San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a vibrant and culturally rich city that offers a variety of neighborhoods to suit many different preferences and lifestyles. Whether you're looking for historical charm, trendy vibes, upscale amenities, or beachside living, San Juan has it all and more. There’s a reason that nearly five million tourists flock to the island every year on average to explore the amenities of San Juan and beyond. Many visitors end up staying, especially in recent years, causing a real estate boom on the island.
Let’s take a closer look at the best neighborhoods in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and what they have to offer for potential future residents.
Old San Juan
This historic district is renowned as a popular cruise destination with endless amenities and charm. Real estate in Old San Juan consists mainly of historic buildings converted into apartments or beautiful homes. The neighborhood offers a unique living experience with its incredible architecture and proximity to cultural landmarks.
Things to do in Old San Juan
Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro
501 C. Norzagaray, San Juan
Commonly known as “El Morro,” Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of the most scenic locations in the Caribbean. Breathtaking views of the Atlantic from the walls of the old fort make it a popular place for photographers.
Commonly known as “El Morro,” Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of the most scenic locations in the Caribbean. Breathtaking views of the Atlantic from the walls of the old fort make it a popular place for photographers.
Take a stroll at Paseo de la Princesa
Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan
The best-known promenade in Puerto Rico, Paseo de la Princesa, dates back to 1853. Here, you will find street vendors, artisan stalls, and typical Puerto Rican food carts to enjoy along the way, adding to the walkway's popularity with locals and tourists.
The best-known promenade in Puerto Rico, Paseo de la Princesa, dates back to 1853. Here, you will find street vendors, artisan stalls, and typical Puerto Rican food carts to enjoy along the way, adding to the walkway's popularity with locals and tourists.
Amazing dining spots in Old San Juan
Barrachina
104 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan
The birthplace of the world-famous Piña Colada, Barrachina has offered outstanding Puerto Rican and international cuisine for over 40 years. The two-centuries-old colonial building and interior courtyard setting make this a must-stop place to dine. From the fried plantations to the lobster tail and grouper fillet, the dishes here are truly exquisite.
El Patio De Sam
102 C. de San Sebastián, San Juan
For over 50 years, El Patio De Sam has specialized in local Puerto Rican dishes like churrasco and mofongo. Great food and a relaxed environment entice diners to this Old San Juan staple. Plus, this top dining destination offers a vast selection of beers and wines to round off your meal.
For over 50 years, El Patio De Sam has specialized in local Puerto Rican dishes like churrasco and mofongo. Great food and a relaxed environment entice diners to this Old San Juan staple. Plus, this top dining destination offers a vast selection of beers and wines to round off your meal.
Puerta de Tierra
Real estate in Puerta de Tierra offers more affordable options compared to some of the neighboring upscale neighborhoods. Apartments and houses cater to a range of budgets, making it an attractive choice for those looking for urban living at a more affordable price.
What to do in Puerta de Tierra
Snorkel at Balneario El Escambrón
FW86+P2V, San Juan
One of the best-known beaches in San Juan, Balneario El Escambrón, is protected by coral reefs and offers experiences like snorkeling with sea turtles, scuba diving, and sunset walks. The beach is only five minutes away from restaurants and food stands, making it a popular weekend choice.
One of the best-known beaches in San Juan, Balneario El Escambrón, is protected by coral reefs and offers experiences like snorkeling with sea turtles, scuba diving, and sunset walks. The beach is only five minutes away from restaurants and food stands, making it a popular weekend choice.
Feel inspired at Walter Otero Contemporary Art
402 Av. de la Constitución, San Juan
For those looking for a cultural experience, the Walter Otero Contemporary Art Gallery is dedicated to the next generation of artists. A rooftop garden offers magnificent views of San Juan Bay alongside unique outdoor exhibits.
Fantastic food in Puerta de Tierra
Melao Bistro
Cond. Capitolio Plaza, Calle Marina Ste. 201, San Juan
Seafood lovers should look no further than Melao Bistro. Dishes like lobster ravioli and fresh ceviche are just a few to enjoy overlooking the nearby waterfront park in a refined and upscale setting.
Seafood lovers should look no further than Melao Bistro. Dishes like lobster ravioli and fresh ceviche are just a few to enjoy overlooking the nearby waterfront park in a refined and upscale setting.
Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
5 Av. Luis Muñoz Rivera Ste 208, San Juan
Specializing more in the “turf” part of surf-and-turf, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse offers a high-end steakhouse experience you won’t soon forget. This internationally-renowned restaurant is sure to “meat” every expectation.
Specializing more in the “turf” part of surf-and-turf, Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse offers a high-end steakhouse experience you won’t soon forget. This internationally-renowned restaurant is sure to “meat” every expectation.
Santurce
Vibrant and trendy, Santurce holds plenty of promise, with no shortage of museums, unique shops, and excellent dining spots. Santurce offers a mix of residential options, including apartments and upscale condos alongside beachside estates. The neighborhood's popularity has led to the revitalization of some areas, with new developments and renovations taking place.
Adventures in Santurce
Enjoy the nightlife at Esquina Watusi
801 Cll Elisa Cerra #829, San Juan
As a significant part of San Juan’s vibrant nightlife scene, Esquina Watusi is a beloved hangout location offering live music on the weekends. Indulge in the local flavor and enjoy the packed dance floor.
As a significant part of San Juan’s vibrant nightlife scene, Esquina Watusi is a beloved hangout location offering live music on the weekends. Indulge in the local flavor and enjoy the packed dance floor.
