How to make the most out of your layover in San Juan

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (or Isla Verde International Airport) is Puerto Rico's primary airport that provides easy connections with cities around the US, Central America, Canada, and Europe. 

If your connecting flights are routed through San Juan, the city is easy to reach and provides amazing history and beautiful beaches for a quick adventure before your next flight. 

One way to maximize your adventure time and avoid hassle is to store any suitcases, backpacks, and carry-on bags with Bounce before you head out. Our San Juan luggage storage spots are always convenient!

Things to keep in mind before leaving San Juan Airport

Visa requirements in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has the same visa requirements as the US (it’s an unincorporated territory of the United States and thus a domestic destination). This makes it simple for US citizens who can travel visa-free to Puerto Rico (state-issued ID still required). Citizens from other countries can enter Puerto Rico through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. These travelers will need an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and a valid e-passport. 

Minimum layover times in San Juan

You’ll need a minimum of five hours before your next flight in order to leave the airport and head into the city. A short layover during peak travel times is too risky as you can get stuck in traffic and miss your connecting flight. If you have a five-hour layover in San Juan minimum you should be able to hop in a taxi and enjoy San Juan for a few hours before heading back to the airport. A rental car would only be useful for full-day layovers when you want to explore the surrounding island countryside.

What to do in San Juan during a layover

San Juan is about 20 minutes away from the airport via taxi, so you can head into the city pretty quickly to enjoy a meal and some sightseeing. You'll be able to store your bags at a Bounce luggage storage facility in central San Juan while you explore. It's best to download the Bounce mobile app to find the most convenient location for Old San Juan or the waterfront. 

Morning layover in San Juan

Morning layovers are actually ideal as the heat won't truly set in until the afternoon. 

• You’ll want to head to Old San Juan to admire the well-preserved colonial architecture and landmarks like San Cristobal Fort and El Morro Fort. You’ll want to set aside at least two hours to poke around and grab a bite to eat. 
• To stretch your legs a bit after the long flight, you can skip San Juan altogether and head to El Yunque Rainforest for a guided tour or even zip lining. This is a situation where you'll want to stash your bags with Bounce and plan for a change of clothes after a sweaty afternoon. 
• Canvas is a beautiful rooftop café located at the Don Rafa Boutique Hotel. You'll enjoy spectacular views of the Condado Lagoon and some brunch favorites. For something a little more relaxed, Sobao is popular with locals, and in-the-know travelers, for its superb coffee and baked goods.

Afternoon layover in San Juan

Around lunchtime, the city will really start to perk up. And landmarks will be fully open along with restaurants and cafés filling up. You'll be able to grab a coffee or even a few piña coladas with lunch, and exploring San Juan’s neighborhoods will be a little more lively. 

• Even if you’re only heading into town for an afternoon, San Juan’s grand hotels are worth a visit as places like El San Juan, La Concha, Condado Plaza, and Marriott Stella all offer buzzy hotel bars with live music in their historic lobbies and rooftop terraces. 
• Playa Isla Verde is one of the most popular beaches in San Juan. If you have a few hours, you can rent chairs at a Copacabana and bake in the sun before heading back to the airport.  
• Malavita is the best spot for a quick breakfast in Old San Juan, especially if you want to take your sandwich to go.   
• Berlingeri’s is the best place to go for a vegetarian brunch. The meat-free picadillo cubano is by far the best thing on the menu. 
• For a post-beach snack or lunch, stop by Acapulco Taquería Mexicana in Ocean Park for tacos and a casual setting. 

Evening layover in San Juan

A nighttime layover in San Juan offers more comfortable weather and a chance to experience the city’s wonderful nightlife. The only downside might be catching a little bit of rush-hour traffic on your way in.

• Paseo de la Princesa is a tree-lined promenade perfect for sunset strolls.
• If you're with the family and are feeling like pizza, La Santurcina in the Santurce neighborhood is your ideal option.  
• Vianda is a little more trendy, with farm-to-table staples like calamares fritos and crepas de morcilla in an elegant country house setting. 
• For nightlife, head to the Condado or La Placita neighborhoods for a mix of exciting and modern nightclubs and venues for jazz or Latin music.

Overnight layover in San Juan

An overnight might be the best-case scenario for a layover in San Juan as you'll be able to enjoy a dinner and some nightlife. 

• Finding a hotel with a free airport shuttle is the best way to arrange accommodations for an overnight stay in San Juan. Courtyard’s Isla Verde Beach Resort, Residence Inn San Juan Isla Verde, and the Royal Sonesta San Juan are all solid options. 
• Dining at La Bodeguita feels like you're getting away with something as the speakeasy vibe is strong and its location is partly hidden off the street. You'll get to enjoy traditional Puerto Rican food with a slight modern update. Even better, there's live music on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• Another popular restaurant, Casita Miramar provides a charming setting with colonial decor and authentic Puerto Rican favorites. The house specialty is buñuelos con chorizo with alioli and the sangria is can’t-miss. 
• Teatro Tapia is the municipal coliseum dating back to 1832 and one of the most architecturally important buildings in San Juan. You can take in a concert (classical and Latin are the most common genres) or even tour the building. 

Tips to make the most out of your time in San Juan

• Being a US territory, Puerto Rico uses the US dollar as its official currency. You'll be able to use credit cards in most hotels and restaurants around San Juan, but you'll want to take some cash out for street food and small purchases.   
• Spanish is the most common language spoken in San Juan, but you’ll find English is fairly common. Puerto Rico has its own dialect, but anyone familiar with conversational Spanish will have an easy time. 
• It should be noted that there are some safety concerns in the outer neighborhoods of San Juan, so you'll want to stick close to Old San Juan and Isla Verde. Walking alone at night through unfamiliar areas is not advisable.

If you've just completed a successful layover in San Juan, you're likely already planning a full trip to the crown jewel of Puerto Rico. Just remember to keep in mind that Bounce has convenient luggage storage locations throughout San Juan and hundreds of other travel destinations!