Having trouble deciding what to do first in San Juan, Puerto Rico? We’re here to help you make the most of your trip from day one. Whether you’re craving authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, eager to snorkel with sea turtles and tropical fish, or simply want to wander through colourful colonial streets steeped in history, San Juan has something for every kind of traveller. Adding to the city’s vibrant cultural scene, global superstar Bad Bunny held a residency titled “No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí” at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum from July through September 2025. The 30-show series drew thousands of fans each weekend, showcasing a spectacular blend of Puerto Rican music, visual artistry, and cultural pride. Reuters called the opening night “historic” for the island, emphasizing the excitement and unity among local attendees. On July 19, 2025, Ricky Martin was spotted at a Bad Bunny show with his twin sons, adding even more star power and fan excitement to the experience a perfect reflection of San Juan’s dynamic energy and vibrant entertainment scene.
According to Discover Puerto Rico, the island achieved a record-breaking tourism year in 2024, welcoming 7.5 million travellers with an 89% visitor satisfaction rate and generating an economic impact of US $18 billion. Passenger arrivals at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) surged to over 6.6 million, an 8% increase year over year. With new flight routes, thriving local businesses, and growing recognition as one of the Caribbean’s top five destinations, San Juan is ready to welcome the world. Services like airssist.aero provide personalised airport concierge assistance from fast-track immigration to VIP transfers ensuring your adventure begins stress-free and ends on the same note.
What to Do in San Juan?
Here we guide you through some interesting things to do, each with valuable information for you to count on during your stay. Let’s have a look;
Historic Old San Juan & the Forts
For those who aren’t familiar, old San Juan is Puerto Rico’s truly historic heart famous for its colorful colonial streets, seaside forts, and cultural energy. Celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Beyoncé have admired its charm, and it remains one of the island’s most photographed spots.
Top sights: Stroll the cobblestone streets, visit the grand El Morro and San Cristóbal forts for ocean views and history, and relax in plazas like Plaza de Armas or Plaza Colón with coffee in hand.
Best time: Go early morning (8–10 a.m.) for peace and cool air, or late afternoon (4 p.m.) for golden light and fewer crowds.
Getting around: Take a short taxi or private transfers from a reputable provider, wear comfortable shoes for cobbled terrain.
Vibe: A blend of history, art, and café culture -expect lively streets, friendly locals, and postcard-perfect views at every turn.
Beach & Sea: Isla Verde, Condado, Escambrón
Few places capture San Juan’s laid-back beauty like its trio of beaches – Isla Verde, Condado, and Escambrón. Each one tells a slightly different story of Puerto Rican coastal life: Isla Verde’s resort energy and silky sand, Condado’s city-meets-sea sophistication, and Escambrón’s calm, reef-protected cove teeming with marine life. Whether it’s families building sandcastles, surfers chasing waves, or couples watching the sunset, these beaches blend local life with tropical escape. Celebrities like Bad Bunny and Jennifer Lopez have been spotted along these shores, enjoying the same turquoise waters and ocean breeze that make this stretch of coast one of the Caribbean’s favorites.
Best time: Morning (9–11 a.m.) for calm and space, or late afternoon (3–5 p.m.) for golden light and gentle waves.
Getting there: All beaches are along the San Juan–Carolina corridor, accessible by taxi or personal transfers, terrain is flat sand with boardwalks and amenities.
Ideal for: Families, couples, sun-seekers, surfers, and snorkelers.
Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, and family-friendly, with rental chairs/umbrellas, occasional vendors, and varying crowds – bustling on weekends, serene on weekdays.
Urban culture, street art and a night of salsa or reggaeton
Santurce, San Juan’s creative hub, pulses with color, energy, and contemporary culture. Morning (9–11 a.m.) is ideal for strolling the Santurce es Ley murals and galleries along Cerrra Street, exploring street art without the crowds. Stop for lunch at Lote 23, a food park offering inventive local dishes like truffle mofongo or vegan alcapurrias. In the afternoon, visit the Puerto Rico Museum of Art (MAPR) or the Museum of Contemporary Art to experience the island’s visual richness.
