View source for San Juan, Puerto Rico

{{Short description|Capital and largest city of Puerto Rico}}
{{pp-pc|small=yes}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = San Juan
| official_name      = {{lang|es|Municipio Autónomo de San Juan}} <br/> <small>Autonomous Municipality of San Juan</small>
| settlement_type    = [[Capital city]] and [[Municipalities of Puerto Rico|municipality]]
| image_skyline      = {{multiple image
  | total_width              = 300
  | border                   = infobox
  | perrow                   = 1/2/2/2/2
  | caption_align            = center
  | image1                   = San Juan Puerto Rico (33519972611).jpg
  | caption1                  = [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico |Santurce]] [[Barrios of San Juan, Puerto Rico |barrio]] (far left), [[San Juan Bay]] (center), and [[Old San Juan |Old San Juan district]] (right) from [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan) |San Cristóbal Fort]] in [[San Juan Islet]]
  | image2                   = 2013 Old San Juan 01.JPG
  | caption2                 = [[Old San Juan |Old San Juan district]]
  | image3                   = Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan Puerto Rico.jpg
  | caption3                = [[Castillo San Felipe del Morro |El Morro Fortress]]
  | image4                   = Old San Juan - City Hall.jpg
  | caption4                = [[San Juan City Hall]]
  | image5                 = The Capitol of Puerto Rico (5420915649).jpg
  | caption5                = [[Capitol of Puerto Rico |Puerto Rico Capitol]]
  | image6                  = San Juan, Condado beach, Puerto Rico.jpg
  | caption6               = [[Condado (Santurce) |Condado resort area]]
  | image7 = Very Busy Cruise Port.jpg
  | caption7 = [[Port of San Juan |San Juan Cruise Port]]
  | image8                   = Hato Rey skyline.jpg
  | caption8                 = [[Hato Rey |Hato Rey district]]
  | image9                   = Coliseum of Puerto Rico (I).jpg
  | caption9                 = [[José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum |Choliseo coliseum]]
}}
| image_flag         = Flag of San Juan, Puerto Rico.svg
| flag_size          = 110px
| image_shield       = Coat of arms san juan pr.svg
| shield_size        = 70px
| image_blank_emblem = Logo of San Juan, capital municipality of Puerto Rico (2025) (cropped).png
| blank_emblem_type  = Logo
| blank_emblem_size  = 185px
| founder            = [[Juan Ponce de León]]
| named_for          = [[John the Baptist]]
| nicknames          = <br />''La Llave de las Indias'' (The key to the Indies)<br />''La Ciudad Amurallada'' (The Walled City)<br />''Ciudad Capital'' (Capital City)
| image_map          = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|frame-align=center|frame-width=275|frame-height=225|zoom=9|frame-coord={{coord|18.3975|-66.0625}}|type1=shape|id1=Q41211|title1=San Juan Municipio|stroke-color1=#720000|stroke-width1=0.5|fill1=#720000|fill-opacity1=0.4}}
| mapsize            = 250px
| map_caption        = Interactive map outlining San Juan, Puerto Rico
| mapframe           = 
| mapframe-caption   = 
| mapframe-custom    = 
| pushpin_map        = Puerto Rico#North America
| pushpin_mapsize    = 275
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of San Juan, Puerto Rico
| pushpin_relief     = yes
| coordinates        = {{coord|18|24|23|N|66|3|50|W|region:US-PR|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates_footnotes = <ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2015-07-05|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990|archive-date=August 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824085937/https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| subdivision_type   = [[Sovereign state]]
| subdivision_name   = {{flag|United States}}
| parts_type         = [[Barrios of San Juan, Puerto Rico|Barrios]]
| parts              = 18 barrios
| p1                 = [[Caimito, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Caimito]]
| p2                 = [[Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Cupey]]
| p3                 = [[El Cinco, San Juan, Puerto Rico|El Cinco]]
| p4                 = [[Gobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Gobernador Piñero]]
| p5                 = [[Hato Rey Central, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey Central]]
| p6                 = [[Hato Rey Norte, San Juan|Hato Rey Norte]]
| p7                 = [[Hato Rey Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey Sur]]
| p8                 = [[Monacillo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Monacillo]]
| p9                 = [[Monacillo Urbano, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Monacillo Urbano]]
| p10                = [[Oriente, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Oriente]]
| p11                = [[Pueblo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Pueblo]]
| p12                = [[Quebrada Arenas, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Quebrada Arenas]]
| p13                = [[Sabana Llana Norte, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Sabana Llana Norte]]
| p14                = [[Sabana Llana Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Sabana Llana Sur]]
| p15                = [[San Juan Antiguo]]
| p16                = [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]]
| p17                = [[Tortugo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Tortugo]]
| p18                = [[Universidad, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Universidad]]
| established_title  = Diocesan settlement
| established_date   = August 8, 1511
| established_title1 = Founded
| established_date1  = August 15, 1521<ref>[http://sanjuan.pr/cultura/historia.aspx San Juan, Ciudad Capital]{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003180210/http://sanjuan.pr/cultura/historia.aspx |date=October 3, 2020 }}. SanJuan.pr. Retrieved 2010-12-22.</ref>
