San Juan, Puerto Rico

While you are in Puerto Rico, the capital city of San Juan is a must to explore with so many hidden treasures to be found here. Not only is this city the economic hub of the country, but it is also the heart and soul of Puerto Rico. Here you can find many beautiful modern buildings, several art galleries, old colonial architecture, museums and some of the best nightlife to experience in the Caribbean.

For the more modern San Juan head to the beaches of Isla Verde, Ocean Park and Condado, where you will find sleek tall buildings, condos and modern high-rises. However, this city’s crown jewel is Old San Juan with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, wrought-iron balconies and lovely courtyards. A walk through this area is like taking a step back in time to an old colonial Spanish city. Here life moves at a slow but steady pace with a calm and laid back feel. Old San Juan offers plenty for tourists to enjoy from restaurants and bars, to numerous clubs and lots of shopping. There are also some museums located here. Old San Juan is the tourist center of the city and is probably the most visually appealing area of the capital.

If you enjoy flashy buildings and hotels head to Condado, while the areas of Miramar and Santurce are home to more middle class families. Ocean Park is a posh private community, with Isla Verde offering an excellent selection of hotels and casinos to enjoy out here. One area of San Juan to avoid is La Perla, which lies north of Old San Juan. This poor neighborhood is not a safe part of town.

For tourists and visitors, some of the best sights in the city can be found in Old San Juan. La Casita offers some good shopping with its weekend craft market, while if you are looking for some history to enjoy, visit the El Arsenal, a former Spanish naval station, which today is home to the institute of fine and decorative arts.