As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
Over 5 million people visit San Juan Puerto Rico each year for its old town full of cobblestone streets, 400+ restored Spanish colonial-style buildings with wrought iron balconies, city squares, sculptures, edgy street art, umbrella street, gorgeous beaches, salsa dancing, rum tasting and Pina Coladas.
One of San Juan’s must-see attractions is the old town. Water lovers will enjoy a day trip of snorkeling on Icacos Island. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, be sure to visit Santurce. If you love spending time outdoors and adventure sports you will not want to miss El Yunque Rain Forest. As you can see, you will have no problem filling your week in San Juan Puerto Rico with amazing experiences. Enjoy your time out of the office!
How to Spend a Week in San Juan Puerto Rico
Day One: Arrival
Arrive at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and Uber to your resort. Check-in, get settled and enjoy a cocktail at the pool. I stayed at the Hilton Caribe Hotel. Did you know the Pina Colada was invented in San Juan? Yes, at the Caribe Hotel, be sure to stop in for one.
I recommend this beachfront hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Condado Beach. The Caribe is not close to Old Town but it is a quick and easy Uber ride. Check out my walk-through video of the Caribe Hotel and read more about it in the description.
Day Two: Snorkel on Icacos Island
Book a snorkeling tour to Icacos Island. Begin with a lively catamaran ride to the deserted island of Icacos full of music and rum punch. Spend the day snorkeling and playing the water before returning to the mainland.
Day Three: Old Town San Juan and Food Tour
Spend the day exploring Old San Juan’s colorful architecture. Be sure to stop at the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, feed the pigeons at Parque de las Palomas, walk under the umbrellas on Los Paraguas de la Fortaleza, and enjoy a Pina Colada at Barrachina.
Book the Old San Juan Sunset Walk & Taste Food Tour for dinner, it’s the perfect way to learn the history of Old San Juan and try the local specialties.
Day Four: Beach Time and Casa Bacardi
Take a walk on Condado Beach and stop for lunch at La Margueta Food Hall, or, spend the morning relaxing at the pool. Head to Casa Bacardi in the late afternoon for a rum-tasting experience or mixology class.
Day Five: El Yunque Rain Forest
Book an excursion to the El Yunque Rain Forest. Spend the day hiking to waterfalls, cliff jumping, and gliding down a natural waterslide. Note: the hike to the natural waterslides is strenuous and involves rock scrambling.
Looking for something to do in the evening? Check out the many bars and restaurants at Distrito T-Mobile, or, enjoy a rooftop cocktail at the AC Rooftop Bar or the Eter Rooftop Lounge.
Day Six: Isla Verde Beach and Santurce
Grab an Uber to Isla Verde Beach, or, relax next to the pool. Head to Calle Cerra in Santurce in the late afternoon. Wander the street art and hang out with locals having a cocktail (or two).
Things to do in San Juan Puerto Rico
- Wander around the colorful Old San Juan
- Tour Casa Bacardi, the largest rum distillery in the world, and enjoy a rum-tasting
- Head to La Placita for a night out
- Enjoy a cocktail with a view at the AC Rooftop Bar or the Eter Rooftop Lounge
- Take a free tour of La Fortaleza, the Governor’s Mansion
- Walk the city walls at Castillo San Felipe del Morro and enjoy the views
- Check out Castillo de San Cristobal
- Photograph La Casa Estrecha, the narrow house
- See La Perla, a historical shanty town
- Visit Casa Blanca, once the home of Ponce de León
- Stop at Barrachina and enjoy a pina colada where it was invented
- Take a morning walk along Paseo del Morro or Paseo de La Princesa to the San Juan Gate
- The city’s colorful hills from the water on a catamaran cruise
- Learn about the history of Puerto Rico at Museo de las Americas
- Cool off in the Plaza Del Quinto Centenario splash pad
- Wander around Santurce checking out the street art
- Stroll through the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico
- Visit the Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis
- Relax and get some sun at Condado Beach
- Spend a night out at the T-Mobile Entertainment District, and don’t miss the zipline
- Create your own foodie experience at Lote 23 food truck court
- Walk under the umbrellas on Los Paraguas de la Fortaleza
- Stop to feed the pigeons in Parque de las Palomas
Be sure to check the Puerto Rico Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Day Trips from San Juan Puerto Rico
- Tour the El Rio Camuy Caves, the world’s third-largest underground cave system
- Chase waterfalls in El Yunque National Rainforest
- Relax on Culebra Island’s Flamenco Beach, rated one of the top beaches in the world
- Swim in Charco Azul, a natural pool
- Go snorkeling on the deserted Icacos Island, Gilligan’s Island, or Isabela’s Blue Hole
- Kayak Mosquito Bay, a bio-bay in Fajardo Puerto Rico (December to mid-April)
- Scuba dive shipwrecks in the surfer town of Rincon
- Suba dive the Paraguera Wall and stay to see the evening bioluminescent phytoplankton
- Get adventurous at Toro Verde Adventure Park, don’t miss the “Monster” zipline
- See the wild horses and black sand beach on Vieques Island
- Visit Salinas de Cabo Rojo, the pink salt flats
- Spend a day partying on Aguadilla’s Crash Boat Beach
- Eat your way across La Ruta del Lechon, the Pork Highway, in Cayey
- Hike to Cueva Ventana, the Window Cave in
- Go on natural water slides at Las Paylas
Bookmark and Pin Things to Do in San Juan Puerto Rico, One Week Itinerary
Plan Your Trip to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Pick up a Puerto Rico Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Puerto Rico Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Puerto Rico Attractions and Day Trips
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!