| leader_party       = [[New Progressive Party (Puerto Rico)|PNP]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of San Juan, Puerto Rico|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = [[Miguel Romero|Miguel Romero Lugo]]
| unit_pref          = Imperial
| area_footnotes     = <ref name="GR1" />
| area_water_percent = 37.8
| area_total_sq_mi   = 77.0
| area_land_sq_mi    = 47.9
| area_water_sq_mi   = 29.1
| area_urban_sq_mi   = 763.60
| elevation_footnotes = <ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2015-07-05|archive-date=February 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120212191832/http://geonames.usgs.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| elevation_ft       = 26
| elevation_m        = 8
| population_as_of   = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
| population_footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|title=PUERTO RICO: 2020 Census|url=https://www.census.gov/library/stories/state-by-state/puerto-rico-population-change-between-census-decade.html|access-date=2021-08-25|website=The United States Census Bureau|language=EN-US}}</ref>
| total_type         = Municipality
| population_total   = 342,259
| population_density_sq_mi = 7,147.1
| population_urban   = 1,844,410
| population_density_urban_km2 = 932.6
| population_density_urban_sq_mi = 2,415.4
| population_metro   = 2,350,126
| population_demonym = Sanjuanero -a
| timezone1          = [[Atlantic Time Zone|AST]]
| utc_offset1        = −4
| postal_code_type   = [[ZIP Codes]]
| postal_code        = 00901, 00907, 00909, 00911-00913, 00915, 00917, 00918, 00920, 00921, 00923-00927
| area_codes         = [[Telephone numbers in Puerto Rico|787 and 939]]
| blank_name_sec1    = [[List of highways in Puerto Rico|Major routes]]
| blank_info_sec1    = [[File:PR primary 1.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 1]] [[File:PR primary 2.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 2]] [[File:PR primary 18.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 18]] [[File:PR primary 20.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 20]] [[File:PR primary 26.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 26]] [[File:PR urban primary 3.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 3]] [[File:PR urban primary 8.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 8]] [[File:PR urban primary 16.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 16]] [[File:PR urban primary 21.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 21]] [[File:PR urban primary 23.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 23]] [[File:PR urban primary 25.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 25]] [[File:PR urban primary 25R.svg|31px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 25R]] [[File:PR urban primary 27.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 27]] [[File:PR urban primary 35.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 35]] [[File:PR urban primary 176.svg|31px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 176]] [[File:PR urban primary 177.svg|31px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 177]] [[File:PR urban primary 181.svg|31px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 181]] [[File:PR urban primary 199.svg|31px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 199]] [[File:Ellipse sign 19.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 19]] [[File:Ellipse sign 28.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 28]] [[File:Ellipse sign 36.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 36]] [[File:Ellipse sign 37.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 37]] [[File:Ellipse sign 38.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 38]] [[File:Ellipse sign 39.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 39]] [[File:Ellipse sign 40.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 40]] [[File:Ellipse sign 41.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 41]] [[File:Ellipse sign 42.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 42]] [[File:Ellipse sign 47.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 47]]<br />[[File:Toll plate yellow.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 17]] [[File:Toll plate yellow.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 22]] [[File:Toll plate yellow.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 52]]<br />[[File:PR primary 17.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 17]] [[File:PR primary 22.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 22]] [[File:PR primary 52.svg|25px|link=Puerto Rico Highway 52]]
| website            = {{URL|sanjuan.pr}}
| subdivision_type1  = [[Commonwealth (United States insular area)|Commonwealth]]
| subdivision_name1  = {{flag|Puerto Rico}}
| population_rank    = [[Municipalities of Puerto Rico|1st]] in Puerto Rico<br>[[List of United States cities by population|57th]] in the United States
}}
'''San Juan''' ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|s|æ|n|_|ˈ|hw|ɑː|n}} {{respell|san|_|WHAHN}}, {{IPA|es|saŋ ˈxwan|lang}}; Spanish for "Saint [[John the Baptist|John]]") is the [[capital city]] and most populous [[Municipalities of Puerto Rico|municipality]] in the [[Commonwealth (U.S. insular area)|Commonwealth]] of [[Puerto Rico]], an [[unincorporated territory]] of the [[United States]]. As of the [[United States Census Bureau|2020 census]], it is the [[List of United States cities by population|57th-most populous]] city under the jurisdiction of the United States, with a population of 342,259. San Juan was founded by [[Spanish Empire|Spanish]] colonists in 1521, who called it '''Ciudad de Puerto Rico''' (Spanish for "Rich Port City").

