If you’re ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to the beautiful Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, all without breaking the bank, you’re at the right place. I went on this long weekend trip solo and spent less than $700 on the entire thing ! This small island’s close distance to the mainland of the United States makes it the perfect place for a weekend getaway. From exploring colorful street art, beautiful beaches, and visiting the only rain forest in the U.S., you are sure to have a good time. Let’s get into into the ultimate budget-friendly adventure in San Juan packed with affordable stay recommendations, cheap restaurants and tons of free and low cost activities.
Day 1: Explore Old San Juan: Culture, Cuisine, and Music
I started my first day by taking an Uber to Cafeteria Mallorca in Old San Juan from Casa Santurce. I would not recommend staying at Casa Santurce, which is the hostel where I stayed in the Santurce neighborhood. Instead I recommend Santurcia Hostel, Conturce Hostel, Bposhtels San Juan and Mango Mansion for super budget friendly options. If hostels are not your thing but you still want an affordable option check out ESJ Beach Hotel and Navona Studios Guesthouse. Now back to breakfast, Caferia Mallorca is a cozy local cafe famous for its delicious Mallorcas, a typical bread eaten in Puerto Rico for breakfast. The atmosphere was charming filled with locals, the menu was very affordable, and the Mallorcas were absolutely mouthwatering.
After fueling up, I took a 10-minute walk to Plaza del Quinto Centenario for the one-hour photo tour I booked where a professional photographer takes you to the city’s historic spots sharing cool facts and snaps pictures of you along the way. I met up with my photographer at 10:30 am, and he was fantastic. Before we began shooting, he asked if I had any special photo requests or needs, which I appreciated. We explored the colorful buildings in Old San Juan, lined with cobblestone streets, with the photographer guiding me to the best spots for photos. Along the way, he shared brief tidbits of history about the cathedral and other landmarks we encountered. After the tour, I spent time exploring old San Juan alone and stopped at Casa Blanca, a free museum that used to be the home of Governor Ponce de Leon. The museum was unfortunately closed because of a private event, but I was allowed to see the gardens, which were still pretty impressive. I also saw this lizard in the garden which freaked me out a bit. The gardens are well kept and have beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.
I spent some time checking out Old San Juan, simply walking around and getting lost in its charming streets. Don’t miss the Colorful umbrella alley located on Calle de la Fortaleza.
After exploring a bit, you’re probably hungry. Head to Cafe Manolin, a great place for a delicious local meal. This popular spot has affordable and authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, and the food did not disappoint. Then, make your way to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a national historic site with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The $10 entry fee, which can be paid by credit card or cash, was well worth it. I spent about 2 hours exploring the impressive fort and enjoying stunning views of the coastline. After spending the day exploring, return to your accommodation to relax a bit before getting ready for the night.
To kick off the night, I took an Uber to El Distrito T Mobile, a popular place among locals and tourists alike. This vibrant entertainment district is known for its free live performances. I caught a fantastic show and had a meal at one of the restaurants there. Make sure to check out their website for their events calendar ahead of time. They even have a really cool indoor ziplining activity,, but for $50, I passed. The prices at the restaurants there were on the higher side compared to other restaurants I went to earlier. I rented an electric scooter and explored the city before calling it a night.
Day 2: Explore El Yunque and Las Paylas: A Thrilling Adventure in Puerto Rico
Today will be an action-packed day filled with adventure with a guided tour to El Yunque, Las Paylas Waterfalls, and Luquillo Beach. El Yunque Rainforest is the only tropical rainforest in the United States, so this day was pretty special being it is one of the best day trips you can possibly take from San Juan. No rental car was needed since I booked a tour, which is the easiest way to keep this day trip hassle-free. I took a 15-minute walk to the meeting point for this day’s tour from Casa Santurce. After about an hour of driving, the first stop was Las Fruteras, a roadside store where you can grab something to eat. They have smoothies, empanadas, and so many other snacks. I got some empanadas and a smoothie for breakfast. Energized and ready to go, you’ll continue your journey to El Yunque Rainforest, marveling at the lush greenery as you drive through.
Upon reaching the entrance to Las Paylas, you’ll embark on a short hike to the waterfalls. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy, as the trail can be rugged. Las Paylas is a popular natural attraction near the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. It has of a series of natural water slides and pools formed by streams and waterfalls. After reaching the first water slide, you’ll have the chance to go down the slide, swing ropes into the water, and even do cliff jumping if you’re more adventurous. If you need a life jacket, it’ll be provided to you for free. I was traveling solo, and the tour guides were very nice and offered to take pictures and videos of me going down the water slide. If you have water shoes, be sure to bring them along for added traction. At the second water slide, you’ll have to climb up slippery rocks to get to the starting point of the slide. The second water slide is much faster and longer, with twists and turns that can send you flying into the water if you’re not careful. The guides will provide instructions on how to keep your body in the proper position to avoid scrapes and bruises.
After enjoying the adrenaline rush at the waterfalls, you’ll board the bus for a scenic ride to Playa Luquillo. Playa Luquillo has over 60 kiosks with a variety of dining options where you can indulge in a delicious lunch. I chose to rent a chair and umbrella, but you can simply use your beach towel as well to save money. The crystal-clear waters of Luquillo Beach provide the perfect backdrop for unwinding after thrilling adventures at Las Paylas. If you’re seeking additional excitement, jet skiing is available at an extra cost. After soaking up the sun at Luquillo among the tall palm trees, it was time to head back to San Juan. Before returning to my hostel, I made a pit stop at Vagon Santurce to grab something to eat.
