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Planning a trip to San Juan? Excellent choice!
The capital of Puerto Rico is home to a captivating blend of history, culture, and island charm. From its colorful streets to its lively beach scene, we love exploring San Juan and everything it has to offer. And after spending a lot of time doing so, we’ve put together our list of the best things to do here.
From amazing street food and cocktails to exploring caves and the rainforest, this guide has it all. There’s a ton to do in San Juan, so get excited!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in San Juan was this top-rated snorkeling tour! We saw tons of tropical fish and even sea turtles at a gorgeous beach. It’s suitable for beginners and anyone who has snorkeled before!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in San Juan
- 1. Learn about Old San Juan on a walking tour
- 2. Go snorkeling with sea turtles
- 3. Taste your way around San Juan
- 4. Explore Condado Lagoon on a nighttime kayak excursion
- 5. Visit El Yunque Rainforest
- 6. Try a beginner-friendly scuba dive
- 7. Relax on a sunset harbor cruise
- 8. Become a cocktail mixing master at Casa Bacardi
- 9. Adventure through the Arenales Caves
- 10. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline
- Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in San Juan
1. Learn about Old San Juan on a walking tour
- Price: $39 USD
- Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Time: 9 am or 4:30 pm
- Highlights: Old San Juan, Plaza Colón, Calle de la Fortaleza, Cathedral of San Juan, Plaza de Armas, La Muralla, Fort San Cristóbal
- Inclusions: local guide, bottled water, small group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If it’s your first time in San Juan, we think this walking tour is the perfect introduction to the city!
We actually did this on our second trip to the city. The first time we were there, we explored by ourselves, but this was a much more memorable experience that allowed us to dive far deeper into San Juan’s history and culture!
Our guide, David Rodríguez, is a local author and he really knows his stuff when it comes to San Juan. He taught us so much history, and it felt like we were uncovering secrets that were hidden in plain sight. David was so passionate about the stories he told us, and this tour brought every corner of Old San Juan to life, from Fort San Cristobal to the San Juan Cathedral.
David tailored the pace of the tour to suit everyone in our small group, and we loved soaking in the beauty of spots like Plaza de Armas and La Princesa walkway. We also loved Calle de la Fortaleza, which is super colorful and often decorated with flags or colorful umbrellas.
This tour is a must whether you’re looking to get your bearings in San Juan, or simply deepen your connection to the city. We loved it (and so did thousands of others – check all the great reviews here!) and wished we had booked it for our first-ever day in the city!
Easily book this walking tour here and you’ll get FREE cancellation!
2. Go snorkeling with sea turtles
- Price: $59 USD
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: snorkeling with turtles, spotting tropical fish, taking home GoPro footage of the outing
- Inclusions: local guide, snorkel equipment, GoPro video
- Rating: 5 stars (check 11,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Just west of San Juan lies the municipality of Guaynabo, which just so happens to be an epic place to go snorkeling. On this top-rated snorkeling tour, I felt like I saw the whole cast of Finding Nemo, including sea turtles!
We met our friendly guide, Jordan, at the beautiful Escambrón Beach. We immediately knew we were in for something special – the beach is gorgeous and Jordan was so friendly and welcoming. The water was warm and inviting, and after a quick safety briefing, we were ready to dive in and start exploring.
Jordan helped us to spot tons of marine life, especially sea turtles. We must have seen 4 or 5 of them, which was wonderful. Watching these gentle creatures glide gracefully through the water is really one of those things that you just have to see for yourself.
We also saw lots of tropical fish darting in and out of coral formations, and Jordan took GoPro footage of the entire adventure, which we got to keep. How cool is that?
This tour was hands down the best thing that we’ve ever done in San Juan, and we’d do it again tomorrow if we could! It really doesn’t matter whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a complete beginner, either.
Read all the positive reviews and book your snorkeling tour here!
3. Taste your way around San Juan
- Price: $170 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am – 4:30 pm
- Highlights: trying island staples, exploring the colorful streets, checking out the colonial architecture, visiting local hotspots in Old San Juan
- Inclusions: food samples adding up to a full lunch or dinner, one rum cocktail or mocktail, local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 4,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Okay, snorkeling with turtles was our favorite San Juan activity, but this food tour is a very close second. In terms of getting to know the city’s heart and soul, this is the best tour out there. We loved every bite!
