24 Hours in San Juan: The Ultimate Guide
If you're looking for a vacation destination with it all, look no further than San Juan, Puerto Rico! This vibrant city offers something for everyone. So whether you're interested in history, culture, nightlife, or beaches, San Juan has something to offer. This guide will outline some of the best things to do with 24 hours in San Juan.
So put on your sunscreen and get ready to explore!
Some elements of this itinerary were gifted to me by Discover Puerto Rico. As always, all opinions are my own.
Visit the San Felipe del Morro Castle:
This 16th-century citadel is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Puerto Rico. It's located on a strategic point overlooking San Juan Bay, and it's a great place to learn about the history of the city.
My favorite part of exploring this attraction was just how much history you could walk through in one place. You could switch between 1500 and 1800 by simply going down a flight of stairs.
The fort is absolutely gigantic, and iguanas like to sunbathe all over it. It's a $10 entrance fee, but your national park pass can get you in as it is part of the US National Park Service and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lunch at Deaverdura
Deaverdura was the authentic Puerto Rican food experience I wanted in San Juan. We asked one of the Discover Puerto Rico staff members where they would go to lunch, and Deaverdura was their immediate response. It is the sort of place where the menu changes every day, and the owner will tell you what you want to try. We ended up splitting a Puerto Rican sampler (one was large enough for four people) and some fresh pineapple juice with rum. When in San Juan, this is THE lunch spot you need to add to your itinerary.
Get Lost in Old San Juan
Old San Juan is gorgeous. The streets are lined with brightly colored buildings, and there are plenty of places to stop and grab a drink or bite to eat. We wandered around for hours, popping into shops and taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city.
Hangout at a Beach
No trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without spending some time at the beach. San Juan has no shortage of beaches to choose from. We spent an afternoon at El Escambrón, which is an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching. Plus, there are remnants of an old fort you can climb up. I explored some tide pools and saw a sea urchin larger than my head!
Visit Casa BACARDÍ
Casa BACARDÍ is a fun spot for rum lovers. This tour takes you through the history of the iconic rum brand and teaches you how rum is made. At the end of the tour, you get to sample some of their products. I'm a huge fan of rum, so I enjoyed learning about its production. The outdoor hangout space is beautiful and tropical!
I preferred the rum tour in Ponce at Castillo Serrallés, but Casa BACARDÍ is still a fun item to add to your itinerary if you have the time.
See Pigeons at Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud
This small chapel is located in Old San Juan and is home to hundreds of pigeons. The birds are so used to people that they will land on your head and shoulders! It's a unique experience, and it's fun to watch the birds interact with the tourists. Just be nice and don't be mean to the birds!
Dinner at Princesa - Cocina Cultura
Princesa is a great spot for dinner if you're looking for something upscale. The restaurant offers Puerto Rican cuisine with a modern twist. I ordered the eggplant and a twist on a piña colada (Puerto Rico is the alleged home of the piña colada!) I would suggest making reservations at this local hot spot. It has a great upscale tropical vibe and an impressive rum collection.
