4 Days in Puerto Rico

Tessie Ledesma
Aug 7
2 min read

Puerto Rico in May felt like tropical mornings, long sandy beaches, and clubs/bars that hum with Bad Bunny (and yes, every single one plays him) while murals of his album covers pop up around the city like easter eggs. Sun, salt and late nights is the best way to sum up the trip. We stayed in Old San Juan, colorful cobblestone streets, pastel buildings, and history wrapped in the city. The island runs on island time and when the sun goes down, the sound of the Coquí, Puerto Rico’s tiny tree frog and the mascot of the country, look him up, it's worth it.

Morning fuel

The Coffee: My personal daily morning stop. The dulce de leche latte was perfection, prices were great and the aesthetic was there.
Kaffe Haus: Brunch heaven. Amazing food and bottomless mimosas worth staying over.

Sweet fix

Drunken Cookie: These cookies haunt my dreams. So great and so many creative options.

Dinner with a view

Kumo Rooftop: Outdoor seating with sweeping city-and-water views. The potatoes? 10/10. On the pricier side, but great for nice dinner photos.
Sofia’s Italian Steakhouse: Incredible food, excellent service, and the option to dine indoors or outdoors for the full experience

Day Escapes

Old San Juan: Photo ops at the I LOVE SJ sign, beaches within walking distance, and endless streets to walk
Condado Beach: Sun, piña coladas, and a perfect shot with the Puerto Rican flag.
El Yunque Rainforest: If you can, book ATVs or hiking
Luquillo Beach & Food Trucks: More chill vibes, turquoise water, and food trucks that could double as your dinner plans.

Nightlife

San Juan knows how to stay up late. For going out, check out:

Calle San Sebastián: Packed with lively bars and live music.
La Placita de Santurce: A market by day, a party spot by night.
Calle Loíza: Trendy bars, great food, and a younger crowd.

Travel Tips

Language: Many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
Currency: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so the American dollar is used, no currency exchange needed.
Vibe: Island casual attire by day, dressier attire at night.
Signature sounds: Bad Bunny tracks everywhere, the coquí’s nighttime chorus, and the hum of the ocean.
Rent a car: We rented a car and it was very inexpensive and well worth it. Being able to drive around from city to city was an experience in itself. It was nice to not have to rely on an Uber.
Buy groceries: Even if you get enough for snacks or a small meal, getting groceries is worth it because strolling through the grocery store and seeing the type of food, drinks, snacks, is a cultural experience in itself
Stop at the local fruit stands: Delicious yummy fruit, supporting the locals and also cute random knick knacks to buy

Puerto Rico is equal parts laid-back and full of life. It's the kind of place where you can spend your mornings wandering Old San Juan, your afternoons at the beach tanning, and your nights dancing/singing your fav latino songs under string lights. It’s tropical, warm and loud in the best way.

Xoxo,

Tessi