Archive for Puerto Rico

4 Restaurants to enjoy a ceaseless cuisine carnival in San Juan

Did you know that the biggest party of Puerto Rico is the ‘SanSe’ festival? It takes place every January in Old San Juan. Puerto Rico offers a rich blend of Caribbean spices, culture and cooking secrets. This island is the best place for food lovers, especially those who love to party in style.

The distinct cuisines of San Juan are a delight for your taste buds. From the unofficial king of Puerto Rican cuisine Mofongo to Arroz con Gandules, the national dish of this island, every flavor is something unique.

 

 

4 Famous Restaurants in Puerto Rico

 

Did you know that the local delicacy Pina Colada was invented in the capital city of San Juan? You can have a sip of this delightful drink when you reach your hotel in the comfort of San Juan airport transfers. While you may want to try out some of the restaurants at your hotel, you must plan a visit to the following places to have a memorable evening:

 

1. 1919 Restaurant: The irresistible aromas of this restaurant are a treat by themselves. This elegant restaurant is a part of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, located close to the sea. Local spices are used to enhance the flavors of each dish. If you’re not staying here, you can book a ride to this wonderful restaurant, which is located to the northwest of San Juan and is a drive of about an hour and a half.

 

2. Marmalade Restaurant: Looking for a platter containing something of everything? Then you need to visit the Marmalade Restaurant. The service here is incredible and the wine selection amazing. The chefs continue to experiment with flavors and they’ve all been a massive success so far. Fusion, Eclectic, Contemporary French, Vegetarian and Vegan are some of the different types of cuisines served here.

 

3. Old San Juan’s La Factoria: Did you know ‘La Factoria’ bar features among the top 50 bars of the world? It is equally famous for its delicious dishes. There are six back rooms, each providing a different ambiance and experience. It has a main cocktail bar, a wine bar, a restaurant and a dance floor. The wine selection is fabulous and the whole place has a relaxed speakeasy feel. Enjoy famous Rican crooners singing for you. While this should be on your itinerary, you could even make this your first visit in Puerto Rico, as it is located close to the airport and you can book any San Juan airport transportation or shuttle to experience this place before heading for your hotel.

 

4. Niche Bistro: This restaurant offers the perfect mix of food, drinks, music and romance. It’s a terrific place if you’d like a fine dining experience. French delicacies have been transformed into Rican delights that are sure to thrill your taste buds.

 

So, if you’re planning a holiday, book your tickets to Puerto Rico and a luxury airport transfer to reach your hotel and you’re all set for the culinary delights the island has to offer.

What to visit in Puerto Rico

San Juan view from airplane

Ever wondered what to visit in Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico – the Island of Enchantment, as it is popularly known — is the perfect honeymoon, adventure, or beach destination in the Caribbean. The island of Puerto Rico (or Borinquen — its indigenous Taino name) offers a variety of tourist attractions, from Tahitian-type beaches to European-type towns, from upbeat modern restaurants, sprawling malls, and casinos to magnificent rainforests and splendid beaches.

Puerto Rico’s historical and cultural attractions are mainly concentrated in the San Juan metropolitan area. Old San Juan has a prime location across the San Juan harbor. Its historic buildings and Spanish colonial forts offer the opportunity to experience one of the most charming tourist spots in the Caribbean, reminiscent of its quaint colonial past.

 

San Juan view from airplane

San Juan view from airplane

in San Juan

in San Juan

Touring Old San Juan

Touring Old San Juan

pretty colourful buildings in San Juan

pretty colourful buildings in San Juan

 

For outdoor enthusiasts, popular tourist destinations around San Juan are the beaches at Isla Verde, Condado, Ocean Park, Balneario de Carolina, and el Escambron. Most of the large beach resorts and beachfront hotels are located in Isla Verde and Condado.

In the eastern part of Puerto Rico, the famous el Yunque rainforest, located on the slopes of the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains, offers one of the best tropical ecosystems in the world. Travelers can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, bird watching, swimming at one of Yunque’s main waterfalls, or learning about the rich biodiversity of the tropical forest at the Portal del Yunque visitor center.

 

El Yunque

El Yunque

 

Other tourist spots include Culebra and Vieques, the Puerto Rico Spanish Virgin Islands. The islands of Culebra and Vieques offer vast expanses of pristine white sanded beaches, natural inlets, magnificent reefs, cozy inns and hotels, all of which makes this part of Puerto Rico a highly recommended tourist destination.

 

What to visit in Puerto Rico post was written by my friend David Rodriguez from Puerto Rico who is the owner of the website Tripolin. The photos were taken by the author, too.