Solo Female Travel in San Juan

San Juan, the vibrant capital city of Puerto Rico, is located on the northeast coast of the island and is well-known for its enchanting waterfronts, historical landmarks, and pulsating nightlife. It boasts a rich Spanish colonial history, evident in its cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and mighty fortresses like El Morro and La Fortaleza. The city is a mecca for culture, with plentiful museums, galleries, and theaters that highlight its indigenous Taino roots, Spanish influences, and African heritage. Its diverse and flavorful cuisine, unique mix of modernity and tradition, as well as the warm, welcoming spirit of its locals make San Juan a must-visit gem of the Caribbean.

Travel rating

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Travel index

Safety:Safe

San Juan generally has a welcoming and vibrant vibe. The city is quite tourist-friendly with locals who are generally helpful. However, like any city, it has its risks. It is important to stay in populated and well-lit areas, especially at night, and avoid secluded areas. Vigilance on personal belongings is necessary to avoid petty theft. Using a registered taxi service or well-known ride-hailing services is also advisable. Thus, it is moderately safe if precautions are taken.

Transport:Easy

San Juan provides an easy-to-navigate city layout and various transportation options for solo female travelers. The city has a reliable public transport system that includes buses and a metro system. Taxis and rental bikes are also widely available. San Juan is also very walkable, with most attractions located within a close distance of each other. The locals are typically friendly and willing to assist with directions if needed. However, some areas might not be very pedestrian-friendly and public transport can get crowded at peak times. Despite these minor downsides, the city remains quite accessible overall.

Things to do:Interesting

San Juan is filled with numerous attractions and activities for solo female travelers. From exploring the historic El Morro Fort and wandering through the colorful buildings of Old San Juan, to enjoying the urban beach life in Condado and relaxed fine dining, there's much to do and see. Feel the city's lively spirit as it combines modern elements with rich history. However, limited extreme sports options for adrenaline enthusiasts could slightly restrict activity variety.

Food:Excellent

San Juan offers an incredible range of culinary delights to satisfy a variety of palates. There is a rich history of fusion in their dishes, blending indigenous Taíno culture with Spanish, African and American influences. Here, you can enjoy everything from traditional delicacies like Mofongo and Pernil, to creative gourmet cuisine. There are countless food markets, street food stalls, and upscale dining venues, enriching the city's food scene. The fusion style, fresh seafood and innovative takes on traditional dishes make San Juan a top gastronomic destination. It caters to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer familiar comforts, and the quality of food is consistently high.

Budget:Moderate

San Juan, offers a balanced blend of affordability and expense. Bargains can be found in local food, public transportation, cheaper accommodations like hostels and budget hotels, as well as free activities like exploring the historic sites or basking on the city's stunning beaches. However, popular tourist activities, fine dining, and luxury accommodations come with a higher price tag.

Is San Juan worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 7 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.2/5

Safety

3.8/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.4/5

Solo travel experience

I visit Puerto Rico quite frequently. It’s a gorgeous island with so much to do and I feel safer in Puerto Rico than I do in my home city in the states honestly. When you visit definitely check out other cities and beaches outside of San Juan

Posted: February 20, 2024
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Maddie

Maddie

Switzerland

Group travel experience

Clean beaches, stunning sunsets, and lots of character in places like Old Town and Condado and many more await in San Juan. *COLLEGE SPRING BREAK: I went with a group of 10 for spring break. Flights are more expensive than Florida (for US travelers), but much cheaper than any international destination, but you still feel like you’re out of the US. *LANGUAGE: Spanish is dominant, but most people speak English. *PRICE: food, drinks, etc… in San Juan are pretty comparable (if not slightly cheaper) than US restaurants in mid-size towns. *ACCOMMODATIONS: we got an Airbnb for 10 for the same price as a mid to low quality one in Florida. It was two penthouse apartments in a condo in Condado right on the beach with great views. Only downside: lots of construction outside, but can’t really help that. Our place was very clean and spacious and our host was very friendly and recommended a lot of things to try. *EXCURSIONS: make sure you visit the Old Fort, and then spend a day exploring vendors and shops in Old Town. If you have time, book a day trip to the rainforest; I didn’t go but some of my friends did, and it’s my biggest regret from the trip. All in all, I will return to San Juan someday (and finally see the rainforest). It has so much to offer, and I find it much more unique than US beach destinations, but still similar enough that you don’t struggle to get around.

Posted: January 8, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 3/5
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Group travel experience

I had a lot of fun! Im going again , it was very safe for me because i was with family , accommodation was free , we ate at home so most food was free except for snacks and drinks nice culture and good vibes would reccomend to many people.

Posted: December 15, 2023Experienced: July, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

It was really pretty but the driving is difficult there so use uber. There’s many restaurants and cafes down the streets. And the water view is amazing. So many souvenir shops. Be prepared for a good amount of walking (and in hot weather).

Posted: July 31, 2023Experienced: August, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stopped in Ocean Park and Old San Juan. I had no problems going out after dark. I visited various places in Old San Juan, la Placita and around Condano every night after daily activities. I felt completely safe everywhere.

Posted: May 23, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went alone and it was great! I stayed at the Dreamcatcher and it was charming. A small boutique hotel, not a large hotel/resort. Easy to get to old San Juan by Uber. I also went to El Convento in old San Juan. It was charming, but I was not at all impressed with the rooms or bathrooms.

Posted: November 26, 2022
Things to do: 4/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Meet locals in San Juan

Meet local women in San Juan who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Ester

Ester

About Me

Hi! I'm Ester from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

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Stay with locals in San Juan

Stay with local women in San Juan who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Ester

Ester

San Juan

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi! I'm Ester from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷

Speaking

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Madeline

Madeline

San Juan

Can host for:

1 day

About me

Hi!, I'm Madeline and I'm interested in dancing, cinema, culture, events & social, food & cuisine, live music, nature, nightlife, photography, shopping, sightseeing and solo travel

Speaking

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