San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan: Color, Culture, and Coastal Energy
San Juan 2020 wasn’t just a getaway—it felt like a history lesson wrapped in vibrant color and rhythm. From the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan to the beats of reggaetón echoing from open bars, the city had layers—and I peeled them back one beautiful moment at a time. This trip gave me the perfect balance: adventure, culture, relaxation, and good food. It’s the kind of place that gets under your skin in the best way.
And a big part of the magic? Taking the Bacardí Rum Tour, where I got to learn the history of the brand, sip cocktails, and make my own mojito from scratch. It was hands-on, fun, and one of those “wow, I’m really here” moments. And before we left the island, we hiked the mountains of El Yunque Rainforest, getting muddy, laughing, and feeling totally connected to the earth.
🍴 Best Places to Eat
Raíces Restaurant – Old San Juan
First stop, mofongo. I had it with garlic shrimp, and it was like Puerto Rico wrapped itself around my taste buds. The servers wore traditional clothing and the vibe was warm and full of pride. It felt like a true welcome into the culture.Lote 23 – Santurce
Think food truck park, but stylish and bursting with flavor. I tried crispy pork belly tacos from one stand and fresh ceviche from another. Music played overhead and the picnic tables were filled with locals and travelers vibing out.La Factoria – Old San Juan
Technically a bar, but the cocktails and small plates made it a standout. It’s one of the top 50 bars in the world, and I get why now. Great for a pre-night-out drink and bite.
🏞️ Top Things to Do
Explore Old San Juan
I spent hours just walking—no agenda. Colorful buildings, Spanish forts, ocean views, and little alleyways that felt like time capsules. I toured Castillo San Felipe del Morro, and the view from the top made me stop and just breathe it all in.Bacardí Distillery Tour – Cataño
This was such a vibe. We ferried over to the Bacardí campus and did the rum tasting tour, complete with a cocktail-making class where I learned to mix the perfect mojito. The views, the drinks, and the whole experience felt like a celebration.Day Trip to El Yunque Rainforest
We hiked deep into the mountains, climbed rocks, splashed in waterfall pools, and let the rainforest energy soak into our skin. It was muddy, wild, beautiful, and something I’ll never forget. That fresh mountain air? Healing.Beach Day at Condado Beach
I stayed near Condado and loved how easy it was to go from pool to ocean. The water here is wilder than other beaches, but the breeze and sound of the waves gave me life. I laid out with a book, drank coconut water straight from the source, and felt the stress melt away.
🌃 Best Nightlife Spots
La Placita de Santurce
This place comes alive at night. It’s a plaza surrounded by bars and clubs that spill into the street. I danced to salsa, reggaetón, and random throwbacks. Everyone’s outside, everyone’s dancing, and it doesn’t stop until way past midnight.La Factoria (again)
It’s that good. As the night goes on, secret doors open up into new rooms with different DJs and vibes. What started as a quiet drink turned into a full dance session with people from all over the world.Nuyorican Café
A cool, underground spot where you can catch live music, poetry, and art. I stumbled in on salsa night and got pulled into a dance I didn’t even know I could do. It was authentic, soulful, and full of rhythm.
San Juan gave me flavor—in every sense of the word. It was historical and modern, laid-back and alive. I didn’t just take pictures there—I felt it. I tasted it. I hiked it. I danced it. And I’d go back in a heartbeat.
