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San Juan Travel Guide & Information


Capital and the largest city of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to some of the Caribbean`s best harbors. Travelers from world over can take a cheap flight to San Juan, which is a contrasting city with an intriguing mix of the old and the new. Home to the walled city that dates back to 1510, Old San Juan showcases the unique cultural identity and architectural treasures that are at least four centuries old. Travelers can reserve their evenings for a stroll along the city`s cobblestone streets that are dotted with pastel colored museums, buildings, boutiques, mansions and nightclubs. The Paseo de la Princesa, a newly revamped promenade, is a favorite of couples for a romantic walk at night when it gets wonderfully illuminated. After getting tired of visiting San Juan`s fabulous attractions, travelers can head straight to the splendid beaches to unwind. Another interesting way to experience the true spirit of San Juan is to attend the numerous music events and festivals that celebrate the city`s rich cultural heritage.

Things to do in San Juan

One of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, San Juan is a top travel destination that has much to offer to its visitors. The best way to explore and experience this compact city is by taking a self directed or guided walking tour. Take a cheap flight to San Juan to enkoy some of the best San Juan attractions that include:

Old San Juan:Spread over seven blocks, the Old San Juan area is around 500 years old. This area served as a military stronghold during the Spanish occupation of the city. Enclosed in thick and high walls, Old San Juan features a large number of attractive plazas that include wonderful memorials and sculptures.

Saint John the Baptist Cathedral:Built by the first bishop of Puerto Rico in 1521, Saint John the Baptist Cathedral got destroyed by a hurricane in 1526. The current medieval structure featuring Doric columns and elliptical vaults dates back to 1540.

La Fortaleza:Built in 1540, the La Fortaleza was originally a fortress that guarded the entrance to San Juan harbor. Later, the structure became the official residence of the governor. The structure was remodeled in 1846 to get a wonderful neoclassical faade.

Casa del Libro:Casa del Libro is an 18th century mansion that houses a great collection of illustrations, rare sketches, ancient manuscripts and books. The two royal mandates signed by Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain regarding the provisioning of the fleet of Christopher Columbus are the most prized possessions of Casa del Libro.

Where to Stay in San Juan

San Juan is a huge city with a wide range of accommodation options. However, cheap hotel reservation is a difficult proposition in this city that does not have European style youth hostels. Even a basic hotel in the city could charge travelers around $100, whereas the room rate for luxury hotels and resorts could go upwards of $300.

Budget and mid-range Accommodation Options:Well positioned and comfortable vacation apartments with fully equipped kitchens can be the best lodging options in San Juan for the budget conscious travelers. These can be found at a walking distance from beaches near areas like Isla Verde, Ocean Park and Condado. Some of the best accommodation options in the mid-range category include Alasol, At Wind Chimes Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn, Doubletree by Hilton, Palm View Realty, Le Consulate, San Miguel Plaza Hotel and Tu Casa Boutique Hotel.Luxury Accommodation Options:Travelers who are ready to splurge would love their stay at the modern and super luxurious five star hotels and resorts in San Juan. Offering several restaurants, casinos and bars, along with a spectacular view of the city, luxury hotels provide travelers to San Juan with a memorable experience. Caribe Hilton, La Concha a Renaissance Resort, Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino, El Convento Hotel, El Conquistador Resort, El San Juan Hotel & Casino, InterContinental San Juan Resort & Casino, San Juan Marriott Resort and SJ Suites are amongst the best accommodation options for travelers who don`t mind splurging on luxuries.

Passport & Visa Requirements

All nationals intending to visit San Juan in Puerto Rico must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months from the departure date. Nationals of United States arriving directly from the mainland, Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Island, Virgin Islands and Swains Island are exempted from carrying a passport.

A visa is not required by the nationals of United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Ireland and New Zealand. All travelers to San Juan must also have onward journey tickets and documents to enter into the city.

When to visit San Juan

As is the case with all Caribbean destinations, San Juan is good to be visited any time of the year. The warm and humid weather is almost a constant all through the year. The hurricane season in San Juan begins in May and ends in October. Travelers should keep a tab on the weather updates and hurricane warnings before boarding their flight to the city.

San Juan Weather

San Juan enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with the average annual temperature hovering close to about 80 degree Fahrenheit. The temperature in winter hovers around 60 degree Fahrenheit and rises till about 90 degree Fahrenheit during the summer months. San Juan experiences a well distributed rainfall with January, February and March being the driest months.

Currency and Language

Currency:US Dollar is the unit of currency used in San Juan. ATMs can be easily found all around the city, especially in the tourist beach resort areas.

Language:Spanish and English are the official languages of San Juan, Puerto Rico. English is widely spoken and understood in all tourist areas.
Getting to San Juan
Map of San Juan