23 Budget-Friendly Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is a lively, on the rise city on the island of Puerto Rico. It is a popular destination for travelers because of its good international airport, accessibility to beautiful beaches, and budget-friendly activities and sights. There is endless opportunity to learn about San Juan’s culture, history, traditions, and way of life in the form of museums, historical sites, street life, and more. Compiled below is a list of free and low-cost things to do in San Juan on your next visit that won’t break the bank.
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1. Beaches
One of the most obvious budget-friendly destinations in San Juan is the beaches. There are many options, all beautiful in their own way and clean. Here are some of my favorites:
Isla Verde Beach - (technically in Carolina, Puerto Rico but just a short drive away!)
Cost: Free. There may be a parking fee depending on the beach
2. Old San Juan
Old San Juan consists of cobblestone streets and colorful homes next to modern bars and nightlife - this perfect mesh of original and new.
Cost: Free to walk around and take in the sights. Or, book a walking tour with a guide on Viator with my link!
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
3. San Juan Cathedral
The San Juan Cathedral (or Catedral de San Juan Bautista) is the oldest cathedral considered to be a part of the US. Many visit to observe the architecture and step into a place unfathomably ancient.
Cost: Free
Location: 151 C. del Cristo, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
4. Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis
Sitting flush against the Northern San Juan coast is a cemetery (Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis) dating back to 1863 known as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world. There are few places on this Earth that have a final resting place as stunning and extraordinary as this one. Take a stroll through the streets to appreciate the views and intricate gravestones.
Cost: Free
Location: FV9J+R4R, Cemetery St, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
5. Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
Browse a collection of Puerto Rican, Latin, and Caribbean artworks dating back centuries and all the way to modern times at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC).
Cost: $8/adult
Location: 1220 Ave. Ponce de León Esq. R.H. Todd Pda 18, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
6. La Placita de Santurce
The #1 place to party and enjoy the San Juan nightlife in my opinion is La Placita de Santurce. On weekend nights the road is closed for live music and safe bar hopping. During the day it functions as a market with restaurants and shopping.
Cost: Free - Shops and food will cost
7. Castillo San Cristobal
Castillo San Cristobal is a San Juan National Historic Site boasting a massive fortress used to protect San Juan from attacks in the 18th century.
Cost: $10/adult
BONUS TIP: Paying for entry into Castillo San Cristobal gives you a ticket that grants you entry (free of cost) to Castillo San Felipe del Morro if you visit on the same day.
Location: 501 C. Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
8. Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Another important piece of the San Juan National Historic Site is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a fortress overlooking the sea consisting of several levels, rooms, and deep Puerto Rican history.
Cost: $10/adult
BONUS TIP: Paying for entry into Castillo San Felipe del Morro gives you a ticket that grants you entry (free of cost) to Castillo San Cristobal if you visit on the same day.
Location: 501 C. Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
9. Paseo de la Princesa
Paseo de la Princesa is a scenic city walk in San Juan that leads to the stunning Raices Fountain.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
10. San Juan Botanical Garden
The San Juan Botanical Garden (or Jardín Botánico de la UPR) is home to 30,000 different species of plants native to Puerto Rico and the surrounding Caribbean islands.
Cost: Free
Location: 9WQV+RHJ, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
11. Museo de las Américas
The Museo de las Americas has 4 permanent exhibitions with a cycle of temporary exhibits of American art, history, and anthropology with a focus on Puerto Rico.
Cost: $6/adult
Location: C. Beneficencia, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
12. Plazuela La Rogativa
Plazuela La Rogativa is a scenic plaza overlooking San Juan Bay with a famous bronze sculpture called La Rogativa.
Cost: Free
Location: Cll Rafael Cordero, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
13. Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is an original main historic square of San Juan with shops and restaurants.
Cost: Free
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
14. Puerta de San Juan
Puerta de San Juan (or The San Juan Gate) is a large gate that was used as the one and only entrance into the walled-in San Juan city dating back to 1635.
Cost: Free
Location: FV8J+354 Caleta de San Juan, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
15. Museo Casa Blanca
Museo Casa Blanca is the location of Puerto Rico’s oldest residence home to the first governor. Today, it is used as a museum to showcase historical artifacts from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Cost: $5/adult
Location: 1 C. de San Sebastián, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
16. La Antigua Arsenal de la Armada Española
La Antigua Arsenal de la Armada Espanola translates to Old Arsenal of the Spanish Navy. The building was built in 1847 and functions now as an exhibition for Spanish arts.
Cost: Free to enter. Parking has a fee
Location: Calle, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
17. I Love PR sign
A photo opportunity and attraction for tourists is the “I Love PR” sign located at the intersection of HWY 1 and Calle Marina Street in front of Cruise Dock 4.
Cost: Free
Location: FV7Q+GVC, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
18. I Love SJ Sign
Another fun tourist photo attraction is the “I Love SJ” sign located at Plaza Colon off C. de San Francisco and Av. Luis Munoz Rivera.
Cost: Free
Location: FV8Q+G6W, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
19. Calle de la Fortaleza
Calle de la Fortaleza is a famous, cobblestone street in Old San Juan dating back centuries with original colorful homes, shops, and restaurants. If you visit Old San Juan, be sure to visit this street in particular as well.
Cost: Free to walk around and take in the sights. Shops and food will cost
Location: Get directions on Google Maps
20. Old San Juan Free Walking Tour
A free (yes, free) guided walking tour through Old San Juan. This is a great way to explore this area with someone who is knowledgeable and you can ask questions to. The tour lasts about 2 hours and is offered daily.
Cost: Free
Location: Plaza Colon, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
21. Laguna del Condado Jaime Benítez National Park
Located between Condado and Miramar is Laguna del Condado Jaime Benitez National Park - a park popular for kayaking, paddle boarding, and daily exercising as it is home to a boardwalk with scenic skyline views of Condado.
Cost: Free
Location: 1110 C. Vieques, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
22. Luis Muñoz Rivera Park
Luis Munoz Rivera Park is an urban park go-to for those near Old San Juan. It boasts a number of sculptures and stunning trees.
Cost: Free
Location: FW75+HVR, Av. Luis Muñoz Rivera, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
23. Isla de Cabras National Park
Technically located in Palo Seco (but just across San Juan Bay) is Isla de Cabras National Park. This is an island park with scenic views of del Morro across the bay, a perfect spot for a picnic or light stroll.
Cost: Free to enter. Parking has a fee
Location: FVC7+9FF, PR-870, Toa Baja, 00949, Puerto Rico - Get directions on Google Maps
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