Hotel El Convento's ocean views, in Old San Juan.
Discover amazing food, drinks, and shops while exploring the urban side of Puerto Rico, where history and culture intersect with bustling city life.
The metropolitan area refers to seven towns that make up the urban “downtown” of Puerto Rico, including the capital, San Juan, a city with over 500 years of history.
Search the Puerto Rico Metro Directory
Old San Juan is like a museum of living history, where you can explore the impressive San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal castles or just wander through the cobblestone streets and soak up the unique architecture of the city.
In this region you'll also find attractions such as the Casa Bacardí distillery, in Cataño, where you can learn about the history of rum and enjoy tasting different varieties. You could also visit Plaza Las Américas, which is the largest shopping center in the Caribbean.
The metro area also has museums for adults and children, picture-perfect beaches, and large hotels with casinos, such as the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino and the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino.
Over-the-ocean spa treatment at the Spa at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
The metropolitan area has dozens of charming lodging options, from hip to historic. La Concha Renaissance San Juan Resort is an AAA Four Diamond lifestyle resort and nightlife destination whose restaurant is a prime example of Tropical Modern design. For pet-friendly accommodations in Old San Juan, consider the Decanter Hotel. You’ll also find award-winning boutique hotels such as O:live and Serafina Beach, as well as historic hotels like CasaBlanca and El Convento. For comfortable minimalism, opt for the AC Hotel, which is a thoughtfully designed modern property.
San Juan is home to some of the island’s most famous restaurants and celebrated chefs. If you love to eat, plan on getting some reservations and splurging one night while you’re here. You’ll also find plenty of budget-friendly-but-delicious eateries specializing in traditional Puerto Rican dishes and seafood throughout San Juan, Condado, and the surrounding areas. Calle Loíza in the trendy Santurce district is an area full of restaurants, if you want to enjoy great food and fun local ambiance.
Towns in this region: San Juan, Cataño, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Bayamón, Guaynabo, and Carolina.
Getting there: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is located in the metro area; Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) is about two hours away; the island’s busiest cruise terminal is located in San Juan.
Historic forts meet modern skyscrapers in San Juan.
Experience San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital and center of history and culture.
Explore San Juan
Downtown Bayamón.
Museums, sports, and family attractions are among the top reasons to visit Bayamón.
Explore Bayamón
Isla Verde Beach in Carolina, located just east of San Juan.
Carolina is known as the Land of Giants because it is the birthplace of many Puerto Rican heroes.
Explore Carolina
Sunset at Isla Verde Beach in Carolina
Soak in the sun during the day and party it up at night
If you're looking to do some shopping, Old San Juan features a mix of classic cruise port stops and traditional souvenir shops.
How to make the most out of your time in Old San Juan, even if you just have a few hours.
El San Juan Hotel's stunning pool and beach at sunrise.
From luxury resorts to family-friendly accommodations
An exhibit at the Museo de Arte de Bayamón.
From athletes to poets, this town has produced many renowned people
Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan.
A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination.
The elegant lounge at the Condado Vanderbilt overlooks the ocean.
Stunning beachfront resorts to hotels immersed in culture and history
Mixology in action at Gallo Negro.
Enjoy San Juan's vibrant nightlife.
A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan.
Combine the tastes of Puerto Rico with its rich history for an all-around delicious experience
If you love to dance, then you'll have a good time in Puerto Rico.
Don't forget to pack your dancing shoes when traveling to Puerto Rico.