Jon Barr in Aguadilla and San Juan: 8 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for San Juan

Must-try foods in San Juan

• Alcapurrias
  AlcapurriasA popular 'fritura' or street snack found at beachside kiosks in nearby Piñones. These torpedo-shaped fritters are made from a dough of grated green bananas and yuca, stuffed with seasoned ground beef (picadillo) or local land crab (jueyes), and deep-fried until golden and crispy.
• Bacalaitos
  BacalaitosThese giant, pancake-like codfish fritters are a San Juan street food icon. The batter—made of flour, water, shredded salt cod, and plenty of cilantro and garlic—is fried until the edges are thin and shatteringly crisp while the center remains chewy and savory.
• Chocobar Croissants
  Chocobar CroissantsA modern San Juan icon from the famous Chocobar Cortés. This 'trending' item features flaky, buttery croissants or sandwiches infused with rich Puerto Rican chocolate. It represents the city's innovative 'Nuevo Latino' movement, blending the island's historic cocoa production with contemporary brunch culture.
• Tembleque
  TemblequeA traditional coconut milk custard that gets its name from the Spanish word for 'wobbly.' This silky, creamy dessert is thickened with cornstarch and flavored with cinnamon. It is a light, refreshing way to end a heavy meal and is a staple on dessert menus in Old San Juan.
• Piña Colada
  Piña ColadaWhile a drink, it is a culinary must-try as it was famously invented in San Juan (with both Barrachina and Caribe Hilton claiming the title). The local version is distinct for its use of fresh Puerto Rican pineapple and 'Coco López' cream of coconut, served frozen and garnished with a cherry.

Trip guide

• About San Juan
  About San JuanSan Juan, founded in 1521, is the oldest city under United States jurisdiction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The destination is characterized by its historical heritage, traditional culture, and diverse architectural styles. Historical Heritage The city served as a strategic military outpost for the Spanish Empire for four centuries.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit San Juan is from mid-December to April, which offers the most reliable dry weather and lower humidity for exploring Old San Juan and the beaches. While this peak season features the best conditions and major festivals like San Sebastián, it also brings the highest prices and largest crowds. For a balance of good weather and lower costs, the shoulder months of May, June, and November are excellent alternatives.
• Getting around
  Getting around San Juan

  • Air Travel (Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport) Most visitors arrive via SJU airport, which receives daily non-stop flights from major U.S. and international cities; it is located just 15-20 minutes from the main tourist districts.
  • Rideshare and Taxi Services Uber is widely available and efficient within the San Juan metro area, while regulated 'Taxi Turisticos' offer fixed rates between the airport, cruise piers, and major hotel zones like Condado.
  • Walking and Local Transit Old San Juan is highly walkable due to its compact seven-block grid; for longer city trips, the Tren Urbano (metro) and AMA public buses provide affordable but less frequent alternatives.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Avoid wearing swimwear or revealing beach attire when walking through the streets of Old San Juan, as locals generally dress more conservatively in the city.
  • Say 'buen provecho' to fellow diners when passing their table or starting a meal, as this polite greeting is a deeply ingrained social custom.
  • Use reputable rideshare apps or official 'Taxi Turístico' vehicles with fixed rates, and avoid walking alone in deserted areas or housing projects (caseríos) at night.
• What’s new
  What’s new in San Juan

  • 2026 World Baseball Classic (Pool A) at the newly renovated Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
  • ArteYUNQUE: A viral outdoor environmental art exhibition featuring large-scale installations.
• Aguadilla.com↗
  Aguadilla.comThe official municipal portal for Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, providing comprehensive information on local government, tourism, culture, and community services.