As the evening descended, I ventured to La Placita for some nightlife fun. La Placita is a lively square in the neighborhood of San Juan known for its vibrant atmosphere and bars. It was the perfect way to continue off an exhilarating day of adventure and get a feel for the local culture.
Day 3: Street Art, Beach Vibes, and LED Kayaking
After a late night at La Placita, I started off the day with a late start around 11 a.m. and stopped to get breakfast at Machiato Coffee-Deli. Then, I took a walk to Calle Cerra to explore the street art in San Juan. Calle Cerra is renowned for its incredible graffiti art and murals by local artists. This street was the birthplace of the annual street art festival, Santurce es Ley, almost a decade ago. I spent about 2 hours wandering the colorful streets, and discovering new murals. Trust me, every corner revealed a new and breathtaking masterpiece. After getting my fill of street art, it was time to grab a bite at Miramar Food Truck Park. Miramar Food Truck Park is an outdoor space filled with food trucks serving up a variety of mouthwatering dishes, from tacos and burgers to gourmet desserts and there’s even a bar truck! It’s a foodie paradise and the perfect spot to grab a quick bite before continuing on with the day. I also came back here for dinner today; there were so many food trucks to try!
Then, I walked back to my accommodation to grab my beach bag and head over to Condado Beach. It was about a 20 minute walk, but if you’re not in the mood for walking, take an uber to Condado. Condado Beach is a popular destination for tourists because it has beautiful blue waters and a lively atmosphere. I settled in at Wicked Lilly Tryst Bar and grabbed a piña colada to cool off. By the way, did you know Pina Coladas were invented in Puerto Rico? You can also opt to rent chairs and umbrellas for the ultimate beach experience, or simply kick back and relax on a beach towel to save money. But a word to the wise: while the waves at Condado Beach may look inviting, they can be sneaky, so be sure to stay close to the shore if you decide to take a dip.
For a fun and unique nighttime activity, get ready for an epic adventure with this LED night kayak tour in San Juan with a local guide! This is an activity I meant to do but didn’t since I wasn’t feeling well. The best part is that they have starting times as late as 10 p.m. for this activity. Arrive early to deck yourself out in glow paint and glow sticks, then learn the basics of kayaking and store your stuff in complimentary lockers. Once geared up with a life jacket, hop into your clear-bottom tandem kayak equipped with LED lights and set off on a tour of Condado Lagoon for an hour. For a more budget friendly option, opt to kayak in the daytime for less than half the price. If you’re on a tight budget, you can skip it all together.
Day 4: Savoring the Final Moments: Exploring Old San Juan’s Treasures
Today’s the last day, so I went back to an old favorite for breakfast, Cafe Mallorca. Then, I took a 10-minute walk to La Fortaleza for a free 30-minute tour. There is also the option to explore independently. La Fortaleza is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico and one of the oldest executive mansions in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. You’ll get to explore the beautiful architecture and learn about the fascinating history behind this iconic landmark.
If your flight is departing much later, do something totally awesome and give back to the community by volunteering at the Save a Gato facility. Now, this isn’t your average volunteering gig, it’s all about helping out our furry feline friends. Save a Gato is a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for stray cats in Old San Juan. You’ll get to spend some quality time with these adorable kitties, whether it’s feeding them, giving them some love and attention, or helping with cleaning duties. Just a heads up, though: you need to arrange this ahead of time, so check out their website and plan accordingly.
It’s time to wrap things up and head to San Juan Airport. Return to grab your bags from the hotel and call an Uber to the airport.
Things to Know Before Going to Puerto Rico
Entry: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory; therefore, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit. A valid Real ID driver’s license is enough to visit this island.
Weather: San Juan has a tropical climate, which means it’s generally warm and humid year-round. However, it’s essential to keep an eye on the weather forecast, especially during hurricane season (June to November), and be prepared for occasional rain showers. The high season is from December to April, July, and August.
Currency: Puerto Rico uses the United States dollar (USD) as its official currency. Most businesses accept major credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and in case of emergencies.
Language: While Spanish is the official language of Puerto Rico, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas like San Juan. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your travel experience and help you communicate with the locals. When all else fails, Google translate !
Transportation: San Juan has various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. Walking is also a popular way to explore the city’s historic streets, but be prepared for some hills and cobblestone paths in Old San Juan. If you’re visiting El Yunque independently you will need a car to get inside, Ubers/Lyfts are not allowed entry to the park.
Safety: Like any destination, it’s essential to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety. While San Juan is generally considered safe for tourists, it’s wise to avoid the La Perla neighborhood. Don’t go to isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure to prevent theft. Additionally, be cautious when swimming in the ocean, some beaches may have strong currents.
Conclusion
A lot of people choose to rent a car for more flexibility, but I chose not to because this was a short trip and I was mainly staying in the San Juan area. For this specific itinerary, you really don’t need to rent a car, especially if you’re traveling solo like I did. I took a few Ubers here and there, but mostly walked from place to place in the city. It’s been a journey filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories. And the best part? I did it all without breaking the bank. Here’s to many more budget-friendly travels in the future!
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