There are a lot of places to see in San Juan. You can go to the Museo de las Americas, visit La Perla, or spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach. During your stay, don’t forget to visit the Calle del Cristo park, located near the fortification walls of Old San Juan.
La Perla
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a day in San Juan, consider visiting La Perla, one of the old neighborhoods. This historic neighborhood is one of the oldest in Puerto Rico and is home to more than a thousand people. Its residents, though poor, have worked to improve their living conditions. They have painted their homes in vibrant colors and installed murals in the village squares. Businesses have also taken advantage of the area’s unique vantage point. Today, La Perla’s residents hope tourism will help the community grow. The area has been economically challenged for many generations, so the residents are hoping tourism can bring some financial relief.
Located just outside of Old San Juan, La Perla is a unique community. The area is named for a Spanish fort and is adjacent to the beautiful cemetery of Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis. In the early days of San Juan, La Perla was home to slaves, non-white servants, and homeless people. Today, it is a beautiful neighborhood full of history and culture.
While most visitors to San Juan are not likely to face theft or pickpocketing incidents, it is important to be cautious. Never leave your valuables unattended, and make sure to lock your car door. It is also helpful to travel in a large group, because large crowds will deter criminals.
Museo de las Americas
This museum houses the art and history of the Americas. Set in 1800s army barracks, the museum contains pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. There are more than 300 pieces on display, which are housed in various rooms. There are also several temporary exhibitions.
The museum is housed on the second floor of a building that served as barracks for Spanish soldiers in the 1800s. The museum features permanent and changing exhibitions that detail the development of life in the Americas. Exhibits include pottery, paintings, and household items. The museum also has a bookstore that stocks books.
For families, the museum offers a wide variety of activities for children. On the first Sunday of each month, there are local artists’ demonstrations. Visitors can purchase handcrafted items from these artists. There is also a children’s workshop every Saturday at 2:00pm. It costs $5.00 for materials and includes admission to the collections. Children can also visit the museum for free on the third Thursday of the month.
This museum is a must-see when visiting San Juan. The exhibits are fantastic and the museum itself is beautifully designed. Although some exhibits don’t have English translations, you can still enjoy the artifacts. The museum is also located across from a parking lot, which makes it convenient for visitors driving into the city.
Ocean Park Beach
If you’re looking for a great public beach, you’ve come to the right place. Ocean Park Beach in San Juan is a long, wide, and free-access beach located in the Santurce neighborhood. Historically, it was the terminus of the San Juan–Condado streetcar line.
This beach offers a tropical feel and several romantic shaded areas. It is a great place to spend the afternoon in a hammock and relax. You can also play beach volleyball or tennis here. Don’t forget to talk to the locals and try their food! Puerto Ricans are extremely friendly, and they can be a great place to make friends.
Many San Juan locals love this beach because it’s close to Condado Beach and a quick walk away from the city’s chaos. It’s also home to Numero 1 Guest house, a great place for gay visitors to hang out with the locals. Taxis can be hired to take you to the beach.
The sand is soft on the back of Ocean Park Beach and compact near the shore. The beach is a popular spot for dog owners. However, there may be certain sections of the beach that are closed to dogs because of turtle nesting.
La Factoria
The La Factoria, one of the many places to go in San Juan, is a new cocktail bar that opened in 2013. The main bar is called El Facto, and there are five other bars located throughout the property. Each has a different theme, menu, and drinks. The drinks at La Factoria can be spicy, sweet, bitter, or any combination. The staff is friendly and the vibe is relaxed. If you’re looking for a late night party, La Factoria has a dance floor and tapas.
The cuisine at La Factoria is international. The chef’s creative menu features cuisine from Southeast Asia. You can choose from dishes such as banh mi, Thai curries, and the healing tom yum soup. There are also vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The La Factoria is a hidden gem. The bar opened just a few years ago, but it still packs in the crowds most nights of the week. It’s also the location of the hit song “Despacito.” Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in salsa dancing, La Factoria is the place to be. The six bars here all have different themes and vibes, but all are unified by a passion for music.
One of the best places to go in San Juan is La Factoria. This legendary San Juan bar makes “Best of” lists all the time. It was recently named #5 in the World’s Best Bars list by Frommer’s. It’s always a fun night out!
La Placita
If you’re looking for a place to spend your evenings in San Juan, you might want to visit La Placita. This neighborhood is an historic district that is a popular nightlife destination. In the past, it was the city’s old market square, which is still active as a produce market during the day.
The La Placita area has a large selection of good restaurants. One example is the Santaella restaurant on Calle Canals. Here, chef Jose Santaella takes local ingredients and classic comida criolla to a new level of fine dining. The restaurant also offers a full bar and cocktail menu.
La Placita is also an excellent place to dance. If you’re into Latin music, the house DJ at Mijani The Club will keep you moving all night. There’s a happy hour all night every day, and salsa music is performed on Thursday nights. Another hip, funky place to dance in San Juan is Jungle Bird. It’s located in popular nightlife district 7 and offers drink specials and free salsa dancing.
La Placita in San Juan is also a good place for nightlife. The area is populated with bars and restaurants and is the perfect place to dance the night away. The nightlife scene here is the most energetic and vibrant. The plaza is bustling with energy from late afternoon until early morning.
La Fortaleza
Located in San Juan, La Fortaleza is the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico. This historic building, also known as Palacio de Santa Catalina, was built between 1533 and 1540 and is one of the oldest executive mansions still in use in the New World.
The neoclassical building has three floors and features a grand neoclassic facade. Visitors can view the governor’s office from a balcony on the second floor. The governor makes his public appearance there on Inauguration day, and the building is adorned with a white flag featuring the crest of Puerto Rico. Once inside, the building contains a state staircase, which is an impressive sight.
For those who are not into history, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the park. Visitors can go kayaking or take a guided tour of the city. Some tours even include views of local wildlife or mangroves. The tour lasts about two hours and is suitable for all ages. Visitors should bring water as this is a strenuous exercise.
The Fortaleza is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. The Palace is located on Fortaleza Street, which is the oldest street in the historic quarter. It begins at Columbus Square and runs westward, passing government buildings, hotels, perfumeries, and craft shops. The street eventually becomes Avenue Juan Ponce de Leon to the east.
