A sunny destination I visited in 2022 that not only filled my traveller heart but also reminded me that the U.S. has access to slices of paradise is Puerto Rico.
Scented by delicious coffee, slow-roasted pork and sea breezes, this island holds many opportunities to enjoy life with simplicity. Whether you are spending time by the beach, exploring century old landmarks, or sipping on a rum-based cocktail, Puerto Rico will teach you how to have a great time and make you feel like a local almost immediately.
FUN FACTS ABOUT PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico is the smallest island of the Greater Antilles in the Caribblean located east of the Dominican Republic and a comfortable 2.5 hours plane ride away from Florida.
Since Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States, locals are American citizens, and American travelers can enter the Island without carrying a passport (U.S. travelers also dont require international calling plans for their phones). The currency used is the U.S. dollar.
The climate is warm and tropical (expect an afternoon shower during the summer months). The temperature varies between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. It can go down to about 60 degrees in the central mountainous area during December and January.
Other fun facts:
The legal drinking age in Puerto Rico is 18 years old.
Puerto Ricans use both the Imperial System of Measurement and the Metric System of Measurement. Dont be surprised if you see measurements in both inches and meters.
According to U.S News Travel, the best time to visit Puerto Rico is winter (but it is also the most expensive). So you could also consider mid-April to June dates, right after the busy winter season and just before the rainy summer.
The Island has almost 300 miles of coastline and nearly the same number of beaches.
The piña colada was invented in Puerto Rico.
The remains of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León are in a tomb inside the San Juan Cathedral.
There is a hurricane season and it starts in August and runs through October.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHILE VISITING PUERTO RICO?
Puerto Rico is a destination that encompasses many islands, not just one. Therefore, your itinerary may vary depending on how much time you plan to spend there. Big picture - if you only have a few days, stick to activities in Old San Juan and the main island, but if you have over 4 days, take the adventure to other islands as well.
Here are a couple of my favorite activities to inspire your itinerary either way:
Spend an afternoon exploring El Morro: the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro for short, is an impressive citadel that sits at the very top of Old San Juan. Its construction began in 1539 and concluded around 1790; during those 250 years, the castle became a six-level fortress designed to protect the island from attackers approaching by sea.
Pro Tip: El Morro has some of the most beautiful sunset views in the island. I recommend finding an afternoon tour to make the most out of this experience.
Take a Rum tour at Rum El Barrilito: The $25 per person tour covers the history of the oldest Rum distillery in the island, a tour of the distillery grounds and if you are lucky, you’ll get to taste some of the oldest rum that this distillery has produced.
For a sneak peek at what to expect on this tour, check out this video.
Take a day trip to another island like Icacos Island: If your itinerary allows, you should consider exploring islands outside of San Juan. Icacos is a wonderful option because it is located about an hour away from San Juan, and the only way to get there is by boat.
Pro Tip: Book this experience before arriving to Puerto Rico and make sure to stock up on snacks and drinks for an fun day under the sun.
Check my Icacos Island recap video here.
Grab a cocktail and go dancing at La Factoria: Recognized as one of the 50 best bars in the America and elevating the Puerto Rican modern cocktail scene, La Factoria is a place you dont want to miss. The ambiance is dim and slightly dungeony, and you might just miss it if you are not looking for it carefully as it doesnt have a clear sign, but this speak easy enchants visitors with more than 5 rooms hidden behind the main bar offerring different ambiances, music and menus. Whether you’re seeking a night of festive dancing over Lavender Mules with friends, or a quiet contemplative cocktail for date night, this San Juan bar is a must.
WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO RICO?
Old San Juan: For Spanish-colonial architecture and picturesque surroundings:
Condado: A Centric location for visitors including lots of hotels & restaurants nearby
Ocean Park: Area near Condado and very close to the beach.
Casa Botánica or an Airbnb
Vieques & Culebra: Two islands off the coast of Puerto Rico. You can get there by ferry or by a 15-minute plane ride.
El Blok (Vieques)
Club Seabourne (Culebra)
Lots of Airbnb’s in both islands as well.
WHERE TO EAT IN PUERTO RICO?
This section was written in collaboriation with Gigi Nieves. Follow her Instagram blog “OMG! Que Rico” for insights on the best foodie spots in Puerto Rico and more.