We met our guide, Pablo, outside of a local bistro, and his energy and enthusiasm were immediately infectious. We began the tour by enjoying a cup of Puerto Rican coffee as a group, and we got to know the island’s rich flavors.
Then, we began exploring the charming cobblestone streets and stopping at local street food restaurants to grab some treats. We loved trying mofongo, which is a dish made up of mashed plantains, garlic, and crispy pork skin – yum!
Pablo had a story about every dish that we tried, so every bite took us deeper into San Juan’s history and culture! His knowledge added so much depth to the tour. We also made a stop for cocktails, where Dan got a mojito and I indulged in a piña colada. It was a nice break because although the tour moved at a relaxed pace, we did end up doing quite a bit of walking.
This tour was so much fun, and it really made us fall in love with Puerto Rican cuisine. We would highly recommend booking it early on during your stay in San Juan, because it taught us where to eat and what to order throughout the rest of the trip.
Book this food tour now and don’t pay a cent until just before you go!
4. Explore Condado Lagoon on a nighttime kayak excursion
- Price: $65 USD
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
- Highlights: kayaking after dark with light-up kayaks, applying glowing face and body paint, seeing Puerto Rico lit up after dark
- Inclusions: professional guide, clear-bottomed kayak with LED lights, glow-in-the-dark paint for face and body, safety equipment, storage lockers
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 4,170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking to add a little magic to your trip to San Juan, then booking this night kayak tour will definitely do that!
This excursion was a fun experience from start to finish. When we arrived, our friendly guides gave us glow paint and glow sticks to deck ourselves out with! Then, once we looked the part, we got into our clear-bottomed kayaks and set off. The kayaks were lit up at the bottom with colorful LED lights, which turned the water beneath us into a glowing spectacle.
Paddling through the lagoon felt surreal, as we caught glimpses of fish darting underneath us and the sparkling city lights reflecting off the water. Meanwhile, our guides were friendly, informative, and full of energy, so the vibe was high. They shared tidbits about Puerto Rico’s history with us as we glided across the lagoon, and pointed out wildlife, too.
From out on the water, we got panoramic views of San Juan at night. The lagoon was also super calm, so the paddling was very easy. Our guides were snapping photos the whole time, too, so we got some great mementos to keep!
If you ask us, this tour is the ultimate way to spend an evening in San Juan. It was vibrant, colorful, and a blast from start to finish.
Make sure to book this popular tour before it sells out!
5. Visit El Yunque Rainforest
- Price: $70-$80 USD
- Duration: 6 – 8 hours
- Time: 10:30 am or 12:30 pm
- Highlights: hiking through El Yunque, swimming in rivers, sliding down a natural waterfall, relaxing on Luquillo Beach
- Inclusions: local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 3,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
We had the BEST day exploring the El Yunque rainforest on this tour! It’s one of the best ways to take in the epic beauty and wildlife that Puerto Rico is known for, so really, it’s a must-do while in San Juan.
Eduardo, our awesome driver and guide, picked us up right on time, and the whole trip unfolded seamlessly from there. We made a quick stop to grab smoothies and empanadas to fuel up for the day, and then drove deep into El Yunque National Forest.
We loved being immersed in the dense forest, and hiking to Las Paylas natural waterslides. It wasn’t too difficult, but we still loved cooling off by sliding down the rocks into the crystal-clear water below!
After our jungle adventure, we headed to Luquillo Beach, where we had time to chill on the golden sands and splash in the gentle waves. We also did a little souvenir shopping and grabbed drinks at the nearby shops. The laid-back atmosphere was so lovely, and it was the perfect place to wrap up the day.
One of the best things about traveling to Puerto Rico is soaking in the island’s natural beauty, and this tour sure delivers on that front! So if you want to experience the best of its landscapes in just one day, then book this tour ASAP.
Book this rainforest adventure here and check out recent reviews!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Try a beginner-friendly scuba dive
- Price: $99 USD
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: beginner-friendly dive tailored to your needs, seeing marine life like sea turtles, visiting an underwater park
- Inclusions: all diving gear, professional instructor, video footage to keep
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Puerto Rico boasts some breathtaking marine life, so it would be an absolute travesty not to explore it. And in our opinion, this scuba tour is an absolute gem, particularly for first-time divers, because no prior experience or certification is required!
