PUerto Rico

San Juan

THINGS TO DO 

El Yungue: Hike the oldest tropical rainforest in the US territories! Equally rich in history and hues.

La Parguera: Rent a boat and visit the beautiful islands, cays, or islets and stay in a floating house.

La Placita de Santurce: When you go during daylight it’s a beautiful farmers market with ripe fruits, local foods, and freshly squeezed juices.

Old San Juan: Get immersed in history, architecture, art, and much more. Did we mention they have forts?

Visit Small Islands: Both Vieques and Culebra offer clear waters and white sand beaches. Plus, Flamenco Beach & Culebrita at Culebra are truly breathtaking in their own right.

Rincon: True island living, the surf capital of Puerto Rico. Pop down, catch some swell, and get pitted.

 

PLACES TO EAT

Local Joints

Casita Mairamar: Come here for the classics. Like eating at your grandmas house. 

Kisosks at Luquillo: These pop-up vendors are the end-all-be-all for authentic street food.

La Cueva del Mar: Incredible seafood-as fresh as it gets!

Doña Ana: Experience the true island vibes at the local spot
Vegan/Vegetarian

Berlingeri: This is a haven for great vegan food. Interesting flavors and awesome staff in a tranquil space.

Bori Vegan: There are heaps of insanely healthy choices. Order anything with avocado, you will not be disappointed.

Pure & Natural: Fresh food and great juice bar. Casual atmosphere and is another fantastic option with a plethora of satisfying meals.
Upscale/Creative Cuisine

Avocado: An ideal space for a romantic cocktail on the island. Known for its specialty drinks and outstanding service.

Cocina Abierta: An upscale and interesting dining experience in the middle of San Juan. This beautiful, chic space offers a seasonal menu that includes some of the finest ingredients the island produces.

Gallo Negro: Creative menu with diverse flavors and unique dishes. Go if you’re trying to mix it up! 

Jose Enrique: A simplistic place that, although unassuming, will blow you away with beautiful plating.

Marmalade: Widely known among locals and food critics to be one of the top restaurants on the island. Not to be missed.

Sabrina: Charming, relaxing ambiance with a friendly staff and plenty options for everyone.

Santaella: Put this on your “must eat.” Just trust us.

Soda: Seasonal small plate menu. If you want the local friendliness, beauty, and mouthwatering food this is your spot.
Coffee shops

Hacienda San Pedro: Great locally sourced coffee in an island oasis.

Café con Cé: Hip coffee spot that doesn’t disappoint. The coffee is grown and harvested locally, making it rich and robust. Plus, the baked goods are a must!

Gustos Coffee: Sandwiches are always fresh and locally sourced. Their pastries and desserts are also a must-have. Side note, we always order their soup of the day.

Brunch

Abracadabra: A cozy family-oriented establishment that will leave you happy, full, yet somehow ready for round two.

Tia: Order the Pumpkin Pancake because we you want to cry from happiness and pure elation.

Bistro Cafe: The coffee is delicious and their the service is the BEST you can find. We highly recommend it to everyone who loves coffee and friendly banter as much as we do.

Mrs. Potts Bakeshop Bistro: Order the benny eggs and you will not regret it. This special spot is perfect for anyone and everyone to enjoy themselves at.

 

PLACES TO DRINK

Bar La Unidad: Speak-easy experience with craft cocktails. 

Lote 23: Complete with outdoor food and drink. Peep their food truck stands.

La Placita: The happening spot on Fridays. Everyone shows out for a memorable time.

Eco Sports Park: Rent beach volleyballs, rackets for beach tennis, play beer pong, and most importantly, DRINK. Any day of the week you can do it all and it’s always buzzing.

La Factoria: Best on a Saturday night for fun drinks and a late night. In the heart of Old San Juan.

Calle Loiza:  This lively strip is home to a wide-range of energetic and diverse nightlife. Some notables are: La Coctelera, Tres Be, snag some sushi at Dos Palillos, and finish your night at Sabrina.

 

PLACES TO STAY

Hip Neighborhoods: Isla Verde, Ocean Park, Punta la Marias, and Condado — In all of these colorful pockets of town, Airbnb is the best bet. You can find handfuls of hostels if you’re looking to go cheaper, but Airbnbs have comparable rates and are usually much cleaner.

 

TRANSPORTATION

If you’re doing a day-long activity at El Yungue, La Parguera, or Rincon, definitely rent a car.

 

TIPS

An island specialty, try rice and beans, mofongo, tostones, and fresh grapefruit juice from any local joint! Also, while you’re in Puerto Rico cherish every minute. Everything feels a pace or two slower, so relax and soak up the beautiful landscapes, people, and customs.