3 Perfect Days in San Juan, According to Local Designer Herman Nadal

I love that creative balance between sweet and savory, that’s what really draws me in. My favorite dishes are the meaty omelette and the chef omeletta, and the pancakes are really good too.

I love the beaches in general, and this one is quite central, which makes it easy to explore nearby places afterward. It’s a great spot if you want to do more than just spend time at the beach. There are volleyball nets set up along the shore, and right next to them, you have Parque Dr. José Celso Barbosa, which also has tennis courts and is perfect for running or working out. There are also several surf schools in the area, adding to the overall active, outdoorsy vibe.

I really like this place—it’s the decor, it feels very familiar. It’s similar to how our grandmothers used to have their homes, especially in the countryside. And then there’s the menu, which is deeply rooted in Puerto Rican flavors; it almost feels like your grandma cooked for you.

I love art, and the museum has a permanent collection of Puerto Rican artists, along with beautiful gardens that are perfect for walking. The gardens feel like a quiet escape within the city, shaded and thoughtfully designed, more like a living piece of art than a typical museum space. What I enjoy most is walking through the museum and then heading out to the garden, laying down a blanket, and drawing or doing something creative, either on my own or with others.

Expect great food, with a perfect mix of traditional flavors and creative touches, all in a cozy atmosphere. The best part is that they welcome you with bacalaitos, and after that, I usually order alcapurrias. For my main dish, I go for the canoa, beef picadillo, sweet plantain, cheese fondue, with rice and beans, but honestly, everything is really good.

Calle Cerra is a street with a variety of spots to grab drinks. Places like Aurora and La Disquera offer a chic atmosphere and creative cocktails.

Great spot to start a full day in Old San Juan. I really love the house pastrami. I’d add a side of French toast, which would be great to share with the table. I usually pair it with coffee or a fresh natural juice, though they also have a really cool selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

Escambrón Beach sits along the same skyline as Old San Juan, making it perfect for continuing to enjoy the beach even during a short stay. And it’s so much more than just a beach—it offers multiple areas to explore, from hidden paths to scenic viewpoints, making the whole experience feel dynamic. Right next to it, Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera adds even more beautiful spaces to walk and capture cinematic, almost film-like moments, plus spots to grab a bite or something to drink (I recommend Vita Fresh).

La O is one of my favorite places to eat. The chicken with risotto is one of my favorite dishes, and the chorizo-stuffed mushrooms are also a must for me.

Exploring Old San Juan is really just about starting to walk and letting the city reveal itself—a historic setting layered with so many stories. The afternoon hours are perfect for a bit of shopping, browsing local crafts, and supporting local artisans. Spend a good amount of time along Calle Fortaleza, which has some of the most interesting shops, like local jewelry at Muns Concept Store. Then make sure to stop for something sweet at Chocobar Cortés, and visit the Museo de Las Américas in Ballajá for a deeper cultural experience.

Cui Cui is a new spot in Old San Juan that offers very creative dishes in an atmosphere inspired by 1920s-style bars. They’re small plates, so if you’re with a partner or a group, it’s great to order several and have them come out as courses, so you can try different things while everything stays fresh. On my last visit, I had the tuna nest, which had a really interesting mix of textures: tuna tartare, a crispy potato nest, poached egg, ponzu, and whipped ricotta with orange. I also tried the stuffed piquillo peppers with braised short ribs, gremolata, mashed potatoes, and gratinated truffle cheese. My favorite drink there was the Banana Daiquiri.

La Factoría is one of the most famous bars in Old San Juan. What I love most is that you can dance salsa there, and drinks like the Lavender Mule are a must-try.

Go for the Mongolian hash brown. And since I’m a big fan of eggs for breakfast, their omelettes are super interesting—the tripleta one with pastrami, ham, churrasco, cheese, and mayo ketchup is definitely a standout.

The Condado area offers a variety of beaches if you’d like to keep exploring the waters of Puerto Rico. My suggestion? Head to Walking on Water Sports and rent a jet ski to ride along Condado Beach. It’s a super fun activity, and they also offer other water experiences—there’s more to do in the ocean beyond just jet skiing.

Peko Peko is a new spot on Calle Cerra. It’s a ramen place, and honestly, it’s delicious. I really loved the shio ramen, and to drink, the chicha shoko, a mix of chicha morada with red wine and sake.

If you’re an art lover, you’ll enjoy experiencing the talent of Puerto Rican musicians. The important thing is to make a reservation in advance. It’s also an activity located in Santurce, a great area to continue exploring afterward.

Creative Asian cuisine in a place with a super cool décor, you feel like you’re inside a neon video game. It’s also very cozy, and I’ve loved everything on the menu.