You’ve heard it for years: Puerto Rico delivers on classic Caribbean charm—swaying palms, colorful colonial architecture, ever-present rum drinks—and you don’t even need your passport to visit. But this isn’t your grandparents’ Puerto Rico. The island is changing, and fast. The devastation and resulting challenges wrought by hurricanes Irma and Maria kick-started a widespread, homegrown effort at recovery and rejuvenation that has only enhanced Puerto Rico's identity, lending it a new, self-assured energy. Ambitious young chefs, contemporary artists, and reggaeton’s biggest names right now (many of whom hail from PR) are injecting fresh dynamism into the island, and demanding the rest of the world pay attention. If you think this is just another island, think again.
Puerto Rico Travel Guide
Plan Your Puerto Rico Trip
These New Rooftop Restaurants Are the Coolest Way to Enjoy San Juan’s Dining Scene
These eateries perched above the city were borne out of the pandemic and have become some of the hottest reservations in town.
By Kathleen Squires
How to Spend 72 Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico's largest city is well on the road to recovery after the storms of 2017.
By David Jefferys and Megan Spurrell
Featured
Bad Bunny's Guide to Puerto Rico
From vintage shops to casual seafood spots, the Grammy award-winning artist shares his go-to places on the island.
By Megan Spurrell
A Local’s Guide to Puerto Rico
Social innovator Isabel Rullán on her favorite secret spots around the island.
By Chadner Navarro
A Push for Food Sovereignty Is Evolving Puerto Ricans’ Relationship with the Land
Since Hurricane Maria, many Puerto Ricans have begun cultivating the island’s native crops—and reclaiming their food narrative in the process.
By Paola Singer
17 Best Hotels in Puerto Rico
Whether you want a sprawling beach resort or a hidden jungle retreat.
By Kathleen Squires
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Fairmont El San Juan Hotel$$ | United States, San Juan, 6063 Av. Isla Verde, CarolinaRead full reviewA perfect marriage of quality and convenience.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Condado Vanderbilt Hotel$$ | United States, San Juan, 1055 Ashford AveRead full reviewYou can’t help but feel glamorous here.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve$$$ | Puerto Rico, Dorado, 100 Dorado Beach DriveRead full reviewThe original reserve here was set up by Laurance Rockefeller, but it's been transformed into a luxurious modern retreat.Readers Choice Awards
Gold ListPowered By: Expedia - Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort$$ | Puerto Rico, Rio Grande,Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- Condado Ocean Club$$ | Puerto Rico, San Juan,Read full reviewFor those craving an intimate beachfront stay.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
- O:live Boutique Hotel$Read full reviewMove between a Mediterranean fantasy and Caribbean reverie.Powered By: Expedia
- El Pretexto$ | United States, Cayey, Road 715Read full reviewA farm B&B with absolutely amazing food.Powered By: El Pretexto
- Puertas at El Quenepo$ | United States, Vieques, 148 Calle FlamboyanRead full reviewVisitors feel like they were let in on a well-kept secret.Powered By: Booking.com
- Palacio Provincial$ | Puerto Rico, San Juan, 150 C. de San FranciscoRead full reviewA comfortable space for those passing through and a perfect rooftop pool view of the historic cathedral.Powered By: Expedia
- ALOFT San Juan$ | United States, San Juan, 250 Convention Blvd.Read full reviewAt the center of Distrito T-Mobile and a 10-minute cab ride to Old San Juan.Powered By: Marriott
- Villa Montaña Beach Resort$$ | United States, Aguadilla, 4466 Carretera Jobos, IsabelaRead full reviewFor romantic getaways, sun-and-fun-seeking families, and destination weddings.Powered By: Expedia
- Finca Victoria$ | United States, Vieques, Rt. 995, km 2.2Read full reviewProprietor Sylvia De Marco's flawless style is as transporting as a big-budget film.Powered By: Expedia
- O:LV Fifty Five$$ | United States, San Juan, Condado Sector, 55 Cll BarranquitasRead full reviewSan Juan's design scene on display.Readers Choice AwardsPowered By: Expedia
The Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico
- 15 Best Things to Do in Puerto RicoWhere else can you end a day spent on secluded beach or in a breathtaking rainforest with a drink at one of the world's best bars?
By Alicia Kennedy
- The 3 Best Day Trips in Puerto Rico—That Will Get You Out of San JuanOur guide for what to see and do—and where to stay—in Rincòn, Adjuntas, and Ponce.
By Alicia Kennedy
- The Best Place to Camp in Every StateYou'll never run out of camping trip ideas again.
By Emily Pennington
- The Most Beautiful Islands in the CaribbeanEmpty beaches, azure water, towering peaks—what's not to love?
By Caitlin Morton and Meredith Carey
Editor Recommendations
- Parque Nacional de las Cavernas del Río CamuyPuerto Rico, Quebrada, Carr. 129 K. 18.9Read full reviewRelaxed spelunking on one of the world's longest underground rivers.
- BoquerónPuerto Rico,Read full reviewThis is the spot for those who love a calm day at the beach, as well as snacking on fresh seafood.
