San Juan
Temperature
24°
Time
11:38 PM
San Juan
San Juan is the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the island of Puerto Rico. Encompassing hundreds of years of history, the city blends Spanish-era historic sites, such as the San Felipe del Morro fortress, with modern entertainment and fashionable shopping districts. More than a million people call San Juan home, while hundreds of thousands of tourists call it their favorite place to vacation each year.Find your trip
This charming old part of town is a great place to explore restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period. Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy a lively and colorful area full of history, culture and personality.
Known as El Morro, this fortress was designed to protect the city from attacks by sea. In 1983, the United Nations declared the imposing fort a World Heritage Site. Today, it is an interesting museum that offers great views, and it is open for visitors to enjoy and explore.
This magnificent mansion is the home and office of the governor of Puerto Rico and the governor's family. It has been in continuous use since it was built in 1540. The structure is also known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina (Saint Catalina’s Palace) as it integrates a chapel in keeping with the highly Catholic culture.
This small chapel is the embodiment of a centuries-old urban legend. It is said that the cliff-side abbey was built after an unknown horse rider galloped up the Old San Juan street and fell off the edge. It has been restored several times but still proudly shows signs of its age.
This grand centuries-old Catholic church evolved from a wood structure into the medieval cathedral that is standing today. It is among the oldest churches in the Caribbean, at almost 500 years. The church also houses the marble tomb of the great explorer Ponce de León.
This small square is home to one of the most emblematic sites in Old San Juan. It is a "must-see" landmark located just a couple blocks from the Cathedral, and the site of the famous bronze statue La Rogativa, made by Lindsay Daen. The statue represents a bishop and his companions who helped frighten away the British troops during the 1797 attack on the city by carrying torches and chanting.
The museum, which was built in 1992, hosts permanent exhibits exploring New World art and its African heritage, as well as indigenous and archaeological artifacts. It also hosts exhibits by local artists, creative workshops and other events for the community.
The Puerto Rico Museum of Art, which boasts more than ten exhibit halls, includes permanent collections and a compilation of Puerto Rican art from the 17th century to the present. There is also a lovely garden with a pond where you can relax and engage in some people-watching.
This charming old part of town is a great place to explore restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period. Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy a lively and colorful area full of history, culture and personality.
Known as El Morro, this fortress was designed to protect the city from attacks by sea. In 1983, the United Nations declared the imposing fort a World Heritage Site. Today, it is an interesting museum that offers great views, and it is open for visitors to enjoy and explore.
This elegant French restaurant in the heart of Old San Juan offers authentic French cuisine complimented by an excellent wine selection. The dishes are refined, delicate and full of flavor, and include vegan and vegetarian options and a selection of fine desserts.
For an authentic dining and cultural experience, this is probably the best place to go in San Juan. The menu features local delicacies, such as mofongo, tostones and the traditional rice with green beans, among many others. The restaurant has an indoor dining room as well as a sidewalk eating area.
Known as the birthplace of the tropical piña colada drink in 1963, Barrachina offers a varied menu of genuine Puerto Rican food, from appetizers to entrées. It also happens to be a perfect place for events and celebrations, such as weddings, rehearsal dinners, and many more.
Located just off the beaten path, this family-owned and operated restaurant is a favorite among island artists, politicians and tourists. Its Puerto Rican fare – including the native plantain treat “mofongo” – is well worth the trip. And don’t forget to ask for the house drink, called “chichaíto.”
If you’re in the mood for a big, juicy burger, stay away from the fast-food restaurants, and hit this place instead. El Hamburger offers fast service, a great open-air atmosphere and even better prices. Try different types of cheese on your paddy, including Swiss, American or blue, and be sure to add bacon.
This eatery was established in 1848, which makes it the oldest still-functioning restaurant in “the New World”. The house specialty is the “asopao,” a thick, savory, rice-based Puerto Rican soup that is cooked either with chicken or seafood. A must try for those who would like to experience something new.
La Tortuga is one of very few places that open early in the morning. It is a great place for breakfast or snacks. Drop by and try out their huge calzone or the different pizzas, which are all delicious.
A great selection of more than 30 beers, including the locally brewed Medalla, makes this a popular "come as you are" spot, whether at the end of the workweek or after a long day of sightseeing. The menu consists mostly of American and Puerto Rican fare.
This elegant French restaurant in the heart of Old San Juan offers authentic French cuisine complimented by an excellent wine selection. The dishes are refined, delicate and full of flavor, and include vegan and vegetarian options and a selection of fine desserts.
For an authentic dining and cultural experience, this is probably the best place to go in San Juan. The menu features local delicacies, such as mofongo, tostones and the traditional rice with green beans, among many others. The restaurant has an indoor dining room as well as a sidewalk eating area.
Excellent shopping and great deals can be found in any one of the 300 stores inside Plaza Las Américas, the Caribbean’s largest mall. The sprawling 2.1 million-square-foot shopping center will definitely take more than one day to explore. Aéropostale, Gap, A/X Armani Exchange, Chico’s, Tous and Tommy Hilfiger are some of the shops that more than 26 million visitors hit every year.
