5 days in San Juan

Day by day

1. Day 1: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Old San Juan streets and plazas

   Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Old San Juan streets and plazas and Castillo San Cristóbal, then La Placita de Santurce in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Castillo San Felipe del Morro

      Go early before the heat and cruise crowds; one entrance fee covers both El Morro and San Cristóbal. (2 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Old San Juan streets and plazas

      Walk early in the morning or around sunset, when the light is softer and the streets cooler. (Half a day, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Mofongo

      Criollo restaurants in Old San Juan, Santurce and roadside spots island-wide.

   4. Afternoon

      Castillo San Cristóbal

      Look for the sentry box known as the Devil's Garita on the outer walls, and visit San Cristóbal first if arriving from Condado. (1.5 hours, low cost).

   5. Evening

      La Placita de Santurce

      Visit twice: by day for a fresh juice and lunch, then late in the evening for the street party.

2. Day 2: Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro and La Fortaleza

   Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro, La Fortaleza and Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, then La Placita de Santurce in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro

      Walk it in the late afternoon, then enter the city through the San Juan Gate and climb up to the cathedral. (1 hour, free).

   2. Late morning

      La Fortaleza

      Photograph it from the bottom of Calle Fortaleza; access inside is limited, so treat it as an exterior stop. (20 minutes, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Lechón asado

      The lechoneras of Guavate in the mountains south of San Juan, and some restaurants in the city.

   4. Afternoon

      Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

      Dress modestly with covered shoulders, and visit outside Mass times. (30 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      La Placita de Santurce

      Outdoor party around the market square, with bars, salsa and reggaetón, busiest at weekends.

3. Day 3: Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery and Museo de las Américas

   Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, Museo de las Américas and Capitol of Puerto Rico, then Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery

      The view from El Morro's walls is the classic photo; if you walk down, go in daylight and be respectful. (30–45 minutes, free).

   2. Late morning

      Museo de las Américas

      Combine it with El Morro; the barracks courtyard is a shaded break on a hot day. (1–1.5 hours, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Arroz con gandules

      Almost every criollo restaurant and lunch counter.

   4. Afternoon

      Capitol of Puerto Rico

      Walk the waterfront Paseo Lineal behind the Capitol to Escambrón beach for an easy morning outing. (45 minutes, free).

   5. Evening

      Calle San Sebastián, Old San Juan

      Bars and live music along the old town's main nightlife street.

4. Day 4: Day trip to El Yunque National Forest

   About 45 minutes to 1 hour by car each way. Getting there: Car via PR-3, or organised tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to El Yunque National Forest

      About 45 minutes to 1 hour by car (Car via PR-3, or organised tour); about 45 km.

   2. Day

      El Yunque National Forest

      The only tropical rainforest in the US national forest system, with waterfalls, observation towers, trails to swimming holes and the chorus of coquí frogs. Best for families, first-timers and couples.

   3. Evening

      Back in San Juan

      Dinner: try Alcapurrias.

5. Day 5: Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and Santurce murals and Calle Cerra

   Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico, Santurce murals and Calle Cerra and Condado Lagoon, then Calle Loíza in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico

      Follow it with lunch around La Placita de Santurce, a short ride away. (2 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Santurce murals and Calle Cerra

      Walk it in the morning when it is cooler, and stay on the main streets with other people around. (1–2 hours, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Alcapurrias

      Beach kiosks in Piñones and Luquillo.

   4. Afternoon

      Condado Lagoon

      Paddle in the morning before the wind picks up, and keep your distance if you see a manatee. (1–2 hours, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      Calle Loíza

      Cocktail bars, restaurants and small music venues between Condado and Ocean Park.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Old San Juan keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Ocean Park ($$$) suits couples, solo travellers, beach and quiet stays. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 17–21 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11 hours in December to 13.2 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in San Juan
• 2 days in San Juan
• 3 days in San Juan

Questions travellers ask