Even though we are both PADI-certified divers, we wanted to check out this tour, purely because we wanted to dive in San Juan and this tour has such stellar reviews. So we booked it, and it didn’t disappoint!
The tour began with a warm welcome and a very thorough briefing, and we noticed that it set even the more nervous beginners in our tour group at ease. Our instructor, David, took pains to explain everything step-by-step and ensure that first-timers felt comfortable and confident before diving in.
Then, the dive itself was absolutely magical. The shallow depths are perfect for novices, but the vibrant marine life meant that even experienced divers like us found ourselves in awe! We loved seeing the schools of colorful fish swimming around the underwater park. We even got to see turtles and seahorses, which was amazing! We were so glad that David captured underwater footage of our adventure so that we could relive it later on.
Honestly, whether you’re a seasoned diver or a complete newbie, this tour offers an unforgettable adventure! However, it’s a particularly amazing opportunity for those who aren’t PADI certified, because it’s pretty rare to find a beginner diving experience like this.
Dive into this must-do experience by booking your spot here!
7. Relax on a sunset harbor cruise
- Price: $99 USD
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm or 5:30 pm
- Highlights: seeing the sights of Old San Juan from out on the water, sipping rum and beer at sunset, watching the sunset, music on board
- Inclusions: 1.5-hour boat ride, snacks, rum punch, local beer, soft drinks and bottled water
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
You should never let a night in San Juan go to waste, and this sunset boat tour delivers an epic evening! It was a magical way to end a day in the city, and we cannot recommend it enough.
The experience felt special right from the start. We got a warm welcome from the crew as we boarded, and their enthusiasm set the tone for the evening. The sky began to turn gold almost as soon as we set off, and we enjoyed breathtaking views as we glided along the calm waters. The city walls looked gorgeous bathed in the evening light, and we got a totally different perspective of Old San Juan!
The sunset was truly magical. The sky changed from bright orange to pink to purple, and I couldn’t stop snapping photos! Music was playing, beer and rum punch was flowing, and the atmosphere on board was so relaxed and cheerful. It really couldn’t have been better.
We did this as a couple, and it was a romantic experience for us, but honestly, this boat ride is also ideal for groups of friends, families, or even solo travelers! I mean, who doesn’t love a sunset boat ride with music and drinks?
Booking this sunset tour will have you falling more in love with the city!
8. Become a cocktail mixing master at Casa Bacardi
- Price: $90 USD
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Time: 10 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: visiting the famous Casa Bacardi, behind-the-scenes distillery tour, learning to make iconic Bacardi cocktails
- Inclusions: expert mixologist guide, welcome cocktail, all ingredients, cocktails
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Puerto Rico is home to Casa Bacardi, the iconic rum distillery that opened in 1962, when Bacardi decided to start producing rum outside of Cuba for the first time. Since then, it’s become a must-visit San Juan attraction, and we cannot recommend it enough!
In a nutshell, this mixology class was the perfect blend of history, hands-on learning, and amazing cocktails! We were greeted with a welcome drink, and then sipped it as we enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery with our awesome mixologist guide, Izzy.
Once we had brushed up on our rum knowledge, it was time for the best part of the tour – the mixology class. Izzy showed us how to craft classic craft rum cocktails, and then we got to drink them! We learned so many tips and tricks that we’re very confident will impress our friends back home! The class was so friendly, and honestly, I wouldn’t hesitate to book this experience as a solo traveler.
We also loved the fact that we weren’t under any pressure to finish our drinks quickly. In fact, we were able to hang around after the class and enjoy the cocktails we had made as we explored the property and enjoyed playing some of the outdoor games on the grounds.
Basically, whether you’re a rum enthusiast or a complete beginner, this tour is a total must-do in San Juan.
Casa Bacardi is too cool to miss out on, so book this tour ASAP!
9. Adventure through the Arenales Caves
- Price: $140 USD
- Duration: 8 – 9 hours
- Time: 7 am
- Highlights: hiking through tropical forests, river trekking, floating through caves, swimming through canyons and in natural springs, checking out unique rock formations, optional cliff jumping, discovering hidden local spots away from the crowds
- Inclusions: local guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, transport, bottled water, life jackets
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,290+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
One of our favorite things to do in Puerto Rico is get off the beaten path and explore the stunning scenery, which is precisely why we booked this Arenales Caves tour.