Puerto Rico's capital is the second oldest European-established capital city in the Americas, after [[Santo Domingo]], in the [[Dominican Republic]], founded in 1496,<ref name="SJCOPRI">{{cite web|author=Magaly Rivera|title=San Juan Capital City|url=http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml|publisher=Welcome to Puerto Rico|access-date=2007-05-02|archive-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417122726/http://welcome.topuertorico.org/city/sanjuan.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> and is the [[List of North American settlements by year of foundation|oldest]] European-established city under [[United States of America|United States sovereignty]]. Several historical buildings are located in the historic district of [[Old San Juan]]; among the most notable are the city's former [[City Wall of San Juan|defensive walls]], [[Castillo San Felipe del Morro|Fort San Felipe del Morro]] and [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan)|Fort San Cristóbal]], and [[La Fortaleza]], the oldest [[Official residence|executive mansion]] in continuous use in the Americas. [[La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico|These historic sites]] were declared a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] in 1983.<ref name=":1" />

Today, San Juan is [[San Juan Port|Puerto Rico's most important seaport]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://apprportal.prpa.gobierno.pr/servlet/page?_pageid=70&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&_type=site&_fsiteid=54&_fid=3640&_fnavbarid=1&_fnavbarsiteid=54&_fedit=0&_fmode=2&_fdisplaymode=1&_fcalledfrom=1&_fdisplayurl= |publisher=Puerto Rico Port Authority |title=the San Juan Port |language=es |year=2007 |access-date=2007-05-09 }}{{dead link|date=June 2022|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> and is one of the island's most notable financial, cultural, and [[Tourism in Puerto Rico|tourism centers]]. The population of the [[San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo metropolitan area|metropolitan statistical area]], including San Juan and the municipalities of [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]], [[Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Guaynabo]], [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]], [[Canóvanas, Puerto Rico|Canóvanas]], [[Caguas, Puerto Rico|Caguas]], [[Toa Alta, Puerto Rico|Toa Alta]], [[Toa Baja, Puerto Rico|Toa Baja]], [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]] and [[Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico|Trujillo Alto]], is about 2.443&nbsp;million inhabitants; thus, about 76% of the population of Puerto Rico now lives and works in this area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotopuertorico.com/tourism-puerto-rico.php|title=About Puerto Rico|publisher=Puerto Rico Tourism Company|year=2007|access-date=2007-05-08|archive-date=April 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417134231/http://www.gotopuertorico.com/tourism-puerto-rico.php|url-status=live}}</ref> San Juan is also a principal city of the [[San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo metropolitan area#Combined Statistical Area|San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo Combined Statistical Area]]. The city has been the host of events within the sports community, including the 1979 [[Pan American Games]]; 1966 [[Central American and Caribbean Games]]; events of the 2006, 2009 and 2013 [[World Baseball Classic]]s; the [[Caribbean Series]] and the [[Special Olympics]] and [[Major League Baseball|MLB]] San Juan Series in 2010.

== History ==
{{For timeline}}

=== Pre-Columbian era ===
{{See also|Taíno}}

The [[Taíno]] people were the original inhabitants of the area before the arrival of the [[European colonization of the Americas|Europeans]] to the island of [[Puerto Rico]] in 1493. Remains of a small indigenous fishing village have been found in [[Puerta de Tierra, San Juan|Puerta de Tierra]] where the [[Puerto Rico National Guard Museum]] stands today, however most archaeological sites in the region have been destroyed and lost throughout the colonial history.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Historia de Puerta de Tierra (San Juan)|url=http://www.puertadetierra.info/indicehist.asp|access-date=2022-02-12|website=www.puertadetierra.info|archive-date=June 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601164325/http://www.puertadetierra.info/indicehist.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref> The area of San Juan used to be the boundary between the tribal regions (yucayeques) of ''Guaynabo'' and ''Haimanio'', led by the chiefs ([[Caciques in Puerto Rico|caciques]]) [[Mabo (cacique)|Mabo]] and [[Yuisa (cacique)|Yuisa]] (also known as Loaíza), respectively, at the time of the arrival of the [[Conquistador|Spanish conquistadors]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rico|first=Histopedia de Puerto|date=2019-07-19|title=Caciques y Yucayeques de Borikén|url=https://www.histopediadepuertorico.com/post/yucayeques-y-caciques-de-borikén|access-date=2022-02-12|website=Histopedia de Puerto Rico|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Cacicazgos de los taínos: Antecedentes y desarrollo|url=https://enciclopediapr.org/content/cacicazgos-tainos/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=EnciclopediaPR|language=en-US|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212194639/https://enciclopediapr.org/content/cacicazgos-tainos/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Founding ===
[[File:Ponce de Leon house.JPG|thumb|The ruins of [[Juan Ponce de León]]'s residence at [[Caparra Archaeological Site|Caparra]]|left]]

In 1508, [[Juan Ponce de León]] founded the original settlement which he called [[Caparra Archaeological Site|'''Caparra''']]. It was named after a [[Cáparra|former Roman city]] in the province of [[Caceres (province)|Cáceres]] in Spain,<ref>Río-Miranda Alcón, J. La ciudad romana de Cáparra - Municipium Flavium Caparense. 2011</ref> the birthplace of [[Nicolás de Ovando]], then the Governor of Spain's Caribbean territories.<ref>"[[Guaynabo]] -- Encyclopædia Britannica" (with history of Puerto Rico),''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'', 2006, ''Britannica.com'' webpage:[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9038345/Guaynabo EB-Guaynabo-Puerto-Rico] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013063252/http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9038345/Guaynabo |date=October 13, 2007 }}:names: [[Caparra Archaeological Site|Caparra]], the first Spanish settlement of Puerto Rico (1508).</ref> Today, it is part of the [[Pueblo Viejo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Pueblo Viejo]] district of [[Guaynabo]], directly to the west of the modern municipality of San Juan. A year later, the settlement was moved to a site then called '''Puerto Rico''', Spanish for "rich port" or "good port".<ref name="Caparra">{{cite web|publisher=National Park Service|title=Historic places in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nR/travel/prvi/pr27.htm|access-date=2007-05-02|archive-date=May 13, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070513201507/http://www.cr.nps.gov/nR/travel/prvi/pr27.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Juan de Puerto Rico|local Catholic diocese]], the second oldest in the Americas and the oldest in the United States, was founded in the newly built settlement on August 8 of 1511.<ref>{{Cite web|title=American Latino Theme Study: Religion (U.S. National Park Service)|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/latinothemereligion.htm|access-date=2021-11-15|website=www.nps.gov|language=en}}</ref> In 1521, the newer settlement was given its formal name: '''''Ciudad de Puerto Rico de San Juan Bautista'''''. Many of the oldest European-founded institutions in the Western Hemisphere, such as the [[Galería Nacional|Santo Tomás de Aquino Convent]] and the Nuestra Señora de la Concepción Hospital, were established during this time in San Juan.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Marley|first=David|title=Historic Cities of the Americas|year=2005|isbn=1576070271|location=Santa Barbara, CA|publisher=Bloomsbury Academic|pages=185+|language=English}}</ref>

