Puerto Rico has long been on my list of travel destinations, initially for the preconceived notion of being a beach vacation. Then, I read about the forts and cobblestones and the old town, but little did I know that the forts overlooked the OCEAN, and the cobblestones are BLUE, and that Old San Juan is filled with vibrantly colorful buildings and delicious foods (details coming soon!). If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some photos and tips already, but if you're planning a trip there, here are a few tips:

Uber vs Taxi:

Uber and taxis do not get along in San Juan. We heard stories of windshield smashing, and other disorderly conduct between the two. But there is a way, you just can't be near a taxi stand.
You have to step away from the hotel or locations where taxis are usually waiting.

La Perla:

Some research said to avoid La Perla as it's known as a high drug trafficking area, and to also avoid walking through the Santa Maria Magdalena cemetery that borders one side of La Perla. During the day there are lots of tourists in the surrounding area around La Perla, but I would imagine that at night it may be a different story. I would using your street smarts and always keeping your wits about you (and this goes for travel generally anywhere :)

El Morro + Fort San Cristobal:

A $10 ticket price gets you into both forts located in Old San Juan. There's a free open air tram that rides between the two forts, but you can easily also walk the distance between the two.

Santa Maria Magdalena Cemetery

The views from El Morro of the cemetery are absolutely the most stunning thing!