🌴 Top 10 Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico (2025 Travel Guide)
- Conquistador Travels
- Jun 18, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 4
San Juan is the crown jewel of Puerto Rico — a vibrant mix of history, culture, nightlife, and beaches. Whether you’re here for just a weekend or a longer vacation, there are endless Things to Do in San Juan that will make your trip unforgettable.
This guide covers the Top 10 Things to Do in San Juan, written with tourists in mind. And with ConquistadorTravels, you can do more than just read about these activities — you can book luxury tours, private transportation, and VIP experiences directly with us.
📌 Table of Contents
🏰 1. Explore Old San Juan
When travelers search for Things to Do in San Juan, Old San Juan always tops the list. This colorful historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and centuries-old forts.
Tourists love exploring:
Castillo San Felipe del Morro — a 16th-century fortress overlooking the sea.
Castillo San Cristóbal — built to defend San Juan from land attacks.
La Fortaleza — the oldest governor’s residence in the Western Hemisphere.
Beyond the forts, Old San Juan is alive with boutique shops, rooftop bars, street musicians, and authentic Puerto Rican coffee shops. It’s the perfect place to wander for hours.
👉 Want a guided experience? Book our Old San Juan & Bacardí Tour to see the highlights stress-free.
🥃 2. Tour Casa Bacardí
Another one of the most popular Things to Do in San Juan is visiting Casa Bacardí, the largest rum distillery in the world. Here, tourists can sip rum cocktails while learning about Puerto Rico’s rum-making tradition.
Highlights include:
History Tour — discover the story behind Bacardí.
Mixology Class — make your own mojitos and daiquiris.
Rum Tasting — sample blends exclusive to the distillery.
👉 Combine sightseeing and rum tasting with our Old San Juan & Bacardí Distillery Tour.
🏖️ 3. Relax at Condado Beach
If beaches are on your mind, relaxing at Condado Beach is one of the best Things to Do in San Juan. Known as San Juan’s “Miami Beach,” this lively spot is lined with resorts, bars, and plenty of water sports.
Why tourists love Condado:
Great for swimming and sunbathing.
Plenty of restaurants and nightlife nearby.
Easy to access from major hotels.
Looking for more sandy escapes? See our guide to the Best Beaches in Puerto Rico.
🌊 4. Sail to Icacos Island
If you’re looking for adventure, sailing to Icacos is one of the most unforgettable Things to Do in San Juan. This uninhabited island offers turquoise water, snorkeling, and a true Caribbean escape.
Most catamaran tours include snorkeling gear, open bar, and a delicious lunch. It’s the perfect way to spend a day away from the city.
👉 Book our Icacos Sailing Catamaran Snorkeling Tour for an easy, all-inclusive experience.
🍴 5. Taste Puerto Rican Cuisine
Food lovers, take note: trying the local cuisine is one of the tastiest Things to Do in San Juan.
Must-try dishes include:
Mofongo — plantains mashed with garlic and filled with meat or seafood.
Pastelillos — crispy empanadas you’ll find at food stands.
Lechón — roasted pork, a Puerto Rican favorite.
Piña Colada — invented in San Juan!
👉 For more, check out our Traditional Puerto Rican Food Guide.
🎶 6. Dance at La Placita de Santurce
When it comes to nightlife, La Placita is one of the liveliest Things to Do in San Juan. By day it’s a farmer’s market, but by night the plaza transforms into an outdoor party.
Expect salsa bands, DJs, street food, and locals ready to dance until the early morning. Even if you’re not a dancer, the energy is contagious.
🌴 7. Take a Day Trip to El Yunque Rainforest
For nature lovers, a visit to El Yunque National Forest is one of the top Things to Do in San Juan. Just a short drive away, this rainforest offers waterfalls, lush hiking trails, and breathtaking views.
Highlights:
La Mina Falls — a swim-worthy waterfall.
Yokahú Tower — panoramic rainforest views.
El Yunque Peak — a challenging but rewarding hike.
👉 Experience it stress-free with our El Yunque Rainforest Tour.
🌅 8. Walk Paseo de la Princesa
For a peaceful evening, strolling Paseo de la Princesa is one of the most relaxing Things to Do in San Juan. This tree-lined promenade runs along the bay with food stalls, art, and music.
At sunset, the Raíces Fountain glows beautifully, making it a favorite spot for photos and romance.
🛥️ 9. Book a Private Water Taxi to Vieques or Culebra
Island-hopping is one of the most exclusive Things to Do in San Juan. Skip the crowded ferries and book a VIP water taxi instead.
Vieques — home to the world’s brightest bioluminescent bay.
Culebra — famous for Flamenco Beach, one of the best beaches in the world.
👉 Book your Private Water Taxi for a stress-free island getaway.
🎨 10. Discover Street Art in Santurce
San Juan isn’t just about history — it’s also a hub for creativity. Exploring Santurce’s murals is one of the most unique Things to Do in San Juan.
Colorful street art fills the neighborhood, reflecting Puerto Rican identity and culture. Tourists also love combining it with a visit to the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.
❓ FAQs About Things to Do in San Juan
👉 How many days should I spend in San Juan?
At least 3–4 days if you want to experience the best Things to Do in San Juan — including Old San Juan, Condado Beach, El Yunque, and a catamaran trip.
👉 Is San Juan walkable?
Yes! Exploring on foot is one of the most authentic Things to Do in San Juan, especially in Old San Juan where streets are narrow and filled with history.
👉 Do I need a passport to visit San Juan?
U.S. citizens don’t need a passport. Learn more here: Do You Need a Passport to Go to Puerto Rico?.
👉 What tours should I book in San Juan?
Top recommended Things to Do in San Juan include:
Old San Juan & Bacardí Tour
Icacos Catamaran Snorkeling Tour
El Yunque Rainforest Tour
Private Water Taxi to Culebra & Vieques
🎯 Final Word
From historic forts to rainforest hikes, nightlife to island-hopping, there’s no shortage of Things to Do in San Juan. This is a city that blends the best of Puerto Rico into one unforgettable destination.
At ConquistadorTravels, we help you go beyond sightseeing with luxury tours, VIP transportation, and curated adventures.
👉 Start planning today: ConquistadorTravels.com 🌴
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