Wanting to do something unique in San Juan, Puerto Rico?
You’ve come to the right article – as I’ve stayed in San Juan – and am going to share the most interesting activities to do around the city!
From visiting art galleries to exploring caves, there’s something for everyone. To narrow it down, I’ve put together this list of the best activities to help you plan an unforgettable trip!
Here are 20 unique things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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20 Unique Things To Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
1. Off The Beaten Path Tour of El Yunque
If you’re up for an adventure, explore the El Yunque rainforest on a full day excursion from San Juan. This off-the-beaten path tour hikes through El Yunque rainforest, which has rivers, streams, waterfalls, and incredible views.
You’ll get to hike, swim in rivers, cliff-jump, slide down natural water slides, and end the tour with a traditional Costa Rican lunch!
This tour includes roundtrip transportation from accommodations in San Juan. Note: You’ll want to pack a swimsuit, good hiking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen for this excursion.
unique things to do in san Juan
2. LED Night Kayaking at Condado Lagoon
Once the sun goes down, go on a night-time kayaking tour in Condado Lagoon. You’ll use glow in the dark paint, glow sticks, and LED-lit clear-bottomed kayaks to light up the lagoon.
From spotting starfish to stingrays, this is an unforgettable experience. Plus, you’ll get scenic views of the city lights at night!
unique things to do in san Juan
3. Sunset Walking Food Tour
Taste some of the best traditional Puerto Rican food on a walking food tour through Old San Juan during sunset. This tour stops at five incredible family-owned restaurants, including hidden gems.
Sample 7 different dishes while strolling past historic buildings in Old San Juan. Plus, you’ll get to learn about Puerto Rican culture and history from a friendly tour guide.
This tour begins at sunset so you’ll get scenic views of the buildings during golden hour.
unique things to do in san Juan
4. Tour The Largest Rum Distillery In The World
Sample Puerto Rico’s finest rum at the largest rum distillery in the world (The Bacardi Distillery)! Also known as the Cathedral of Rum, this distillery produces nearly 100,000 liters of rum per day!
You’ll have the chance to learn how rum’s made, and sampling different rum styles on this unique rum-tasting tour. The distillery is in San Juan Bay, right across the marina from Old San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
5. Scenic Sunset Walk Of Historic Old San Juan
Enjoy scenic sunset views of Old San Juan as you learn interesting history facts on this sunset walking tour.
This sunset walking tour stops by Plaza Colon, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, Plaza de Armas, and more fascinating sites. From old government buildings to chapels, history buffs won’t want to miss this tour.
unique things to do in san Juan
6. Stop By The Poet’s Passage Art Gallery
Stop by the Poet’s Passage in San Juan to see local art and poetry. This small art gallery and gift shop has a lovely atmosphere, and sells unique poetry, art pieces, and souvenirs.
For buying unique souvenirs on vacation, this is the place to go. Visit on Tuesdays for open mic night where you can listen to live poetry and music!
unique things to do in san Juan
7. Explore the Arenales Caves and Hidden Springs
Explore the Arenales caves on this unique small group cave tour. The Arenales caves are a lesser-known cave with a deep swimming pool where tourists can swim throughout.
You’ll get to hike, swim underneath caves, and visit hidden springs! If you’re up for an adventure, this is the tour for you.
They provide roundtrip transportation from accommodations in San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
8. Try The Best Piña Colada At Barrachina
Head to Barrachina to try one of the best piña coladas you’ve ever had. Barrachina is a traditional Puerto Rican restaurant known for being one of the first inventors of the piña colada.
Although uncertain whether they’re the first inventor, they serve delicious, creamy piña coladas you won’t want to miss trying. The restaurant is minutes away from the cruise port in Old San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
9. Visit The World’s Narrowest Apartment (La Casa Estrecha)
Head to La Casa Estrecha (The Narrow House) to see the world’s narrowest apartment!
This small apartment measures five feet wide, and is in the Guiness Book of World Records for being the world’s smallest apartment!
It’s minutes away from the Barrachina restaurant, in the heart of Old San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
10. Zipline At El Yunque National Forest
If you’re a thrill seeker, go ziplining at JungleQui Zipline Park. You’ll enjoy spectacular views of the lush jungle while soaring through the El Yunque National Forest.
