Puerto Rico - how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. From your turquoise, pristine waters to mouthwatering food, colorful architecture, castles, picture perfect weather, and lovely people.
In my opinion, Puerto Rico is a slice (or two) of paradise. This was my first trip to the Caribbean, and I really lucked out by picking a winner. While I intended to venture into San Juan, I stayed in Old San Juan all five days because I couldn’t tear myself away. It’s so aesthetically pleasing and self-guided walking tours are a breeze.
Tips
*I took a taxi to and from the airport due to my arrival/departure times. I was overcharged, so be wary of that, as there are fixed rates in place. I don't recommend Metro Taxi, as they overcharged me $9.00.
*The Visitor's Center near Plaza de Colon has fantastic maps and friendly faces to answer your questions.
*Most of the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone, so pack good walking shoes (leave the stilettos at home:)
Accommodations
Posada San Francisco Hostel - I stayed in a 4-person female dorm room for only $25/night. The location is exceptional and offers helpful staff, social events, nice common areas, and balconies overlooking the plaza. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was the bathrooms - they could use some updating. I would definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to other budget travelers.
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| View of Plaza de Colon from hostel balcony |
Food and Drink
*See my individual post for food entitled "Puerto Rican Foodporn"
*La Taberna Lupolo - killer craft beer list
*Restaurante Don Tello on Catano Island near the ferry dock for local brews
Shops
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| Nice view of the skyline from the ferry |
*Marisel Herbal Bath & Body - I bought some yummy handmade soaps
*Ayurvedics Natural Store - this store has it all including fresh smoothies
*Franky’s Vintage Store
*Gift Shop at Poet’s Passage
*Super Max Grocery Store
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| Marisel Bath & Body |
Culture
*Castillo San Cristobal
*Santamaria Magdalena Depazzis Cemetery
*San Felipe Del Morro
*San Juan Cathedral
*San Juan Gate
*Raices Fountain
*The Totem
*Abraham Lincoln School
*Plaza de Colon
*Butterfly People Art Gallery
*St. John the Baptist
*Plaza de Colon
*Butterfly People Art Gallery
*St. John the Baptist
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| San Felipe Del Morro |
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| St. John the Baptist strikes a pose |
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| Raices Fountain |
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| Santamaria Magdalena Cemetery |
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| San Juan Gate |
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| Castillo San Cristobal |
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| Abraham Lincoln School |
Entertainment
*Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano - Owned and operated by former Beach Boys keyboardist Carli Munoz
*Poet’s Passage - Tuesday night Poetry Reading
*Take the ferry to Catano Island for .50
*Stroll the city walls, Marina Bay and waterfront
*Watch the sunset at El Morro
*Take the ferry to Catano Island for .50
*Stroll the city walls, Marina Bay and waterfront
*Watch the sunset at El Morro
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| Honored to see the one and only "Lady Lee Andrews" |
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| Love the way Catano does palms |
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| I desperately wanted to be a stowaway |
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Stroll and imagine along the City Walls |
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| Spectacular beauty at El Morro |