The ambiguous use of ''San Juan Bautista'' and ''Puerto Rico'' for both the city and the island in time led to a reversal in practical use by most inhabitants: by 1746 the name for the city (Puerto Rico) had become that of the entire island, leading to the city being identified as ''Puerto Rico de Puerto Rico'' on maps of the era.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archives.nypl.org/mss/2272|work=New York Public Library|title=Nueva España documents and transcripts, ca. 1700-ca. 1799|access-date=November 21, 2015|archive-date=January 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102071102/http://archives.nypl.org/mss/2272|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="HistoryS.J.">{{cite web|title=Historia de San Juan de Puerto Rico |language=es |publisher=Vive San Juan |year=2006 |url=http://www.vivesanjuan.com/historia.htm |access-date=2007-05-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070501112503/http://www.vivesanjuan.com/historia.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2007 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.yale.edu/gsp/colonial/puerto-rico/index.html Puerto Rico]. Russell Schimmer, Genocide Studies Program, Yale University. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330145912/http://www.yale.edu/gsp/colonial/puerto-rico/index.html |date=March 30, 2010 }}</ref>

=== Spanish Colonial era ===
{{See also|Captaincy General of Puerto Rico}}
San Juan, as a settlement of the [[Spanish Empire]], was used by merchant and military ships traveling from Spain as the first stopover in the [[Americas]]. Because of its prominence in the Caribbean, a network of fortifications was built to protect the transports of gold and silver from the [[New World]] to Europe. Because of the rich cargoes, San Juan became a target of the foreign powers of the time.<ref>{{cite web|title=San Juan National Historic Site|url=http://www.nps.gov/archive/saju/faq.html#3|publisher=National Park Service|year=2000|access-date=2007-05-29|archive-date=March 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120313142618/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/404.htm#3|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[File:Staat van Amerika, map of San Juan, Puerto Rico, 1766.jpg|thumb|San Juan and bay, Puerto Rico, 1766|left]]
San Juan underwent attacks from the English led by [[Sir Francis Drake]] in 1595 (in what is known as the [[Battle of San Juan (1595)|Battle of San Juan]]) and by [[George Clifford, 3rd Earl of Cumberland|George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland]], in 1598. Artillery from San Juan's fort, [[Fort San Felipe del Morro|El Morro]], repelled Drake; however, Clifford managed to land troops and lay siege to the city.<ref name="history">{{cite web|title=History of Puerto Rico|publisher=Sol Boricua|year=2000|url=http://www.solboricua.com/history.htm|author=William Figueroa|language=es|access-date=2007-05-02|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306100715/http://www.solboricua.com/history.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> After a few months of English occupation, Clifford was forced to abandon the siege when his troops began to suffer from exhaustion and sickness. In 1625 the city was sacked by Dutch forces led by Captain [[Boudewijn Hendricksz|Balduino Enrico]] (also known as Boudewijn Hendricksz/Bowdoin Henrick), but El Morro withstood the assault and was not taken. The Dutch were counterattacked by Captain [[Juan de Amézqueta]] and 50 members of the civilian militia on land and by the cannons of the Spanish troops in El Morro castle. The land battle left 60 Dutch soldiers dead and Enrico with a sword wound to his neck which he received from the hands of Amézqueta.<ref>[http://efemerides.zoomblog.com/archivo/2006/09/24/don-Juan-De-Haro-Y-Los-Holandeses-24-d.html "DON JUAN DE HARO Y LOS HOLANDESES" (24 de Septiembre de 1625)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202024647/http://efemerides.zoomblog.com/archivo/2006/09/24/don-Juan-De-Haro-Y-Los-Holandeses-24-d.html |date=February 2, 2015 }}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=January 2014}}

The Dutch ships at sea were boarded by Puerto Ricans who defeated those aboard. After a long battle, the Spanish soldiers and volunteers of the city's militia were able to defend the city from the attack and save the island from an invasion. On October 21, Enrico set [[La Fortaleza]] and the city ablaze. Captains Amézqueta and Andrés Botello decided to put a stop to the destruction and led 200 men in an attack against the enemy's front and rear guard. They drove Enrico and his men from their trenches and into the ocean in their haste to reach their ships.<ref name="PRH">[http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/2/2/7/12272/12272.htm The History of Puerto Rico From the Spanish Discovery to the American Occupation / Middeldyk, R.A. Van Identifier: etext12272 The History of Puerto Rico From the Spanish Discovery to the American Occupation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122112400/http://infomotions.com/etexts/gutenberg/dirs/1/2/2/7/12272/12272.htm |date=January 22, 2008 }}</ref>

The British [[Battle of San Juan (1797)|attack]] in 1797, during the [[French Revolutionary Wars]], led by [[Ralph Abercromby|Sir Ralph Abercromby]] (who had just conquered [[Trinidad]]). His army laid siege to the city but was forced to withdraw in defeat as the Puerto Rican defenses proved more resilient than those of Trinidad. Various events and circumstances, including liberalized commerce with Spain, the opening of the island to immigrants as a direct result of the [[Royal Decree of Graces of 1815]], and the colonial revolutions, led to an expansion of San Juan and other Puerto Rican settlements in the late 18th and early 19th century.

