Trifter

You can Google it all day, and dream about it all night. You can live vicariously through your old Aunt Patricia, who went there last summer with the old folk’s home, but you can never experience San Juan like you’re supposed to until you step foot on the native soil. San Juan is like going back to the good ole days, before the bills, the kids, and that nagging ex-wife or ex-husband. The truth is that it’s easy to let go and just have a little fun in San Juan.

One of the first things you should do is tour the city and get a little taste of your surroundings. There are tons of companies that offer cheap, but informative tours about your newest vacation spot. You’re the Columbus of this town, so explore it! By the way, a lot of airlines offer free tours when you fly with them, so that’s something to keep in mind when booking your flight or cruise. You don’t have to sacrifice a good time, just because we’re in a recession.

When going on a tour, make sure to see old San Juan. Most ships dock right at the edge of the beautiful old city and you’re greeted by San Felipe del Morro and San Cristobal, the two major fortresses from back in the day (they were built over 400 years ago). Both are free access to the public and are fun to explore. It’s like hide n’ seek for the older set.

Below is a list of some of the awesome tours in San Juan. If you want to save money, try to find a tour that includes snacks or drinks!

1. San Juan City & Bacardi Tour- half day tour and trip to Bacardi Rum factory (snacks included)!
2. Nature & Cultural Impressions- 5 hour tour and visit to the Botanical Garden!
3. Horseback Riding- tour on horseback, for the adventurous ones!
4. Rainforest Hiking- Near La Mina falls, trek through the beautiful landscape of Puerto Rico!

The narrow streets of the old San Juan also offer some crazy surprises like miniscule bars, beautiful gardens, and shopping plazas. Don’t be surprised when you see American brand names either, because Puerto Rico is an American territory after all! It is guaranteed that something is always on sale! Don’t be afraid to shop because Puerto won’t cheat you because they want a deal as much as the next guy. Also, don’t forget to eat, eat, eat. Tons of restaurants and street vendors surround you in San Juan, so make sure to get a good idea of what Puerto Rico is all about. Please your palette!

Another cheap and exciting thing to do in San Juan is go to the beach! You’ve never experienced a beach until you go to Puerto Rico, or experience the nightlife. There is always live music at a majority of the hotels and restaurants you visit. If you’re not a clubber, you can always just learn how to salsa or do other traditional dances outside of these locations. If you don’t dance or hang out, you can head to a casino or to a bar.