Catch a show at Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré
Ave. Ponce De León Pda. 22 1/2, San Juan
Open since 1981, Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré is one of Puerto Rico’s most important and well-known cultural centers. It hosts concerts, operas, theater, ballet performances, and traveling shows like Hamilton.
Open since 1981, Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré is one of Puerto Rico’s most important and well-known cultural centers. It hosts concerts, operas, theater, ballet performances, and traveling shows like Hamilton.
Check out the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico (MAC)
1220 Ave. Ponce de León Esq. R.H. Todd Pda 18, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
To get a dose of inspiration, head to MAC, where you’ll find an array of amazing exhibits showcasing incredible talents. The MAC also hosts workshops and classes to enrich and educate the mind.
To get a dose of inspiration, head to MAC, where you’ll find an array of amazing exhibits showcasing incredible talents. The MAC also hosts workshops and classes to enrich and educate the mind.
Top restaurants in Santurce
Dulcesalado
1853 McLeary Ave, San Juan
Offering new and exciting takes on culinary experiences, Dulcesalado is one of the trendiest places to visit in all of San Juan. Dishes like watermelon sushi and the calamari and jalapeno roll are just a few new experiences this restaurant/beer garden/coffee and pastry shop concept has to offer. Don’t skip it!
Offering new and exciting takes on culinary experiences, Dulcesalado is one of the trendiest places to visit in all of San Juan. Dishes like watermelon sushi and the calamari and jalapeno roll are just a few new experiences this restaurant/beer garden/coffee and pastry shop concept has to offer. Don’t skip it!
Espacio 18
501 Av. Roberto H. Todd, San Juan
Another novel take on culinary concepts, Espacio 18 is the lunch hot spot for young professionals in the area. It serves signature dishes like empanada de pollo with risotto and other high-end offerings at affordable prices.
Another novel take on culinary concepts, Espacio 18 is the lunch hot spot for young professionals in the area. It serves signature dishes like empanada de pollo with risotto and other high-end offerings at affordable prices.
Condado
Surrounding with stunning beach scenery, Condado is gorgeous and sophisticated at every turn. Real estate in Condado consists of a mix of apartments and condominiums, offering luxurious living options with amazing views. The neighborhood's prime location and upscale amenities contribute to higher real estate prices compared to other areas.
Explore Condado
Shop at Ashford Avenue
Ashford Ave, San Juan
Offering upscale shopping by day and trendy nightlife at night, Ashford Avenue is the seat of luxury in San Juan. Lined by high-end boutiques, the area offers world-famous brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, ​and Ferragamo and local designers like Nono Maldonado.
Offering upscale shopping by day and trendy nightlife at night, Ashford Avenue is the seat of luxury in San Juan. Lined by high-end boutiques, the area offers world-famous brands like Cartier, Louis Vuitton, ​and Ferragamo and local designers like Nono Maldonado.
Swim or lounge at Condado Beach
San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
As the epitome of the Caribbean beach resort experience, Condado Beach is popular among tourists visiting the island. The nearby Playita del Condado, or Small Condado Beach, offers calm waters with shallow spots perfect for small children and families.
As the epitome of the Caribbean beach resort experience, Condado Beach is popular among tourists visiting the island. The nearby Playita del Condado, or Small Condado Beach, offers calm waters with shallow spots perfect for small children and families.
Dining destinations in Condado
La Bodeguita de Manolo Condado
1369 Ashford Ave, San Juan
Hidden behind what looks like a walk-in freezer door, La Bodeguita de Manolo Condado offers luxurious, high-end international cuisine in an intimate setting. Their extensive drinks menu provides the extra flair to complete the speakeasy feel of this hidden gem.
Hidden behind what looks like a walk-in freezer door, La Bodeguita de Manolo Condado offers luxurious, high-end international cuisine in an intimate setting. Their extensive drinks menu provides the extra flair to complete the speakeasy feel of this hidden gem.
Cocina Abierta
58 Caribe St, San Juan
While Cocina Abierta, or “Open Kitchen” in English, may give a different vibe from the name, the quality is just as top-notch. Offering tasting menus, wine pairings, and cocktails that explore the island’s local cuisine, this is the perfect spot for foodies looking for an authentic experience.
While Cocina Abierta, or “Open Kitchen” in English, may give a different vibe from the name, the quality is just as top-notch. Offering tasting menus, wine pairings, and cocktails that explore the island’s local cuisine, this is the perfect spot for foodies looking for an authentic experience.
Finding the neighborhood that suits you
With so many options available when choosing a potential neighborhood, it can be hard to make a choice. That’s why working with an expert is so important when making a move to San Juan. Offering a full range of personalized relocation and realty services, We Got This Realty has proven to be the premier realty expert in the San Juan area.
Maria del Mar Ortiz of We Got This Realty has spent years cultivating strong relationships and contacts to make the transition to life in Puerto Rico as smooth as possible. If you are moving to Puerto Rico, contact Maria today to explore which services match your needs and which neighborhood is the best fit to become your new home.
*Header photo courtesy of Maria Del Mar Ortiz
Maria del Mar Ortiz of We Got This Realty has spent years cultivating strong relationships and contacts to make the transition to life in Puerto Rico as smooth as possible. If you are moving to Puerto Rico, contact Maria today to explore which services match your needs and which neighborhood is the best fit to become your new home.
*Header photo courtesy of Maria Del Mar Ortiz
