Explore San Juan
Plan Your Trip to San Juan: Best of San Juan Tourism
Essential San Juan
How to do San Juan in 3 days
Traveler Guides
Sipping around San Juan’s cocktail scene
La Factoria206There’s no signage outside La Factoria’s 18th-century facade, and inside many of the six different bar areas are decorated with worn down couches and weathered checkered floors. Don’t be fooled by appearances: this is actually the island’s premiere cocktail bar, and it’s been named the Caribbean’s Best Bar by 50 Best, too. Can’t decide on a drink? Order the Lavender Mule, with vodka and ginger beer, or La Champeta, with aged rum, pineapple, and fermented ginger.
JungleBird22The drinks here are creative masterpieces, which feels appropriate given the bar is near the Puerto Rican Museum of Contemporary Art. One look at the bamboo furniture, leafy plants, fresh ingredients, and Instagram-worthy cocktails and this quickly became one of my favorite stops. The Taino tropical menu gives a nod to the Indigenous Arawak people of the Caribbean. Try the Missionary’s Downfall, with rum, mint, fresh pineapple, lime, and apricot brandy.
El Batey Bar111El Batey’s graffiti-and-sticker-covered walls (a nod to Puerto Rico’s 1970s urban art scene) echo its dive bar appeal. You’re here for the cocktails, so ignore the sticky floor and musty smell, and focus on the vintage jukebox and rum drinks, like the Brown Derby Cocktail (with a sour grapefruit kick and amber honey). What it lacks in polish, it makes up for in characters: the Rolling Stones reportedly loved this bar, as did Hunter S. Thompson.
Scryer Rum40The speakeasy-esque bar along an old Prohibition-era street has several floors (including a cigar lounge and a rooftop deck), each with a unique theme. Cocktails here add a rum twist to the classics, using the Barrelhouse’s own pot-distilled aged rum. The Scryerac, for example, is a smokier version of a Sazerac with rum, Islay whisky, and an Absinthe-washed glass. The La Colada, a spirit-forward version of the classic piña colada, is the crowd favorite.
The Mezzanine at St. Germain221Standing on the balcony, overlooking the colorful streets of Old San Juan, I felt like I had literally stepped into the Mezzanine’s historic framed photos and newspaper articles that line its walls. This cocktail spot, though, has its own modern personality. The drink menu features classics with a tropical twist, like a guava cosmo or the patria libre (aged rum poured over coconut water ice cubes).
Tacos & Tequila438For tacos and tequila served with an ocean breeze, head to this upscale, but unpretentious, bar and restaurant in the elegant Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. As you might imagine, the tequila cocktail selection is robust, but the bar also serves mezcal drinks, sangria, cerveza, and a special Roasted Michelada that feels like a trip to the farmer’s market, with pineapple, onion, pepper, cilantro, lemon, jalapeño, and tomato juice.
La Central By Mario Pagan39Chef Mario Pagán has the city’s most exclusive restaurant (located in the unfortunately named Distrito T-Mobile), with one of the area’s best cocktail bars. Rum is the star here, which is to be expected when you spy the copper rum still at the heart of the bar. Belly up and order La Central’s signature drink, Ron y Tabaco, prepared with añejo rum, tobacco-infused syrup, bitters, and a smoked sugarcane garnish.
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San Juan Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips or experiencing San Juan
paris7002
What to see? The forts, of course! Both (El Morro and San Cristobal) are very interesting. Paseo La Princesa is also a must-see.
cbcito
My suggestion is to just walk around and do whatever interests you. Just take a walking map of Old San Juan with you.
nytoparis
One afternoon is too short. You need a full day to see both forts and be able to walk around.
Angela A
San Juan may just be one of the most romantic cities in the entire world.
Chanize
Given its long history and lively present, San Juan is a fascinating city. Old San Juan may be known for its 16th-century walls and imposing fort (El Morro), but its narrow side streets harbor many tucked-away shops, restaurants, and attractions.
YankyGal
What’s not to like? It’s beautiful, it’s old, it’s unique and its people are wonderful.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the main commercial airport serving San Juan. Shuttle buses run from the airport to hotels and car rental destinations.
cruising
Several cruise companies including Carnival Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and more dock in San Juan as part of a regular itinerary.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re a US citizen no, you do not need a visa. If you’re visiting Puerto Rico from overseas, use the State Department’s Visa Wizard to see if you need a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and summer (April to June): The best time to visit San Juan is in the late spring, just after all the winter tourists depart, through June, just before the rainy season ends. Average temperatures at this time reach highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F).
It may be best to avoid the island during peak hurricane season from September through early November.
Get around
trolley
Old San Juan offers a free trolley service for visitors stopping at the most popular attraction. The trolley runs Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
taxis and rideshare
Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft ridesharing companies, are available in the city.
driving
Parking is available in paid garages around the city. Metered parking is also available. Be cautious to not park in a residential zone.
walking
The easiest, and perhaps most efficient way to see San Juan is by foot. The streets are narrow and jam-packed with visitors, making it a tough spot to drive or walk, but an excellent place for a day-long stroll.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Atlantic Standard Time (GMT -4 hours).
What are the voltage/plug types?
The standard voltage in the United States is 120 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug has two flat parallel pins.
What is the currency?
The U.S. Dollar.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Bartender
$1 a drink or $2 for a more labor-intensive cocktail
Restaurant
15-20%
Bellman
$1 to 3 per bag
Housekeeper
$2-$3 per night
Taxis/rideshare
15-20%
Shuttle driver
$1-$2 per person
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
Walking
Walk to the right of the sidewalk and step off to the side of the sidewalk if you want to stop to check your phone, look up directions, or want to take in a view.
Eating
Meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Puerto Ricans are also very friendly, so when entering a restaurant it is considered polite to greet those around you by saying “buen provecho” (enjoy your meal).
Slow down
Puerto Rico has a very laid-back culture — which often means local businesses don’t always open or close at the times stated in their hours of operation. Get on “island time” and relax.
Spitting
Spitting is considered rude in any public setting.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in San Juan, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in San Juan include:
- San Juan is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in San Juan:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to San Juan between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.