Are you looking for your next adventure but don't want to spend a bunch of money?
Look no further!
Here's a list of fun free or cheap things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico without missing out on an amazing time.
1. Explore Old San Juan
Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Old San Juan as you stroll along its cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings.
Marvel at the imposing forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal, which stand as silent sentinels overlooking the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cost: FREE
2. Relax at the Beach
Let the stress melt away as you sink your toes into the soft sands of Playa Escambron or Condado Beach.
Bask in the warm Caribbean sun, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or simply unwind with a good book under the shade of a palm tree.
Cost: FREE
3. San Juan Cathedral
Step inside the hallowed halls of the San Juan Cathedral, a majestic symbol of faith and resilience that has stood for centuries.
Admire its elegant architecture, ornate altars, and beautiful stained glass windows as you soak in the tranquility of this sacred space.
Cost: FREE
4. La Placita de Santurce
Lose yourself in the lively ambiance of La Placita de Santurce, a bustling marketplace where locals gather to shop, dine, and socialize.
Explore the colorful stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and traditional delicacies, or simply sit back and enjoy the vibrant rhythms of live music drifting through the air.
Cost: FREE
5. Street Art Tour
Image: DiscoverPuertoRico.com
Embark on a journey of artistic discovery as you explore the vibrant street art scene of Santurce and Old San Juan.
Marvel at the colorful murals, graffiti tags, and urban installations that adorn the city's walls, each telling its own unique story and reflecting the spirit of Puerto Rico's creative community.
Cost: FREE
6. Paseo de la Princesa
Image: Discover Puerto Rico
Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Paseo de la Princesa, a charming promenade that winds its way along the waterfront.
Admire the stunning views of the historic city walls, lush greenery, and sparkling bay as you soak in the beauty of this tranquil oasis in the heart of San Juan.
Cost: FREE
7. El Yunque National Forest
Lose yourself in the natural beauty of El Yunque National Forest, a lush tropical paradise teeming with exotic flora and fauna.
Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest as you hike along scenic trails, cool off under cascading waterfalls, and marvel at breathtaking vistas of mist-shrouded mountains.
Cost: FREE
8. San Juan Bautista Parade
Join in the festivities and celebrate Puerto Rico's rich cultural heritage at the San Juan Bautista Parade, a colorful and lively street procession that takes place during the festival season.
Marvel at the elaborate costumes, lively music, and exuberant dancing as you immerse yourself in the joyous atmosphere of this annual tradition.
Cost: Free
9. Food Tours
Image: Discover Puerto Rico
Embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Old San Juan or Santurce on a budget-friendly food tour.
Sample an array of delicious dishes and traditional snacks, from crispy empanadas and savory mofongo to sweet pastelitos and refreshing coquito.
Cost: $50 to $100 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions.
10. Kayaking in Bioluminescent Bay
Experience the enchanting beauty of Puerto Rico's bioluminescent bays on a budget-friendly kayaking tour.
Paddle through the shimmering waters of Laguna Grande in Fajardo, where microscopic organisms emit a magical blue-green glow that illuminates the night sky.
Cost: A budget-friendly kayaking tour of Laguna Grande in Fajardo usually costs around $50 to $80 per person.
11. Ferry to Bacardi Distillery
Image: Discover Puerto Rico
Take a scenic ferry ride from Old San Juan to the Bacardi Distillery in Cataño for a budget-friendly tour of Puerto Rico's most famous rum producer.
Learn about the history and heritage of Bacardi rum, explore the distillery's facilities, and enjoy a complimentary tasting of their signature spirits.
Cost: The round-trip ferry fare from Old San Juan to the Bacardi Distillery in Cataño is approximately $1.00 to $2.50 per person. The Bacardi Distillery tour itself typically costs around $15 to $25 per person.
12. Museums
Immerse yourself in Puerto Rico's rich cultural heritage with a visit to one of the island's many museums, such as the Museo de las Américas or the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.
Marvel at impressive collections of art, artifacts, and historical exhibits for a nominal admission fee.
Cost: Admission fees for museums in San Juan generally range from $5 to $15 per person, with discounts available for students, seniors, and children.
13. Nightlife in La Placita
Image: Discover Puerto Rico
Experience the vibrant nightlife of San Juan without breaking the bank by heading to La Placita de Santurce.
Join the locals as they gather to enjoy live music, dance the night away, and sample an array of affordable drinks and snacks from the area's lively bars and restaurants.
Cost: Enjoying the nightlife in La Placita de Santurce can be relatively inexpensive, with drinks and snacks costing around $5 to $10 each at the local bars and restaurants.
14. Visit Isla Verde
Image: Discover Puerto Rico
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a budget-friendly day trip to Isla Verde, home to one of Puerto Rico's most beautiful beaches.
Soak up the sun on soft golden sands, take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or indulge in a variety of affordable water sports and beachfront activities.
Cost: A day trip to Isla Verde can be budgeted at around $20 to $50 per person, depending on expenses like transportation, food, activities, etc.
15. Zip lining
Soar through the treetops and experience the thrill of zip lining at ToroVerde Adventure Park, Puerto Rico's premier outdoor adventure destination.
Feel the wind in your hair and adrenaline coursing through your veins as you zip across lush tropical landscapes and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Cost: Prices for zip lining at ToroVerde Adventure Park vary depending on the specific package and duration. On average, a zip lining experience at ToroVerde can cost between $50 to $100 per person.
16. Snorkeling
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Puerto Rico's pristine coastline and discover a colorful underwater world teeming with life.
Rent snorkeling gear and explore vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and other marine creatures at popular snorkeling spots like Playa Flamenco and Crash Boat Beach.
Cost: Renting snorkeling gear typically costs around $10 to $20 per person for a half-day rental. Some snorkeling tours may include gear rental in the tour package, with prices ranging from $30 to $80 per person depending on the duration and inclusions.
17. Cocktail Making Class
Learn to shake, stir, and sip like a pro with a fun and interactive cocktail making class at a local bar or distillery.
Discover the secrets behind classic Puerto Rican cocktails such as the piña colada and the mojito, and impress your friends with your newfound mixology skills.
Cost: Prices for cocktail making classes vary depending on the venue, instructor, and inclusions. On average, a cocktail making class in San Juan can cost between $30 to $70 per person.
18. Cycling Tour
Explore the scenic beauty and cultural landmarks of San Juan on two wheels with a guided cycling tour of the city.
Pedal your way through historic neighborhoods, picturesque parks, and scenic waterfronts as you discover hidden gems and local treasures along the way.
Cost: Guided cycling tours of San Juan typically range from $30 to $60 per person, depending on the duration and inclusions. Bike rental fees may be included in the tour package or charged separately.
19. Attend a Salsa Dancing Class
Feel the rhythm of Puerto Rico's vibrant music and dance culture with a thrilling salsa dancing class.
Learn the basic steps, spins, and turns of this iconic Latin dance style from expert instructors, and let loose on the dance floor as you sway to the infectious beats of salsa music.
Cost: Prices for salsa dancing classes vary depending on the studio, instructor, and duration of the class. On average, a salsa dancing class in San Juan can cost between $10 to $30 per person.
Summary
San Juan Puerto Rico is an amazing place to visit.
Do you know what's even better? The fact that there's tons of things to do there where you can have a great time without having to spend a lot of money.
Check out some of these 19 ideas so you can have a blast without having to bust your budget.