Day to Night: Exciting Ways to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico

The streets of Old San Juan look like something out of a story book. A lot of restoration has gone into preserving the beautiful architecture of San Juan, so today you’re able to see streets lined with beautiful brightly colored houses. Pastel pinks, bright oranges, and ocean blues make each home pop. But that’s not all—the streets are paved with blue cobblestones, making a walk through San Juan unlike any other.

The beach is a must-see when visiting San Juan. Although Puerto Rico is a Caribbean island, the beaches are less crowded than other popular island destinations. Your go-to beach is Escambron Beach, located between Condado and San Juan. It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging in the sun and snacking at nearby restaurants. The next beach is the slightly trendier Condado Beach which combines nearby shopping with shaded lounging and even water sports. Finally, Playita del Condado is a great beach for families because of its small size and calm waters. Whatever your reason for visiting, San Juan has a beach for you.

San Juan itself is a piece of art, but the city is also is filled with public murals. Typically large and sparkling, these public works are often brightly colored, just like the homes around them, and are thematically rooted in Puerto Rico’s history. Just keep your eyes open during your stroll through San Juan’s streets and you might just run into original Puerto Rican street art.

When in San Juan, try salsa dancing in the streets. Specifically, La Placita de Santurce is a unique area to come and enjoy yourself. La Placita de Santurce is a public square surrounded by bars and restaurants, where the community of San Juan comes to let loose and enjoy each other’s company. At night, you’ll be able to grab a drink, dance in the street with friends, and mingle with locals and other visitors.

Puerto Rican cuisine is a combination of many cultures: Spanish, West African, and native Taino (and sometimes Asian cuisine is mixed in, too). Heavy on rice, plantains, meat, and olive oil, Puerto Rican cuisine is also generously seasoned and very well balanced food. It utilizes ingredients uncommon in the USA, which is all the more reason to give it a try when visiting San Juan. You can never go wrong with classic chicken and yellow rice in Puerto Rico, but if you want to branch out, try the mofongo (mashed plantains). You won’t be disappointed!