Ole Curiosidades is a beloved old-school hat shop with a wonderful and varied selection of custom-fit creations and truly authentic Panama hats. The friendly staff will be happy to help you to pick out the shape, color and right hatband for you to get.
This beautiful gallery features pieces created by some of Puerto Rico's best contemporary artists, including, among many others, Emanuel Torres. Galeria Exodo offers accessible, original and affordable works of art for everyone, making them a great souvenir.
Located in the heart of Condado's fashion district, Abitto offers world-renowned couture for both men and women. Fashion brands such as John Galliano, Versace, Alexander McQueen, YS can be found here. Abitto also provides beautiful accessories like bags, wallets, shoes and belts.
Plaza Carolina houses American standards such as JC Penney, Best Buy, Forever 21 and Sears among its 240 shops. Plaza Carolina is the second biggest shopping center in Puerto Rico, so will be sure to find what you are looking for. There are many dining options to choose from, as well.
This state-of-the-art, two-level mall features shops like Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Besides shopping, there are exquisite dining and entertainment options as well as a children's play area. Other stores you will find here include: Victoria's Secret, Tory Burch, Versace, H&M, lululemon athletica, Louis Vuitton, LUSH, Jimmy Choo, Pandora, Zara, Pottery Barn, and more.
Situated in the historic district of Old San Juan, The Cigar House features the largest and most varied selection of cigars in the entire Caribbean. The shop offers a great variety of cigars and a comfy lounge with a full bar in which to enjoy your purchases.
Spicy Caribbee opened its doors in June 1988 and has since established itself in firmly in the city. It is a charming little spice shop with a friendly and helpful staff. Besides spices, you will also find tropical jams, tea, chocolate, Puerto Rican coffee and fragrances.
Excellent shopping and great deals can be found in any one of the 300 stores inside Plaza Las Américas, the Caribbean’s largest mall. The sprawling 2.1 million-square-foot shopping center will definitely take more than one day to explore. Aéropostale, Gap, A/X Armani Exchange, Chico’s, Tous and Tommy Hilfiger are some of the shops that more than 26 million visitors hit every year.
Ole Curiosidades is a beloved old-school hat shop with a wonderful and varied selection of custom-fit creations and truly authentic Panama hats. The friendly staff will be happy to help you to pick out the shape, color and right hatband for you to get.
San Juan is mainly served by the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which is located about three miles (five kilometers) southeast of San Juan. Upon arriving, visitors are offered several ways of getting to the city: Shuttles are provided by most large hotels, as well as by private companies, and taxis and car rental companies can be found at all terminals. The local AMA buses run from the airport to the city, departing from the departures level at terminals A and D.
San Juan is in the Atlantic time zone, and all times are reflected in Atlantic time.
Getting around in San Juan is an adventure, especially since drivers can be quite aggressive and tend to drive fast. Distance is measured both in miles and kilometers. For the most part, getting around San Juan is rather easy, provided that the traffic is light. There are peak times, especially in the morning and early afternoon when traffic jams are the norm. Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses: There is a public bus system in place, which is quite affordable. The bus system operates 30 routes along the San Juan area and several other municipalities. Unfortunately, the buses are not always on time so you need to have plenty of time to use them. Buses run from 4:30am to 10pm, Monday to Friday and from 5:30am to 10pm on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
At the airport, visitors are greeted by a fleet of white tourist cabs, which offer fixed fares on specific routes. There are metered taxis available outside the established zones, with standard fees that vary according to distance, number of passengers, number of pieces of luggage and the duration of the trip. Puerto Rico Tourist Taxi +1 787 969 3260 www.cabspr.com Astro Taxi +1 787 727 8888 AA American Taxi, Inc. +1 787 982 3466 Cooperativa de Servicio Capetillo Taxi +1 787 758 7000 / +1 787 758 7004 Cooperativa Rochdale Radio Taxi +1 787 721 1900
Puerto Rico uses the U.S. Postal Service, which operates numerous branches throughout the San Juan area. Stamps are available at pharmacies and retailers in the tourist district. Post Office business hours are normally Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm and – depending on the location – on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm.
The good thing about being in the San Juan area is that there will always be a pharmacy that is open 24 hours, and normally very conveniently-located. Drugstores such as Walgreens sell over-the-counter medication and will usually dispatch prescription drugs rather quickly. Urgent medical and dental care are also available at several area hospitals and clinics, including the Ashford Presbyterian Hospital in the Condado area, and smaller neighborhood treatment facilities.
Country code: +1 Area code: 787
120V AC, 60Hz
San Juan is mainly served by the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, which is located about three miles (five kilometers) southeast of San Juan. Upon arriving, visitors are offered several ways of getting to the city: Shuttles are provided by most large hotels, as well as by private companies, and taxis and car rental companies can be found at all terminals. The local AMA buses run from the airport to the city, departing from the departures level at terminals A and D.
San Juan is in the Atlantic time zone, and all times are reflected in Atlantic time.
