San Juan: The Don'ts of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Heading on a cruise to San Juan, Puerto Rico and not sure what to expect? Well here we go through what tourists should do and what tourists should not do when they visit San Juan. We focus mostly on Old San Juan, but these tips will help you get the most out of your Puerto Rican vacation to San Juan. From the food to the drinks to the museums and forts, San Juan has a lot for travelers to enjoy. Tourist information on San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Copyright Mark Wolters 2022
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[@darkrulier]

I am from PR and Wolter is spot on on everything he said!

[@darkrulier]

@@nomadicolours really? In what way? Like I said, I am a local and I thought he was on point....

[@proviperez152]

As a Puerto Rican, I am very happy with your honesty and accuracy when sharing these tips. ¡Gracias! (All your videos are well made, by the way.)

[@deejayk5939]

Loved San Juan and all of Puerto Rico, especially the rain forest!

[@woltersworld]

It's amazing. Wish I would have visited sooner. Great place with great people

[@BuddySweyzer]

Love to watch your "Don'ts of" videos for places I've already been just to see how many mistakes I made

[@woltersworld]

thanks for watching!

[@sewgeekdesigns9113]

How many did you make? Lol

[@lizmillan1]

My beautiful island

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

it's a great place!

[@wrenfield7887]

I love San Juan! It’s so beautiful.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

it really is

[@JorgePerez-vi7op]

La perla is not to be skipped just don't go at night and don't use your Camara going down the main entrance.

[@tobiojo9454]

Hey Marc, your videos are awesome to watch because you have a great personality and you always give people great tips and advice before traveling around the World, keep up the great work

[@stevepernetti4594]

My first trip was over fifty years ago, and after travelling to Puerto Rico, my family purchased our first of three condos in 1969. My mom and grandmother lived there part of the year after retiring. The most important advice I give new visitors is to embrace Puerto Rico on its own terms. It has a unique culture, value system, and lifestyle. PR goes through up and down cycles following major events like hurricanes, pandemics, or base closures, but it always comes back. I just returned from a two week visit a few days ago, and the island is doing comparatively well, notwithstanding the seaweed problem. Finally, my second bit of advice is not to view the island from a tourist's perspective, rather view the island as a resident does - find the beaches, bars, restaurants, and small town festivals for a truly enriching experience. You may be surprised by how warm the people can be, even when they're not getting paid to be nice.

[@saucerianpublisher6423]

That was in the 60's. Things have changed a lot....

[@stevepernetti4594]

@@saucerianpublisher6423 Continuously, for decades all the way to now. Yes things have changed, and remained the same.

[@chadbledsoe2416]

This is the best video I have seen as a first time traveler. Thanks.

[@marilynnegron5540]

Thank you for your tips and comments. As a Puerto Rican, I really appreciate what you shared. Kudos to you!!

[@13htorrespr]

Sir, absolutely great video. I enjoyed every bit and it was very much on point. I was born and raised in PR but left in 1989, in fact, I lived across Old SJ before moving to CA. Originally from Ponce, but I lived all over the metro area as a young child...thanks for putting it together and I am glad you like PR as much as you do. Take care and stay safe!

[@sdflores7572]

😎 finally got to see this one. I was waiting for years lol but it was worth the years of watching your channel. So accurate and informative! Awesome

[@Kangasconrad]

Puerto rico will be my next travel destination. I have strong family ties there and my great great grandpa was a prisoner at El Morro in the late 1800s.

[@woltersworld]

It's a wonderful place. We loved our time there.

[@AdrianaVColon]

I want to thank you for a well put together advice video. I myself am Puerto Rican. I recommend a week or more to really enjoy all the beauty in Puerto Rico. Our island is not very big. We drove around the island in 6 hours. Lots of good food on the road. Once again I appreciate your video. 😊

[@np2679]

Hahahaha, I just got back and was looking for this video before my trip. I definitely plan on going back so thanks for the vid either way.

[@woltersworld]

Hope you had fun. We really liked San juan.

[@evan.agumbs1887]

Lived in PR for a few months and I loved old San Juan.

[@grantleyhughes]

One thing that would be extremely helpful is the tipping expectations in the different cities. Especially for those of us who live in countries where tipping isn't expected like here in Australia. Thanks for the great videos.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

We talk about that in our don'ts videos and a lot of countries we already have how to tip there videos. But they don't show up often on search, sadly.