=== Spanish-American War ===
{{Main|Puerto Rico campaign}}
[[File:Bombardment of El Morro in 1898.jpg|left|thumb|Bombardment of [[Castillo San Felipe del Morro|El Morro]] in 1898]]

On May 8, 1898, United States Navy ships, among them {{USS|Detroit|C-10|6}}, {{USS|Indiana|BB-1|6}}, {{USS|New York|ACR-2|6}}, {{USS|Amphitrite|BM-2|6}}, {{USS|Terror|BM-4|6}} and {{USS|Montgomery|C-9|6}}, commanded by [[Rear Admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[William T. Sampson]] arrived at San Juan Bay.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/~adjuntas1/guerra1.html|author=José Oquendo|publisher=Historia de Adjuntas, Puerto Rico|title=1898 - Adjuntas en la Guerra Hispanoamericana|access-date=2006-10-10|language=es|archive-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330055709/http://adjuntas1.tripod.com/guerra1.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://home.coqui.net/sarrasin/Carta.htm|title=Erwin Letter from US Marine Alden Morse, at the USS New York, relating the bombing of San Juan del 12 Mayo 1898|author=Miguel J. Hernández|publisher=Coquí.Net|access-date=2007-05-08|archive-date=March 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301162237/http://home.coqui.net/sarrasin/Carta.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> {{USS|Yale|1888|6}} captured the Spanish freighter ''Rita'' in San Juan Bay, thus being the first hostile encounter between the warring sides in Puerto Rico. On May 9, ''Yale'' fought a brief battle with an [[auxiliary cruiser]] of Spain, name unknown, resulting in a Spanish victory. Around this time, Captain [[Ángel Rivero Méndez]] was assigned the command of the Spanish forces in the fortress of [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan)|San Cristóbal]] in San Juan. On May 10, ''Yale'' returned to San Juan Bay, Rivero-Méndez ordered his men to open fire upon ''Yale'' using an Ordoñez 15-centimeter cannon, thus becoming the first attack against the Americans in Puerto Rico during the [[Spanish–American War]].<ref name="GHA" />

For his actions, Captain Rivero-Méndez was awarded the "Cruz de la Orden de Mérito Militar" (The Cross of the Order of the Military Merit) first class.<ref name="GHA">{{cite web|access-date=2006-10-10|url=http://members.tripod.com/~adjuntas1/guerra1.html|title=1898 - Adjuntas en la Guerra Hispanoamericana|language=es|archive-date=March 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330055709/http://adjuntas1.tripod.com/guerra1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The residents of San Juan were furious with Rivero and blamed him for the destruction caused to their city by the American bombardments. Nothing came of those accusations and Capt. Rivero-Méndez was ordered to turn over the keys of all the military installations in San Juan to Captain [[Henry A. Reed (general)|Henry A. Reed]] of the U.S. Army after the [[Treaty of Paris (1898)|Treaty of Paris of 1898]] was signed.<ref name="GHA"/>

On July 25, General [[Nelson A. Miles]] landed at [[Guánica]] (in southwestern Puerto Rico) with 3,300&nbsp;soldiers in what was known as the [[Puerto Rican Campaign]]. The American troops found some resistance and engaged the Spanish and Puerto Rican troops in battle, the most notable of these the battles of [[Battle of Yauco|Yauco]] and [[Battle of Asomante|Asomante]]. All military actions in Puerto Rico were suspended August 13, 1898, after President [[William McKinley]] and French Ambassador [[Jules Cambon]], acting on behalf of the Spanish government, signed an [[armistice]].<ref name="COPRSAW">{{cite web|access-date=2008-08-04|url=https://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/chronpr.html|title=Chronology of Puerto Rico in the Spanish–American War|work=The World of 1898: The Spanish–American War|publisher=Hispanic Division, Library of Congress|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104123909/http://www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/1898/chronpr.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Karl Stephen Herrman |title=From Yauco to Las Marias a Recent Campaign in Puerto Rico |year=2004 |publisher=Kessinger Publishing |page=2|isbn=1-4191-2123-5}}</ref> Spain ceded the island to the United States later the same year by signing the [[Treaty of Paris (1898)|Treaty of Paris]].

