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8 Days in San Juan: A Journey of History, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Catherine Palma

Catherine Palma

5 Dec 2023

Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the vibrant streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Discover ancient historic sites, immerse yourself in the local culture, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine. Join me as I explore the hidden gems of this enchanting city.

Trip to San Juan

Day 1Unveiling the Secrets of Isla de Cabras and Historic Basilica
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$116

·

$ 3

Isla de Cabras National Historic Site
National park with a non-swimming beach, ruins of a fort & scenic views, plus a snack bar.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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Free
35 - 42 min

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Directions

Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Landmark 1540 cathedral, second oldest in the Americas, holding tomb of city founder Ponce de León.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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Free
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Patio del Nispero
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$56
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Cafe El Punto
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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$60
Day 2Conquer the Mighty Castillo San Felipe and Savor Bacardi's Legacy
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$183

·

$ 6

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Enduring 16th-century Spanish fortification atop a promontory with cannons pointing seaward.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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$25
30 - 36 min

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Directions

Casa BACARDÍ
Renowned rum distillery featuring historical tours, mixology classes, tastings & an outdoor patio.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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$38
33 - 40 min

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Directions

The Chapel Restaurant & Bar
WE ARE OPEN and offering a full, delicious and affordable menu, ice cold drinks and our amazing hospitality.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$64
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Ostra Cosa Restaurant
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$56
Day 3A Day of Science, Palomas, and Authentic Puerto Rican Coffee
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$124

·

$ 3

Governor Luis A. Ferré Science Park
Park complex offering a science museum with 4D movies, military planes, a mini-zoo & paddle boats.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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Free
25 - 30 min

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Directions

Parque de las Palomas
Small outdoor area featuring park benches, scenic views & a wall offering refuge to many pigeons.
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
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Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Plaza Colón
Tree-lined square close to the old city, with outdoor cafes & a monument to Christopher Columbus.
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
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Free
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Cafe Puerto Rico
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$56
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Caficultura
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$68
Day 4Dive into Art and History at Museo de las Américas and San Cristóbal
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$162

Museo de las Américas
Exhibits in an 1800s army barracks showing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
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$13
13 - 20 min

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Directions

Castillo San Cristóbal
Walled & heavily fortified citadel built 1765-1785 & largest of the Spanish built forts in Americas.
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
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$25
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Caficultura
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$68
2 - 3 min

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Directions

La Cucina di Ivo
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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$56
Day 5Immerse in Artistic Splendor and Vibrant Market Vibes
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$155

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Esteemed art museum specializing in Puerto Rican art, housed in 1920s neoclassical former hospital.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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$25
11 - 16 min

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Directions

La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce
Outdoor plaza with daytime farmer's market & food vendors & a restaurant/music scene at night.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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Free
1 - 2 min

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Directions

Asere, Cubano Kitchen/Bar
Asere es 100% cubano. El menú es comida tradicional cubana tomando las mejores influencias y sabores del Caribe dirigido por el Chef Gabriel Mariño.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$66
1 - 2 min

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Directions

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$64
Day 6Fun-filled Adventures at Museo del Niño and Tranquil Beach Bliss
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$135

·

$ 3

Museo del Niño de Carolina
Children's museum with hands-on educational exhibits, plus go-karts & a colorful outdoor play area.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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$13
21 - 26 min

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Directions

La Ventana al Mar
Condado oceanfront park, aka the "Window to the Sea," with shady palms & nighttime entertainment.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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Free
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Cayo Blanco
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$56
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Raya
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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$66
Day 7Journey through Time at San Juan National Historic Site
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$145

San Juan National Historic Site
This 1949 historic destination features colonial fortifications, powder houses & old city walls.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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$25
8 - 12 min

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Directions

Ostra Cosa Restaurant
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$56
3 - 4 min

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Directions

St. Germain Bistro & Café
A Neighborhood Bistro @ Old San Juan located off the beaten path that offer fresh dishes, refreshing drinks made at the moment you order.
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
•
$64
Day 8Bounce, Sip, and Savor: Trampoline Park and Caribbean Cuisine
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$162

·

$ 6

Altitude Trampoline Park
Sprawling enclosed park for high-energy trampoline activities, such as dodge ball & free jump.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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$38
3 - 4 min

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Directions

Zafra del Caribe
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
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$64
5 - 6 min

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Directions

Ojalá
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
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$60

Budget breakdown: $1201 In total

Activities & Food:$1180
Transport:$21