6 Days in San Juan: A Journey of History and Culture

Alexa García González

27 Dec 2023

Embark on a 6-day adventure in San Juan, Puerto Rico, exploring ancient marvels and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of the city. From historic forts to art museums, lively plazas to beautiful parks, this itinerary offers a perfect blend of history, art, and natural beauty.

Trip to San Juan

Tours & Activities

Viator Tours

Day 1Discovering the Magic of Museums and Local Markets

$38

$ 6

Children's museum with hands-on educational exhibits, plus go-karts & a colorful outdoor play area.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

$13

17 - 21 min

Directions

Esteemed art museum specializing in Puerto Rican art, housed in 1920s neoclassical former hospital.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

11 - 16 min

Directions

Outdoor plaza with daytime farmer's market & food vendors & a restaurant/music scene at night.

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

•

Free

10 - 12 min

Directions

Sprawling, landscaped recreation area with paved walkways & shade trees, plus a fountain & statue.

2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

•

Free

Day 2Immerse Yourself in Art and History

$13

$ 9

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

•

$13

15 - 18 min

Directions

Along with a bustling harbor, this large, scenic bay features a historical fort & other landmarks.

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

•

Free

9 - 11 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.

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

•

Free

26 - 32 min

Directions

Historic fort on an island with a walking path, palm trees & educational signage.

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

•

Free

Day 3Exploring Historic Sites and the Governor's Residence

$38

$ 3

Small island with an old fort & a recreational park with gazebos & a beach for swimming or fishing.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

36 - 44 min

Directions

Enduring 16th-century Spanish fortification atop a promontory with cannons pointing seaward.

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

•

$25

8 - 12 min

Directions

Museum displaying Puerto Rican art through the ages plus historic artifacts in old marketplace.

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

•

$13

8 - 11 min

Directions

Monumental fortification incorporating residence of the island's governor, dating from 16th-century.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

•

Free

Day 4Strolling Through Plazas and Indulging in Cultural Experiences

$50

$ 6

Tree-lined square close to the old city, with outdoor cafes & a monument to Christopher Columbus.

8:00 AM - 8:45 AM

•

Free

8 - 11 min

Directions

Small outdoor area featuring park benches, scenic views & a wall offering refuge to many pigeons.

9:15 AM - 9:45 AM

•

Free

8 - 12 min

Directions

Exhibits in an 1800s army barracks showing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.

10:15 AM - 11:45 AM

•

$13

26 - 32 min

Directions

Renowned rum distillery featuring historical tours, mixology classes, tastings & an outdoor patio.

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

•

$38

20 - 24 min

Directions

Park complex offering a science museum with 4D movies, military planes, a mini-zoo & paddle boats.

2:15 PM - 4:15 PM

•

Free

Day 5Unveiling the Secrets of San Juan's National Historic Site

$50

$ 3

This 1949 historic destination features colonial fortifications, powder houses & old city walls.

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

•

$25

8 - 10 min

Directions

Walled & heavily fortified citadel built 1765-1785 & largest of the Spanish built forts in Americas.

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

•

$25

Day 6Enjoying Nature and Adventure

$38

$ 6

National park with a non-swimming beach, ruins of a fort & scenic views, plus a snack bar.

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

•

Free

37 - 45 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

14 - 17 min

Directions

Sprawling enclosed park for high-energy trampoline activities, such as dodge ball & free jump.

12:30 PM - 2:30 PM

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$38

Budget breakdown: $258 In total

Activities & Food:$225

Transport:$33