This sunny, vibrant island will give you the sensation that you are technically in the United States, but in a completely different country. (Same currency, same president, and no passport required) Gas is sold by the gallon, roads by kilometer, and Spanish is taught by the word. This trip is a three-for-one bargain, with Caribbean beaches, rainforests, and stunning mountainscapes. There's also the added bonus of three bioluminescent Bays. Puerto Rico has enough to do and see to keep you busy all week.
San Juan offers more than charming old things and tourist shops. San Juan is a mosaic, of ever-changing neighborhoods. From the cosmopolitan Miami vibes in Condado to hipster bars and street art in Santurce. Here are the top things to do whether you're in San Juan for a day or a week.
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Explore some of the oldest American forts
Let's do the touristy-but-can't-miss stuff first, shall we? San Juan's north face is dominated by two massive citadels. Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known as El Morro, is located to the west. It's one of Puerto Rico's most famous attractions. El Morro, with its strategic position overlooking San Juan Bay and the port city of Puerto Rico from 1539 until as recently as WWII, defended this city.
Castillo San Cristobal is included in the $10 price of entry into El Morro. San Cristobal, the little sister of El Morro, is also cool! The largest European fortification on the American continent, it features the Devil's Guerite. According to legend, soldiers would disappear at random while standing guard in this sentry box.
The walk between the two forts is about a mile long. It's breathtaking with the pastel houses and blue sea on either side. The mammoth esplanade in front of El Morro is a popular spot for national gatherings and a good place to relax.
Visit the Governor's House
You can walk along the waterfront to La Fortaleza (another walled compound) where the governor of the island lives after you've visited the forts. It's not possible to enter, as it's the Governor's office and home. But you can see the compound from the gate. In recent years the first lady took the initiative to decorate Fortaleza Street, leading up to the main gate. In the past, it was decorated with kites and butterflies, hundreds of umbrellas in different colors, and even a giant Puerto Rican Flag. Who knows what will be on display when you arrive?
Snap a selfie at La Puerta de la Bandera
Since 2012, the doors of an old building on San Jose Street are a symbol for Puerto Ricans who live in the current economic crisis. The doors were originally painted with the Puerto Rican Flag by artist Rosenda Alvarez. Four years later she revisited her mural, muted the colors of the flag, and painted them black. This change was a visual critique of the controversial fiscal board, which now controls island finances. Tourists and locals alike love to take pictures of the building.
Search for local (dead prominent) figures in the cemetery
Tourists often overlook this colonial cemetery, despite its proximity to El Morro. The cemetery is located just outside of the wall facing the sea. Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery contains the graves of many Puerto Ricans.
Fruity drinks to cool you down
Do not hesitate if you see a small cart with "piraguas", written on it! The flavored syrups include cherry, passionfruit, and strawberry. Other flavors include tamarind, coconut, and lemon. They're unfortunately a dying tradition but you can still find them in Old San Juan near El Morro or Paseo la Princesa.
Homemade popsicles are also sold at the front door of residents, for about $1. Paletas are flavored with almost every fruit found on the island. Guava. Coconut. Coconut. The orange-and-cream mix was a bit gooier than I expected but also refreshing. This was needed around midday, in summer when the city is, let's just say, oppressively warm.