[@stevepernetti4594]

20% for good service, just like in the mainland USA, 15% for mediocre service, 10% for bad service. Never 0%.

[@LondoMollari-B5]

As a local I can say that you generally tip either 15%(“standard”), 20%(generous), or 25%(very generous). Tipping 10% is fine, but since waiters generally get paid below minimum wage and depend on tips, I like to leave at least 15% as standard (5% if I want to make a point about bad service). Depends on your budget, satisfaction, and how close you are to payday…

[@ariels36]

I’m glad you enjoyed my homeland so much. I miss her so much.

[@novaflygames]

Very great information to know! I'm going on a mission trip to Puerto Rico in mid-April and trying to prepare as much as possible! By the way, I watch your videos all the time before traveling. I appreciate what you and your family do for us adventurers! 😄

[@Eclipse581]

Great summary, thanks!

[@woltersworld]

Thank you Ana

[@depaseoconsteven]

What a great video. Thanks for making this dont's list of San Juan it's so specialfor me as a Puerto Rican. I can tell you definitely do your research before giving the tips. Btw You made me laugh when talking about the food. 😂 Definitely don't forget to try it.

[@luisndelgado677]

Men. You are right on the money. I agree 100%. Thank for visit Puerto Rico.

[@edgardomunoz6611]

Great video, very informative, and right on target in every tip! (I’m born and raised in San Juan)

[@christianrichard5805]

Supposed to be going in September (hurricane limited lol) but me and my gf are so excited

[@celiari9702]

I have another one. Don’t forget to order a Mallorca sandwich and 🇵🇷 café con leche for breakfast while you’re in OSJ. Absolutely delicious!

[@namasteawake]

Great video! I’m happy I was able to spend a few days in Rincon and take a day trip to the rain forest. In addition to a few days in San Juan. If I could do it again, I would plan a few days in vieques. Or one of the neighboring islands. For the full Puerto Experience. A few days in San Juan was enough for me. I feel like it was a great fit for those who enjoy a good trip to Vegas. As our resort had gambling, a night club and multiple pools. As well as a beach club. Fashion, vibe and cocktail price wise. Def similar to Vegas. 40.00 for 2 measured Tito’s and sodas. Before tip! Though I’ve heard that varies from hotel to hotel. I realize there is a fit for everyone. Loved Rincon. Chill vibe. Beautiful beaches, 3.00 fresh watermelon juice. Great surfing. Be mindful where you park your rental though. As we received a ticket despite there being no signs anywhere. The police would not explain what it was for. And we have yet to figure out how to pay the fine online. Us and one other tourist car were the only ones ticketed for being parked in the same area. Guess they need to make their money somehow. Why not the tourists! El Yuque was amazing! I recommend the earliest day hike you can book. To avoid the crowds. I booked Alejandro through an air bnb experience. Highly recommend! As it was less crowded, slightly less expensive and our two guides were so friendly and helpful. Rincon has some awesome, affordable air bnb options for lodging as well. Really cool beach bars. If you’re into that surfing, laid back beach vibe.

[@nathanhdowell]

Tip for driving in San Juan, don't think anyone will let you pull out into traffic, stop at the sign and the just go in the micro gap, the other car WILL stop, it's just how they drive. You have to be aggressive driving in San Juan. My saying is "drive San Juan, where it's always your turn" And don't think I'm putting down the driving, it's not easy, but it is what it is. Good luck, and just go!

[@TheMoonlightAdventures]

Thank you for the tips! We are headed her on the MSC Seascape on the 20th of September.

[@cornelspirescu1852]

Thank you for your effort to do this good video.

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@dnie25]

My family is Puerto Rican and I have traveled between the states and the island most of my life. I just wanted to add about your comment about La Perla. Although it has historically been known to be an unsafe area of old San Juan, I have heard the neighborhood or "barrio" of La Perla has improved in terms of safety for tourists. There may be some shady characters there, or at least that is what is usually said, but overall the people of La Perla are some of the nicest people you could meet. Many of the families that live there have been there for several generations and some have been there for centuries. There is alot of history which has been passed down by word of mouth to the residents there. Alot of the negative things said about La Perla are from the Puerto Rico of years ago and the historical stigma of that neighborhood still persists unfortunately. And that is unfair to the many good people who live there today.