Best Time: At night, the neighborhood comes alive. El Boricua or Le Lo Lai for classic salsa, La Respuesta for eclectic jam sessions and DJs, or Club Brava for high-energy reggaeton parties that last until dawn.
Getting there: Santurce is centrally located in San Juan and easy to reach by taxi or rideshare. Terrain is urban streets, some uneven near murals – comfortable shoes recommended.
Ideal for: Art lovers, music fans, nightlife seekers, and anyone wanting a full-day immersion in Puerto Rican culture.
Vibe: Energetic, colorful, and eclectic, morning and afternoon are calm and leisurely, while evenings buzz with music, dancing, and local flavor. The area blends creative energy with culinary innovation and vibrant nightlife, offering something for every type of visitor.
Rainforest & Nature Escape: El Yunque National Forest
Just a short drive from San Juan, El Yunque National Forest is Puerto Rico’s lush tropical rainforest – an oasis of greenery, waterfalls, and hiking trails. This UNESCO‑recognized forest offers a full-day escape into nature, with misty mountains, scenic rivers, and panoramic views from the observation towers. Visitors often spot tropical birds, coquí frogs, and unique flora while hiking, making it a favorite for photographers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Best time to visit: Early morning (7–9 a.m.) to avoid parking bottlenecks and crowds, and during the dry season (December–April) for more comfortable hiking conditions.
Getting there: 35–50 minutes from San Juan by car or guided tour. Trails include rainforest slopes and stairs near waterfalls – sturdy shoes recommended.
Ideal for: Active travelers, nature lovers, and families with older kids.
Vibe: Peaceful yet alive with birds, coquí frogs, and cascading waterfalls. Expect cooler mountain temperatures, brief showers, and a refreshing escape from city life.
Food, Nightlife & Local Vibe – Santurce & Calle Loíza
Santurce, particularly Calle Loíza, is the heartbeat of San Juan’s contemporary local culture. Here, colorful streets are lined with restaurants serving traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo and fresh seafood, alongside trendy bars mixing craft cocktails and hosting live music. The area pulses with energy, especially around La Placita, where locals and visitors mingle over dinner, drinks, and dancing late into the night.
Best time to visit: Dinner 8–10 p.m.; nightlife peaks after 10 p.m., Thursday–Saturday.
Getting there: Short taxi from San Juan/Condado. The terrain is well-lit urban streets, easy to walk with awareness after dark.
Ideal for: Couples, friends, foodies, and travelers seeking authentic local culture.
Vibe: Lively, energetic, and colorful, with buzzing streets, music, and a strong local flavor.
Day-Trips & Beyond: Piñones, Loíza, West Coast Adventures
Just beyond San Juan, Puerto Rico offers authentic local culture and scenic escapes. Head east to Piñones for its beachfront boardwalk and kiosks serving alcapurrias, empanadas, and other Puerto Rican street food. Nearby Loíza showcases Afro-Puerto Rican traditions, crafts, and music. For a longer adventure, drive to the west coast (e.g., Rincón) to enjoy quiet beaches, surf, and spectacular sunsets.
Best time to visit: Morning–early afternoon for Piñones/Loíza; depart 6–7 a.m. for a full west coast day trip.
Getting there: Piñones/Loíza by car or taxi on flat coastal roads; west coast 2–3 hrs via winding roads – hiring a car recommended.
Ideal for: Foodies, explorers, and travelers with several days to spare.
Vibe: Authentic, local, and laid-back; less polished than resorts, with scenic beaches, vibrant culture, and occasional weekend traffic.
Travel Tips & Final Notes
- Best overall months to visit: December to April drier season, more moderate temps and fewer hurricanes.
- What to pack: Lightweight clothes, sun-hat, reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable walking/hiking shoes; insect repellent especially for rainforest trips.
- Driving & traffic: In San Juan and Old San Juan many one-way streets, limited parking private transfers as with airssist.aero can be easier.
- Language: Spanish is the primary language, though English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can go a long way, or you can rely on airssist.aero’s multilingual staff for assistance.
- Health & safety: Travel insurance is recommended for all visitors; hospitals and clinics are available in San Juan, though prompt care and mobile/internet connectivity may be limited in remote areas. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, flu, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles) and consider Hepatitis A & B, COVID‑19, measles, and typhoid vaccinations as recommended.
