In January, this busy thoroughfare is the stage for the annual Fiestas de San Sebastián, a dazzling celebration of Puerto Rican culture.Īllow a couple of hours to tour San Juan’s crown jewels – the beautiful citadels of El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal – and gain a deeper understanding at the Museo de las Américas, which highlights San Juan’s rich cultural influences.įor dinner, take your pick of Old San Juan’s hot new restaurants – a favorite is Italian bistro, Bacaro, just a short walk from Plaza de Armas. Start your stroll on Calle San Sebastián, a picture-perfect introduction to Old San Juan, with pastel-painted buildings wrapped with wrought-iron balconies. On 500-year-old cobblestone streets, chic boutique hotels and contemporary art galleries nudge up against trend-driven restaurants and sleek cocktail bars. You’ll need at least a day to fully explore the neighborhood’s historic showpieces, which stand testament to San Juan’s proud status as the second oldest city in the Americas. Occupying a narrow headland jutting out into the bay, Old San Juan is the historic heart of the city. Introducing Puerto Rico Old San Juan is the city's historic heart Here’s our selection of the best neighborhoods in San Juan. Despite rapid gentrification, San Juan remains true to itself, and it's a safe, welcoming and accessible city for spontaneous wandering. The upscale residential districts of Miramar, Isla Grande and Ocean Park offer more pockets of interest for visitors – celebrity-helmed restaurants, art galleries and live music venues. In chic Condado and Isla Verde, luxe resorts tower over golden sands where families throw themselves into myriad water sports and stroll along tree-lined boulevards dotted with chain stores and designer boutiques. In arty Santurce, a passion for all things local brings a slew of concept boutiques, locavore restaurants and cool coffee shops. In Old San Juan, the sounds of salsa and reggaetón fill historic squares lined with Spanish townhomes. San Juan, the rainbow-hued capital of Puerto Rico, is a vibrant hub for music, food and culture, and the best way to explore is to roam to its fascinating, fun-filled neighborhoods. Lonely Planet has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico.