When youre wandering around Old San Juan, youll feel worlds away from the United States.
I recently spent 10 days in this tropical paradise.
The storm caused$90 billionin damage, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
A view of Old San Juan in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Susan Shain
Many residents went without power for almost a year.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
What would it look like?
Would there be hot water and electricity?
Would restaurants and hotels be open?
Im not saying the work in Puerto Rico is done.
It is$71 billion in debt, and the island faces myriad challenges.
When to Go
The temperature in San Juan is around75 to 85 degrees year-round.
High tourist season lasts from mid-December to mid-April and comes with bigger crowds and prices.
Springs shoulder season (mid-April to June) has fewer crowds.
Its hurricane season from June to November, though that shouldnt necessarily deter you from visiting.
The weather can still be great, and you might find discounted rates on hotels, according toU.S.
News & World Report.
What to Do
You wont find yourself hurting for activities while visiting San Juan.
Heres a sampling of offerings in this historic seaside town.
Museums and Attractions
History lovers, rejoice!
San Juans museums are incredibly affordable.
Ready to spice up your day of history?
Take a $15historical tour of the Bacardi rum distillery.
But thats not the case here.
Many visitors choose to book waterfront hotels here.
Day Trips
To get out of the city, the most budget-friendly option is torent a car.
(When I looked, it was only $17 per day.)
you might then cruise 30 miles toEl Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.
Most of its trails closed after Maria, but theyve been steadily reopening.
Even so, it’s possible for you to always take in its lush surroundings and waterfalls.
On your way back, hit up Pinones, a beachside town famous for its laid-back food kiosks.
),Puerto Ricos culinary scene has got it going on.
it’s possible for you to find it anywhere from hole-in-the-wall establishments to fine-dining restaurants.
El Jangiris poke bowls ($8-$12) are also excellent.
La Bombonera:One of the oldest restaurants in San Juan, this bakery has been open since 1902.
Senor Paleta:In San Juans tropical climate, youll probably get a hankering for something cold.
Barrachina:This restaurant claims to have invented the pina colada.
Sit at the bar in the courtyard, and youre guaranteed to have a good time.
Its perfect for people-watching and if you stay late enough, youll undoubtedly see some spontaneous salsa dancing.
Since Old San Juan is small, its accommodation choices arent as robust as elsewhere in the city.
Some reasonably priced options I found were theFortaleza Guest Houseand theDecanter Hotel.
It has a fabulous rooftop complete with hammocks and lounge chairs that overlooks the ocean.
It also has a shared kitchen, allowing you to cook meals to save money.
Even though Im past the point of sleeping in dorms, I often stillbook private rooms at hostels.
Rates depend onwhich room you bookbut start at $89.
(Note that with Spirit, youll have topay extra for all luggage, including carry-ons.)
Within the city, walking and biking are great options; some hotels even offer free bike rentals.
Because, once you go there will always be a next trip.
Susan Shain is a freelance writer and digital nomad.
Visit her blog at susanshain.com, or say hi on Twitter @susan_shain.
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