San Juan, the vibrant capital of Puerto Rico, is a city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern charm. Founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, it is one of the oldest cities in the Americas. San Juan played a key role as a strategic military outpost for Spain, and its historic heart, Old San Juan, still showcases well-preserved colonial architecture, including the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal.
Today, San Juan is a thriving cultural hub known for its colorful streets, lively music scene, beautiful beaches, and warm hospitality. Whether exploring historic landmarks or enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife, San Juan offers a unique blend of past and present.
The Same
Both the DINKs and the family explored the iconic Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets and centuries-old fortresses, but their experiences diverged on subsequent visits. While the family found comfort in the sun and sand, the DINKs dove deeper into the vibrant heart of the city. In this blog, we’ll compare their different takes on San Juan and see who truly made the most of this incredible Caribbean gem.
Local Cuisine
Puerto Rican cuisine is a delightful fusion of Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno influences, resulting in a rich and flavorful culinary tradition. Here are some of the iconic dishes and food items that Puerto Rico is known for:
- Mofongo: This beloved Puerto Rican dish consists of mashed green plantains seasoned with garlic, salt, and olive oil, formed into a ball or mound, and typically served with a filling such as shrimp, chicken, or pork.
- Lechón Asado: Roast pork, or lechón asado, is a traditional Puerto Rican dish often served at special occasions and festivals. The pork is marinated in a blend of garlic, oregano, and other spices, then slow-roasted until tender and crispy on the outside.
- Tostones: Tostones are twice-fried green plantains that are flattened and fried until crispy. They are typically served as a side dish or snack and are often accompanied by a dipping sauce such as garlic aioli or mojo sauce.
- Pernil: Pernil is a popular Puerto Rican dish consisting of slow-roasted pork shoulder marinated in a blend of spices, garlic, and citrus juices. The result is tender, flavorful meat with a crispy exterior, often served with rice and beans.
- Alcapurrias: These deep-fried fritters are made from a mixture of mashed green plantains and yautía (taro root), filled with seasoned ground meat, and then fried until golden brown. They are a popular street food snack in Puerto Rico.
- Bacalaitos: Bacalaitos are crispy salted codfish fritters made from a batter of flour, water, and seasonings. They are fried until golden brown and served hot as a popular appetizer or snack.
- Café con Leche: Puerto Rico takes its coffee seriously, and a café con leche (coffee with milk) is a beloved morning ritual for many residents. The coffee is strong and rich, often served with steamed milk and a touch of sugar.
Old San Juan – San Juan Metropolitan Area
Explore the charming cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and historic forts of Old San Juan. Visit landmarks like El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal, which offer panoramic views of the city and coastline. In Old San Juan, there’s a wealth of activities to immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Puerto Rico. Wander through the charming streets of Old San Juan lined with colorful colonial buildings, historic churches, and charming plazas. We did our own walking tour of the city including:
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also known simply as El Morro. This impressive 16th-century Spanish fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for any visitor to Old San Juan. Explore the massive ramparts, tunnels, and lookout points, all while learning about the fort’s significant role in Puerto Rican history. Allow plenty of time to explore the expansive grounds.
- From El Morro, continue your walk to the San Juan Gate, the sole remaining city gate of the original San Juan fortifications. Built in the 17th century, this impressive structure served as the main entrance to the walled city for centuries.
- La Fortaleza, the impressive Governor’s Mansion of Puerto Rico. The oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Americas, La Fortaleza dates back to the 16th century and is a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture. While tours of the Governor’s Mansion are generally not available, you can admire the exterior and its lovely gardens.
- Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, the oldest church in San Juan. Construction of this beautiful cathedral began in the 1500s, and it has undergone several renovations and restorations over the centuries. Step inside to admire the stained-glass windows, religious artifacts, and stunning architecture.
- Calle Cristo Street, a charming pedestrian walkway lined with colorful colonial buildings, art galleries, souvenir shops, and restaurants. This is a great place to browse for handicrafts, local art, and take a break for a refreshing drink or a delicious Puerto Rican meal.
- Plaza de Armas, a lively public square located in the heart of Old San Juan. This historic square was once used for military drills and executions, but today it’s a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Relax on a bench and soak in the atmosphere, or enjoy the street performers and musicians.
