If you are looking into going back or going for the first time to San Juan, Puerto Rico I would highly recommend. So many things to do and some many good places to eat!
At no point did I feel unsafe or uncomfortable. I’ve went twice already and booking my next trip this December to PR. If you’re not fluent in Spanish no worries the residents are very friendly and most fluent in English. It does help to learn a few Spanish words to fully appreciate and embrace the culture.
Both times I stayed in an Airbnb and rented a car.
If you need any recommendations on places to stay, eat, explore, or for night life I’m happy to recommend! :)
CeSea Moon
16 Sep 2025
Rating
Things To Do
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
I visited San Juan Puerto Rico for my birthday and I stayed at the Cannato beach area. The area had a lot of restaurants nearby. The beach where was very close. All the people we met were very friendly. The food is delicious. There are a lot of restaurants around some of the days we took a uber to the tourist area where old San Juan is. We visited the Cristobal Castle /museum. The self guided tour is about 30 bucks. It’s a lot of stores and shops a lot of food and history and culture The beaches are all around. My favorite restaurant was.Raices’ you should definitely eat there, but, get there early at least by 6 PM so you don’t have to wait. The line goes over an hour long. I would definitely recommend Puerto Rico as a place to chill. The nightlife is good on the weekends only throughout the weekdays, the clubs clothes I think at midnight.
Chari
31 Aug 2025
Rating
Traveling While Black
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
Visited San Juan, Puerto Rico as a Solo traveler. I stayed at Canario Boutique Hotel which was small, comfortable and conveniently located within walking distance to restaurants, pharmacy, and beach.
I took an Uber from the airport and leisurely enjoyed my trip on my own terms. No rental car needed. This was a relaxing trip for me which did not include sightseeing. The weather was beautiful and the food was good.
Everyone I met was kind and welcoming
Dee
12 Jun 2025
Rating
Things To Do
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
If I could move to Puerto Rico I seriously would! It just feels like home. There’s so much to do! The people you meet can be very welcoming depending on your energy! The food .. chefs kiss . The water .. chefs kiss . The air .. chefs kiss . Anytime I want to get away I buy a ticket to Santurce, PR it is a safe haven for me it’s the perfect combo of busy and chill walkable to the beach and multiple hotspots. Never feel unsafe !
James
22 May 2025
Rating
Adventure
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
San Juan seem to be the main place where many tourists came and went if you stay in the main tourist areas it seems to be way safer and can be really fun if you get off into some of the darker neighborhoods with a lot of board up action and activity could be a lot sketchier there was one time where I was passing a guy on the street and I just went off the sidewalk to give him some room to walk and then the man started cussing at me and becoming eager to fight I don’t know what that was about but for the most part people were great good to go the Uber seem safe and easy transportation and walking areas there seem to be a lot of gangsters that drive those all-terrain vehicles around and you know them by their bright lights and loud speaker systems but if you don’t mess with them they probably won’t mess with you be aware that La Perla does not allow photography at all I guess people have been killed in the past for taking pictures so that’s sketchy
Ynessa
01 Apr 2025
Rating
Things To Do
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
For my partner’s birthday, we traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico and had the best time. We spent most of our days exploring Old San Juan, taking in the vibrant culture, colorful streets, and historical landmarks. At night, we headed to La Placita—definitely go on a Thursday or Friday if you want to catch it at its liveliest. The locals were kind, the energy was warm, and we felt safe the entire trip. Ubers were super affordable, so we focused our budget on experiences. One of the highlights was kayaking with manatees—an unforgettable moment. We didn’t get to do night kayaking or jet skiing this time, but it’s already on the list for our return. Waterfalls are next!
Vacaybyrenee
26 Mar 2025
Rating
Traveling While Black
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
My son and I traveled to Puerto Rico and Spent and afternoon in El Yunque National Forest. We have a tour guide that took us up to the top and let us walk down to the waterfalls it was beautiful and everyone was friendly. We felt safe and not jugde or watch.
Some tour guides will take you to the bottom and have you walk up hill. That would be a steep hike, for some. Bring a towel and splash around in the water. It was a beautiful sight and you may even see a few locals hanging out.
Empresshytha62
19 Mar 2025
Rating
Adventure
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
Truly enjoyed my stay.I have family there so I enjoyed the local shops as well as food beaches are beautiful. This is a Bambo trail
Skye
08 Mar 2025
Rating
Traveling While Black
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
Currently, traveling solo while being a Black Woman is safe. Yes, you run into one or two people who may try to put whiteness as a priority, but you can easily check that and be compensated for it. The location is lively, and as long as you take Uber when late and be aware, you are safe. I went for Valentine’s Day weekend, and I hated to leave. Enjoy yourself, preferably explore Condado or Old San Juan, and have fun. My activities of choice are a spa, beach, a local tour like boat riding or walking tour, and enjoying the night life. Also, La Placita de Santurce is safe as well for nightlife.
