Welcome to Guaynabo
The municipality of Guaynabo encompasses an appealing swath of land that stretches inland from the shores of Bahía de San Juan. Considered part of the San Juan metropolitan area, Guaynabo is where urban sophistication, casual island vibes, and the irresistible appeal of Puerto Rico itself all meet to create an energetic environment.
Guaynabo has a reputation for being a place saturated in history, particularly as it holds within its bounds the setting of the first European colonization of the island in 1508, Caparra. The remnants of this site are considered a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and the city is home to a significant number of additional historic buildings.
With multiple barrios in Guaynabo, there’s plenty of residential housing to fit any need. Some of the more notable neighborhoods are Pueblo Viejo and San Patricio, which reside closer to the waters of the bay and hold some of the most spectacular houses in the area. Grand mansions, unbelievably opulent penthouses, sweeping estates, and immaculate architectural designs in various styles all help give these neighborhoods their upscale reputation and desirability.
What to Love
- Incredible shopping and dining
- Upbeat and dynamic nightlife
- Waterfront housing and diversity of homes
People & Lifestyle
Lively corridors of street food and vendors enthrall the senses in Guaynabo, where the laughter and inviting smells of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine meld together. Upscale retail and luxe condominium high rises speckle the landscape, and residents here are those wishing to take in all the stylish elegance that Guaynabo embodies.
Dining, Shopping, & Entertainment
With its highly urbanized environment, Guaynabo is bursting with retail opportunities and plentiful restaurants. Located near the city center, the San Patricio Plaza has over 120 stores, including a great assortment of grocers, department stores, clothing retailers, and shops to cater to your day-to-day needs.
Nearby, the Plaza Guaynabo houses a movie theater, shops, and familiar chain restaurants perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Salon services, niche coffee shops, and even a fitness facility are all a part of the Plaza Real further inland. Dining in Guaynabo runs the gamut between upscale seafood to traditional Spanish cuisine, and near the waterfront, there are several fashionable bars that serve craft brews, cocktails, and good times.
Things to Do
As a hotspot for tourists, Guaynabo is replete with fascinating locations to visit, such as the famed Casa Barcardí, where the world-class rum of the same name is distilled. Those with a penchant for the arts will love taking in a show at the Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré, home to three concert and theater halls for operas, plays, concerts, and ballets.
Peering out over the Río Grande de Arecibo, the Cueva Ventana, or the window cave, is set atop a monolithic limestone precipice. Visitors can be guided through a tour of this natural beauty by highly qualified biologists or attempt the trek on their own, though an entrance pass is required. La Marquesa Forest Park is another much-traversed spot for nature lovers looking to take the leisurely funicular up the steep slopes to reach an awe-inspiring view or choose an adventure such as ziplining.
Find some of the best facets of Guaynabo by becoming a member of or getting a day pass to the Vivo Beach Club, where you can find concerts, world-class dining, resort pools and cabanas, and access to one of the best beaches on the island — and in the country.
Schools
Guaynabo is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:
- The Baldwin School of Puerto Rico, PK & K-12, highly rated private school
- Colegio Rosa-Bell, PK & K-12, highly rated private school