=== 20th century ===
[[File:Detroit Photographic Company (0766).jpg|thumb|[[Plaza de Armas, San Juan|Plaza de Armas]], San Juan, ca. 1900|left]][[Camp Las Casas]], located in the district of [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]], served as the main training camp for the Puerto Rican soldiers prior to World War I and World War II; the majority of the men trained in this facility were assigned to the "Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry" which was renamed the [[65th Infantry Regiment (United States)|65th Infantry Regiment]] of the United States Army by the Reorganization Act of June 4, 1920. The 65th Infantry was deactivated in 1956 and became the only unit ever to be transferred from an active Army component to the [[Puerto Rico National Guard]].<ref name="PRR">{{cite web|url=http://www.valerosos.com/65thpg1.htm|title=History of the 65th Infantry 1898 to 1946 page 1|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=February 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202021256/http://www.valerosos.com/65thpg1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lieutenant [[Teófilo Marxuach]] (retired as a Lieutenant Colonel), a native of [[Arroyo, Puerto Rico]], fired what is considered to be the first shot of World War I fired by the regular armed forces of the United States against any ship flying the colors of the [[Central Powers]].<ref name="USNI">"US Naval Institute Proceedings"; "A Breach of Neutrality"; by: Lt. Isaiah Olch, US Navy; Vol. 62; July - December 1936</ref> Marxuach, who was a member of the "Porto Rico Regiment of Infantry" and Officer of the Day, on March 25, 1915, opened fire on the ''Odenwald'', an armed German supply vessel, when it was trying to force its way out of San Juan's bay.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news|title=CALLS ODENWALD AFFAIR AN ATTACK; Fired On Without Warning Shot, Germany Asserts, Contradicting San Juan Commander. SAYS SHE WAS UNDULY HELD Violated Clearance to Elude Enemy Cruisers That Had Been Warned She Was About to Sail.|date=April 7, 1915|work=The New York Times|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B00EFDA1E3EE033A25754C0A9629C946496D6CF|access-date=2008-08-10|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003180211/https://www.nytimes.com/1915/04/07/archives/calls-odenwald-affair-an-attack-fired-on-without-warning-shot.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The shots ordered by Lt. Marxuach were the first fired by the United States in World War I.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://houseofpuertorico.com/articles/PR-A_Commonwealth.htm|title=PR - A Commonwealth of the USA|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=February 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203205536/http://houseofpuertorico.com/articles/PR-A_Commonwealth.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1919, [[Félix Rigau Carrera]], "El Aguila de Sabana Grande" (The Eagle from [[Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico|Sabana Grande]]), the first Puerto Rican pilot, became the first native Puerto Rican to fly an aircraft in the island when he flew his [[Curtiss JN-4]] from Las Casas. At the time, the area was used by the military as an air base and it was also Puerto Rico's first commercial airport, and Rigau Carrera was allowed to perform his historic flight from the airfield.<ref name="EM">"El Mundo"; "Fallece El Aguila - Fue Primer Boricua Manejo Avion en la Isla" (Spanish); by: Malen Rojas Daporte; October 20, 1954; Number 13,448</ref> Camp Las Casas was eventually closed down, and in 1950 a public housing project by the name of [[Residencial Las Casas|Residencial Fray Bartolome de Las Casas]] was constructed on its former location.

On January 2, 1947, the people of San Juan elected [[Felisa Rincón de Gautier]] (also known as Doña Fela) (1897–1994) as their mayor. Thus, she became the first woman to be elected as the mayor of a capital city in any of the Americas.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.zonai.com/promociones/biografias/0101/felisa.asp |title=''El Nuevo Dia'' |access-date=May 11, 2009 |archive-date=May 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502094815/http://www.zonai.com/promociones/biografias/0101/felisa.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> During the [[Cold War]] era, she ordered the establishment of the island's first Civil Defense system under the directorship of Colonel [[Gilberto José Marxuach]] (Teófilo's son).<ref>"heroe del 65 Satisfecho de Haber Cumplido su Deber"; ''El Mundo''; May 2, 1952</ref> Rincón de Gautier served as mayor until January 2, 1969.
On October 30, 1950, San Juan was the scene of the [[San Juan Uprising]], one of many uprisings which occurred in various towns and cities in Puerto Rico, by the [[Puerto Rican Nationalist Party]] against the governments of Puerto Rico and the United States. Among the uprising's main objective was to attack La Fortaleza and the [[Jose V. Toledo Federal Building and United States Courthouse|United States Federal Court House Building]] in [[Old San Juan]]. The "La Fortaleza battle", which ensued between the nationalists and the police lasted 15 minutes and ended when four of the five attackers were killed.<ref name="Page 2">''El ataque Nacionalista a La Fortaleza''; by [[Pedro Aponte Vázquez]]; Page 2; Publisher: Publicaciones RENÉ; {{ISBN|978-1-931702-01-0}}</ref>

