The Top 3 Sites to See in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico has something for everyone
I often say that New Orleans has something for everyone, but I think Puerto Rico may have officially dethroned it. Somehow I was about 20 years late to the Puerto Rico party, and even now that I’ve been multiple times, it still draws me back for more.
Puerto Rico is easy to get to and easy to navigate
There are 3 airports on the island
You don’t have to bring your passport
U.S. currency is accepted
It’s only 15 minutes from the airport to Condado and Old San Juan
It’s only one hour ahead of NYC
Top Sites to See in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan- Small enough to cover in just a few hours you’ll see highlights like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and La Fortaleza. Castillo San Felipe del Morro also known as El Morro dates back to 1539 and is a six-level fortress that is considered one of Spain’s major military engineering marvels. The street leading to La Fortaleza has become an iconic shot for tourists and locals alike.
Rum Distilleries- Make the trip to Bacardi (pro tip: take the ferry there and a ride share back) or opt for a 20 minute ride to Ron Del Barrilito. At Bacardi, you’ll learn about the family that still owns the company and what countries consume the most of their products. At Barrilito, the heritage tour tells the story of the oldest Puerto Rican rum, still made in the same place and in the same way since 1880.
Street Parties- La Placita is Santurce's a market by day and the place to be for tourists and locals Thursday-Sunday. Grab an outside seat at Don Ray Cigar and people watch before heading to Jungle Bird for craft cocktails and food from their innovative kitchen. There’s also a street party off Calle de la Tanca (between Calle de San Sebastian and Norzagaray Street) that feels a bit more intimate since it’s in an alley!
The beauty of Puerto Rico
So, besides it being a logistical dream, it also has a rainforest, white beaches, amazing cuisine, a music and art culture, and top notch cocktails. It can be family friendly or romantic, packed with adventure or all about rest and rejuvenation. Puerto Rico relies heavily on tourism so it’s also a good option if you’re looking for a destination where your dollars can contribute to the local economies that need it the most.