We Spent Three Days in San Juan Puerto Rico-Here's the BEST THINGS to do before or after Your Cruise

Ready for a tropical escape packed with history, nightlife, culture, and beach time—all without needing a passport? Join me, Elliott from Now Go See It, as I spend four full days exploring the best of San Juan, Puerto Rico. In this video, I’ll show you what to see, what to eat, where to go out, and how to make the most of a long weekend in one of the oldest cities in the United States. From centuries-old forts and pastel-colored streets to beach cocktails and drag shows, this is San Juan done right—fast-paced, full of flavor, and genuinely fun. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious about what Puerto Rico offers beyond cruise ships and resorts, this video breaks down what’s actually worth your time. Here's what you'll find: Highlights from this San Juan trip include: – Old San Juan: Walk the cobblestone streets of this 500-year-old district lined with colonial architecture, local art shops, and friendly cats. I visited Old San Juan Arts & Crafts and found affordable, handmade souvenirs that weren’t tourist junk. – San Juan National Historic Site: Explore El Morro and the city’s historic forts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with tunnels, ramparts, cannons, and panoramic ocean views. – Barrachina Restaurant: Allegedly the birthplace of the piña colada. Whether or not that’s true, the drink here was strong, cold, and worth the stop. – Ferangi Chocolat: One of the newest bean-to-bar chocolatiers in the city. Their desserts are made from locally harvested cacao, and the quality absolutely shows. – Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery: A dramatic oceanside resting place for Puerto Rican dignitaries and historic figures. Beautiful and solemn, not a party stop, but worth seeing. – La Placita: This open-air plaza transforms into a street party after dark, with music, food, and high-energy nightlife. Think New Orleans meets the Caribbean. – Puerto Rican Food: I sampled mofongo (garlicky mashed plantains), tostones, croquetas, and other local dishes. If you’re into bold flavors and fried things, you’ll be very happy here. – LGBTQ+ Nightlife: San Juan has a thriving gay nightlife scene. We checked out Tia Maria’s Liquor Store, Circa (great for drag shows), and Excess (not for the shy). – Condado Beach: Our final days were spent relaxing by the ocean. Note: the water can have strong rip currents, so pay attention to safety signs. – Atlantic Beach LGBT Area: Just in front of the Atlantic Beach Hotel on Calle Vendig. Chill on weekdays, lively on Sundays, and occasionally features beachfront drag performances. Why visit San Juan? No passport, US dollars accepted, great flight access, and an unbeatable combo of beach and city. San Juan is surprisingly walkable, has solid infrastructure, and offers everything from five-star luxury to independent boutique stays. You get history, nightlife, art, and the ocean all within a few square miles. What this video covers: – Where to stay in San Juan – Best areas to shop and explore – Food and drink you absolutely need to try – Hidden gems and local tips – LGBTQ+ friendly places and nightlife options – Beach safety and how to find the best beach spots – What to skip and what’s worth your time Helpful travel tips: – Uber is cheap and widely available – English is spoken almost everywhere – You’ll want comfortable shoes for Old San Juan’s uneven streets – Some museums and attractions close early—check hours – Don’t assume every beach is swimmable, watch for red flags and surf warnings Planning a long weekend in San Juan? Save this video and watch it through for a full four-day itinerary that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and nightlife. Whether you're flying in for a quick tropical getaway, stopping in on a Caribbean cruise, or just daydreaming your way through the internet—this guide is packed with real info from someone who actually did it all. Watch more city guides, beach escapes, and LGBT-friendly travel content on my channel or visit nowgoseeit.com Travel is better when it's honest and fun. Subscribe and hit the bell for new videos every week nowgoseeit.com Follow us on social media: Pinterest @nowgoseeit Instagram: @nowgoseeit Facebook: facebook.com/nowgoseeit YouTube: @nowgoseeit #SanJuan #PuertoRicoTravel #LGBTQTravel #SanJuanItinerary #OldSanJuan #NowGoSeeIt #PiñaColada #PuertoRicoVlog #TravelGuide #BeachAndCity #CaribbeanTravel #CondadoBeach #LaPlacita #FoodieTravel Let me know when it’s live and I can help tune up the title, tags, and thumbnails for best performance.