We loved the chance to get away from the crowded tourist spots! Meanwhile, the small group size made the experience feel even more personal and enjoyable.
We began by trekking through the lush tropical forest, which was so much fun and a great way to spot wildlife. We had the chance to clamber over stunning rock formations, swim in limestone canyons, and float through the gorgeous Arenales Caves. It really was a magical morning! There was the chance to go cliff-jumping, too, which of course we couldn’t say “no” to.
There was a stop for lunch in Manatí, which was at our own expense, but it was super cheap and more importantly, absolutely delicious. Then, we continued onto a nature reserve, where we hiked to a hidden natural spring. The water was bright blue and crystal clear, and we had the place almost all to ourselves, so it was the perfect end to an unforgettable day.
If you love nature, adventure, and discovering hidden gems, we can’t recommend this tour enough. It really has it all, and we will 100% book this tour again when we come back to San Juan.
Book this incredible day trip here before dates sell out!
10. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline
- Price: $180 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: ziplining through El Yunque National Forest, rappelling, panoramic jungle views
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, certified tour guides, safety briefing and equipment, 9 ziplines, 2 rappels, locker use, waiting area for non-participants
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,390+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush in San Juan, then this zipline tour certainly fits the bill! We love the way that it combines an exciting adventure with breathtaking views, so we really consider it a must-do experience!
As soon as we arrived, the staff made us feel very welcome and, more importantly, safe. They definitely take their jobs seriously, although that’s not to say that we didn’t have lots of fun with them along the way! After a safety briefing, we began tackling the adventure course, which involved two ziplines and nine rappels. It was so much fun!
We loved zooming through the jungle, and the aerial views of the surrounding jungle were amazing. Nothing beats flying through the air with the forest stretching out beneath you! This tour is such an awesome way to see the El Yunque rainforest from a unique perspective, and it was also stress-free since we got complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off.
Whether you’re in San Juan alone, with friends, as a couple, or as a family, this tour is an incredible adventure! Kids love ziplining, so as long as they’re over 8 years old, this could be a great way to keep them entertained. Basically, if you’re in San Juan, do not miss out on this thrilling adventure!
Book your spot on this zipline tour here to get free cancellation 24 hours in advance!
Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Now that we’ve explored all the incredible activities San Juan has to offer, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay! Your accommodation can truly make or break your trip, so it’s worth taking the time to choose wisely.
To make things easier, I’ve put together a list of my top recommendations for every budget. Whether you’re looking for affordable comfort, mid-range charm, or luxurious indulgence, you’ll find the perfect spot below!
Luxury – $$$
For a luxurious stay in San Juan, La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort is our top choice! This stunning beachfront resort offers three swimming pools, a private beach, a 24-hour casino, a spa, and several fine-dining restaurants. The rooms are bright and modern, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies with breathtaking views. It’s the perfect setting for an unforgettable Caribbean escape!
Prices vary by season and room selection but start around $500 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
During our last visit to San Juan, we stayed at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Juan – and we loved it! The location is unbeatable, just two blocks from the stunning Isla Verde Beach and within easy reach of top attractions like Old San Juan, the San Juan cruise port, Plaza Las Americas Mall, and the Mall of San Juan. It also has great amenities including 2 swimming pools, a kid’s playground, an onsite casino, made-to-order daily breakfast, and 4 restaurants!
Pricing depends on the room category you choose and the time of year but often ranges between $250 – $400 USD per night. Check pricing and availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Nomada Beach Hostel is a charming and budget-friendly spot just steps from the beautiful Isla Verde Beach. This laid-back hostel has everything you need for a comfortable stay including an outdoor swimming pool, a spacious lounge area, and a shared kitchen where you can whip up your own meals. Guests also enjoy free Wi-Fi and the convenience of an on-site restaurant and bar for tasty bites and drinks!
The rooms are well priced and range from around $60 to $170 USD per night depending on if you want a dorm bed or a private room. Check dates and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
I hope our list of the best things to do in San Juan has you pumped for your trip! This piece of paradise has so much to explore and if you check off a few experiences here, I’ll know you’ll have an amazing time. Have a piña colada for me!
If you’re planning more adventures, have a look through all our other blogs. We’ve been traveling the world and sharing our tips for years and would love to help you out!