San Juan is better for vacation if you want to experience a newer and bigger city, stay in a top-tier resort, and indulge in signature Puerto Rican dishes. A vacation to Old San Juan is better if you want to visit historical sites, and don't mind spending a bit more on shopping and food.
Is San Juan or Old San Juan better?
Old San Juan is very touristy and a Historical. It is much smaller, cleaner and safer . There are a lot of shops and nice “Café” type restaurants. New San Juan is a big city and pretty dirty and unsafe unless you are staying at a resort.
Where should you not stay in San Juan Puerto Rico?
Safe Neighborhoods and Areas in Puerto Rico
Common tourist-friendly areas in San Juan include Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Hato Rey, and Miramar. Visitors should avoid areas like Puerta de Tierra, El Parque de las Palomas, Piñones and La Perla at night.
How many days do you need in Old San Juan?
Plan a minimum of 7 – 10 days to get your most important areas visited and some relaxing time in. LOVED IT! over a year ago. If you are just interested in seeing Old San Juan, you will want to spend a couple of days just exploring the city.
Is it better to stay in Old San Juan or Condado?
Old San Juan is a better location for visitors that want to be close to Puerto Rico's top landmarks within walking distance . Condado is better for families that want to enjoy the beach, but still want to be close enough to Old San Juan's landmarks.
Are there beaches in Old San Juan?
The closest beaches to Old San Juan are Playa Peña and Escambron Beach , which visitors can reach within walking distance. Other beaches like Playita del Condado, Condado Beach and Isla Verde are reachable with a short car ride.
Can you walk from Condado to Old San Juan?
We stayed at the Condado Plaza Hotel and walked to Old San Juan every day. It made for a really nice 45-minute walk , just make sure to bring some water as there isn't much shade along the way. Have a nice trip!
Is Condado in Old San Juan?
The Condado neighborhood began developing at the turn of the 20th Century, when it became the suburb of Old San Juan . Today the oceanfront neighborhood features among the most beautifully historic and luxurious homes in San Juan, and is also known for high-end shopping during the day and lively nightlife after dark.
Whats the difference between San Juan and Old San Juan?
Old San Juan is very touristy and a Historical. It is much smaller, cleaner and safer . There are a lot of shops and nice “Café” type restaurants. New San Juan is a big city and pretty dirty and unsafe unless you are staying at a resort.
What should you avoid in Puerto Rico?
Many travelers advise avoiding public housing areas , known in Puerto Rico as caserio, identifiable by their cement facades and apartment-like balconies. Gangs are a problem in these areas, and activities linked to the drug trade often take place.
When should you not go to Puerto Rico?
And although it's not all that bad, some big occurrences like the 2017 Hurricane Maria can cause devastating experiences. What is this? If you wish to avoid the risk of encountering hurricanes, don't visit this Island between August and September . This is the official hurricane season in Puerto Rico.
Is it safe to stay in an Airbnb in Puerto Rico?
Is it safe to rent an Airbnb in Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico's Airbnbs aren't just safe, they're also exceptionally beautiful and breathtaking . During your booking process, you'll be perfectly protected through the platform, and you can check the small details on each property as well.
Where should I stay in Puerto Rico for the first time?
- Old San Juan – where to stay in Puerto Rico for the first time. ...
- Culebra Island – where to stay for sandy beaches. ...
- Rincon – where to stay for budget travellers. ...
- Ponce – where to stay for culture enthusiasts. ...
- Vieques Island – where to stay for ultimate relaxation.
Does San Juan Puerto Rico have all inclusive resorts?
Does San Juan Have Any All-Inclusive Resorts? Puerto Rico, including the capital of San Juan, does not have any true all-inclusive resorts that bundle rooms, meals, activities, and gratuities into one price, such as those found in Mexico and the Caribbean.
What is the best month to go to Puerto Rico?
The best time to visit Puerto Rico is from mid-April to June , right after the busy winter season and just before the rainy summer. Spring weather is also very pleasant, barely escaping the mid-80s on most days.
Where do celebrities stay in Puerto Rico?
Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve : Why Celebrities Are Flocking to This Boutique Hotel. Vacation like the stars – that's the tempting opportunity that Dorado Beach Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel in Dorado, Puerto Rico, offers its guests.
Is San Juan walkable?
Old San Juan is incredibly walkable , so you can definitely plan to explore many sites on foot if you like, but there are also free golf carts around called Garita Carts on a circuit of the city making it easier to get around.
Where should you not live in Puerto Rico?
- Skip La Perla, Puerto Rico. La Perla, Puerto Rico, is next to Old City and is considered the most dangerous part of Puerto Rico. ...
- San Juan, Puerto Rico's Louis Lloren Torres. ...
- Visit Santurce, Puerto Rico During Daylight.
Can you swim in Old San Juan?
Dont Go Swimming
If you must get into the water while you're in the old city, your best bet is to walk along the Paseo del Morro, where the water is calm beyond the San Juan Gate. But honestly, you're much better served to take a taxi or renting a car to get out and explore the shores beyond Old San Juan.
Do I need a car in Old San Juan?
If you're staying in San Juan, then you won't need a car . And those seeking a quiet vacation along the beaches of Rincón, Vieques or Culebra might find one more of a nuisance than a necessity. You will need a car, however, if you want to branch out and explore.
Is Isla Verde beach swimmable?
Isla Verde Beach is the longest and widest in San Juan. It is ideal for swimming , and it, too, is lined with high-rise resorts a la Miami Beach.
What beach is better Condado or Isla Verde?
Condado has quite a number of restaurants, as well as does Old San Juan (which is closer to Condado that Isla Verde). The beach is indeed better in Isla Verde . However, you'll find that it's very difficult to go anywhere in the neighborhood except by cab.
How much is taxi from Condado to Old San Juan?
The quickest way to get from Condado to Old San Juan is to taxi which costs $20 – $25 and takes 6 min.
Is Condado Beach Safe?
Condado Beach, Puerto Rico
The tony Condado neighborhood of San Juan might be one of the top destinations in the city, but a strong current and large waves at its beach make the sandy spot dangerous for swimmers .
Is Condado Puerto Rico nice?
Condado Beach is one also of the most tourist-friendly beaches in Puerto Rico and highly LGBTQ+ friendly as well. The beach is a favorite among young couples and solo travelers – perfect those who love a little relaxation alongside killer nightlife.
How do you get to Condado Beach?
You can access Condado beach through Ventana al Mar Park on Ashford Avenue . There's off-street parking, although limited. There is a convenient parking garage right across from Venta al Mar park for an affordable daily rate of $6 – $10.
Can you buy drinks on Condado Beach?
over a year ago. Yes alcohol is permitted . Many people brought coolers and the hotel has staff on the beach that will bring you a cooler with 6 or 12 beers as well.