=== 21st century ===
San Juan has experienced periods of both stagnation and development in the recent years. [[Gentrification]] has been noticeable in areas of the city such as [[Loíza Street]] in [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-11-11 |title=A Historic Road Takes an Online Detour in "La Calle Loíza" |url=https://globalvoices.org/2012/11/11/a-historic-road-takes-an-online-detour-in-la-calle-loiza/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Global Voices |language=en}}</ref> and [[Santa Rita (Hato Rey)|Santa Rita]] in Río Piedras.<ref>{{Cite web |title=¿Urbanismo neoliberal o urbanismo contestatario?: una autoetnografía en un Río Piedras en deterioro y en proyectos de autogestión |url=https://www.ingeniosupr.com/vol-5-1/2018/10/13/urbanismo-neoliberal-o-urbanismo-contestatario-una-autoetnografa-en-un-ro-piedras-en-deterioro-y-en-proyectos-de-autogestin |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=[IN]Genios |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Parga |first=Orlando |date=2022 |title=La "gentrificación" de Puerto Rico |work=El Nuevo Día |url=https://www.pressreader.com/puerto-rico/el-nuevo-dia1/20220329/284060555267986}}</ref> In recent years the city has been the location of multiple strikes and protests, such as the [[United States Navy in Vieques, Puerto Rico|2001 protests]] against the [[United States Navy]] in the island municipality of [[Vieques, Puerto Rico|Vieques]], the [[2010–2011 University of Puerto Rico strikes|2010 and 2011 University of Puerto Rico strikes]], and the [[Telegramgate|2019 protests]] against Governor [[Ricardo Rosselló]] which resulted in his resignation.

On September 20, 2017, [[Hurricane Maria]] made a direct impact in Puerto Rico, causing widespread damage and a collapse of the infrastructure in San Juan and the rest of Puerto Rico. The damage caused in 2017 was extensive, affecting the electricity, potable water supplies, transportation, and communication, but significant progress had been made in the capital by April 2019, and particularly by October 2019. This was significant for tourism, which had rebounded by October of that year and was close to the pre-Maria era.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.viahero.com/travel-to-puerto-rico/puerto-rico-tourism-update |title=Nearly two years after Hurricane Maria devastation, Puerto Rico welcomes record number of tourists |date=2 April 2019 |publisher=ViaHero |access-date=16 October 2019 |quote=Almost all of Puerto Rico's hotels are open for business. |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127164436/https://www.viahero.com/travel-to-puerto-rico/puerto-rico-tourism-update |url-status=live }}</ref>

San Juan today remains an important cultural, financial and industrial center not only of Puerto Rico but of the Caribbean region. As the biggest industrial center of Puerto Rico, it is the home of industries such as tobacco processors, breweries, refining facilities for petroleum and sugar, and distillers of rum as well as manufacturers of metal products, cement, pharmaceuticals, and clothing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Port of San Juan |url=http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/review/PRI_Port_of_San_Juan_226.php |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=World Port Source |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629222912/http://www.worldportsource.com/ports/review/PRI_Port_of_San_Juan_226.php |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Puerto Rico Convention Center]], opened in 2005, is the largest of its kind in the Caribbean and one of the most advanced in the Americas.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Puerto Rico Convention Center |url=https://www.asmglobal.com/p/our-portfolio/convention-exhibition-centers/puerto-rico-convention-center |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=www.asmglobal.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Puerto Rico Convention Center |url=https://prconvention.com/en/ |access-date=2022-12-05 |website=Puerto Rico Convention Center |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Geography ==
[[File:san juan pr.jpg|thumb|San Juan and its [[San Juan–Caguas–Guaynabo metropolitan area|metropolitan area]] from space]]
[[File:San Juan urban area from Mirador Gavillan (2025).jpg|left|thumb|San Juan from [[Mamey, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Mamey, Guaynabo]].]]
San Juan is located along the north-eastern coast of Puerto Rico in the Northern Plains region. It lies south of the Atlantic Ocean; north of [[Caguas, Puerto Rico|Caguas]] and [[Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico|Trujillo Alto]]; east of [[Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Guaynabo]]; and west of [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]]. The city occupies an area of {{convert|76.93|sqmi|km2}}, of which, {{convert|29.11|sqmi|km2}} (37.83%) is water. San Juan's main water bodies are [[San Juan Bay]] and two natural lagoons, the [[Condado Lagoon|Condado]] and [[Laguna San José (Puerto Rico)|San José]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.topuertorico.org/geogra.shtml |title=Puerto Rico Geography |access-date=2007-06-30 |publisher=ToPuertoRico.org |archive-date=March 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319124216/http://www.topuertorico.org/geogra.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> 

At almost 1,030 feet (314 m) above sea level, the highest point in the municipality of San Juan is located on an unnamed hill on the ''Morcelo'' sector of [[Caimito, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Caimito]], close to the municipal border with [[Caguas, Puerto Rico|Caguas]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-02|title=Áreas naturales protegidas y bosques urbanos|url=https://estuario.org/areas-naturales-protegidas-y-bosques-urbanos/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=Estuario|language=es-ES}}</ref>

The municipality of San Juan is surrounded by the [[San Juan–Caguas–Guaynabo metropolitan area|San Juan metropolitan area]], particularly the highly urbanized municipalities of [[Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Guaynabo]], [[Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico|Trujillo Alto]] and [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]]. These municipalities, together with [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]] and [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]], form what is locally referred to as the ''Área Metro'', the core of the wider San Juan metropolitan area. In total 41 municipalities are included in the entire metropolitan area extends throughout the island's northern coast and central eastern regions.<ref name="www.whitehouse.gov">[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/omb/bulletins/2013/b13-01.pdf www.whitehouse.gov] Office of Management and Budget I The White House - Puerto Rico Metropolitan Statistical Area - Code 41980 - ''Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas as of 2013 Census Bureau''. Retrieved 2015-11-09.</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2007-11-20 |title=Update of Statistical Area Definitions and Guidance on Their Uses (OMB Bulletin 08 - 01) |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/bulletins/fy2008/b08-01.pdf |access-date=2008-11-10 |format=[[comma-separated values|CSV]]}}</ref>

