Curator’s statement
Puerto Rico moves to its own beat. It’s where centuries-old fortresses meet lush rainforest trails, where lively plazas spill into calm beaches, and where every corner hums with warmth and energy. This island is my home, a place where culture, nature, and hospitality come together effortlessly. Whether you’re here for a quick escape or a longer adventure, Puerto Rico has a way of pulling you in and making you feel like you’ve always belonged.
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Things to do on Puerto Rico
The magic of Old San Juan
Wander the streets of Old San Juan
There’s nothing like getting lost in Old San Juan. The cobblestone streets, pastel facades, and centuries-old fortresses feel timeless. I love wandering slowly—popping into local shops, pausing in shady plazas, and letting the rhythm of the city guide me. Don’t miss sunset along Paseo de la Princesa—it’s pure magic.
Hike through El Yunque Rainforest
Just a short drive from San Juan, El Yunque is where the island’s wild beauty really shows itself. I love hiking to waterfalls, listening for the coquí frogs, and cooling off in the natural pools surrounded by vibrant green. It’s peaceful, grounding, and such a refreshing break from the city.
Beach-hop along the coast
One of my favorite things to do is rent a car and just follow the coastline. Each region has its own vibe—Playa Flamenco’s turquoise calm, Rincón’s surfy energy, the secluded beaches of the southeast. Some of the best spots are the ones you find by accident, so don’t be afraid to take detours.
Eat like a local at a roadside Lechonera
If you want a true taste of Puerto Rico, pull over at a lechonera. These roadside spots serve slow-roasted pork, arroz con gandules, and tostones that are unbelievably good. It’s casual, communal, and one of the best ways to experience the island’s food culture.
Catch a sunset in Rincón
Rincón sunsets are something special. Locals and travelers gather along the beach each evening, drinks in hand, to watch the sky turn gold, pink, and fiery orange. It’s simple, beautiful, and always feels like a shared ritual.
Spend a day at Culebra’s Flamenco Beach
Flamenco Beach is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been—powdery white sand, clear turquoise water, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay forever. It’s the perfect place to slow down and just be.
Move to the music
Music isn’t just part of life here—it is life. Whether it’s a salsa lesson or just jumping into the dancing at La Placita, moving to the island’s rhythm is one of the most joyful ways to connect with Puerto Rico.
Places to eat & drink on Puerto Rico
A meal here feels like being welcomed into someone’s home
Casita Blanca
This is one of those places that feels like home the moment you walk in. Casita Blanca serves authentic, home-style Puerto Rican dishes in a warm, no-frills setting. From mofongo to stewed meats, every plate tastes like tradition passed down through generations. It’s the kind of place locals love—and once you go, you’ll understand why.
Piñones
Just east of San Juan, Piñones is one of my favorite places to experience Puerto Rican street food culture. Colorful roadside kiosks line the coast, serving everything from alcapurrias and bacalaítos to freshly made piña coladas and coconut waters. I love coming here in the early afternoons to grab some lunch after spending a beach day in La Posita.
Verde Mesa
Verde Mesa is one of my absolute favorites in Old San Juan. Chef Gabriel Hernández’s approach is rooted in local ingredients and seasonality—about 80 percent of the menu comes from Puerto Rican farms. The dishes are creative, soulful, and beautifully presented, with flavors that feel both familiar and surprising. I love coming here to slow down, sip a botanical cocktail, and savor dishes like their vegetable-forward plates or the signature “Purple Cloud” dessert. It’s elegant, intimate, and deeply connected to the island.
Cocina al Fondo
Hidden in Santurce, Cocina al Fondo is one of those places that quietly leaves a lasting impression. Chef Natalia Vallejo—Puerto Rico’s first female James Beard Award winner—crafts seasonal dishes that reimagine local ingredients with creativity and soul. The space is intimate, the menu ever-changing, and every plate feels like a love letter to the island. It’s one of my top picks for a truly meaningful culinary experience.
Identidad Cocktail Bar
Identidad is one of my favorite spots in San Juan for a beautifully crafted drink. Tucked away in Santurce, this cocktail bar blends creativity, technique, and a deep sense of place—each drink is designed to tell a story about Puerto Rican identity through flavor. The atmosphere is stylish but unpretentious, making it perfect for a pre-dinner stop or a relaxed night out.
La Placita de Santurce
By day, it’s a bustling local market—by night, it transforms into one of the island’s liveliest social scenes. Locals and travelers fill the open-air restaurants, salsa spills into the streets, and the energy is infectious. It’s the perfect place to eat, dance, and truly feel the rhythm of San Juan.
Need to know
Puerto Rico is meant to be explored at a relaxed pace. One of the best ways to experience the island is to rent a car and venture beyond San Juan—drive along the coast to uncover hidden beaches, stop at roadside stands for lechón and alcapurrias, and wind through mountain towns where time seems to slow down.
The island is warm year-round, but the humidity and heat can be intense, especially in the summer months, so pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and stay hydrated as you explore.
Travel here is easy for US citizens—you can use a Real ID to fly, and the currency is the US dollar, so there’s no need to worry about exchange rates or conversions. English is widely spoken, but a few Spanish phrases go a long way in connecting with locals.
Above all, permit yourself to slow down. Puerto Rico reveals its magic in the in-between moments: over a shared meal, a song drifting through a plaza, or a sunset that catches you off guard.
Travel Advisor
Claudia González
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