The metropolitan area refers to the towns that make up the urban “downtown” of Puerto Rico, including the capital, San Juan, a busy, bustling, colonial yet cosmopolitan city. San Juan blends elements of the Old World (cobblestone streets, colonial architecture) with modern urban life (contemporary dining, vibrant nightlife). The Old City of San Juan is the Island’s cultural and historical centre, and most popular launching spot for Puerto Rico vacations.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is located in the Metro area, as well as the Island’s busiest cruise terminal, San Juan Cruise Port (ranked among the top 20 ports in the world). Whether you’re interested in art, literature, music, sports, you will find a museum for it in San Juan. Museo de las Américas explores the art and cultural history of Puerto Rico and the Americas; Museo de Arte Contemporáneo offers an immersive journey exhibiting and promoting contemporary Puerto Rican art.

Some of Puerto Rico’s most popular and picturesque beaches are located in San Juan. The three main beaches are Condado Beach (laid-back feel), Escambrón (ideal for snorkelling and exploring Puerto Rico’s marine life) and Ocean Park Beach (the mid-sized waves here make this beach a top spot for surfers).

Top Attractions

● Two major landmarks make up the San Juan National Historic Site:

○ El Morro - an impressive citadel that sits at the very top of Old San Juan, built by the Spanish to protect the city by sea

○ Castillo San Cristobál - an imposing fortress built to guard the city by land, serving as a counterpart to El Morro

● Casa Bacardi - the world's largest premium rum distillery and one of the island’s most popular attractions. Visit, have a guided tour, rum tasting and enjoy a mixology class

● Santurce neighbourhood - one of San Juan’s liveliest art districts, colourful & free-spirited

● Distrito T-Mobile - San Juan's premier entertainment hub, think about is as the Caribbean times square all under one roof

● Plaza Las Américas - the largest shopping centre in the Caribbean

● Carolina - home to some of the area’s most beautiful beaches

● Spas specialising in various beauty and wellness treatments - try hammam (a Turkish-style bath) at the Condado Vanderbilt Spa; or float in the Island’s only saltwater flotarium at Cloud Spa, which also offers massage and reflexology

● Paseo de la Princesa - a scenic seaside promenade in Old San Juan

Dining

Restaurants in the metro region offer both outstanding food and great ambience, as well as incredibly vibrant nightlife - you’ll find some of the best (and most unique) bars in the world here.

San Juan's gorgeous year-round weather and tropical breeze create the perfect setting for rooftop dining - these restaurants and bars’ brunch, dinner and tapas menus, not to mention the cocktail and wine selection, are worth squeezing into your trip. The top floor of the San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel is a bar-restaurant that offers one of the most stunning views around,

which can be enjoyed by guests as they unwind in the rooftop pool.

Dining recommendations:

● 1919 - the food at Condado’s 1919 Restaurant (run by by Michelin Star-rated Chef Juan José Cuevas) is served with meticulous care and pride from their island kitchen to your table

● Princesa Gastrobar - a magical restaurant found on Paseo de la Princesa, where you can enjoy authentic Puerto Rican food while surrounded by majestic trees

● Distrito T-Mobile - has over a dozen places to eat and drink, from authentic criollo food to sushi and burgers

● La Placita de Santurce - a farmers market by day, and by night, a lively square for dining, drinks and salsa

● La Factoria - a local favourite and voted one of the top 50 bars globally. The place to to enjoy craft cocktails and dance the night away to live music

● Chocobar Cortés - a must for chocolate lovers and creative foodies, at this gastronomic space chocolate is incorporated into every dish and beverage, e.g. traditional mofonogo served with chocolate hot sauce

● La Central - unprecedented culinary experience at La Central by Chef Mario Pagán