Founded in 1521 by Ponce de León, the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan, is the oldest city on US territory. The metropolitan area of San Juan is home to half of the island's almost four million citizens; it is also the heart of Puerto Rican tourism. The city is best known for its beautifully restored historic district, Old San Juan, situated on a rocky peninsula girded by twenty-feet thick walls jutting into the crashing Atlantic surf. Unlike other such gems of Spanish colonial architecture, San Juan also offers miles of smooth, clean beaches, a wide range of accommodation, fabulous restaurants and a lively nightlife.
Along with Old San Juan, resort-filled Condado is the most popular neighbourhood for visitors thanks to its excellent beachfront and fine boutiques, and these two sections of the capital share the highest concentration of restaurants and lodging options. There's plenty more to explore: further east is up-and-coming Santurce with its numerous art galleries and trendy nightclubs; and the beachfront neighbourhoods of Ocean Park and Isla Verde, beyond which are the deserted palm-fringed beaches of Piñones. To the south lies the financial district of Hato Rey, and then Río Piedras with its easygoing college-town vibe.
Excellent day-trips can be made to some of the island's top attractions: east to El Yunque rainforest and famous Luquillo Beach; or west to the Río Camuy Cave Park and the striking Arecibo Observatory in the karst country.
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