These are our recommendations from Casa de Verde to help you make the most of your stay. Start by exploring Ocean Park on foot, enjoying local cafés, beaches, and vibrant streets just steps from our doorstep. Then venture further to discover the best of Puerto Rico, including cultural hotspots, hidden beaches, top restaurants, and must-visit attractions across the island. Our insider tips make it easy to experience Puerto Rico like a local, whether you’re exploring nearby or traveling around the island.
If you’re looking for a more customized way to discover Puerto Rico, Quenepa Viajera is a great resource for tailored ideas and inspiration. You can follow or contact her to find detailed tips, unique activities, and local experiences that go beyond the basics.
Check out her Instagram @quenepaviajera
You can also subscribe to her newsletter to receive more in-depth insights about her experiences, including recommendations on restaurants, museums, eco-friendly events, and outdoor activities—from a true local’s perspective.
I’ll include the link to her page so you can explore more of what she offers.
Viva La Van is our neighbor, located just across from Casa de Verde. They offer fully equipped, stylish camper vans that let you explore Puerto Rico at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing beaches, mountains, or cultural hotspots, Viva La Van gives you the freedom to travel comfortably and safely, with local tips and support along the way. It’s the perfect start to your island adventure—right from our neighborhood!
Santurce is a vibrant neighborhood in San Juan, full of colorful street art, lively streets, and a rich cultural scene. It’s a place where local flavor, creativity, and history come together, making it a must-visit area for anyone exploring the city.
For Italian cuisine, we recommend Cuore Pasta Bar, a local favorite recognized by Platea PR as one of the eight best places in San Juan for pasta and Italian food. They also offer an excellent selection of wines, with knowledgeable recommendations that complement the menu beautifully.
For more insider tips, check out Platea PR on Instagram. Their platform provides guides to restaurants, must-visit spots, road trips, and everything you need to experience Puerto Rico like a local—from culture and attractions to food, wine, and island adventures
Casita Blanca is a beloved local spot in Santurce, known for authentic Puerto Rican comfort food that feels just like eating at your grandmother’s house. It’s simple, homey, and full of flavor.
Make sure to arrive early—ever since Bad Bunny visited, the restaurant has become even more popular and tends to fill up quickly. But it’s absolutely worth it for the true boricua food experience. Follow @casitablancapr
Discover one of Puerto Rico’s top restaurants in nearby Santurce: Cocina al Fondo, led by Chef Natalia Vallejo, the first Puerto Rican to win the James Beard “Best Chef: South” award (2023).
The menu highlights elevated Puerto Rican cuisine using locally sourced ingredients from farmers, fishermen, and their own garden. Creative, soulful, and rooted in tradition, it’s a perfect spot for guests seeking an authentic culinary experience.
📍 658 Calle San Juan, Santurce — just a short drive from Casa de Verde.
When exploring Santurce and San Juan, don’t miss Distrito T-Mobile, a vibrant entertainment district perfect for families and visitors of all ages. The area features multiple restaurants, outdoor spaces with live music, a zipline in collaboration with Toro Verde, and a cinema. With hotels nearby, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy fun activities, explore the neighborhood, and experience the lively atmosphere of the city.
Check their event calendar here: Distrito T-Mobile Events
For those interested in architecture and history, we recommend the Puerto Rico Historic Buildings Drawings Society (PRHBDS). They offer group and private tours of historic sites in San Juan and beyond. You can also find some of their experiences through Airbnb Experiences.
Visit their website for more details and to book a tour.
We highly recommend stopping by Miramar Food Truck Park during your stay. It’s a lively outdoor spot featuring a great mix of food trucks, local flavors, and relaxed island vibes. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, creative dishes, or just a fun casual atmosphere, it’s an easy and delicious option nearby.
Casa Vieja – A Local Favorite in the Mountains
If you're in the mood to explore Puerto Rico’s countryside, we highly recommend Casa Vieja in Ciales. This rustic, home-style restaurant is known for its signature dish, pastel al caldero, a beloved classic prepared the traditional way.
It’s a perfect option for guests who want to experience the island’s mountain culture, comforting cuisine, and a slower, more authentic pace of life.
Start your day at the Don Pello Museum in Ciales, tasting some of Puerto Rico’s best coffee and learning its rich history. Open Tue–Fri 8 a.m.–3 p.m. and Sat–Sun 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; for groups of 10+, call 787‑375‑2501.
Stroll through the town of Ciales and the Paseo Lineal, then refresh at Las Delicias Waterfall (note: parking is along the road). For lunch, enjoy authentic Puerto Rican flavors at Casa Vieja.
On the way back, drive through the charming “Suiza de Puerto Rico”, a small area with Swiss-like houses — a fun and scenic photo stop.
A full, scenic day combining coffee, culture, nature, and local charm, all just a short drive from San Juan.
Treat yourself to some of the island’s best pastries at these local favorites:
1. Lucía Patisserie – Elegant French-inspired pastries with a Puerto Rican twist. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
2. Panoteca San Miguel – Freshly baked breads and sweet pastries; a local favorite for traditional Puerto Rican flavors.
3. El Horno de Pane – Delicious puff pastries, quesitos, and other baked delights; ideal for coffee or a quick snack.
Discover these spots for a sweet taste of Puerto Rico’s bakery culture — perfect for morning treats, coffee breaks, or a fun snack while exploring the island.