Free Things to do in PR, North Side

Most people know the north side of Puerto Rico as the city of San Juan or Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan). While the city can be more costly, there are still free activities and fun experiences to be had. Check out our list of free things to do on the north side of the island. 

Free Things to Do on the North Side of PR

Specialty: 

1. Take a free art class at UPR; Museo de Historia, Antropología y Arte

Check their Facebook page for upcoming workshops, classes and exhibits. Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM

Av. Universidad, San Juan, 00931

2. Pack a picnic and spend a few hours on the fields by Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Bring a kite and fly it or buy one inexpensively from nearby vendors.

Finding free parking is tricky as many side streets are for residents only, but there are some spots available. There are also several parking garages close by which are fee based. The closest being Ballajá Parking Garage which is open 24 hours a day 7 days per week. 

501 C. Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901

3. Free yoga class at The Mall of San Juan. Saturdays at 9:00 AM on the third level terrace, bring your yoga mat. Reservation not needed. 

1000 The Mall of San Juan Blvd, San Juan, 00924

4. Free trolley in Viejo San Juan all day every day, departs from the main bus terminal area across from Pier 4.

We recommend getting dropped off at the top of the hill by the fort and working your way down the hill towards the harbor. It will be easier to go down hill and stay in the shade of buildings! Get a map of trolley routes from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company information offices. 

La Princesa Building, 2 P.º de la Princesa, San Juan, 00902

Museums:

1. Museo de San Juan, displays Puerto Rican art and historic artifacts. 

Wednesday through Saturday 8:00 AM-4:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Closed for lunch 12:00 -1:00 PM

150 C. Norzagaray 3er piso, San Juan, 00901

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2. Casa Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier- home of San Juans first mayor

Wednesday through Friday 9:00 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM-3:00 PM

51 Caleta de San Juan, San Juan, 00901

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3. Coffee Museum of Puerto Rico in Ciales

Thursday and Friday 8:00 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM

42 Calle Palmer, Ciales, 00638

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4. Dr Jose Celso Barbosa House and Museum, Bayamon- historic house of physician and prominent politician in the 19th century. 

Tuesday through Saturday 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM

16 Calle de Barbosa, Bayamón, 00961

Beaches:

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1. Playa La Poza Del Obispo next to the Arecibo lighthouse. It’s a great spot with a protected swimming area. A good spot for snorkeling, tide pooling or just watching the waves crash onto the rocks. The beach is expansive and you could walk for miles. There are showers to wash off sand but no bathrooms or places to change clothing. Plenty of free parking. 

F8J3+M8J, Arecibo, 00612

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2. Playa Piñones head out of the city and drive east towards Isla Verde. Pass through Isla Verde and keep driving about 20 minutes outside of the city and you will find beaches with plenty of free parking. No amenities but the seclusion just a short distance from San Juan is worth it!

PR-187, Loíza

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Walk/Run or Bike:

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1. VSJ Urban Trail stems from Castillo San Felipe del Morro to Laguna del Condado Jaime Benitez National Park. There's a bike path and/or sidewalks for your enjoyment. There can be free parking found on the side of the street, however, get there early in the day if you want to snag a spot. 

1110 C. Vieques, San Juan, 00907

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2. Parque Lineal de Loíza- if you can find parking along PR-187 there’s a great path that goes for a long way from Carolina through Piñones. Great for jogging, walking or cycling. There are sections that may be closed but you can get back on if you have to make a detour. 

C2X3+GCG, C. Avenue Boca de Cangrejos, Carolina, 00983

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3. Built in 1853 Paseo de la Princesa is an urban promenade reminiscent of Europe.  Walk amongst shade trees, take in water views, stop at a cafe and visit Raices fountain (opened in 1992 to commemorate the 500 year anniversary of the discovery of America). Go during golden hour and be transported back in time. 

54 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901

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