Curator’s statement
San Juan, Puerto Rico, kind of became a second home to me. When I was a flight attendant, I had layovers in Isla Verde so often, I might as well have had a local address! Rightfully identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, your senses pick up on the deep cultural energy the moment you arrive. It’s in the salsa music you hear in the background, the colorful architecture that's centuries old, and the rhythm of the waves cresting ashore. You can really understand why Puerto Rico is known as “la isla del encanto” (island of enchantment).
The Fora Difference
Book with Jennifer to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in San Juan
Unlock perks by contacting Jennifer to book your trip.
Things to do in San Juan
Cotton candy buildings
Adventure
Head to the only tropical rainforest of the United States: El Yunque National Forest. Hike to gorgeous waterfalls such as La Mina Falls or go on a zip-lining excursion and be one with the trees.
Puerto Rico also happens to be home to three out of the five bioluminescent bays in the world! Laguna Grande is a bioluminescent bay in Fajardo, only about an hour from San Juan. Rent a kayak and go on a tour of glow-in-the-dark water!
San Juan has a few beaches that have perfect conditions for a number of water sports. The calm water at Pine Grove Beach in Isla Verde is perfect for beginner surfers, stand up-paddle-boarding, and bodyboarding.
Snorkeling and scuba diving are also plentiful around San Juan. Escambrón Beach is known for being an excellent snorkeling spot because of its calm, shallow waters and rock formations that attract a variety of fish species.
R&R
Go enjoy the beach! Grab a towel, a book, and reef-safe SPF, and soak it up!
What’s a vacation without a spa day? San Juan has many spas to visit. La Concha’s spa has open-air and oceanfront massage tables. This is a great place to use your perks from booking your stay there with me!
The Caribe Hilton has yoga classes by the hammocks many days of the week. If you’re staying there, head to one of those, then take a siesta in one of the hammocks.
Arts & history
Take a Puerto Rican cooking class, because when you’re back at home, you’ll be wishing you knew how to make mofongo!
Spend time in Santurce, the arts district.
Pay homage to the forts of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal (UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
Carry your appreciation for Puerto Rico’s rich history over into a museum visit at Museo de las Américas (Afro-Caribbean and indigenous culture and history) and Casa Blanca Museum (built for Ponce de Leon, showcases 16th-century life on the island).
Casa Bacardi is worthy of a tour and a tasting for rum lovers.
Take a salsa dancing class!
Nightlife
Hit up La Placita de Santurce. It’s a former marketplace turned nightlife hot spot, with open-air bars, street drumming, dancing, and local vibes.
Places to eat & drink in San Juan
Cocktail on Kumo's rooftop
Verde Mesa: A harming vegetarian/vegan‑friendly spot in Old San Juan offering creative, locally sourced plates.
Kumo: A Peruvian/Japanese rooftop restaurant and bar with unforgettable drinks and views.
Princesa – Cocina Cultura: An elegant harborside garden restaurant offering elevated Puerto Rican cuisine and cocktails.
Casita Miramar: Cozy colonial‑style house serving authentic comfort food classics like mofongo and asopao using local ingredients.
Cocina Al Fondo: Rustic back‑alley gem in Santurce spotlighting locally sourced ingredients as “edible art.”
Lote 23; Santurce food-park favorite offering everything from ramen to tacos by local chefs.
Antojitos del Callejón: No‑frills hole‑in‑the‑wall for classic fried finger foods.
La Mallorquina: San Juan’s oldest eatery (established in 1848), specializing in classic Puerto Rican and Spanish dishes like paella.
Semilla Kitchen & Bar: Great spot for brunch!
Christianson: Known for their French toast, this is another iconic spot for brunchy eats.
Piñaloka: Walk-up window spot for piña coladas and açaí bowls. The beach is a two-minute walk away.
La Factoría: Great spot for late nights, as it’s a famous speakeasy with seven interconnected rooms offering craft cocktails, tapas, live music, and salsa dancing.
Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of street food vendors to ensure you really get a local taste! Tostones, bacalaitos, and alcapurrias are calling your name!
A note from Jennifer
Piña coladas were invented in San Juan!
Need to know
No passport needed: US citizens can travel to Puerto Rico without a passport or foreign currency exchange.
Pack for humidity: Lightweight, breathable clothing is key—San Juan is hot and humid year round.
Hurricane season: Runs June through November; consider travel insurance if visiting during these months.
English widely spoken: While Spanish is the primary language, many locals speak English, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few Spanish phrases goes a long way, though.
Time your trip with festivals: The San Sebastián Street Festival is a wild, unforgettable cultural celebration.
Transportation: Old San Juan is very pedestrian friendly; parking and driving can be challenging. Ride shares such as Uber are widely available and affordable.
Souvenirs: Rum and hand-rolled cigars are local specialties.
Tipping: Same as mainland US. 15 to 20 percent for service workers.
Dress appropriately in towns: Beachwear is for the beach; wear actual clothing when walking through neighborhoods or dining out.
Support local businesses: Choose family-owned restaurants, shops, and tour operators over large chains when possible.
Travel Advisor
Jennifer Hanley
Get in touch with Jennifer
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Jennifer within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Puerto Rico page.