By Soren Rivero
The historic and timeless city of San Juan is an invaluable part of any great vacation to Puerto Rico. This city is where you’ll find Puerto Rico’s heart and soul, with traces all the way back to the earliest Spanish settlement on the island.
You can easily overpack your schedule with exciting things to do in San Juan. Luckily, you can save both time and money on your trip if you take advantage of these 10 free things to do in San Juan.
Walk Through Old San Juan
The best of the best according to locals and tourists, Old San Juan is the most popular attraction in San Juan. This walled city surrounded by coasts and home to a number of incredible fortresses is an integral part of Puerto Rican history.
Some fun and interesting history can be uncovered simply by maneuvering through the area. For some background: Old San Juan was Puerto Rico’s old capital city. Old San Juan was first named “Puerto Rico”, until the name was awarded to the island territory.
There is no entry cost for visiting Old San Juan. It’s fairly easy to get there as well, depending on where you stay. It's by far one of the best free things to do in San Juan, and the scenic beauty of it seals the deal.
Stroll Around Paseo de la Princesa
San Juan’s most beautiful promenade is none other than Paseo de la Princesa. Stone walkways and a coastal position easily make the promenade a great place to stroll around or simply take a break. The best part? Paseo de la Princesa is located directly in Old San Juan. Cross off these two things to do in San Juan for free all in one trip.
You’ll definitely want to check out the central fountain known as Fuente Raíces, or "roots fountain" in English, right at the end of the promenade. The name originates from the three beautiful figures inside the fountain. Each of which represents Puerto Rico’s roots in Taíno, African, and European culture.
Browse Shops at Calle de la Fortaleza
If you’ve ever seen an image of a narrow, colorful street covered by an assortment of bright umbrellas, it was probably Calle de la Fortaleza. Located in Old San Juan (which seems to be a trend for the best things to do in San Juan for free), this cute street uses cobblestone streets and colonial buildings to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in San Juan.
An icon of the Calle de la Fortaleza is the Paseo de Sombrillas (Umbrella Pathway), which hangs over the Governor’s Mansion on a small one-block street. The street’s umbrellas were replaced with a giant Puerto Rican flag, but occasionally are just covered with lights. Regardless, it’s still really fun to shop, dine, or simply walk around Calle de la Fortaleza.
Lounge at Condado Beach
Right between the urban district of San Juan and Old San Juan is the Condado Lagoon. This coastal part of the islet is home to numerous beautiful beaches, all of which are known for their golden sands and blue waters. Condado beach is among the most popular.
Here you can swim, lounge, surf, or even discover an underwater snorkeling path. It's important to note that this beach is on the edge of a busy city street, so it's not excluded a secluded beach experience. Regardless, Condado Beach is a fantastic place to visit in San Juan for free.
Enjoy Time at Campamento Piñones
Around 30 minutes from the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (San Juan’s local airport) is a popular coastal area known as Campamento Piñones. It's not a part of San Juan itself, but is just a few miles from the city in the municipality of Carolina.
There’s tons of fun things to do in Campamento Piñones. You can enjoy a walk or bike ride through mangroves, relax at the beach, explore on your own, and sample street food. Visiting is a great budget-friendly thing to do in San Juan you don't want to miss.
Visit Laguna del Condado
Laguna del Condado (Condado Lagoon) is a large body of water situated between Condado Beach and Miramar. It’s a popular area for walking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other coastal activities.
Visitors often recommend this part of the Condado area as the water is much calmer than Condado Beach, where the waters can get more rough and is occasionally subject to rip currents. Don’t let that stop you from visiting Condado Beach, though. It’s still safe, but if you prefer a calmer option, visit Laguna del Condado instead.
See Santurce’s Street Art
It’s not just Old San Juan that has a beautiful and walkable city area. Other parts of San Juan are equally as great, like the residential neighborhood of Santurce. The area is not anywhere near as crowded as Old San Juan, but also isn't isolated.
The beauty of Santurce really comes from the lively street art. Painters and other artists have made the city’s walls into larger-than-life canvases with award-worthy artwork. Take yourself on a tour of the neighborhood and Santurce will quickly become one of your favorite free things to do in San Juan.
Soak in the Nightlife at La Placita de Santurce
Santurce might be serene during the day, but at night, the district erupts into a vibrant and lively area. San Juan’s best nightlife is right here in the heart of Santurce. There’s plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs that are packed with people looking to have a good time. Take yourself on a night time journey and enjoy this cheap thing to do in San Juan.
Have a Break at The Poet’s Passage
The Poet’s Passage is a colorful and tranquil shop showcasing the poetry, artwork, and craftsmanship of local poet Lady Lee Andrews. Browsing through the gallery and admiring the intricacy of the shop is free, but you can also purchase souvenirs or something from the cafe to help support the business.
On Tuesday nights, local poets and writers flock to the shop for an Open Mic night. It’s a great opportunity to meet local poets, hear some great works, and maybe even buy a book or two.
Admire the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista was built in 1540 in honor of St. John the Baptist, and it's also the site of first governor Juan Ponce de León’s tomb.
Regular mass is still held at the church. Other events are also held on the occasion based on day of the week as well as time of the year. Entrance to the mass and outside visiting hours are free. Donations are also accepted.
