bacalaíto, a fritter with chunks of codfish. Sip on a cold, refreshing coconut while listening to music, dancing, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

Related: Don’t Miss Dishes in San Juan

Condado, the lively sandy beach area of San Juan, is home to the Condado Lagoon, which houses a sizable population of manatees. The calm waters of the lagoon also make it the perfect place to go paddleboarding, while admiring the contrast between nature and the modern buildings surrounding the lagoon. Try paddleboarding or a glass-bottom kayak tour in the morning, or a night kayak tour to enjoy the tranquility of the mangroves once the sun sets.

Discover Puerto Rico's rich African heritage in Loíza, home of the beloved cultural dance Bomba. Many bars and restaurants feature the exhilarating rhythms Bomba music and dance, so you can watch or join in with the locals.

Before or afterwards, get a feel for the area by touring the Parque Histórico Cueva Maria De La Cruz, home to a massive cave; dive into the vibrant world of artist Samuel Lind at his art studio, where he created colorful works featuring dancing and joy; and embrace the traditions of Loiceño folklore by admiring the Vejigante masks, special face coverings found at artisan shops and studios around the town. And, of course, you can always visit the area's beaches for some surf and sun.

Savor the flavors of Puerto Rico in the neighborhood of Guavate, renowned for its Ruta del Lechón, where restaurants serve the exquisite Puerto Rican lechón (roasted pork). Cafeteria-style restaurants, lechoneras, line the streets, each offering a unique take on this delectable delicacy. And after satisfying your taste buds, head to Charco Azul, nestled in the heart of the Carite Forest, and take a dip in the swimming hole surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

Puerto Rico is known as the rum capital of the world. If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, check out Casa Bacardí in Cataño, which hosts various events such as general tours and mixology classes. For those looking for craft rum experience, head to the town of Bayamón, home of Ron del Barrilito—one of the oldest rum producers on the island—and a massive waterfall that's also well-worth visiting.

Discover the essence of Puerto Rican art at the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico (El Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico), housed in a magnificent neoclassical building. The museum boasts a rich collection ranging from 17th-century religious artworks to contemporary masterpieces, encompassing a diverse array of sculptures, carvings, and posters.

After visiting the museum, walk around the Santurce neighborhood, especially Calle Cerra, to see stunning murals created by local artists depicting contemporary scenes of Puerto Rican culture.

Condado, the lively sandy beach area of San Juan, is home to the Condado Lagoon, which houses a sizable population of manatees. The calm waters of the lagoon make for the perfect place to go paddleboarding and see the contrast between nature and the modern buildings surrounding the lagoon. Try paddleboarding or a glass-bottom kayak tour in the morning, or a night kayak tour to enjoy the tranquility of the mangroves once the sun sets. And don't miss a visit to Cayo Icacos, an uninhabited island with a beautiful beach.