- Cerro de PuntaRead full reviewThis is the tallest mountain in Puerto Rico; on a clear day, you can see the entirety of the island.
- Sandra FarmsRead full reviewThis working coffee farm offers tours where you can taste the coffee, learn about production techniques, and sample housemade chocolate.
What Travelers Should Understand About Puerto Rico's Statehood Vote
This week, Puerto Rico voted in favor of becoming a state—but those who work in tourism aren't convinced that's best for the archipelago.
By Alicia Kennedy and Israel Meléndez Ayala
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Puerto Rico
- 15 Best Bars in Puerto RicoThe worlds of craft cocktails and beer thrive here, but they're run through with island culture.
By Kris Fordham
- 21 Best Restaurants in Puerto RicoPeople have talked about the restaurant scene in Puerto Rico growing for long enough. It's in full bloom.
By Kris Fordham
- 10 Best Coffee Shops in Puerto RicoCoffee has long been a point of pride for Puerto Rico. Here, 10 spots that are serving the best cups across the island.
By Kathleen Squires
- Where to Get the Best Brunch in Puerto RicoIt started as a stateside obsession, but here it's got a flavor all its own.
By Kathleen Squires
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- Tierra del Frío$$Come for a homey meal while trekking through the center of the island or fuel up before hiking or swimming.
- Tía$$A meal here feels “like being in the house of your favorite aunt"; that is, if she was Lilly Pulitzer.
- Levain Artisan Breads$Levain's motto is “yeast is our culture and our culture is yeast,” which demonstrates the bakery's commitment to its craft.
7 Caribbean Cocktails That Are Easy to Make at Home
Have cocktail shaker, will travel.
By Megan Spurrell
More from Puerto Rico
Places to Stay
16 Best Puerto Rico Airbnbs, From San Juan to El Yunque
Enjoy a scenic island getaway at one of these breathtaking properties.
By Kathleen Squires
News & Advice
Through the Eyes of Boricuas: A New Exhibition by Condé Nast Traveller & Discover Puerto Rico
This Pride month exhibition is popping up in London and Toronto–here's how to visit if you find yourself in town.
By CNT Editors
Style & Culture
On Location: How ‘The Resort’ Turns Puerto Rico Into the Riviera Maya
Lifting the curtain on the destinations behind the season’s most exciting new releases.
By Charlie Hobbs
Inspiration
How Puerto Rico’s Chinchorro Food Stalls Are Preserving the Island’s Culinary Roots
The traditional snack shacks provide a place to gather, income for the local community—and great food and drink.
By Karthika Gupta
News & Advice
As Puerto Rico Prepares to Reopen, Residents Are Concerned
Since lockdown began, the rules have seemed to vary for locals and tourists.
By Alicia Kennedy and Israel Meléndez Ayala
Inspiration
What Puerto Rico Has Lost
Author Jaquira Díaz on returning to her birthplace of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.
By Jaquira Díaz
Places to Stay
Currently Obsessed With: Su Casa at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
A five-bedroom villa steeped in history.
By Lauren DeCarlo
News & Advice
Flight Deal: Mainland U.S. to Puerto Rico From $177 Round-Trip
Tickets to Hamilton in Puerto Rico might cost you an arm and a leg (and probably your firstborn child), but at least the flight's a steal.
By Megan Spurrell
Islands & Beaches
Recap: Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown' Visits Puerto Rico
In this week's episode, we see Puerto Rico pre-Hurricane Maria—vibrant and beautiful, but already suffering from a crippled economy. Now, in the aftermath of the storm, Bourdain wonders how the island nation will recover.
By Bridget Hallinan
News & Advice
Chef José Andrés Has Made More Meals for Puerto Ricans Than the Red Cross
The chef has served one million meals in 21 days.
By Elaheh Nozari
News & Advice
Google Is Using Balloons to Restore Phone Service in Puerto Rico
Project Loon uses high-altitude, solar-powered balloons.
By Elaheh Nozari
News & Advice
JetBlue Launches Hurricane Relief Plan for Puerto Rico
The 100x35JetBlue project aims to rebuild homes, promote tourism, and raise money for the island nation.
By Bridget Hallinan
Shopping
Zika Virus Now in Cuba, May Spread to 50 U.S. Cities
The virus has been identified in Cuba, will spread rapidly in Puerto Rico, and is anticipated to reach 50 U.S. cities this summer.
By Katherine LaGrave
More Destinations
- Phoenix Travel GuideAbundant sunshine, potent summer monsoon storms, and the Suessian cactuses and ancient petroglyphs of the Sonoran Desert.
- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- Chicago Travel GuideSecond City? Not by our count.
- Montreal Travel GuideLa belle vie—in French and English
- Charleston Travel GuideWhere Lowcountry meets high charm
- Vancouver Travel GuideThink of it as "rainforest chic"
- Key West Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
- The Ultimate Guide to Exploring CanadaFrom scenic train rides to charming small towns, here's everything you need to bookmark for your next trip.
By CNT Editors
- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
- San Francisco Travel GuideDon't forget to pack an extra layer
- Toronto Travel GuideA small world—in a big city
- Mexico City Travel GuideHow to do it right
- Dallas Travel GuideHard to crack. Easy to love.