[@ashutoshdwivedi6654]

Much love ❤️

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@leggz2di4]

Great video..as I leave for my cruise in two days

[@vperez007]

Just in time. That’s all you need to know. Enjoy as it’s a nice relaxing experience.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

Have fun!

[@warrtiger9780]

the Condado is a great area to stay while in San Juan

[@Isbelia65]

Love it

[@MsRaindropps]

I love PR food! Soooo good! I have PR ancestry and I can’t wait to visit next year.

[@woltersworld]

Yummy!!

[@nnis75]

I live in Atlanta. San Juan is a bargain. Beautiful city. I love it.

[@AngelRivera-wp9bg]

La Perla has become a haven for tourist and safe as long as you do not mess with the locals. Harlem once dangerosu now a huge tourist stop.

[@Wanda649]

Vieques, beautiful place ,very nice people.

[@plantedinpr886]

Lol, you are very aware of how things are in San Juan and PR... Good Job

[@MariNate1016]

Perfect video, going to Puerto Rico for the 11-18 of July. Was just getting my tripadvisor stuff together lol

[@woltersworld]

You will have a fun time

[@gemarkus7295]

I'm a Puerto Rican and I can say that you are SPOT ON! Good job!

[@tobiojo9454]

Awesome video

[@woltersworld]

Thanks!

[@Apebongo]

People are so , so nice

[@SaryDr.G]

Very accurate! 💯🇵🇷

[@natashaguadalupe8971]

DUDE it’s not because it’s a large city. It’s because we have the Jones Act impacting the country. 98% of food is imported. The United State requires all imports to first come to the US, then be shipped to the island. No direct shipping. So Puerto Rico is double taxed. Thus that double taxation price is not only passed on to the people who live there making to difficult to live but it’s passed on to you as a visitor

[@Tracy-qv8if]

Correct.

[@aflyingstarly5535]

En general buenas recomiendaciones.

[@user-wl3uj6qv6u]

I love this guy….

[@xavierm5316]

Excited about the food! What restaurants would you recommend in sampling your favorites? It is a single day stop for us while on a cruise.

[@mikemaslanka3786]

The hotel that I stayed in Old San Juan had a sign next to the toilet that said to put used toilet paper in the trash can and NOT in the toilet! Pee and poop only in the toilet. I asked the front desk about this and was told it’s very common in Old San Juan due to the plumbing and septic system.

[@danny91pr]

Great list, as a Puerto Rican I agree with most of what you said. I would add, there's a few really good restaurants just on the outer edge of la Perla where it's perfectly safe for tourists. There's just no need for tourists or locals for that matter to go deep into the neighborhood unless you either live there or know someone there. And also traffic sucks in the metropolitan area, but it's generally not much worse than any big city in the United States. One of the best parts of having a car if you're driving through the island us that you will find many vendors on the side of the highway, who sell things like delicious street foods or other cool stuff you might want to buy as a souvenir.

[@markhayes2003]

I was gonna say, the main strip in Perla is perfectly safe to visit during the day and there is a few local businesses there that would appreciate your business.

[@MacTravellers]

I think it’s common to see these higher prices in cruise ports.

[@WoltersWorldShorts]

you would be surprised what people expect :)

[@lolitamorris2943]

Love Puerto Rico

[@MiguelLopez-dv6vf]

If you’re from New York or anywhere big city you’re be ok driving in San Juan

[@briceking669]

I just got back. Great trip and welcoming people. One thing worth noting is that gas pumps do not have the ability to take credit cards. Either bring cash or expect to bring your card in and leave it while you fill up.

[@tonykaplan8361]

Agree on La Perla without a doubt...otherwise Old San Juan is great as is the food and drink as you pointed out!

[@ReconM1A]

Finally, someone who said it. Don't go to La Perla..👏

[@gladyscortes1447]

estas en mi puerto Rico.

[@woltersworld]

y me encanta Puerto Rico!!!!

[@kiddgoldson]

I'm in Puerto Rico, right now😁🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@nildammarcano3160]

Thanks from Puerto Rico........all that you mention is real.....

[@woltersworld]

Thank you! We loved our time in San Juan and in Puert Rico in general. Great food, friendly people, nice weather.

