Background
Trip Planner Logo

7 Days in San Juan: A Journey Through History and Culture

Vanity Dejesus

Vanity Dejesus

2 Dec 2023

Embark on a thrilling 7-day adventure in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where ancient marvels and vibrant culture await. Explore historic sites, immerse yourself in local art and cuisine, and soak up the sun on beautiful beaches. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Day 1Unveiling the Rich Heritage of San Juan
+

$19

·

$ 9

Museo de San Juan
Museum displaying Puerto Rican art through the ages plus historic artifacts in old marketplace.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$19
6 - 9 min

~

Directions

Parque de las Palomas
Small outdoor area featuring park benches, scenic views & a wall offering refuge to many pigeons.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

La Fortaleza
Monumental fortification incorporating residence of the island's governor, dating from 16th-century.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
27 - 33 min

~

Directions

Fortín San Juan de la Cruz (El Cañuelo)
Historic fort on an island with a walking path, palm trees & educational signage.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Governor Luis A. Ferré Science Park
Park complex offering a science museum with 4D movies, military planes, a mini-zoo & paddle boats.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free
Day 2Bacardi, History, and Architectural Wonders
+

$75

·

$ 9

Casa BACARDÍ
Renowned rum distillery featuring historical tours, mixology classes, tastings & an outdoor patio.
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
$56
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Isla de Cabras
Small island with an old fort & a recreational park with gazebos & a beach for swimming or fishing.
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
31 - 38 min

~

Directions

Museo de las Américas
Exhibits in an 1800s army barracks showing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
$19
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Landmark 1540 cathedral, second oldest in the Americas, holding tomb of city founder Ponce de León.
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free
Day 3A Glimpse into San Juan's Storied Past
+

$75

San Juan National Historic Site
This 1949 historic destination features colonial fortifications, powder houses & old city walls.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$38
1 - 2 min

~

Directions

Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Enduring 16th-century Spanish fortification atop a promontory with cannons pointing seaward.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
$38
Day 4Discovering Hidden Gems and Coastal Beauty
+

$38

·

$ 9

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
Free
34 - 41 min

~

Directions

Puerta de San Juan
This large, circa-1635 gate was the main entry into the walled city during its Spanish colonial era.
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Free
4 - 5 min

~

Directions

Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud
Compact chapel built in the 18th century by General Don Mateo Prats & restored in the 20th century.
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM
Free
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Castillo San Cristóbal
Walled & heavily fortified citadel built 1765-1785 & largest of the Spanish built forts in Americas.
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
$38
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Bahía de San Juan
Along with a bustling harbor, this large, scenic bay features a historical fort & other landmarks.
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Free
Day 5Nature, Culture, and Adventure
+

$57

·

$ 9

Parque Luis Muñoz Marín
Public park with a river, trees, fields, playgrounds, a large water-play area & trails.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Jardín Botánico y Cultural William Miranda Marín
Guided tours are available at this botanical garden on the site of a historic sugar mill.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free
12 - 15 min

~

Directions

Altitude Trampoline Park
Sprawling enclosed park for high-energy trampoline activities, such as dodge ball & free jump.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
$56
Day 6Immerse Yourself in Art and Local Flavors
+

$57

·

$ 9

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
$19
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Esteemed art museum specializing in Puerto Rican art, housed in 1920s neoclassical former hospital.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
$38
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce
Outdoor plaza with daytime farmer's market & food vendors & a restaurant/music scene at night.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Balneario El Escambrón
Picturesque public beach featuring a coral reef, palm trees, snorkeling, scuba diving & more.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Free
Day 7The Finale: Arts, Parks, and Plazas
+

$19

·

$ 9

Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré
Major performing arts center offering concerts, plays, ballet & events, named for local politician.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Free
8 - 12 min

~

Directions

Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico
Museum showcasing regional/Latin American contemporary art in 1918 white-columned middle school.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
$19
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Luis Muñoz Rivera Park
Sprawling, landscaped recreation area with paved walkways & shade trees, plus a fountain & statue.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Free
10 - 12 min

~

Directions

Plaza Colón
Tree-lined square close to the old city, with outdoor cafes & a monument to Christopher Columbus.
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
Free

Budget breakdown: $392 In total

Activities & Food:$338
Transport:$54