Updated November 25, 2022

Puerto Rico is a fantastic destination. And its capital city, San Juan, is a lot of fun to visit. But is San Juan safe?

Yes! San Juan is safe. But there are some things travelers should know. Below, learn about general safety in San Juan, common tourist scams, how solo travelers can stay safe, and more.

Is San Juan Safe During The COVID-19 Pandemic?

Like most places around the world, San Juan — and Puerto Rico on the whole — have struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic since 2020. The island has rolled out a successful vaccination campaign, however, and has one of the highest vaccination rates in the U.S.

So if you’re wondering “Can I travel to Puerto Rico right now?” the answer is yes!

Here’s the latest:

So, what should travelers keep in mind?

Americans do not need to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to visit Puerto Rico.

Once on the island, locals ask that all visitors follow basic COVID precautions like staying home when sick. While masks are no longer required, individual businesses can choose to continue requiring masks and implementing other COVID safety measures.

Though it comes with new risks because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico is generally safe to visit. And so is its stunning capital city of San Juan.

Safety in San Juan: What Travelers Need To Know

Whew — now that we have the COVID-19 rules out of the way, let’s get into it! Is San Juan safe to visit?

Simply put, yes. San Juan is safe, just as Puerto Rico is safe. But there are some things that travelers need to know.

For starters, there are some incredible places to stay in San Juan. But travelers should educate themselves about which neighborhoods are safe, and which ones require extra precautions. Here’s a quick summary:

As long as you use normal precautions, these neighborhoods should be safe no matter the time of day:

• Old San Juan
• Santurce
• Parque de las Palomas
• Condado
• Miramar
• Isla Verde
• Santa Teresita
• Ocean Park
• Hato Rey
• Piñones
• Rio Piedras

But you might want to visit these neighborhoods only during the day:

• Piñones
• Santurce
• Parque de las Palomas
• La Perla (though it depends who you ask)
• Puerta de Tierra

There are a lot of cool things to do in San Juan (especially at night) and the city is generally safe. Just be aware of certain neighborhoods.

Common Scams in San Juan

Packed with tons of Puerto Rico’s best places to visit, San Juan draws visitors from around the world. But it draws scammers, too. Keep these tips in mind as you explore the city:

• Watch out for pickpockets: Keep valuable items close. Or better yet, leave them at home if it would break your heart to lose them.
• Always count your change: Be sure to count your change carefully.
• Stay alert while using cabs: Agree on a taxi cab fee in advance and keep an eye on the meter. Make sure it’s on.
• Use your street smarts: If someone approaches you asking for money or offering to “show you the sights” it’s better to walk away.

Basically, San Juan is like any other bustling city. And both San Juan and Puerto Rico are safe for travelers as long as you use normal precautions, stay aware of your surroundings, and don’t wander down dark, empty alleyways at night.

What To Know About Drinking Water In Puerto Rico

According to the CDC, water in Puerto Rico is as safe as water in the greater United States. (Remember the island is a part of the U.S.)

That said, you may encounter unsafe drinking water in Puerto Rico if you go to more rural areas. You should be fine in San Juan to drink the water, or you can get bottled water if you’re nervous.

Required Vaccines For Puerto Rico Travel

In addition to routine vaccines that most people have already received as children (chickenpox, polio, etc) the CDC recommends that travelers to Puerto Rico have the following vaccines:

• COVID-19
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Measles
• Rabies
• Typhoid

Talk to your doctor before you travel and make sure you’re up to date on all your shots.

The Risk Of Hurricanes In Puerto Rico

One of the biggest concerns travelers have about traveling to Puerto Rico is hurricanes. Hurricane Maria devastated the island in 2017 and received another direct hit from Hurricane Fiona in 2022, but places like San Juan have largely recovered. A small number of outdoor activities remain closed, but there’s still plenty to do! And putting your travel dollars in local hands helps with economic recovery.

Overall, your risk of experiencing a hurricane is pretty low. For one, you can plan around them — hurricane season is generally from June until November. (And there really is no “best” time to visit Puerto Rico as the island is stunning all year round!)

Secondly, hurricanes generally come with plenty of advance warnings.

Tips For Solo Travelers In San Juan

Solo travelers love Puerto Rico. And for good reason! The island is easy to navigate, safe, and affordable. That said, solo travelers should take a couple of normal precautions:

• Don’t accept food or drink from strangers (just like at home).
• Ignore catcalling.
• Get a cross-body purse to deter pickpockets.

It’s also helpful to know a few words of Spanish as you explore Puerto Rico’s top tourist attractions.

Is San Juan Safe?

In summary, yes — San Juan, Puerto Rico is a safe place to visit as long as you educate yourself about the city and take a couple of normal precautions.

Not only can they tell you how they keep safe — but they can also let you in on some of San Juan’s secrets. They’ll share their favorite bars, restaurants, and sights. So you’ll end up seeing San Juan like the locals do and not the crowds of tourists.

Ready to see San Juan like a local?