[@elementkx]

I just came back from PR and its EXPENSIVE. Im from Chicago and it more expensive than here.

[@LondoMollari-B5]

Piña colada: 1/4 cream of coconut (Coco López preffered brand), 3/4 pineapple juice, ice, (if desired, rum as needed) and blend. Ice goes first. Rum will water down the piña colada so adjust accordingly (sorry, no fixed ratio for that).

[@ronn68]

I love these videos that say turn signals are optional in PR - not too many people use them stateside either!

[@danny91pr]

Back when I lived in Puerto Rico I got a couple tickets for not using turn signals. It's definitely not optional.

[@Tracy-qv8if]

@@danny91pr I live here. They never give tickets unless it's for tinted windows.

[@DenMarieMor]

I went to the bioluminescent bay. It was amazing.

[@woltersworld]

gorgeous

[@kindmulberry7196]

I didnt know they did British Wolter's World t-shirts!

[@woltersworld]

Was a few years ago

[@hagosto1059]

0:13 This clip cracked me up.

[@andrewmccoy831]

Any tips for Mayaguez?

[@MrJrs1102]

If you crave local fast food, go to El Meson. Great Sandwiches and coffee.

[@abaddon666angel]

La Perla that's my first enjoyment 😂

[@shannonengman2890]

Im trying to plan a visit to PR for 5-7 days for a family of 4. How much spending money should we bring with us?

[@againstallodds404]

Hi I'm looking at staying in Brisas Del Mar, Mata de Plátano for a few nights of my stay after staying in SJ. Is this area safe and is it close to any main attractions? Ty❤

[@BlackCheezit]

Marc is epic

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@stephanieramirez9151]

I have family that lives in la Pella we just don't like it when Taurus go down there and think they can disrespect it and people talking negative about la Pella ✌️

[@luiscepeda2152]

I went to Puerto Rico on March of 2023 and Love the island 🏝️ loved la placita El condado! I was planning to Go back of February of 2024. But the hotels don't add up . Too expensive and nothing else! You are on your own to eat to travel to get drinks and that I don't like. Perhaps if they can do some all inclusive? For sure Puerto Rico will thrive on tourism for sure.

[@Tropicaluv]

San Cristóbal is the email castle and San Felipe de El Morro is the bigger one. You said it backwards. Welcome to PR. ❤️

[@saltyhorizons]

Would you consider the “5 Dont’s” of Gatlinburg, TN?

[@woltersworld]

yes, we used to visit there back in the day before we started wolters world, need to get back with the kids again

[@Emy53]

I was in Aquadilla, Isabella and Arecibo in 2017. I am 10% indigenous PR, and it was my 2nd visit...the food is the best, hands down. The people are lively and friendly. I love my heritage even if 10%. They speak English in PR.

[@LOREMMUSICOFFICIAL]

you are taíno!!! have you considered reconnecting? it's so important to honor our ancestors and keep them and our culture alive!!!

[@jaynyce5923]

In San Juan they speak English. Everywhere else in PR, much less so

[@Tracy-qv8if]

​@@jaynyce5923I would agree.

[@lostinnepal7897]

Why shouldn't a tourist go to La Perla district? Is it dangerous?

[@soloveich]

Not even pick pockets and leaving the car on all the time. Honestly, probably the safest old town in US for the city of that size. La Perla is fine too. As long as you don't pull the phone out. And it's not a robbery issue. More of the locals not feeling like being an attraction. Not wanting to be recorded in the open drug market probably has something to do with it too. Moved from West Coast a couple of years ago. Feeling safer here than in The Bay or LA is a subject of the conversation with every new Cali transplant we meet

[@henryruiz7447]

perla is very safe,fun ,god live music is a destination what you mean dont go if you dont want go stay in the states .

[@elizabethvanacore]

I would say don't go swimming at the beaches in San Juan. They are not the best beaches on island and there are a lot of rip currents if it isn't in a crowded protected area. Also don't forget to drink the local coffee; it is some of the best in the world. My other don't: Don't only visit San Juan, the rest of the island is full of things to see. Note to go the the west side you can fly into Aguadilla or take the puddle jumper from San Juan to mayaguez for $40.

