10 FREE THINGS TO DO IN SAN JUAN

  • 1. Walk Around Old San Juan – This historic area in San Juan exudes old-world charm. Walk along the cobbled streets and past colorful buildings, historic fortresses, and old city walls, some of which date back to the 16th century. You might even chance upon local musicians playing some salsa or jazz tunes. There are also several museums where you can learn more about the history, art, and culture of the area, plus cool cocktail bars and restaurants for a quintessentially Puerto Rican meal.
  • 2. La Placita de Santurce – La Placita de Santurce is one of Puerto Rico’s nightlife hotspots, attracting both locals and travelers. The placita was originally set up as a market square for local produce, and if you visit during the day, you’ll find a number of colorful stalls and restaurants. However, when the sun goes down, out come the live music and partygoers. Head to one of the many bars for cocktails, and even join salsa dancing on the streets. When hungry, be sure to try out one of the placita’s delicious empanadillas. Don’t miss all the best spots on a bar hopping tour of San Juan.
  • 3. Paseo de la Princesa – This restored 19th-century esplanade is the place to begin your stroll through Old San Juan, because of its central location and its inexhaustible charm.
  • 4. Condado Beach – Lined with swanky resorts and high-rise hotels, this large beach is a popular spot in San Juan, loved for its vibrant scene, lively dining, and endless array of things to do. While swimming isn’t encouraged (powerful rip tides are common here), you can still lounge by the beach and watch surfers, boogie boarders, and parasailers ride the currents. There are also recreational areas like Ventana al Mar where you can take part in an outdoor yoga session or some aqua fitness.
  • 5. Calle De La Fortaleza – The vibrant canopy of umbrellas characterizes this unique street of Old San Juan. Here, you can roam the cobblestoned pathways, admire the colonial-era buildings, and do a little bit of shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts. For a little more history, you can join a guided tour of La Fortaleza, the governor’s official mansion that’s just around the corner. And don’t leave without snapping a picture of the colorful canopy—it changes throughout the year so you can always look forward to something new. The alley can get busy so come early in the morning when it’s quieter.
  • 6. Balneario El Escambrón – Balneario El Escambron is a little beach, just to the east of Old San Juan. It is a family-friendly beach, with a small crescent of clean sand and usually calm waters, thanks to the coral reef a short distance from the beach.
  • 7. Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista – Built in 1540 and the site where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed, the the Catedral de San Juan is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture.
  • 8. Playa Ocean Park – The largest beach in San Juan at over two miles long, Playa Ocean Park is a local favorite and popular with kitesurfers.
  • 9. The Mall of San Juan – The Mall of San Juan is the Caribbean’s premier shopping destination. This state-of-the-art mall offers unique retailers in the island, exquisite dining and entertainment. The Mall of San Juan is conveniently located five minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marín Airport and fifteen from the Old San Juan cruise port. The Mall of San Juan is home to a one-of-a-kind mix of luxury, lifestyle and fast-fashion retailers: Coach, Victoria’s Secret, Tory Burch, Versace, Golden Goose, YSL, Psycho Bunny, Gucci, Anthropologie, Carolina Herrera, Hollister, H&M, Louis Vuitton, Pandora, Zara, Tiffany, Pottery Barn. The Mall of San Juan also features local designers and brands. For our international travelers, out of town guests and those locals living 50 miles from San Juan, The Mall of San Juan offers its own Passport to Shopping program with exclusive offers from participating retailers.
  • 10. Save A Gato – This cat sanctuary looks after the community cat colony of Paseo del Morro in the historic San Juan district. Don’t forget to bring cat treats!

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS NEAR THE CRUISE PORT