Great San Juan Itineraries
If You Have 1 Day
Many people find themselves with a single day (or even less) to explore the city, and there should be no question about your destination: Old San Juan. Spend the entire day rambling around the cobblestone streets and ducking into the many shops, and leave plenty of time for exploring the turrets, towers, and dungeons of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the original fortress on a rocky northwestern promontory.
If You Have 3 Days
It's only fitting that you spend the first day on a walking tour of Old San Juan. What to see? Castillo San Felipe del Morro should be at the top of your list, but you may want to explore the equally enthralling Castillo San Cristóbal, which has underground tunnels and hidden passages, plus cannons and a more impressive museum than El Morro's. La Fortaleza, the city's original fortress, wasn't much protection from marauding pirates, but it does a great job sheltering the governor and can be toured. And Casa Blanca, a home built for Juan Ponce de León, is a wonderful place to explore how the Spanish lived in colonial days. Reserve Day 2 for lounging on a playa (beach). Choose from the city's finest at Condado, Ocean Park, or Isla Verde, then park yourself in a rented chair with a good book, a cold drink, and plenty of sunscreen. In the evening, make sure you enjoy the warm weather by dining alfresco. On Day 3, hop the ferry across the bay to Cataño for a tour of the Casa Bacardí Visitor Center. Return in time for some shopping in the shops and delightful arts-and-crafts galleries along Calles San Francisco and Fortaleza, followed by dinner—there are lots of great restaurants to choose from.
If You Have 5 Days
Follow the itinerary above for your first three days in San Juan. On Day 4, head for the Santurce district. You can immerse yourself in island art at the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and, nearby, the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico. Afterward, wander through the produce stalls at the Plaza del Mercado in Santurce, with a fresh papaya or soursop shake in hand. Note the giant bronze sculptures of avocados by artist Annex Burgos. If hunger strikes, head to Santaella or El Pescador, both favorites among locals. Don't miss Calle Cerra, a street filled with striking murals. On the morning of Day 5, hit the beach once more in Piñones, a rustic beachfront neighborhood past Isla Verde. The area has dozens of food stalls selling local fritters cooked over a wood fire. Wash them down with an ice cold Medalla beer or coco frío (coconut water).
