Puerto Rico
The vibrant US territory of Puerto Rico is a fantastic Caribbean destination that has excellent nightlife, outstanding beaches and loads of unique culture.
Puerto Rico travel guide
This Caribbean island is a picture-perfect vacation destination, with plenty of American and Spanish influences in its cuisine, culture and traditions, magnificent beaches to sunbathe on, vibrant salsa music and a fascinating history.
Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, is a lively, bustling port city, home to numerous Spanish historic sites including the iconic San Felipe del Morro fortress, lots of fabulous shopping and modern entertainment offerings. Although the island was a colonial state for more than 5 centuries, it remains proudly Latino despite strong Spanish, Indian and African influences.
Visitors here enjoy a variety of tropical landscapes, much of it untouched, including rainforests in El Yunque, dense mangrove swamps, bioluminescent bays and deserted islands surrounded by stunning tropical reefs. In the island’s interior you’ll find horse ranches where Paso Fino horses are raised, state forests, jungle-covered mountain peaks and stunning waterfalls.
The lively capital, San Juan, offers superb history and culture, delectable cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere with a rhythmic charm. The walled old part of the city, Old San Juan with its cobbled streets is a joy to explore, with 18th century forts, churches and mansions, spacious public plazas and plenty of evidence of Spanish colonial rule.
Puerto Rico is equally renowned for its superb nightlife, especially in the resort areas of Condado and Isle Verde, and excellent shopping opportunities; in fact, it boasts the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza Las America, in San Juan. Travel further afield to explore islands just offshore including the small isle of Vieques, known for its breathtaking beaches and a bioluminescent bay, and the even smaller Culebra, a laidback rocky isle that is a delightful escape.
Make sure you check out some of the amazing beaches when in Puerto Rico!
Best time to visit: High season is from December to April, during the dry months. For secluded beaches and cheaper accommodation, visit from May to August, which is the hottest time of the year.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Old San Juan The charming Old Town with its beautifully restored old buildings lining cobbled streets is a great spot to visit. Here you’ll find Plaza de la Rogativa, a tiny square where the legendary statue La Rogativa, is found; the statue is of the bishop and his friends who frightened away British troops in 1797.
Shopping in Puerto Rico: Explore the old part of town for souvenirs, gold, handicrafts and other treasures. In the Condado district, you’ll find designer fashion along Ashford Avenue.
Food & Restaurants in Puerto Rico: You’ll be spoilt for choice on the island, with plenty of casual local spots as well as fusion dishes and fine dining in a number of eateries. Try some of the stunning street food for a great experience – and when you’re in the mood for it, there’s also plenty of global fare.
Nightlife: Puerto Rico is renowned for its lively nightlife options, and you’ll find plenty of spots to dance the night away, including salsa, disco and hip hop. Then there’s La Placita which transforms from a traditional farmers’ market during the day to an outdoor club venue. Condado offers upscale night-time entertainment, too. You’ll also find lively beach bars in the surfing haven of Rincon.
Beaches: Of course, the beaches are the island’s major attractions and you’ll find numerous gorgeous stretches of sand to enjoy. Popular Playa Condado is well worth a visit, although the waves get quite rough there. Playa Isla Verde is known as the island’s very own Copacabana, and you’ll find bronzed bodies everywhere. Families love Carolina Beach and there’s also stunning Playa Ocean Park for a relaxed outing and a variety of water sports.
Things to do in Puerto Rico:
- Explore the city by hopping on and off its complimentary trolley service.
- Discover superb works of Caribbean Art at the fascinating Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.
- Visit the UNESCO-listed San Felipe del Morro Fortress, designed to protect San Juan from attacks from the sea.
- If you enjoy science, head for the Arecibo Observatory, the largest radar radio telescope in the world for more than 60 years.
- Stroll along the pedestrianized walkway on Paseo de la Princesa, lined with historic buildings, charming cafes and trees.
- Visit the historic Casa Bacardí rum distillery, largest on earth.
- See the tiny cliffside abbey, Capilla del Cristo.
- Discover one of the oldest churches in the Caribbean, the San Juan Cathedral, believed to be around 500 years old.
Best way to get around: Take a bus or rent a car to explore.