Guidebook for San Juan
Essentials
The main square in front of City Hall is Plaza de Armas. You can find many things you might need around it like: Grocery store, Pharmacy, Subway, Ice cream, coffee, juice bar, Marshall’s - discount retail chain, among others).
26 locals recommend
Plaza de Armas
The main square in front of City Hall is Plaza de Armas. You can find many things you might need around it like: Grocery store, Pharmacy, Subway, Ice cream, coffee, juice bar, Marshall’s - discount retail chain, among others).
Every thing you may need if you forgot to pack well for your trip to San Juan. Snacks, alcohol, water, and bug repellent. Reasonably priced with friendly and helpful staff right in the heart of Old Town. They also have a good assortment of delicious hazelnut chocolates that you don't see on the mainland very often.
41 locals recommend
Puerto Rico Drug
157 C. de La CruzEvery thing you may need if you forgot to pack well for your trip to San Juan. Snacks, alcohol, water, and bug repellent. Reasonably priced with friendly and helpful staff right in the heart of Old Town. They also have a good assortment of delicious hazelnut chocolates that you don't see on the mainland very often.
CVS
1307 Ashford AveIt's a CVS.
United States Postal Service
100 C. P.º de ColónMail your postcards from here!
Food Scene
Café Finca Cialitos
267 C. de San FranciscoOur favorite spot!
Café Cuatro Sombras
259 C. del Recinto SurAnother good one!
Café Cola'o
Calle MarinaDelicioso!
Chocobar Cortés
210 C. de San FranciscoSome of the best chocolate around!
El Jibarito
280 C. del SolAmazing Puerto Rican food for lunch or dinner.
Cafeteria Luar
668 C. de MallorcaDelicious Puerto Rican food for breakfast, lunch AND dinner.
Authentic Puerto Rican food and Soul food; the owner/chef is from island of Nevis. Good prices. Try the chicken curry!
19 locals recommend
Fatty's
Authentic Puerto Rican food and Soul food; the owner/chef is from island of Nevis. Good prices. Try the chicken curry!
A great spot to work out of during the day. The food is healthy, has creative options and is reasonably priced. The service is friendly as well.
70 locals recommend
St. Germain
156 Sol StreetA great spot to work out of during the day. The food is healthy, has creative options and is reasonably priced. The service is friendly as well.
If you are looking for a quick bite that's really good while you are in Old San Juan then you must visit this sandwich shop. It has a large menu full of Puerto Rican and Caribbean sandwiches.
17 locals recommend
El Mesón Sandwiches (Viejo San Juan)
163 C. San JoséIf you are looking for a quick bite that's really good while you are in Old San Juan then you must visit this sandwich shop. It has a large menu full of Puerto Rican and Caribbean sandwiches.
Wow, the flavors of the food here is excellent. Best meal I have had in San Juan. The staff is extremely friendly and the timing between servings is ideal. Great hidden gem!
67 locals recommend
Verde Mesa
Calle San JoséWow, the flavors of the food here is excellent. Best meal I have had in San Juan. The staff is extremely friendly and the timing between servings is ideal. Great hidden gem!
A great place to break out of the heat of the Caribbean, enjoy some conversation and a brew or two. Appeals to a younger crowd looking for a meal and good times on a budget.
211 locals recommend
Pirilo Pizza
2000 Av. McLearyA great place to break out of the heat of the Caribbean, enjoy some conversation and a brew or two. Appeals to a younger crowd looking for a meal and good times on a budget.
All of the Paletas are made with 100% real fruit and from local farmers. So delicious!
53 locals recommend
Señor Paleta
153 C. de TetuánAll of the Paletas are made with 100% real fruit and from local farmers. So delicious!
Drinks & Nightlife
Located in old San Juan, this place can get pretty busy, but If you like microbrews, this is your place! I liked the video tap list of 40 taps, plus a booklet of bottle beer options. The music is chill and you'll really enjoy the ambiance of such a cool mix of old and new.
123 locals recommend
La Taberna Lúpulo
151 C. San SebastiánLocated in old San Juan, this place can get pretty busy, but If you like microbrews, this is your place! I liked the video tap list of 40 taps, plus a booklet of bottle beer options. The music is chill and you'll really enjoy the ambiance of such a cool mix of old and new.
Shopping
SuperMax
114 Avenida José de DiegoGrocery store with good selection of snacks for budget travelers.
My favorite shopping center in Puerto Rico! Great variety of stores, nice and attentive people, ample covered parking, clean common areas and a many options for food.
607 locals recommend
Plaza Las Americas
525 Av. Franklin Delano RooseveltMy favorite shopping center in Puerto Rico! Great variety of stores, nice and attentive people, ample covered parking, clean common areas and a many options for food.
Arts & Culture
Very cool artwork from jewelry to magnets to wall art. Great staff, and its a wonderful place to pick up some truly beautiful and authentic souvenirs. Reasonable pricing, only problem is that its hard to pick what you want!
15 locals recommend
Puerto Rican Art & Crafts
204 C. de la FortalezaVery cool artwork from jewelry to magnets to wall art. Great staff, and its a wonderful place to pick up some truly beautiful and authentic souvenirs. Reasonable pricing, only problem is that its hard to pick what you want!
Getting Around
In front of the Cathedral (Calle Cristo), next to our building, you can take a taxi of the Puerto Rico taxi company. Their cars are white with a logo that says taxi turístico. They are trustworthy. Make sure they give you the rate before you get on it.
83 locals recommend
Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
151 C. del CristoIn front of the Cathedral (Calle Cristo), next to our building, you can take a taxi of the Puerto Rico taxi company. Their cars are white with a logo that says taxi turístico. They are trustworthy. Make sure they give you the rate before you get on it.
Funny, helpful and informative tour of the history, culture, and politics of Puerto Rico. Visit a Farmers market, an old fort, a park and the Capital building. So enjoyable and a great workout!
21 locals recommend
Rent the Bicycle
100 C. del MuelleFunny, helpful and informative tour of the history, culture, and politics of Puerto Rico. Visit a Farmers market, an old fort, a park and the Capital building. So enjoyable and a great workout!
Parks & Nature
You'll want to immediately claim your spot and jump in the clear waters. The waters are calm, but when the ocean waves hit the rock walls, water comes in and creates some fun wave action.
8 locals recommend
Playa Peña Beach
You'll want to immediately claim your spot and jump in the clear waters. The waters are calm, but when the ocean waves hit the rock walls, water comes in and creates some fun wave action.
Escambron is a bigger beach, usually has a lifeguard and police, the quality of the water is measured and flags are placed for different notifications. It also has kiosks where you can eat or drink something.
118 locals recommend
Escambrón Beach Club
Calle San AgustínEscambron is a bigger beach, usually has a lifeguard and police, the quality of the water is measured and flags are placed for different notifications. It also has kiosks where you can eat or drink something.