- Respect local culture: With tourism booming (see the stats above), local communities value authenticity and sustainable tourism. Support local businesses, treat natural spaces respectfully.
Arrival & Airport Tips
Airports & Domestic / International Access
Your main gateway is SJU. For domestic or short island-hop flights (for example to smaller islands of Puerto Rico), you may also utilise smaller aerodromes, though for most international travellers SJU is where you’ll land. Because Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not require a passport for entry; a valid government photo ID suffices. Non-U.S. citizens should check entry requirements.
How airssist.aero Can Help
Now you must be wondering how airssist.aero can contribute to your experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico and especially your airport experience, consider using the service offered. We offer practical concierge solutions at the airport such as meet & greet at the gate, assistance through immigration or security fast-track, baggage handling, lounge access, and VIP transfers to hotel or onward transport while in San Juan, Puerto Rico, This is well-worth considering for arrivals in San Juan if you are arriving with family, heavy luggage, or simply seeking a unique experience. These are just some of the many reasons that make us the best choice for airport concierge services.
Best Time to Arrive & Transfer
For arrival into SJU, morning to early afternoon tends to avoid heavy traffic. After landing, airssist.aero’s private cars (for privacy, convenience, and extra comfort) or taxis can take you into San Juan city (Old San Juan or Condado) in about 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. If you decide to hiring a private car as suggested, pre plan to avoid departing the airport at peak rush hours (around 4pm-6pm).
Government Rules & Regulations for Tourists
- U.S. citizens: no passport required for travel to Puerto Rico.
- Driving: The official welcome portal for Puerto Rico states: “During the first 120 days since arrival, a non-resident may operate motor vehicles … if that person possesses a valid, unexpired licence issued by any state of the U.S.A. or by any foreign country that imposes requirements similar to Puerto Rico’s to grant a driver’s licence.”
- Currency: U.S. dollar. Standard tipping in restaurants: 15-20%.
- Safety: While San Juan is generally safe for tourists, stay aware of your surroundings after dark, and avoid unlicensed taxis.
If you’re planning a trip to San Juan, it’s a good idea to start organizing your tour at least a week before your travel date. That way, you’ll have more control over the fun stuff like where you want to go, how you’ll get there safely, and what experiences you don’t want to miss. Plus, a little planning ahead can take a lot of stress off your shoulders, especially if you decide to use a trusted airport concierge service like airssist.aero that works well for your whole family or group. So go ahead make the most of your San Juan adventure and leave your footprints (and memories!) all over Puerto Rico.
FAQs
I’ve never been to Puerto Rico before. What should I expect when I arrive in San Juan?
You’re in for a treat! San Juan greets you with warm tropical air, colorful streets, and a friendly local vibe. English is widely spoken, and U.S. dollars are used everywhere, so it’s super easy to get around if you’re coming from the States. Just be ready for laid-back island time things move a little slower here, in the best way possible.
I’m worried about getting from the airport to my hotel – what’s the best way to get there?
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is only about 15–20 minutes from most major hotel areas like Condado or Old San Juan. You can grab a taxi, book a rideshare, or use a trusted airport concierge service like airssist.aero for a stress-free arrival. If it’s your first time visiting, having someone meet you and help with transport can make a big difference.
Is it easy to get around San Juan without hiring a car?
Absolutely! Most of San Juan’s popular areas are walkable, especially Old San Juan. You can also use taxis or guided tours to reach beaches and attractions. However, if you plan to explore beyond the city like El Yunque Rainforest or the beaches of Luquillo – hiring a car for a day or two might be worth it.
I’m traveling solo, is San Juan safe for me?
Yes! San Juan is generally safe for solo travelers, and the locals are welcoming. Stick to well-lit, busy areas, especially at night, and trust your instincts like you would anywhere else. Keep your essentials close and stay aware of your surroundings, but don’t stress, you’ll likely feel comfortable exploring on your own.
I want to experience the local culture. Where should I go besides the beaches?
Great question! Start in Old San Juan to soak up the history, then head to La Placita de Santurce for local food, music, and nightlife. If you love art, check out the murals in Santurce or visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. And if you can, try to catch a local festival – Puerto Ricans know how to celebrate!