Toni
05 Mar 2025
Rating
Adventure
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
June 2024, my cousin and bestie traveled to see my son perform with the LA Film Conducting Intensive in Costa Rica. We extended our stay and enjoyed the sites, culture, food & music.
Kenzie
15 Feb 2025
Rating
Relaxation
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
Very friendly towards everyone. Outgoing, very inclusive. Welcoming and overall a great experience. Also, many activities to do and a great history to learn about. Additionally, it is very affordable and you do not need a passport for this location.
Marvin Smith
31 Aug 2023
Rating
Things To Do
Things To Do
Adventure
History
Affordability
Relaxation
Local Food
Romance
Nightlife
Traveling While Black
Exploring Old San Juan was a blend of history and modern flair: Streets, forts, and colorful buildings tell stories of diverse cultures. As a black traveler, those walls spoke to me.
Condado Beach – this was my slice of paradise. Sand, sun, and relaxation without a care – Good vibes. I felt safe chilling solo in the mornings and at night.
Recharging at the AC Hotel was essential. Modern vibes, ocean views and a rooftop pool. The hotel restaurant and wine bar served local flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine that left me craving more.
La Placita is where I went for the nightlife, recommended by the hotel staff – they said it was a must that I check it out. Nights are alive with energy from reggaeton beats pumping from the bars, clubs and lounges. Locals and travelers, all dancing and laughing. As a black traveler, I blended right in and was able to let my guard down.
Playita Del Condado Beach is one of my favorite beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is a perfect mix of local and tourist life. A perfect destination for a relaxing day at the beach or a prime location for water sports, you can spend the entire day here. AirBnB Experiences is an excellent resource for scouting daily activities at a convenient price point. You can set your filters to decide how much coin to want to spend then enjoy activities such as snorkeling, parasailing and kayaking. There are many hotels in the area such as the Hilton and Holiday Inn which pair well with familiar American food like Denny’s which can be found in the area. There are also many local vendors selling island favorites such as pinchos (kebabs), empanadas (beef patties) or other small appetizers and local juices. Conveniently located near the highway, this beach is easily accessible by rental, scooter, bike or Uber. Not fluent in Spanish? No worries. Due to its high tourist population, many of the vendors and instructors speak English but if you happen to stumble upon the few who don’t, there’s always somewhere near to lend a broken palabra.
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If you are looking into going back or going for the first time to San Juan, Puerto Rico I would highly recommend. So many things to do and some many good places to eat!
At no point did I feel unsafe or uncomfortable. I’ve went twice already and booking my next trip this December to PR. If you’re not fluent in Spanish no worries the residents are very friendly and most fluent in English. It does help to learn a few Spanish words to fully appreciate and embrace the culture.
Both times I stayed in an Airbnb and rented a car.
If you need any recommendations on places to stay, eat, explore, or for night life I’m happy to recommend! :)
I visited San Juan Puerto Rico for my birthday and I stayed at the Cannato beach area. The area had a lot of restaurants nearby. The beach where was very close. All the people we met were very friendly. The food is delicious. There are a lot of restaurants around some of the days we took a uber to the tourist area where old San Juan is. We visited the Cristobal Castle /museum. The self guided tour is about 30 bucks. It’s a lot of stores and shops a lot of food and history and culture The beaches are all around. My favorite restaurant was.Raices’ you should definitely eat there, but, get there early at least by 6 PM so you don’t have to wait. The line goes over an hour long. I would definitely recommend Puerto Rico as a place to chill. The nightlife is good on the weekends only throughout the weekdays, the clubs clothes I think at midnight.
Visited San Juan, Puerto Rico as a Solo traveler. I stayed at Canario Boutique Hotel which was small, comfortable and conveniently located within walking distance to restaurants, pharmacy, and beach.
I took an Uber from the airport and leisurely enjoyed my trip on my own terms. No rental car needed. This was a relaxing trip for me which did not include sightseeing. The weather was beautiful and the food was good.
Everyone I met was kind and welcoming
If I could move to Puerto Rico I seriously would! It just feels like home. There’s so much to do! The people you meet can be very welcoming depending on your energy! The food .. chefs kiss . The water .. chefs kiss . The air .. chefs kiss . Anytime I want to get away I buy a ticket to Santurce, PR it is a safe haven for me it’s the perfect combo of busy and chill walkable to the beach and multiple hotspots. Never feel unsafe !
