San Juan

A storied Caribbean city teeming with contemporary activity
The capital city of Puerto Rico is where the ancient and new worlds genuinely collide, with a 500-year-old city core surrounded by gorgeous beaches, contemporary residences, and enormous retail malls. The towering buildings of Hato Rey and the posh coastal hotels of Condado give way to the enthralling historic plazas of the Old City. The outcome is a diverse metropolis with a wide appeal. Few locations on Earth provide the ideal fusion of a beach resort, a vibrant urban hub, and a historical fortress.

Recognizing the Past
Walking around Old San Juan’s cobblestone streets is a must-do activity when in San Juan. Old San Juan is a walled city inside a city, consisting of seven square blocks that house over 400 restored 16th and 17th century structures. Admire the fortifications El Morro and La Fortaleza, the Paseo de la Princesa, a boulevard dotted with statues, fountains, and street sellers, and San Juan Cathedral, the final burial place of Juan Ponce de León. Speak with and purchase goods from nearby artisans. Enter any restaurant, pub, or museum that catches your attention. Make time to stay here for at least a whole day.

 

Past Old Town
This about 400,000-person city is made up of several distinct communities. Condado, Isla Verde, and Ocean Park are well-liked vacation spots because of their gorgeous beaches, upscale lodging options, cutting-edge dining options, exciting nightlife, and upscale shops. Luis Muñoz Marin Park and Plaza Las Américas, the largest mall in the Caribbean, are located in the Hato Rey financial area, while the Santurce neighborhood is a hipster haven with a bustling art scene.

 

Travel to Vieques
Popular as a weekend escape from San Juan is sleepy Vieques. This island off Puerto Rico’s east coast is unspoiled by mass tourism, with wild horses running wild and no traffic lights. During the day, tourists explore the almost empty beaches or go swimming, diving, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. Kayak on Bioluminescent Bay on moonless nights, when the water shimmers with the light of a billion microscopic dinoflagellates. Allocate several hours to explore the eccentric stores and mellow pubs of the two small towns, Isabel II and Esperanza.