[@Tracy-qv8if]

Yes, be careful at the beaches- very strong currents. Also, I would agree that you should try to make the effort to speak Spanish. Puerto Ricans prefer Spanish.

[@michaelg6808]

What are the top 5 must see and experience things to do in Puerto Rico?

[@BillGreenAZ]

Mark, you mentioned that US citizens don't need a passport to travel to Puerto Rico. I have a suggestion for a video. It would be to explain the Travel ID that is necessary to fly starting May 3, 2023.

[@woltersworld]

i have one out on REAL ID, and i just filmed the european visa system for americans (though they changed it from january to may the day after i filmed it :) so i am doing some creative editing on that one :) but hopefully next weekend

[@BillGreenAZ]

@@woltersworld Thanks Mark!

[@bookinsights1092]

Puerto Ricans are good people but it is unfortunate that they have a bad government that mistreats their population and many young people have to leave the island for better opportunities elsewhere. Hopefully, they do get some trustworthy people to lead them but as of right now it seems not all is good.

[@PrettyGoomba]

Just got back from visiting PR for the first time. I agree that the people are good, but it was evident that its govt doe not serve or lead the people righteously. As far as the cost of living goes, I’m not sure how the locals afford things unless they have “locals only” places.

[@wildlifewarrior2670]

Welcome To Earth

[@AM-dr9qd]

They elect their government. Is everyone's responsibility. People need to learn how to say I'm part of the problem.

[@javiervelez892]

@@AM-dr9qdsome people are not going to wait forever for the politics to get better, those who stay usually already have to much invested in the island or are too poor to leave.

[@coltonblood2776]

Send em to Maine! Greenhead lobster! Im going next month to recruit more future employees! Good people looking to work. Nobody here wants to work. So screw it. Ill pay it forward i guess

[@LondoMollari-B5]

English is common especially among the younger generation to the point that we sometimes forget words in spanish and end up with a flavorful spanglish. You will have no problem as an english speaker. PERSONALLY, I do appreciate literally just 1-2 words in spanish at the beginning of conversations. It makes me feel acknowledged. “Hola, con permiso, una pregunta (a question), gracias, adios,…) just simple words or phrases that show that you acknowledge local identity. It’ll make it easier for me open up to you. But thats just my opinion. Its really just a bonus, I am fine with pure english. So are 99% of the population.

[@Tracy-qv8if]

In my opinion, I would disagree. I would say the opposite- the majority prefer to speak Spanish.

[@melbees1939]

I wouldn't be caught anywhere without watching the Don'ts first

[@woltersworld]

thanks Mel

[@gerardogallardo7824]

Don't forget Felix Navidad 🇵🇷

[@reneeburich9497]

I know a passport isn’t needed to fly in, but is one needed to fly out? That happened to us on our trip to St. Thomas. Luckily, we had our passports with us, because we needed it to fly back home.

[@jaynyce5923]

No it’s not needed but I always recommend people to bring it anyways just incase. Puerto Rico has a high immigration from DR, so you don’t want to get caught up with that

[@christibelle7]

We are renting a car any good parking hints

[@Tropicaluv]

If you drive in NY you can drive in PR.

[@LoganCharlesII]

"Talking about Puerto Rican food makes me really happy"

[@woltersworld]

It's so good. Go dawgs!

[@geovanny1205]

Puedo

[@joyace9674]

And don’t forget to drink plenty of water if you’re walking a lot under the sun don’t be lazy not to carry it. It will save your life 😬

[@Emy53]

My advise, seriously, is don't trust your GPS. If you get caught in a mountainous neighborhood, you better know how to get out. It's easy to get lost and drive around in circles.

[@geovanny1205]

Me quiero llevar a re mo

[@gerardogallardo7824]

Don't forget Hamilton 🇵🇷

[@melaniehubbard3646]

I 🤔 it would be nice to visit, but that's it.

[@tobehonestreal543]

Is cell numbers work there? Or do you need to switch to roaming?

[@woltersworld]

I have att and it worked as normal. No roaming.

[@woltersworld]

But check with your provider

[@echepr]

Good video but the audio was bad.

[@freedom8PEACE]

Hi ! I love your show but just wanted to say we are not the home of Bacardi. We love Bacardi, but this is a Cuban rum.

[@Tracy-qv8if]

Don Q, yes?