Destination Inspiration: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Worlds collide in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s vibrant capital, a simmering melting pot of indigenous, European, American, and Afro-Caribbean cultures with endless attractions to delight all types of travellers.

In Old San Juan, time stands still. Candy-coloured colonial houses line the cobbled lanes that criss-cross from Plaza Colón to the 17th-century San Juan Gate – once the main entrance to the walled city. All along the water’s edge, fortresses stand watch from towering cliffs, their cannons still aiming out over the sea. Just outside the old town, the rocky shoreline gives way to the soft sand of El Escambrón Beach, a sheltered snorkelling and swimming spot.

San Juan’s cultural fusion is never more evident than in its food. In the city centre, upscale European restaurants sit alongside street stalls and fast food joints, while home-grown chefs like José Enrique take traditional cooking to fine-dining heights. The stand-out local dish is ‘mofongo’ – fried and mashed plantain stuffed with crispy bacon, chicken, or prawns.

No matter the time, one thing’s for sure – the smell of freshly roasted Puerto Rican coffee is never far away. You’ll find it served milky at breakfast, or as an afternoon pick-me-up paired with pastries in Spanish-style cafés.

San Juan’s tropical climate makes for warm, humid weather all year round, with average temperatures rarely dipping below 25 degrees Celsius. Bargain accommodation prices can often be found in September and October – but bear in mind that these months are the tail end of the Caribbean hurricane season.

This modern hotel is just a short distance from the waterfront, in the upscale Condado neighbourhood. Its beach club and outdoor pool score highly with Booking.com guests, who also sing the praises of the friendly staff. The bright rooms and suites – some with sea views and fully equipped kitchens – are another big plus.

This restored villa in Old San Juan is full of old-world charm. Booking.com guests rave about Villa Herencia’s eclectic design, which blends historic features and antique furniture with bold modern artwork. They also love the tropical feel of the roof terrace – complete with exotic flowers, sun loungers, and even roll-top baths!

A roof terrace with a plunge pool and breathtaking sea views makes this boutique hotel a favourite with Booking.com guests. Set in a colonial house in Old San Juan, La Terraza de San Juan also wins rave reviews for its mix of traditional and modern design.

The easiest way to get to San Juan is to fly there. There are direct flights every day from the US and Canada, with most of the traffic coming through Miami and New York. Getting to San Juan from further will usually involve at least one layover. There are daily flights from Amsterdam and London with only one layover, whereas a trip from Sydney will involve two layovers. If you’re planning a trip from within the Caribbean and prefer a more scenic route, there’s a weekly ferry from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, which takes around 13 hours.