For a customized downloadable map of the following recommendations, take a look at the “Maps” section of this website.
Breakfast
When visiting Puerto Rico, you need to try a classic Puerto Rican breakfast at a Panadería. Order a café con leche, mallorcas and croquetas and you’ll be set for the day. You can’t miss the Jamón, Queso & Huevo or Cuban sandwiches either- they’re a staple.
Some classics are:
Kasalta in Ocean Park
La Jerezana in Miramar
Panadería España in Isla Verde
Other awesome breakfast spots:
La Carreta in Old San Juan: Nearby the very center of Old San Juan and great for brunch.
What to order? Their Jíbaro Platter is out of this world. Their Croque Madame is good too.
Rosa & Elena in Miramar: Cool breakfast/brunch/lunch spot.
What to order? Their Turkey Club with Truffle Fries is a MUST.
Lucía Patisserie in Miramar: Pastries made with local ingredients & local coffee.
What to order? Any pastry here is fantastic!
What to order? Try their Papaya Bowl or their Spicy Egg Sandwich. And their beverages (other than coffee, but coffee too) are awesome. Not a lot of seating, so be open to taking it to go and eating it by the beach!
Lunch
Casita Blanca in Santurce: If you want great, classic, homestyle Puerto Rican food, this is the spot. It’s located in a small white house (hence its name- casita blanca) and they serve all the classic dishes you have to try in Puerto Rico.
La Alcapurria Quemá in La Placita: This is a great spot to try local fritters such as empanadillas, alcapurrias and other typical dishes.
Kiosko El Boricua in Piñones: If you’re in the Piñones area, there are lots of “kioskos” with local fritters, but the best by far is El Boricua. Order a bacalaito, an alcapurria or a pionono and wash it down with the local light beer- Medalla. I promise, nothing better after a day at the beach.
Dinner
These are Gigi’s favorite restaurants in Puerto Rico. They are not cheap, but all of them are worth it, each for their own reason. Make reservations ahead- all these places fill up quickly.
Vianda: Chef Francis Guzmán
Upscale farm to table, locally sourced. Owned and managed by a couple- Amelia and Francis, who run the front of house and back of house respectively.
Santaella: Chef José Santaella
Awesome food with a vibrant cocktail scene. Great if you want to go out afterwards- since it’s located right in the middle of La Placita.
1919: Chef Juan José Cuevas
Also locally sourced, elegantly plated. Will satisfy a sophisticated palate with delicate yet well balanced flavors.
Raya: Chef Mario Pagán
A lot of people try out latin-asian fusion, but nobody does it quite as well as Mario Pagán. He took the concept and elevated it a notch, and added a killer cocktail menu.
Marmalade: Chef Peter Schintler
Peter is not Puerto Rican, but he’s been in the island long enough to be an honorary Puerto Rican. His restaurant, Marmalade, is a gem in the Old San Juan food scene. Awesome flavorful food paired thoughtfully with wines, cocktails & spirits.
Drinks & Bites
La Penúltima in La Placita: Bar with outdoor seating. Awesome bar food, great cocktails and a varied natural wine selection.
Junglebird in La Placita: Tiki cocktails and eclectic bites.
Antillano in Santurce: Caribbean-inspired cocktails and bites. Love their Piña Colada Fish Bao and their Crocantes de Atún.
Pio Pio in Old San Juan: Champagne Bar with locally sourced ingredients. Delicious, can’t miss if you’re a wine lover.
“Después de la playa” a.k.a Beach treats
Buns Burger Shop in Condado: Burgers, beers & shakes
Pinky’s in Condado & Ocean Park: Gigi’s spot after the beach for great sandwiches and refreshing smoothies. Get the Porno Surfer sandwich with the Classic Shake.
Coffee Shops
Filtrado in Old San Juan: Filtrado only uses Puerto Rican coffee (one of the reasons why it’s the first on this coffee shop list).
Cuatro Sombras in Old San Juan: Great coffee. Their toasts with guava butter are a must.
Alteza Specialty Coffee in Old San Juan: They have awesome sandwiches and it is a cool spot to grab a bite after a day touring Old San Juan.
Gustos Café in Miramar: Well known local coffee brand in Puerto Rico and a great spot to buy local coffee for gifts or souveniers.