Paseo de la Princesa
For a leisurely afternoon, take a stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa, a scenic promenade located just outside the walls of Old San Juan. The walkway is lined with trees, statues, and street vendors selling local snacks and crafts. At the end of the path, you’ll find the Raíces Fountain, offering a picture-perfect view of the San Juan Bay. The promenade is often filled with live music and cultural events, particularly in the evenings, making it a lovely place to experience the vibrant local culture. It’s a fantastic spot to grab a coffee, people-watch, and soak in the atmosphere.
The DINKs
We have visited Puerto Rico, specifically San Juan several times. We love everything the city has to offer but also enjoy escaping to some of the more quieter beaches in Puerto Rico.
Isla Verde
Isla Verde is a beautiful and lively beach destination in Puerto Rico, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, recreation, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. It is known for its stunning beaches with soft white sands and clear blue waters. The main beach area is lined with resorts, restaurants, and bars, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Isla Verde is conveniently located near the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, making it easily accessible for travelers arriving by air. It’s also just a short drive away from other attractions in San Juan, such as historic Old San Juan and the vibrant Condado district. We actually stopped by on our way to the airport and spend some time walking the beach before we left. You can see planes flying over the beach from the airport. A time later, my husband came back & stayed at an airbnb in the area which was a convenient location since it is so close to San Juan.
Where the Piña Colada was invented
The first Piña Colada is believed to have been invented in Puerto Rico, specifically at the Caribe Hilton Hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan. It is said to have been created by Ramón “Monchito” Marrero in 1954. Inspired by the lush tropical surroundings and the desire to craft a drink that embodied the essence of the island, Marrero experimented with various combinations of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. After several attempts, he perfected the recipe, striking a balance that captured the sweet, creamy flavors of coconut and pineapple, complemented by the rich notes of rum. The Piña Colada quickly gained popularity among locals and tourists alike, becoming synonymous with the relaxed, carefree spirit of Puerto Rico. Its fame spread beyond the island, becoming a beloved cocktail worldwide. A bit pricey but it just might be the best Piña Colada we have ever had.
Where to stay:
We stayed at three different places in Puerto Rico and we would recommend all three depending on what you are looking for in your visit. They include Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, and Aloft San Juan.
Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort
Situated in Isla Verde, a prime beachfront location close to San Juan and conveniently near Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. With direct beach access with a beautiful stretch of sand, it made beach time easy and relaxing. The hotel has multiple dining options, a casino, a fitness center, and an outdoor pool with swim up bar. They had my husband at swim up bar and with a welcome drink included, we enjoyed a couple drinks there as soon as we arrived while waiting for our room to be ready. This hotel is best for those seeking a full-service resort experience with easy access to San Juan’s attractions, as well as beach lovers who want to spend plenty of time enjoying the sand and surf.
Aloft San Juan
Located in the vibrant district of Convention Center, near the heart of San Juan, it offered us a convienent access to the cruise port. (We stayed here prior to taking a Caribbean cruise.) It is close to shopping, dining, nightlife and most importantly to us, the cruise port. There was actually a band playing in the Convention Center courtyard one of the nights we were staying there and it was pretty loud but fun. As with most Alofts, the hotel has a stylish, modern design with a youthful vibe. There is a rooftop pool, fitness center, and the W XYZ bar. This hotel is best for Business travelers who are attending events at the convention center next door, those interested in nightlife, dining, and entertainment within walking distance and those taking a cruise that don’t mind being up a little late.
The Family
Before we had kids, we took a cruise out of Puerto Rico, staying in San Juan before the cruise. We went back with kids twice:
Once for a long weekend relaxing beach trip. There was so much to see and do at the resort where we stayed that we didn’t leave the resort much.
The second time was during a cruise stop in San Juan where we toured the city. We spent the day exploring the charm of Old San Juan, and what a day it was! Our ship docked at a further port, but the cruise line provided free shuttles into town—nice surprise! We walked through the colorful streets, visited both forts, and popped into some local shops. Despite an island-wide power outage, the New Year’s celebrations were still in full swing, with festive areas set up all around.
Summary
In conclusion, both the family and the DINKs experienced the charm of Old San Juan, with its rich history and vibrant streets. However, while the family favored beach time on their subsequent visits, the DINKs ventured further into the city, exploring more of what San Juan has to offer. From the lively markets and local cuisine to the art and cultural scene, the DINKs win this one for making the most of San Juan’s diverse experiences beyond the beach.
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