Things to do in San Juan
San Juan blends 500-year-old Spanish forts, Caribbean beaches, and a world-class food scene on U.S. soil-no passport required for Americans and no currency exchange needed. As a commonwealth destination, it offers genuine tropical excitement at prices well below comparable Caribbean islands.
Why go to San Juan
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
A towering 16th-century fortress jutting into the Atlantic with jaw-dropping ocean views and centuries of pirate-repelling history.
Old San Juan
Six square blocks of cobblestone streets, candy-colored colonial buildings, and some of the best rum bars in the Caribbean.
El Yunque National Rainforest
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest system, packed with waterfalls, parrots, and emerald-green hiking trails.
Condado and Ocean Park Beaches
Free, gorgeous Atlantic beaches steps from city amenities-no resort fee required to plant your towel.
Bioluminescent Bay (Laguna Grande or Mosquito Bay)
Paddle through glowing neon-blue water caused by dinoflagellates in one of the world's most magical natural light shows.
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Good to know in San Juan
- Transit: The Tren Urbano metro covers limited routes for $1.50/ride, but most visitors rely on Uber or Lyft which are widely available and affordable-avoid metered taxis from the airport as they charge flat high rates.
- Tipping: Standard U.S. tipping norms apply-15-20% at restaurants and $1-2 per drink at bars, since San Juan operates just like a mainland U.S. city.
- Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink in San Juan, meeting U.S. EPA standards-skip the bottled water and save a few dollars a day.
- Free-entry days: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal (normally $10 each) are free every January 6 (Three Kings Day) and occasionally on National Public Lands Day in September-check nps.gov before your trip.
Trip essentials
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