Old San Juan is like a museum of living history.
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.
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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 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.
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
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.
In this interview, Ien chats about the music scene in San Juan and the LGBTQ community on the island.
The interior is just as creative as the menu at Bistro Café in Carolina.
Taste the globe-trotting culinary offerings of this coastal town.
Paseo Lineal's scenic pathways and trails in Bayamón are perfect for walking and running, skating and biking.
Explore Puerto Rico’s second-largest city.
El Morro Fort in San Juan.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro marks Puerto Rico’s legacy within the Caribbean.
Enjoy some refreshing, cold coconut water while in Piñones.
Pack your first visit to the Island with adventure and fun.
El Morro Fort in San Juan.
Explore the treasures of this colonial-yet-cosmopolitan city.
Visit 1919 for a memorable fine-dining experience inside the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
Puerto Rico’s capital city is a true dining destination.
Sunset at Isla Verde Beach in Carolina
Soak in the sun during the day and party it up at night