How to travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico from Solo

Puerto Rico is a must-visit for tropical vibes just a stone’s throw from the US capital, San Juan. It’s a low maintenance ride. It makes for a great trip, and for those living in the United States, you don’t have to worry about bringing your passport, speaking a different language, or exchanging money for this destination. I recently had the opportunity to travel solo to San Juan for the first time and found it easy to navigate and rich in history, although I learned many new things about the island during my time there. They have been to San Juan in groups many times before.

If you’re planning a solo trip to San Juan soon, here’s what you need to know about hotel reservations and planning an itinerary.

Where to stay in San Juan for a solo trip

I was invited to stay at the Fairmont El San Juan Hotel, which has been around since 1958 and is a short five-minute drive from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. The hotel itself has a rich history — it’s the only place where Celia Cruz ever performed in Puerto Rico, for one — and the look inside the place speaks of vintage charm. Once inside, you will be greeted by a grand chandelier, ornate decorations around the lobby, and several bars before entering your room. I stayed in a Banyan Villa room, a room on the property that offers views of the pool outside the main hotel. Each room in this series of villas includes a sleeper bed and a private outdoor area overlooking one of the hotel’s three pools and wellness and fitness center. There are many room options to choose from, with rates starting at $299 per night, plus resort fees and taxes

The Fairmont El San Juan Hotel is conveniently located for those who want easy access to tourist attractions like Old San Juan and Castillo San Felipe del Moro, but is also a great option for travelers looking for a resort-like experience. The 449-room property includes Well & Being Spa, Chico Cabaret, Foxwoods El San Juan Casino and Club BRAVA for your enjoyment. If you want to head outside the hotel to San Juan for a night of drinking or dancing, Calle de San Sebastian, a popular nightlife street, is a quick 20-minute (and cheap – less than $20!). Uber rides.

Where to eat in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Food is a big part of any vacation, and Puerto Rico offers many flavors and cuisines to choose from. That’s all because of the cultural influences from Spain, Africa, and the Taíno people that are evident in the flavors and ingredients of traditional Puerto Rican cuisine.

A dive bar feel for easy mingling…

If you want to hit some local spots, try La Taberna Lupulo for craft beer and bar bites, like Cubano sandwiches with ham, cheese, slow-roasted pork, mustard and mustard liquor. Don Ki Rum, passion fruit juice and locally brewed beer – think mimosa, but sweeter.

For traditional Puerto Rican cuisine…

Deverdura is another must-hit San Juan spot that serves a variety of proteins with rice and beans, fried plantain tostones, and cocktails. Fair warning: Deaverdura is very popular with locals and tourists alike, so be prepared to wait in line on busy days.

A sweet ending to your day…

Wash down your delicious food choices with a Chocolate Martini Chocobar Cortez, a Señor Paleta Popsicle, or a Filtrado Coffee.

What to do on a solo vacation to San Juan

While hotels offer assistance in booking excursions, there are some must-see sites for first-time travelers to San Juan. Home to the colorful building facades you’ve seen on Instagram, Old San Juan offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and local shops to buy handmade artifacts and art. You can book walking experiences through websites like Trip Advisor or schedule a food tour of the Old San Juan area with Spoon Experience, which includes restaurant stops and history as you explore the streets.

You can drive around the island for other activities (ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are available, and hotels often offer shuttles to some sites). Check out the El Yunque National Rainforest or ziplining tour to see the island from a new perspective. El Yunque is located in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains and features trails to waterfalls and various swimming areas. If you put El Yunque on your agenda, don’t forget your hiking shoes and bug spray, and be sure to check out Luquillo Beach next to El Yunque, which has clear water and local food kiosks for a quick bite. Another activity you can plan is Toro Verde, which features a ziplining tour that can be as intense or as cool as you like – from a two-mile long zipline to an easy ropes course.

Tips for traveling to San Juan Solo

When planning your vacation, consider that many airports in the United States offer direct or easy access to San Juan and that there is no passport for US travelers entering Puerto Rico. Although Puerto Rico uses the same currency as the United States, some local businesses or street vendors may not accept credit cards, so it’s always wise to have some cash on hand. As many people on the island speak English and Spanish, it’s always a good idea to check out some common phrases or questions before visiting a new place just in case.

Make it a relaxing vacation by working ahead of time to book hotel accommodations and tables at local restaurants to get the most out of your experience. That way, you can travel all by yourself with ease and peace of mind while supporting local businesses during your stay. Before going to San Juan, I always recommend searching hashtags like #SanJuan and #PuertoRico on your favorite apps – especially Instagram and Tik Tok where you can see first-person experiences on the island and authentic photos of food and attractions.