The Caribbean colours of San Juan

How to get there and where to stay?

Travelling to San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, is an excellent idea for those who want to visit beautiful beaches, taste delicious Caribbean cuisine and have fun at different attractions. In the city with beautiful historic buildings and modern environments, the natives are very welcoming and there is fun all day long, that is, no chance of staying at the hotel with nothing to do.

Attractions and Landmarks

San Juan is a city with varied attractions, which appeal to all types of visitors. I will highlight below these unique places, take a look:

Old San Juan neighbourhood

There is a San Juan attraction that the traveller needs to tour for an entire day or more. In the charming historic district of the Puerto Rican capital there are beautiful colourful houses with balconies, restaurants and narrow lanes that refer to the historic cities of Paraty, in Rio de Janeiro, or to the mining towns like Diamantina and Ouro Preto.

Getting to know the sights of the locality means having the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of Puerto Rico in the most enchanting and fun way. For instance, you can book a tour of this first-rate open-air museum on your calendar.

San Cristobal Castle (El Morro)

Rising almost 150 feet above sea level, the Castillo de San Cristóbal is a massive structure that occupies most of the northeast edge of Old San Juan. San Cristóbal was over 200 years newer than El Morro, Puerto Rico’s military stalwart at the time. However, the fort has seen its share of battles. For instance, it fired the first Spanish shot of the Spanish-American War. During World War II, the U.S. added fortifications to its outer walls. After all, it has stood the tests of time and war. It faces the Atlantic Ocean and is the right attraction for visitors who love centuries-old structures and breathtaking landscapes.

Colombo Square

Colombo Square, named after Cristovão Colombo, is located in the central region of San Juan. Surrounded by buildings that illustrate architectural grandeur, it is also close to many bars and restaurants that give light to the liveliest aspects of the region.

Camuy River Cave Park

Without a doubt this is the most exciting natural attraction you can visit in San Juan, that is, about an hour from the city. The Rio Camuy Cave Park covers more than 100 hectares land. It includes a beautiful set of caves framed thousands of years ago by an underground river. Be sure to get to know this scenario that has been open for visitation since 1987.

Must try: Old San Juan Sunset Cruise or Catamaran and Snorkel to Deserted Icacos Island

Entertainment and Food

Puerto Rican food is certainly one of the most attractive spots in the archipelago. The dishes are a fusion of Spanish, African and Taíno spices (named after the Indians who inhabited the islands). The most common spices are yuka (a type of manioc), green plantains, corn, beans, pork, fish and seafood.

El Union Coffee

They call themselves the 7th best coffee shop in Elyu. El union offers super chill ambience, comfort food such as grilled cheese. The s’mores and freshly baked cookies skillet along with really good cold brew latte, are the perfect to start or end your San Juan experience. Must try: Cold brew latte and Cold Brew Mocha.

The Coffee Library

If you’re a true blue coffee aficionado, Coffee Library offers different kinds of coffee, from Vietnamese to Turkish coffee, name it, they have it! Plus they offer a nice set of meal good for any time of the day. 3 things you must try: Beef Phò, Crispy Kare Kare and Grilled Pork Chops.

Restaurante Boronía

The Boronía serves very traditional dishes typical of the “Puerto Rican mother” such as rice with octopus and mofongo with shrimp filling.

Parrot Club

Typical Puerto Rican food with fish and seafood, always with a gourmet touch; there is also the option of artisan hamburgers.

The Parrot drink – made with frozen orange and passion fruit, liqueur and rum – is great for those who like citrus flavours.