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| San Juan Travel Guide for backpackers |
| San Juan is a strange but seductive mix of modern American and historic Spanish Caribbean cultures. Parking lots, skyscrapers and plazas go hand in hand with shanty areas. It is a lively place that combines all the mod cons of a modern metropolis with a pristine Caribbean beach lifestyle.
Founded in the 16th century it’s the second oldest city in the Americas and the centre of the economic, political and cultural U.S. influence in the Caribbean.
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 DAILY BUDGET in SAN JUAN - San Juan is not a lot cheaper than the United States, although if you eat street food, and stay in cheap hotels you could get by on US$60-70. If you want a private bath, to eat out occasionally and spend a few nights clubbing, budget for US$90-100. |
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Festival St John Baptist – Held in late June, this festival fuses pagan, Catholic, Indian, African and Spanish traditions. Solemn religious aspects are combined with feasting, processions etc and culminate in with a backward walk into the sea. Don't try this if you have had one to many beers.
St. Sebastian Festival – Held the 3rd week in January. This is a must for all classical music buffs as the festival honours the famous Puerta Rican cellist and attracts internationally famous musicians from all over the world.
El Morro - San Juan's historic walled city. A huge fortress, which rises 45 metres above the sea with, walls 4.5 metres thick. It is a labyrinth of ramparts, tunnels and dungeons, so watch where you go. From there take a walk around the old walled city and take in the historical Spanish Colonial atmosphere of days gone bye.
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Street food - available everywhere from cheap cafe's to the back of pick up trucks or trailers. They specialise in Criolla fare, which is the staple of Puerta Rican diets, such as rice and beans, stewed chicken and pork. Expect to pay about US$3-4 for a meal.
Butterfly People Cafe - Calla Fortalza. If you are into butterflies this is your place, or maybe not as there are framed butterflies all over the walls. Once you have got over the shock, or the beauty, of that enjoy the excellent quiches, salads and sandwiches all prepared with a tropical twist.
La Fonda del Jibarto - Calle Sol. Come here to people watch as well as eat the good food. It is the place where the local bohemians come to hang out and eat goat fricasee and lamb stew.
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Laser - Old San Juan. A must for hip-hop fans, this joint really jumps when locals and tourists alike get going.
Asylum - 1320 Avda Pance de Leon - For lovers of progressive music. The hip crowd that comes here loves the underground sounds that are played here.
Cups - Old San Juan. For the a friendly low-key lesbian bar that attracts a mix of all nationalities.
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