San Juan sits on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. It surrounds San Juan Bay and has a lovely shoreline. The communities of Condado, Isla Verde and Ocean Park are all full of welcoming walking paths, charming restaurants and beautiful beaches. Go there to soak up the atmosphere and work on your tan.
There are many remnants of San Juan's history still intact today. The magnificently preserved old Spanish fort of Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a must-see attraction. It is an imposing structure overlooking San Juan Bay. If you are lucky. a cruise ship will sail into port while you are there. It is quite a sight to behold. Historic Old San Juan is joy to experience. Walk its narrow cobblestone streets and gaze at its brightly colored structures. The area dates back to the 1500s.
San Juan offers a multitude of unique shopping opportunities. The streets of Old San Juan are a good place to start. Local products can be found at Plaza Carolina, Plaza del Caribe, Plaza de Aguadilla and Plaza del Carmen. There are also markets and bazaars throughout San Juan. You will stumble upon them everywhere. Hand-rolled cigars, woodwork, ceramics and rum all make great souvenirs.
Everywhere you go in San Juan you are tempted by the aroma of Puerto Rican cuisine. Usually it is pork and plantains, but seafood and chicken dishes are also popular. Famous San Juan restaurants include Augusto's Cuisine, Chef Marisoll and Ramiro's. If you want a great meal at a cheap price, head to one of the nosh pits. They feature roadside stands serving an array of local food.
It is easy to enjoy some great Caribbean diving without leaving San Juan. Head to the Condado district. The beach there provides easy access to the sea. You can see coral formations and bountiful sea life just feet from the shore.
San Juan has an active night life. Most of the clubs are along San Sebastian Street and Calle Forteleza in Old San Juan. Crowds start forming around 11 p.m. and are often there all night long. Be sure to dress to impress and bring lots of money. Clubbing can get expensive in San Juan. This is especially true if you are drinking a lot of mojitos, San Juan's signature drink.
