What are the best places to stay in San Juan? It depends on your travel style. Here’s what Puerto Rican locals said about the pros and cons of each neighborhood, including budgeting, nightlife, and specific recs on things to do.
Benefit from local knowledge by working with a Puerto Rico local to plan your trip. They'll design a custom guidebook based on your interests and their insider knowledge. With their help, you'll see a side of San Juan that most tourists miss. Learn more.
Locals tell us that Old San Juan is one place you have to visit in Puerto Rico. Beautiful and romantic, this area is packed with colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, Spanish forts, and legendary restaurants. Well-traveled by tourists, it's a place where some local insights can come in handy. Here's what our trip planners say are the advantages and disadvantages of staying in Old San Juan:
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No need to to stay in big-name hotels to be comfortable—Old San Juan is packed with phenomenal Airbnb and little boutique hotels, like The Gallery Inn, The Dream Catcher, and Hotel El Convento.
Locals tell us that Condado has a reputation as San Juan’s glitziest neighborhood (think Miami Beach). And since the whole neighborhood/beach stretch is one of Puerto Rico’s major attractions, you’ll be sure to find popping nightlife and daytime beach parties no matter what time of year you visit.
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Hotel prices in Condado peak on Saturdays and Mondays, when most travelers check-in and out of rooms. Make reservations on Sundays or Fridays.
Get personalized recommendations as you plan your Puerto Rico adventure. Our trip planners tell us that Santruce is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Rico if you want to soak up the island’s hipster culture—here you'll find great nightlife, colorful street art, and plenty of hip restaurants.
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If you stay in an Airbnb or hostel with a kitchen, take advantage of Santurce’s farmers’ markets on the weekends. Cooking a meal is a great way to support the local economy, keep your trip under budget, and to travel in a sustainable way.
A financial and urban hub, locals say that Hato Rey is known for its baseball games, concert scenes, and gorgeous parks. It’s an ideal place to visit in Puerto Rico if you're looking to enjoy the island like the locals do. Our trip planners can give customized advice on what to do here.
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Hato Rey’s most happening area is Roosevelt Avenue, the go-to street for shopping and dining out.
Just as its name implies, Ocean Park has sublime views of the Caribbean, tropical breezes, and clean beaches. Since it’s mostly upscale housing, Ocean Park is one of the safest places to travel right now—perfect for mingling with locals worry-free. Benefit from an insider's perspective—here's what our local trip planners say are the advantages and disadvantages of staying in Ocean Park.
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If you’re doing Puerto Rico on a budget, private lodging rentals are the name of the game in Ocean Park. Residents post accommodations on Airbnb and VRBO, which go for $35–$120 a night.
Brimming with tropical gardens and coffee shops, Rio Piedras is home base for the University of San Juan. If you're looking to get off-the-beaten-path in Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a good choice, but it's definitely a place where you'll want to get some local recommendations. Our trip planners can give suggestions on how to explore this area.
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Public transportation in Puerto Rico can be spotty, but you can easily drive to the Old San Juan ferry.
Right on the sea, locals say that Miramar is a great place to visit for those looking for a little adventure. Miramar is one of San Juan’s smaller barrios, but with kayak tours, sailing, and deep-sea fishing, you could easily add a few days in Miramar to a Puerto Rico itinerary.
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Looking to set up a tour in Miramar? Tropical Eco Tours or Aqua Adventure are good choices.
And for more on Puerto Rico travel, check out our articles: