Lush nature, sugary beaches, indulgent cuisine, and locals who charm with intoxicating dance moves and pure joy—the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan truly has it all. The best part? You don’t have to break the bank to experience it. If you’re looking for an incredible getaway on a budget, San Juan delivers.
Here are five things you can do for under $50.
$0
See Puerto Rico’s true nature by volunteering with Para la Naturaleza, a group dedicated to preserving the island’s pristine beauty. Tend to tree nurseries in the dramatic San Cristóbal Canyon. You can also help protect sea turtles on the unspoiled beaches of Manatí. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the miracle of life in summer when the eggs begin to hatch.
$5
Bring a hearty appetite to Lote 23 in the artsy Santurce district. This palm-studded outdoor food market features 15 of Puerto Rico’s most creative street food vendors. Grab some southern-style fried chicken from the Hen House. Try its perfectly crispy tenders or sandwiches loaded with bacon and ranch dressing. Then top it off with refreshing popsicles from Señor Paleta. For $5, try its banana whoopie pie pop, or if you’re feeling adventurous, go for the guava and cheese.
$13
Travel back in time at the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th-century Spanish citadel perched atop a 43-meter-high promontory guarding the San Juan Bay. Wander its main plaza in the shadow of 18-meter-tall walls. Head up to the garitas (watchtowers) for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Atlantic. Explore the dark, winding tunnels that connect this UNESCO World Heritage Site to Castillo San Cristóbal, an 18th-century Spanish fort. After, join the throngs who picnic on the very lawns where soldiers once marched.
$15
Taste the perfect cocktail in the Caribbean’s most popular bar, La Factoría. This bar became a worldwide sensation as the setting for the “Despacito” music video, but even before Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee danced and sang their way through it, La Factoría was already a destination for award-winning drinks. Ask for the Peligroso, a herbaceous, citrusy, rum-based tipple layered with amaro and Campari. You can sip it under string lights and against peeling walls as salsa music pumps through the speakers. Drinks average $15.
$50
Discover the beach town of Piñones on two wheels. Located about 20 kilometers east of San Juan, you can rent a bike for $30 and pedal to Playa La Posita, a popular spot for local families. They love the shallow, tranquil pool created by a natural coral wall.
Chasing waves? Steer your surfboard to Playa Aviones, just a five-minute ride along the coast. Afterward, cycle between bites along the seaside PR-187, which is lined with chinchorros (kiosks) selling typical street food. Try alcapurrias (meat-stuffed fritters) and bacalaítos (cod cakes) at El Boricua. Or go for fresh oysters at Hipi Cache. Mix and match your lunch for around $20.
