If you want to experience the tropical atmosphere just a stone’s throw from mainland America, San Juan, Puerto Rico is a must-visit. This is a low maintenance trip This is a great solo trip for those living in the US where you don’t have to worry about carrying a passport, speaking different languages, or even exchanging cash for this destination. I recently had the opportunity to travel solo to San Juan for the first time and can confirm that it is easy to navigate and has so much history that I learned a lot of new things about the island while I was there, even though I have been with tour groups many times before Been to San Juan.
If you're planning a solo trip to San Juan soon, here's what you should know about booking a hotel and putting together your itinerary.
Where to stay in San Juan for solo travelers
I was invited to stay at the Fairmont San Juan, open since 1958 and located just 5 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. The hotel itself is rich in history—it's the only venue where Puerto Rican Celia Cruz has ever performed—and the look inside reflects its vintage charm. Upon entering, the first thing you notice before you step into your room is the massive chandelier, gilded decor around the lobby, and several bars. I stayed in the Banyan Villa Room, which is a group of rooms within the hotel that have poolside views in addition to the main hotel. Each room in this collection of villas features a sofa bed and a private outdoor area overlooking one of the hotel's three swimming pools and the Well&Being fitness center. There are a variety of room types to choose from depending on your preferences, starting at $299 per night, plus resort fee and tax
The Fairmont San Juan is ideally located for travelers who want easy access to tourist attractions such as Old San Juan and San Felipe del Morro Castle, as well as those who want a resort-like experience. choose. The hotel has 388 rooms, including Well&Being Spa, Chico Cabaret, Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and Club BRAVA for your enjoyment. If you want to get out of your hotel and explore San Juan, have a drink at a bar or dance the night away, you're only 20 minutes away from Calle de San Sebastián, a popular street for nightlife (and Cheap - less than $20!) Take an Uber away.
Where to eat in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Food is an important part of any vacation, and Puerto Rico offers a wide variety of flavors and dishes to choose from. This is all due to the Spanish, African, and Taino indigenous cultural influences that appear in the flavors and ingredients of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.
Want to ease into the dive bar feel…
If you're after some local spots, try La Taberna Lúpulo's craft beers and bar snacks, such as Cuban sandwiches with ham, cheese, house-slow-cooked pork, pickles and mustard, and shots made with passion fruit Don Q rum, passion fruit juice and local craft beer – think mimosa beer, but sweeter.
For traditional Puerto Rican food…
Deaverdura is another must-visit restaurant in San Juan, serving a variety of proteins with rice and beans, fried plantains, and cocktails. Fair warning: Deaverdura is popular with locals and tourists alike, so be prepared to wait in line on busy days.
To bring a sweet end to your day…
Enjoy a delicious meal with Chocobar Cortés, Señor Paleta's popsicles or Filtrado's coffee.
What to do on a solo vacation in San Juan
While the hotel offers a concierge service to help book excursions, there are some must-see attractions for first-time travelers to San Juan. Old San Juan has the iconic colorful building facades you've probably seen on Instagram, and there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and local shops where you can buy handmade souvenirs and art. You can book a walking tour experience through sites like Trip Advisor, or you can arrange a food tour around Old San Juan from The Spoon Experience that includes restaurant stops and history as you explore the streets.
For other activities on the island, you can drive around (ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available, and hotels often offer shuttle services to certain locations). Visit El Yunque National Rainforest or take a zipline tour to see the island from a new perspective. Located in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains, El Yunque has trails that lead to waterfalls and different swimming areas. If you put El Yunque on your agenda, don't forget to bring walking shoes and bug spray, and be sure to head to Luquillo Beach next to El Yunque, which has crystal clear waters and local food stalls for a quick bite. Toro Verde is another activity you can plan that includes a zip line tour, ranging from a two-mile zip line to an easy ropes course that you can choose to be intense or relaxed.
Tips for traveling to San Juan Solo
When planning your vacation, consider that many U.S. airports offer direct or easy-to-navigate routes to San Juan, and U.S. travelers do not need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. Although Puerto Rico uses the same currency as the United States, it's always wise to keep some cash on hand as some local businesses or street vendors may not accept credit cards. While many people on the island speak English and Spanish, it's a good idea to brush up on some common phrases or questions before visiting a new place, just in case.
Make your vacation stress-free by doing a little legwork in advance and booking hotel accommodations and tables at local restaurants to ensure you get the most out of your experience. This way, you can travel solo with ease and peace of mind while supporting local businesses during your stay. Before heading to San Juan, I always recommend searching for hashtags like #SanJuan and #PuertoRico on your favorite apps (especially Instagram and TikTok) so you can see a first-person experience of the island as well as the food and actual photos of the attractions.
