San Juan Journey Information – Greatest Locations to Go to and Eat At

No passport? No drawback. For a lot of in Higher Manhattan, the coastal metropolis of San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital and largest metropolis, is a staple getaway—a vibrant Caribbean expertise wealthy in Spanish, African, and Taino tradition, with a veritable abundance of conventional meals and a full of life nightlife scene as well. Crack a contemporary coconut and discover miles of seashores earlier than having fun with among the greatest rum on the planet. Cue the salsa.

Flamenco Seaside

Not all seashores are constructed the identical. At the least that’s undoubtedly the case in Culebra, a small island off the coast of San Juan solely accessible by aircraft or boat. With pristine turquoise waters and white sand, it’s the optimum venue for snorkeling and immersing your self in sea life—the island is a nesting web site for big sea turtles and the endangered brown pelicans. Professional tip: E book your tickets for a day journey on a catamaran.

El Yunque Nationwide Forest

Up for an out of doors tour? Look no additional than El Yunque—the solely tropical rainforest in the USA. A favourite of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s, this must-see sight consists of miles of mountaineering, zip-lining, and waterfalls in probably the most various ecosystems on the island. Be ready, because it does (unsurprisingly) rain right here very often. (It isn’t known as the rainforest for nothing.) El Yunque is positioned solely 35 minutes by automotive from the airport, and lots of inns supply day journeys and guided excursions. Discover the rope swing, it’s a should.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

As a New Yorker who likes to stroll all over the place, I shortly fell in love with each colourful cobblestone avenue in Outdated San Juan, lined with pastel-painted buildings and bustling retailers, good for capturing that outfit of the day pic. Ensure that to cease by Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a six-level fortress overlooking the Atlantic ocean on the very tip of city. The views listed here are unmatched—the 500-year-old Spanish fort sits excessive on a hill surrounded by acres of meticulously manicured grounds. How do they mow all that grass? Sip on a piña colada and ponder.

Caña

At Caña, having an incredible meal gained’t be a problem; the toughest half is determining what to order. Whether or not you like avenue stands or eating ocean aspect with magnificent views, chef Juliana Gonzalez has developed a menu utilizing her culinary background of Spanish influences to serve a contemporary tackle traditional Puerto Rican dishes (suppose: blue crab rice and grilled prawns). The restaurant lives contained in the Fairmont El San Juan Lodge, dealing with the shores of Isla Verde seaside—the best vista for an superior solar set.

José Enrique

You should, I repeat, should, have the fish of the day. Named after Puerto Rico’s most embellished chef, the acclaimed José Enrique is housed in an not easily seen constructing, however don’t be fooled: Inside, the attract lives on the desk. From mofongo and pork stomach bites to the beloved bacalaitos (crispy fish flatbread), you’ll shortly understand how Enrique has attracted a lot consideration for mixing native elements right into a plate of deliciousness.

Santaella

Traditional and modern flavors mix at Santaella in the absolute best manner. The menu boasts elevated conventional plates with a distinctly tropical vibe. Take pleasure in staples just like the rice of the day and empanadillas (fried Puerto Rican turnovers), and don’t dare name it quits with out attempting the alcapurrias (fritters)—Jimmy Fallon authorised throughout his final go to to the island.

Membership Brava

The vibes at Membership Brava are merely unmatched. Beforehand referred to as Membership Babylon, the high-energy lounge is a sizzling spot for celebs, along with serving as probably the most vibrant going-out spots on the island. Conveniently positioned contained in the Fairmont El San Juan Lodge, Membership Brava is a good selection for a women’ night time out. We suggest dressing particularly for the flashing neon lights to draw consideration on the dance flooring. In case you’re a visitor of the lodge, then you definately’re in luck, as admission is free.

La Factoría

Voted one of many prime 50 bars in North America for 5 years in a row, La Factoría makes a speciality of craft cocktails and having a very, actually good time. Its signature drink, the Lavender Mule, is a very good selection for listening to salsa. Once you really feel the urge to bop, hit the dance flooring within the again room—and convey a buddy.

Azucena

Pair every criollo-inspired dish with a craft cocktail made by San Juan’s premier mixologists at this common Caribbean restaurant. The customized pairing expertise will shortly make it your favourite upscale eating choice on the island, to not point out the last word setting to have fun your subsequent birthday.

Fairmont El San Juan Lodge

You’ll really feel like the principle character of your personal film at San Juan’s epicenter for tradition and leisure. The newly renovated Fairmont El San Juan Lodge options 11 eating places, lounges, a on line casino, and a health heart. Translation: You may spend a complete day experiencing the facilities. Get your spa sesh in earlier than taking within the dwell cabaret band at Chico Cabaret, adopted by a luxe on line casino expertise. Attempt reserving the newly opened Banyan Villas, full with a personal terrace and direct entry to one of many property’s 4 swimming pools, and just some steps from the seaside. There’s by no means a boring second right here, which makes it very laborious to depart, however when you’re itching to discover, the Fairmont sits simply quarter-hour from Outdated San Juan.

Lodge El Convento

Since 1962, Lodge El Convento has had a robust popularity as Outdated San Juan’s premier boutique lodge. Previously a convent within the coronary heart of Cathedral Sq., the Sixteenth-century El Convento sits subsequent door to among the greatest buying and nightlife within the space. After spending your day on the seaside membership, take a three-minute stroll to La Factoría, or simply take pleasure in a espresso on the terrace as you are taking within the outdated world allure.

Palacio Provincial

As soon as Puerto Rico’s first put up workplace, Palacio Provincial has since underwent a captivating, modern renovation. Primarily, lovely courtyards with open-air eating, rooms with wood-beamed ceilings, polished checkered flooring, 12-foot home windows, and Juliet balconies, and the spotlight: a rooftop infinity pool with a hen’s-eye view of San Juan bay.