THE 15 BEST Things to Do in San Juan (Updated 2024)
Things to do in San Juan

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in San Juan

Things to Do in San Juan

For shopping, fusion food, and great nightlife, Old San Juan is where it’s at. For more adventure, excursions to nearby El Yunque and other natural wonders have you covered.

Book these experiences for a close-up look at San Juan.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in San Juan

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
Historic Sites
An esplanade greets you as you walk towards the Fort San Felipe del Morro. Surrounded by grassy hills, the stone castle rises majestically from the headland. And while El Morro may be an impressive sight from land, it is a terrifying experience to encounter it head on by sea. And for many attackers, it was the very last thing they saw. This fortress has seen many battles over the centuries, from Sir Francis Drake's attack in 1595 to the 1898 Bombardment of San Juan by the US Navy. In 1539 King Charles I ordered the construction of San Felipe del Morro and other fortifications on the islet of San Juan. Over the years, Spanish, Italian, Irish and American engineers perfected San Juan's defense system, of which el Morro was an essential part. After crossing the stone bridge over the dry moat, you'll walk right into a spacious courtyard that harbor leads you into the castle's more "domestic" areas, such as the kitchen and the chapel. Nevertheless, this is just one of the six levels that form el Morro. On the upper level, you'll find the lighthouse that was restored by the American Coast Guard in 1908. One of the greatest things about this vantage point is that you can see most of San Juan and the bay across from it. Park rangers will guide you throughout the massive fortification, which still houses original cannons, ammunition, and many other objects used by the Spanish militia in Puerto Rico. El Morro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, and is currently under the administration of the National Park Service.
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What travellers are saying

  • MoverShakerUSA
    Los Angeles, CA347 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Caution…this is not a city to bring a handicapped or someone who is mobility impaired. It’s on a mountain and the sidewalks are small & very steep. Unlike the rest of Puerto Rico which has enormous potholes everywhere however Old San Juan has smooth streets. This is definitely a village inside a seaside castle. The views are amazing and the shopping covers everything you can imagine. Parking is a super pain so don’t expect to rush in & rush out. The police are actively ticketing people so don’t park in areas you aren’t sure of. This town with its history is an easy two days of exploring.
    Written May 14, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelsey P
    San Rafael, CA112 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very cool historic fort! It consists of 2 sites that are walking distance - paid entry at one includes them both, so save your receipt. Lots of great signage, video, and gift shops you expect at an NPS site. Be aware that it is a multi-level fort with a lot of steps up and down if you want to explore the whole area.
    Written May 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • julielp
    Bloomington, MN419 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting fort that is attached by a wall to el morro fort. They were built starting in the 1500’s by the Spanish. Whats interesting is that it was fortified more during WWII. If you like history this place is for you! $10 will get you in both forts and there is a boardwalk from one to the other.
    Written May 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 23rita
    Davie, FL557 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is such an important historical site in Old San Juan. On the ground level in many rooms, you will see displays of historical information. There is one tunnel below the entry level.....just be aware, there are no stair rails. Views of the ocean, exterior of the fort, the grounds, the lighthouse, chapel and casemates inside provide great photo ops! Construction by African slave labor of this 6 level fort began in 1539 and was completed in 1787. During WW II, the U.S. government added an artillery fire control station. El Morro suffered attacks from the English in 1595 and 1598 and the Dutch in 1625. During the Spanish American War, U.S. Navy ships fired upon the fort, destroying the lighthouse which was later restored. Be sure to wear very sturdy and comfortable shoes, wear a sun hat and take water. The gift shop does sell water at $3.50 a bottle. Admission is free with purchase of a ticket within 48 hours at Castillo San Cristobal and vice versa. Hours are from 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. 7 days a week. Enjoy!!
    Written April 20, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 23rita
    Davie, FL557 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a beautiful partially waterside 19th century pedestrian promenade about half a mile in length which runs parallel and adjacent to the southwestern sections of the Walls of Old San Juan. You will see beautiful fountains, sculptures , Victorian lampposts, large trees... If you continue walking on the path alongside the bay toward the City Gate and Castillo San Felipe del Morro, you'll continue to have many photo ops. Take water, a hat and very comfortable walking shoes! Enjoy!
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Cari
    Meriden, CT23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This place is such a treasure, we just popped in looking for something to do on our last day in Old San Juan and we were delighted to find some amazing artwork on display. It was perfect thing to do on our last day since the artwork represented parts of Old San Juan and Puerto Rico. We were able to revisit some of the sights we had seen through the eyes of the artist and it was wonderful. Obviously we left with some artwork to take home to remember our time in Puerto Rico.
    Written April 5, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 23rita
    Davie, FL557 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Originally built of wood and a thatched roof in 1521 but destroyed by a hurricane in 1526. Restoration of this beautiful cathedral of Medieval design was completed in 1540. This cathedral is the second oldest in the Western hemisphere and oldest on U. S. soil. Ponce De Leon is entombed here.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • anita3695
    Wanstead, UK345 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. A great building housing lots of wonderful art for all tastes. There is a lovely peaceful garden containing sculptures which we also enjoyed a lot.
    Written March 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Judyros
    Arlington Heights, IL81 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful warm n serene water beach in San Juan. We Ubered there. There’s parking there but idk anything about it.
    There’s a lifeguard, bathroom n showers to rinse off. Some independent business locals rent chairs/ umbrellas that run out about 11am, there’s also some ppl there selling snacks n drinks, so bring cash for sure!
    The beach fills up by noon on weekdays, I’m sure it gets very crowded on weekends.
    Written March 29, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 23rita
    Davie, FL557 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The umbrellas in the picture are beautiful but have been replaced with lackluster umbrellas. the street does have numerous gift shops. Highly recommend Handcraft Store at 101 C Fortaleza which has a wonderful selection of artisan items as does another shop called Puerto Rico Art & Crafts at 204 Fortaleza. There are also many eateries along the street.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 23rita
    Davie, FL557 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Located near Castillo San Felipe Del Morro, this red gate represents a lot of history. For centuries it kept invaders out of the city. It's function was San Juan's formal or symbolic entrance. There were four other gates used to enter and exit the city allowing materials, supplies and everyday traffic. This is by beautiful San Juan Bay.
    Written April 19, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aprylgem5
    Norfolk, VA294 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I wanted to spend some time at the beach while in San Juan. We were able to get a good 3 hours at the beach before the rain arrived. Access to beach chairs were very reasonable and the vendors on site had good treats!
    Written April 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
All things to do in San Juan
Day Trips in San Juan