San Juan seem to be the main place where many tourists came and went if you stay in the main tourist areas it seems to be way safer and can be really fun if you get off into some of the darker neighborhoods with a lot of board up action and activity could be a lot sketchier there was one time where I was passing a guy on the street and I just went off the sidewalk to give him some room to walk and then the man started cussing at me and becoming eager to fight I don’t know what that was about but for the most part people were great good to go the Uber seem safe and easy transportation and walking areas there seem to be a lot of gangsters that drive those all-terrain vehicles around and you know them by their bright lights and loud speaker systems but if you don’t mess with them they probably won’t mess with you be aware that La Perla does not allow photography at all I guess people have been killed in the past for taking pictures so that’s sketchy
For my partner’s birthday, we traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico and had the best time. We spent most of our days exploring Old San Juan, taking in the vibrant culture, colorful streets, and historical landmarks. At night, we headed to La Placita—definitely go on a Thursday or Friday if you want to catch it at its liveliest. The locals were kind, the energy was warm, and we felt safe the entire trip. Ubers were super affordable, so we focused our budget on experiences. One of the highlights was kayaking with manatees—an unforgettable moment. We didn’t get to do night kayaking or jet skiing this time, but it’s already on the list for our return. Waterfalls are next!
My son and I traveled to Puerto Rico and Spent and afternoon in El Yunque National Forest. We have a tour guide that took us up to the top and let us walk down to the waterfalls it was beautiful and everyone was friendly. We felt safe and not jugde or watch.
Some tour guides will take you to the bottom and have you walk up hill. That would be a steep hike, for some. Bring a towel and splash around in the water. It was a beautiful sight and you may even see a few locals hanging out.
Truly enjoyed my stay.I have family there so I enjoyed the local shops as well as food beaches are beautiful. This is a Bambo trail
Currently, traveling solo while being a Black Woman is safe. Yes, you run into one or two people who may try to put whiteness as a priority, but you can easily check that and be compensated for it. The location is lively, and as long as you take Uber when late and be aware, you are safe. I went for Valentine’s Day weekend, and I hated to leave. Enjoy yourself, preferably explore Condado or Old San Juan, and have fun. My activities of choice are a spa, beach, a local tour like boat riding or walking tour, and enjoying the night life. Also, La Placita de Santurce is safe as well for nightlife.
June 2024, my cousin and bestie traveled to see my son perform with the LA Film Conducting Intensive in Costa Rica. We extended our stay and enjoyed the sites, culture, food & music.
Very friendly towards everyone. Outgoing, very inclusive. Welcoming and overall a great experience. Also, many activities to do and a great history to learn about. Additionally, it is very affordable and you do not need a passport for this location.
Exploring Old San Juan was a blend of history and modern flair: Streets, forts, and colorful buildings tell stories of diverse cultures. As a black traveler, those walls spoke to me.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/article/13-old-san-juan-landmarks-you-shouldnt-miss
Condado Beach – this was my slice of paradise. Sand, sun, and relaxation without a care – Good vibes. I felt safe chilling solo in the mornings and at night.
Recharging at the AC Hotel was essential. Modern vibes, ocean views and a rooftop pool. The hotel restaurant and wine bar served local flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine that left me craving more.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/ac-hotel-marriott-san-juan-condado/1658
La Placita is where I went for the nightlife, recommended by the hotel staff – they said it was a must that I check it out. Nights are alive with energy from reggaeton beats pumping from the bars, clubs and lounges. Locals and travelers, all dancing and laughing. As a black traveler, I blended right in and was able to let my guard down.
https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/la-placita-de-santurce/8742
️
Playita Del Condado Beach is one of my favorite beaches in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is a perfect mix of local and tourist life. A perfect destination for a relaxing day at the beach or a prime location for water sports, you can spend the entire day here. AirBnB Experiences is an excellent resource for scouting daily activities at a convenient price point. You can set your filters to decide how much coin to want to spend then enjoy activities such as snorkeling, parasailing and kayaking. There are many hotels in the area such as the Hilton and Holiday Inn which pair well with familiar American food like Denny’s which can be found in the area. There are also many local vendors selling island favorites such as pinchos (kebabs), empanadas (beef patties) or other small appetizers and local juices. Conveniently located near the highway, this beach is easily accessible by rental, scooter, bike or Uber. Not fluent in Spanish? No worries. Due to its high tourist population, many of the vendors and instructors speak English but if you happen to stumble upon the few who don’t, there’s always somewhere near to lend a broken palabra.