I'm thinking of going to puerto Rico in October. Camn anyone tell me the best place to go?

Question

Going to PR in Oct. for my BF birthday. we want to go somewhere happening but close to historical sites, shoppings, restaurants, nightlife and the beach. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

If you want to see historical places Old San Juan is the place to go. The city is full of  historical buildings, including the Governor's mansion, El Convento Hotel (a former convent), and El Morro (fort) to name just a few. Night life is happening everywhere. The narrow streets are made of cobblestones. Most of the clubs in Old San Juan are sort of casual; girls wear summery dresses with heeled sandals, and guys wear belted slacks,a nice cotton short/long sleeved shirt, and dress shoes. Hotel El Convento has a dress code. Planet Hollywood and Mr Frog are also in Old San Juan. There are many nice restaurants and also casual eateries; forget the likes of Taco Bell or Burger King. Shopping in Old San Juan is kind of high end, specially in specialty shops. Visit a nice men's hat store, hats are pricey, but no one else in the states will have one like yours. There are souvenirs shops and many art galleries, walk into their courtyards, you'll think you were transported to Spain. Some cafes, restaurants, bookstores, and art galleries are inside these courtyards with beautiful water fountains and huge ferns dangling from wrought iron chandeliers; these are Spaniard legacies. Old San Juan is the place to buy lace and those fancy hand held fans (abanicos) the ladies used to fan themselves with in a hot and humid day.

El Condado area has the beach and the waves, restaurants, and more of the night life you seek. All the hotels have a dress code (Sheraton, Hilton, etc). So pull out that outfit in the closet you've been dying to wear, but didn't have a place to wear it to, now you have a place. Even if you like the casual look, you'll have to "up the ante". There are also art galleries and shops in the Condado area.

If you want to go to a mall you will have to go Plaza Las Americas. Old San Juan and El Condado area do not have malls. Please note since most items are imported the prices are pricier than in the U.S.

If you plan it right you have time to go to El Yunque Rain Forest, and Luquillo Beach. Remember to buy and use bug repellent, sun screen, and to wear very light cotton clothing, it's humid. Wish I could be your tour guide, be safe and have a ball. Happy birthday!