San Juan is an inescapable obsession for me, and a place I have visited many times for various reasons. The first time I visited Puerto Rico, I felt an immense amount of happiness, perhaps there was something in the air, or perhaps it was the fact that I was on vacation with my 2 greatest friends. That first trip to Puerto Rico was a feeling of liberation and one of the most joyful moments of my life, it’s almost as though I had finally LEARNED how I wanted to live my life, that is to live in the moment and relish in it. As a person, my spirit changed, I became a much happier person with a strong sense of self and independence. For these reasons and many more, Puerto Rico will always hold a special place in my heart.
Often referred to as “La Isla del Encanto,” Puerto Rico is also known as the island of enchantment. The island boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, in particular, Flamenco Beach in Culebra. In terms of food, everything from the flaky and buttery mallorca to the local spices of the mofongo are beyond delicious. The sangria here is simply out of this world. The vibrant culture of Puerto Rico is contagious, and the warmth of the locals leave you with a feeling of nostalgia. The sounds of reggaeton and salsa beats will have you attempting to dance as the locals do here, and with some practice, you’ll feel like you fit right in. For these reasons and so many more, Puerto Rico will always feel like home to me. And as long as I shall exist, I know I’ll be back to this island of enchantment many, many times!
RECOMMENDED STAY
at least 3 to 4 nights
a statue of Christopher Columbus in Plaza de Colón 
restaurants near Plaza de Colón
cobblestone streets of Old San Juan
San Cristobal Fort 
colorful architecture
Pigeon’s Park
vibrant colors of the buildings
San Juan cathedral, the second oldest church in the Americas
El Convento Hotel – one of the nicest hotels in Old San Juan that has a very European feel to it
sun setting on the El Morro Fort
Other Attractions to consider:
spend a day at the beach in Condado/Isla Verde
visit Bacardi Factory
visit El Yunque Rainforest
visit Bioluminescent Bay
if you have extra time, visit Flamenco beach in the island of Culebra
TELL ME: Have you been to San Juan? What are some of your favorite attractions? What did I miss?
I love all these holiday recaps! For some reason, I always associated Puerto Rico with beaches but all these sights are breathtaking! I love the cobblestone streets- adds a very European feel to the place! Perhaps a silly question but is English commonly spoken? If I'm not mistaken, Spanish is the first language.
Your photos reveal the tenderness you feel for this country. I know exactly what you mean because I have the same feelings for Italy… It is where my soul resides – my spiritual home… I feel as though I'll never really explore the world because if given the choice I will always choose Italy!
I've always been curious about Puerto Rico. This is a ringing endorsement if ever there was one!
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San Juan is so pretty. You did such a great job of capturing the scene through your photos. Thanks for sharing!
wow…fascinating…love it..:)
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Seeing your beautiful pictures of Puerto Rico brings back great memories with you. Puerto Rico is not the same without you. Looking forward to the day when we can do Puerto Rico again with our significant others and revive our spirits anewJC
@Khushboo – yes, English is commonly spoken, most people are bilingual, it is a commonwealth of the United States and they use USD. Yes, it has a European feel to it, at least Old San Juan, not really the rest of the island. 🙂
@Style Dilettante – I feel you. I have those feelings for Italy as well, it's the culture, the food, the people, the beauty. The more you travel, the more certain places resonate with you. I'm lucky PR is close by so I can visit every other year or so, but I can't give up on world travel. 🙂 Thanks for your sweet comment.
@Ellen – thanks so much.
@JC – Amen to that. I believe someday in the near future we will make that happen. 🙂
absolutely stunning pictures! Thanks for sharing the beauty! xo
Beautiful post! I love the cobblestone streets.
This is bringing back such wonderful memories. I was in San Juan a couple of years ago for spring break and it was gorgeous. Definitely an amazing place to visit.
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San Juan is actually a very convenient/ quite close destination for me, so now I'm wondering why I've never planned a trip! Gorgeous photos!
such gorgeousness!!! looks like a dream trip!
Wow! These photos are so gorgeous, they make me want to go there right now!
I've never thought to even consider San Juan. I think you've convinced me =D
@Collections – I'd have to agree, it has a mix of everything. Beautiful place to visit.
@Jen – they have reasonable fares right now, you should really plan a trip.. You'll love it.
@Squishy – yeah.. Puerto Rico has a lot to offer. Glad I was able to convince you.
Thank you everyone for your sweet comments.
*___* San Juan is soooo pretty!
I have to admit I don't know much about it but looking at your photos makes me wish to go visit it soon!