San Juan: Sticky Heat and Rum-Soaked Secrets
okay, so. san juan. i’m still peeling sunscreen off my elbows. it’s…there right now, a humid blanket clinging to everything. like, seriously, you walk outside and immediately regret any life choices that led you to this moment. but then you smell the ocean and the plantains frying and you’re like, “okay, maybe it’s worth it.”
I’m a touring session drummer, you see. I play with a bunch of different bands, wherever they need me. This time, it was a little salsa outfit in Old San Juan. Which, by the way, is amazing. Cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, the whole nine yards. It’s like stepping back in time, except with better coffee (more on that later).
I spent most of my downtime wandering around, trying to soak it all in. I stumbled upon this tiny little art gallery - check out Galería Vacas if you’re into quirky stuff. They had these incredible sculptures made from recycled materials. Seriously inspiring. And then there was the food. Oh, the food. Mofongo, empanadillas, piraguas… I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds just from standing still.
Someone told me that La Factoría is the place to go for cocktails. Apparently, it’s a maze of tiny bars all connected. I didn’t quite manage to navigate it successfully, but I did end up with a pretty potent piña colada. I also heard that El Local is a great spot for live music - check their schedule here.
I’m a sucker for a good coffee shop, and san juan did not disappoint. Café Cola’o - https://www.cafe-colao.com/ - is a must. Seriously, the best cortadito I’ve had in ages. They roast their own beans, and you can taste the difference. I also found this little place called Steeped Coffee Roasters - https://www.steepedcoffee.com/ - that had some really interesting single-origin options. I’m a coffee snob, sue me.
If you get bored, Ponce is just a short drive away. I didn’t make it there this time, but I’ve heard it’s got a really cool vibe. Apparently, it’s known for its art and architecture. I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the area.
I did a little digging on TripAdvisor - https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g612978-San_Juan_Puerto_Rico-Vacations.html - and saw a bunch of people raving about Castillo San Felipe del Morro. It’s a huge fortress overlooking the ocean. I didn’t make it there either, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.
I overheard some drunk tourists complaining about the mosquitos. Apparently, they’re pretty aggressive, especially at dusk. So, pack some bug spray. Just a heads-up. Also, someone warned me about pickpockets in Old San Juan, so keep an eye on your belongings. It’s a generally safe place, but it’s always good to be cautious.
Honestly, san juan is a bit chaotic. It’s loud, it’s hot, it’s crowded. But it’s also vibrant, it’s beautiful, and it’s full of life. It’s a place that gets under your skin, in a good way. I’d definitely go back. Just maybe in the fall, when it’s a little less…sticky.
Oh! And Yelp - https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants&find_loc=San+Juan,+PR - has a ton of reviews for restaurants. I didn’t use it much, but it might be helpful if you’re a picky eater. Also, check out Discover Puerto Rico for more travel ideas.
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