Where History Meets the Sea: Exploring San Juan

Savoring the City’s Flavors

Your tour of Old San Juan isn't complete without experiencing its vibrant restaurant culture. Nestled in a vibrant plaza, Café Caleta is the ideal spot to take a beat. Doubling as a wine bar, it's great for any time of day, whether you're craving a traditional Puerto Rican mallorca, feeling adventurous to try their papaya slaw and sweet plantain sandwich, or just in the mood for a glass of organic orange wine.

For Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Caribbean flair, head to Levant by Chef Michael White housed within La Concha Resort’s  iconic shell-shaped building. The menu artfully blends the two cultural influences, creating dishes that feel both familiar and unexpected. Don't miss their Sardinian Gnocchi with tomato and charred ricotta salata, or the Fatteh with roasted eggplant and pomegranate pine nuts.

Finding Your Architectural Sanctuary

Aïre de O:live is a beachfront bohemian hotel in Isla Verde, sitting on one of San Juan's most beautiful stretches of sand, featuring minimalist suites crafted with raw wood and ceramics that speak to the modern soul seeker.

Nestled in San Juan's Condado district just beyond Old San Juan's historic walls, Condado Vanderbilt embodies Puerto Rico's golden age of elegance and sophistication. This oceanfront property invites guests to curated experiences, from cigar and whiskey pairing events to live music performances.

Immersing in Art and Culture

MADMi, the Museo de Arte y Diseño de Miramar, is a dynamic space that showcases works that promote art and creativity while making a positive impact in the community. Their current exhibit, BORICUAS, showcases sixty years of Puerto Rican contemporary art from the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture's collection offering visitors the portrayal of how Puerto and The Caribbean has evolved through art.

Travelers exploring outside of San Juan can discover the Museo de Arte de Ponce, home to a collection spanning over 4,500 artistic works that range from the 9th century through the present day. The museum, which is one of the biggest in the Caribbean, showcases an array of paintings, sculptures, photography, and modern works that capture the region's cultural legacy.

More than a place to visit, San Juan is proof that culture, cuisine, and history can turn a destination into something extraordinary.