This adventure tour is 2 hours long, and they cover all transportation from accommodations in San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
11. Take Photos At Calle De La Fortaleza
Head to Calle De La Fortaleza to take pictures at the famous umbrella street. Calle de La Fortaleza has a canopy of colorful umbrellas across the street, and is one of the most unique spots to take pictures.
It’s less than a 5 minute walk from the cruise port in the heart of Viejo, San Juan. Keep in mind that it can be crowded during the day, so it’s best to visit early in the morning.
unique things to do in san Juan
12. Learn How To Salsa
Learn how to salsa dance in no time with the help of a professional dance teacher! These fun salsa lessons are 1-hour long, and a minimum of 4 people are required.
Once you’re done with lessons, head to La Placita de Santurce to practice your salsa dancing skills!
unique things to do in san Juan
13. Visit Cat Heaven in Old San Juan
If you love cats, visit “Cat Heaven” or the Save-A-Gato Cat Sanctuary.
This organization looks over the cat colony of Old San Juan and helps feed, spay, and neuter stray cats. Across the street from the sanctuary is a cat park where you can hang out with these furry friends!
unique things to do in san Juan
14. ATV Tour Of The Countryside
Explore Puerto Rico’s beautiful countryside on an ATV tour. This 2 hour tour travels through mangroves, hills, lagoons, and tropical fields.
Plus, you’ll visit an old sugarcane plantation, horse pasture, and bar for tropical drinks to end the tour!The tour covers all transportation from accommodations in San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
15. Visit Parque de las Palomas
Visit Parque de las Palomas to stroll in a park with pigeons, benches, and breathtaking views of the bay. You can purchase a bag of bird food for $2 to feed the pigeons so it’s a great place to take kids!
It’s just down the street from the narrow house (La Casa Estrecha), in Old San Juan. The park is closed Mondays, and open everyday from 9 AM to 6 PM.
unique things to do in san Juan
16. Eat At Chocobar Cortes
Stop by Chocobar Cortes to try interesting chocolate dishes! From chocolate grilled cheese to frozen hot chocolates, this unique restaurant incorporates chocolate in nearly every dish.
If you’re a chocolate lover, you must visit this place. It’s located in the heart of Old San Juan, just down the street from Plaza de Armas.
unique things to do in san Juan
17. Enjoy Live Music At La Placita de Santurce
Enjoy live music and delicious food and drinks at La Placita de Santurce – Puerto Rico’s nightlife hotspot. La Placita de Santurce is a neighborhood with food vendors, restaurants, and bars.
At night, you can enjoy live music, go salsa dancing, and try incredible street food. From empanadillas to alcapurrias, foodies won’t want to miss this spot.
unique things to do in san Juan
18. Scenic Horseback Ride
Explore Puerto Rico’s beautiful countryside on a scenic horseback riding tour from San Juan.
You’ll get to spot wildlife, stop for photos at scenic vistas, and get breathtaking views of the lush countryside. The tour lasts 2 hours, and they provide all transportation for accommodations in San Juan.
unique things to do in san Juan
19. Enjoy A Unique Puerto Rican Meal
If you’re looking for Puerto Rican food with a unique twist, Casita Marima is the place to be. From guava ribs to drunken chicken, they serve many creative dishes worth trying out.
Plus, every dish comes with complimentary codfish fritters and plantain soup! For dessert, don’t forget to try their famous tres leches cake.
unique things to do in san Juan
20. Shop At La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce
Stop by La Plaza del Mercado de Santurce to shop at one of San Juan’s liveliest street markets. This small street market has fruit vendors, restaurants, and bars.
Buy fresh produce during the day and return at night for delicious food and drinks, live music, karaoke, and a overall great atmosphere.
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Summary
Whether it’s visiting art galleries or the world’s narrowest apartment, San Juan has many unique activities for tourists.
You can stroll the streets of Old San Juan, or go on a day-trip to the El Yunque national rainforest or Arenales Caves. Regardless of which activities you opt-for, you’re in for an unforgettable experience!
