San Juan Hotels

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de Leon, San Juan is the oldest city under US jurisdiction. With miles of sandy beaches, lively nightlife, first-class restaurants and a famous historic district known as Old San Juan, it’s no wonder half the island’s population chooses to live in this marvelous metropolis.

Key Attractions

The Castillo de San Felipe de Morro is San Juan’s most recognizable landmark. This six-story citadel protected the city for over 400 years, and serves as a museum of military history starting from the 1500s. Cannons face the ocean, and visitors can get a fascinating glimpse into the lives and careers of the soldiers who resided here during the colonial age.

The resort-filled Condado is a popular spot for tourists, who are understandably drawn to the fantastic beachfront properties and fine boutiques. It’s easy to move between restaurants, shops and galleries, and the area explodes with nightlife in the evenings. Ocean Park and Isla Verde are two beachfront neighborhoods which are perfect for soaking up the sunshine – as are the spectacular beaches of Piñones.

Old San Juan is a photographer’s dream: insanely colorful Spanish colonial architecture is crowded into a splendidly crammed area that sits on a peninsula jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. There’s some fun nightlife in this area, and several open-air cafes and restaurants perfect for starting the evening.

Shopping

One of the major attractions in San Juan, apart from the stunning natural scenery, is the Plaza del Mercado. A traditional Latin American marketplace with all the trimmings, here visitors can spend all day perusing the local fruits and veggies, medicinal herbs, Puerto Rican bay rum and plenty more. Vendors serve traditional native dishes, such as succulent roast pork. Sampling a banana frappe is a must. Prices here are typically very good, but haggling is expected!

Did you know that San Juan is also home to one of the Caribbean’s mega malls, known as the Plaza Las Americas? Located near Plaza del Mercado, over 300 stores can be found here, selling everything from candles and lingerie to cars. Alternatively, those weary after indulging in retail therapy can head to the movie theater and bowling alleys.

Day Trips and Beaches

Puerto Rico is a small enough island that every holiday inevitably involves some exciting explorations. There are many day trip options, including excursions to El Yunque rainforest and the stunning Luquillo Beach. Tons of people flock to this massive beach plantation, but it never gets too crowded. Coconut palms line the white sand, and there are cafes dotted all over.

For something a little different, Rio Camuy Cave Park is a great place to take the whole family; visitors get to witness the subterranean wonders of an underground cave system carved out by deep rivers.

Ready for your own experience in San Juan in Puerto Rico? We offer a wide array of affordable accommodation options in this spectacular region.