Old San Juan is like a museum of living history.
Metro
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.
REGION FACTS:
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is located in the Metro area and is a short car ride from most San Juan hotels and attractions. Puerto Rico's busiest cruise terminal is located in San Juan.
Aguadilla’s Rafael Hernández Airport (BQN) is about two hours away.
Explore the Metro Region
Callejón, Old San Juan, where cobblestone streets often lead to impromptu dance parties.
Experience San Juan — Puerto Rico's capital. This Island town is a center for history, culture, great food, and beautiful beaches.
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Downtown Bayamón.
Museums, sports, and fun family attractions are among the top reasons to visit Bayamón, Puerto Rico's second-most populated town.
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Isla Verde Beach in Carolina, located just east of San Juan.
Carolina is home to Puerto Rico's main international airport and is known as the Tierra de Gigantes (Land of Giants) because it is the birthplace of many Puerto Rican heroes.
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Paseo de la Princesa, a seaside promenade in Old San Juan where you can step back 500 years in time.
Things to Do
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.
At La Concha Renaissance Resort, the ocean is just a few steps from your room.
Where to Stay
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 Condado Ocean Club, 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.
Artfully plated dish at 1919 Restaurant in the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
Dining & Drinks
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.
It's worth heading over to the Convention Center District to explore Distrito T-Mobile, where you can find a wide selection of restaurants and bars serving everything from authentic criollo to sushi, Spanish tapas, high-quality burgers, and more.
If you're looking to do some shopping, Old San Juan features a mix of classic cruise port stops and traditional souvenir shops.
A Few Hours in Old San Juan: What to Do When You Get Off a Cruise
How to make the most out of your time in Old San Juan, even if you just have a few hours.
Paseo Lineal's scenic pathways and trails in Bayamón are perfect for outdoor activities like running, skating, and biking.
Things to Do in Bayamón
Explore Bayamón, Puerto Rico’s second-largest city. Experience treasured artwork and thriving cocktail scene.
14 Restaurants in San Juan You Can’t Miss
Puerto Rico’s capital city is a true dining destination.
A Street Art Tour of Santurce
Discover the San Juan neighborhood that has emerged as the capital of art in the Caribbean.
El Morro fort in Old San Juan.
Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan
Castillo San Felipe del Morro marks Puerto Rico’s legacy within the Caribbean.
Doña Ana is a mainstay of the Bayamón dining scene.
Where to Eat in Bayamón
Bayamón's nickname is "El Pueblo del Chicharrón" — Pork Rind City — for its fried pork snacks and savory Creole flavors.
Immerse yourself in the history of Old San Juan.
6 Days in the Metro Region of Puerto Rico
Experience where urban escapade meets relaxing paradise.
The interior is just as creative as the menu at Bistro Café in Carolina.
Where to Eat in Carolina
Experience Carolina's beachside chinchorros, authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and savory Latin American influences.
San Juan blends elements of the Old World with all the amenities of modern urban life.
Things to Do in San Juan
As the oldest European-founded city in the Americas, San Juan is the beating heart of history and culture in Puerto Rico.
More Places to Explore
· More Places to Explore · More Places to Explore ·
Cataño is home to Casa BACARDÍ, the largest premium rum distillery in the world.
Cataño
Puerto Rico’s smallest municipality is home to Casa BACARDÍ, the world’s largest premium rum distillery.
Guaynabo's main town square.
Guaynabo
Guaynabo offers a mix of historical significance, modern appeal, and a cosmopolitan vibe.
Toa Baja is known for its beautiful beaches and views.
Toa Baja
Find beaches, unbeatable views, and more ways to relax in this coastal town overlooking Old San Juan.
The town of Trujillo Alto is a short distance from San Juan and Carolina.
Trujillo Alto
Enjoy culinary experiences, fun festivals, and rich traditions near San Juan.
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