=== Climate ===
[[File:Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) - San Juan Area, PR(ThreadEx).svg|thumb|right|Climate chart for San Juan]]
San Juan has a [[tropical monsoon climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification|Am]]) with year-round [[growing season]]. It has an average temperature of {{convert|81.0|F|1}}. Temperatures of {{convert|90|°F|0}} or higher are seen on an average 79 days annually, more commonly occurring during the wetter months of the northern summer, especially if the winds come from the south.<ref name="NOWData" />

In the winter, temperatures can drop to around {{convert|60|°F}}. The average winter low is {{convert|71|°F|0}}. The coolest temperature officially recorded was {{convert|60|°F|0}} on March 3, 1957, and the hottest was {{convert|98|°F|0}} on October 9, 1981.<ref name="TWC" /> The record cold daily maximum is {{convert|71|°F|0}} on February 4, 1935. The record warm daily minimum is {{convert|83|°F|0}} on August 11, 1995, the most recent of four occasions.<ref name="NOWData" />

With a mean minimum of 67&nbsp;°F (19 C), San Juan is in USDA plant [[hardiness zone]] 13B, which is the highest category. Rainfall is well-distributed throughout the year. The months of January, February, and March are the driest. As March averages just {{convert|1.95|in|1}} of rain, the city falls under the [[tropical monsoon climate|tropical monsoon]] category.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/puerto-rico/fahrenheit/san-juan-intl-arpt.htm|title=Climate information for San Juan Intl. Airport|access-date=June 1, 2007|archive-date=February 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224230749/http://www.climate-zone.com/climate/puerto-rico/fahrenheit/san-juan-intl-arpt.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Rainfall averages {{convert|56.35|in|mm|1}}, falling on an average 198.5 days per year.<ref name="NOWData" /> Despite this dampness, the city averages 2,970 hours of sunshine per year, or just over {{frac|2|3}} of the possible total.<ref name="NOAAsun" /> Annual rainfall has historically ranged from {{convert|35.53|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} in 1991 to {{convert|89.50|in|mm|0|abbr=on}} in 2010.<ref name="NOWData" />
[[File:Sahara Dust over Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|June 2022 haze event caused by [[Saharan dust]].]]
As with other parts of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, San Juan is often blanketed by waves of [[Saharan dust]] coming from the [[Sahara]] across the Atlantic Ocean in [[North Africa|Northern Africa]]. Although beneficial to the tropical environment,<ref>{{Cite web |last=prsciencetrust.org |date=2020-06-26 |title=Polvo del Sahara: Entre los efectos nocivos de salud y los beneficios al medio ambiente |url=https://prsciencetrust.org/polvo-del-sahara/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Fideicomiso de Ciencias, Tecnología e Investigación de Puerto Rico |language=es-PR}}</ref> these dust storms have recently become hazardous to human health causing haze and overheating in urban areas of the island. Due to San Juan's relatively flat geography, the dust often settles in these flat coastal regions of Puerto Rico as its flow is blocked by the higher altitude [[Cordillera Central (Puerto Rico)|Cordillera Central]] to the south, causing intense episodes of haze to settle for long periods of time, especially during periods of more scarce rainfall.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-10-12 |title=Una densa nube de polvo del Sahara deteriora la calidad de aire en Puerto Rico |url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/el-tiempo/notas/una-densa-nube-de-polvo-del-sahara-deteriora-la-calidad-de-aire-en-puerto-rico/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=El Nuevo Día |language=es}}</ref> Recent advancements include early warning systems to prepare the population for these intense episodes by both local authorities and the [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-13 |title=Amplían la educación sobre el Sistema de Alerta Temprana para el Polvo del Sahara |url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/ciencia-ambiente/otros/notas/amplian-la-educacion-sobre-el-sistema-de-alerta-temprana-para-el-polvo-del-sahara/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=El Nuevo Día |language=es}}</ref>
{{Clear}}

==== Hurricane Maria ====
{{See also|Effects of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico}}[[File:170922-Z-BG835-909 (37348163586).jpg|thumb|Department of Defense vehicles traveling through a major highway in San Juan flooded with the Hurricane Maria rainfall]]

[[Hurricane Maria]] made landfall in southeastern Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017.<ref name="USGS_Maria_Landslides">{{cite web|title=Preliminary Locations of Landslide Impacts from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico|url=https://landslides.usgs.gov/research/featured/2017/maria-pr/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303143147/https://landslides.usgs.gov/research/featured/2017/maria-pr/|archive-date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019|website=USGS Landslide Hazards Program|publisher=USGS}}</ref><ref name="USGS_Maria_Landslides map">{{cite web|title=Preliminary Locations of Landslide Impacts from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico|url=https://landslides.usgs.gov/research/featured/2017/maria-pr/images/PR_Maria_LS_density_map.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303143147/https://landslides.usgs.gov/research/featured/2017/maria-pr/images/PR_Maria_LS_density_map.pdf|archive-date=March 3, 2019|access-date=March 3, 2019|website=USGS Landslide Hazards Program|publisher=USGS}}</ref> Gusts of up to 113&nbsp;mph (182&nbsp;km/h) were reported in the capital city shortly before landfall in the municipality of [[Yabucoa, Puerto Rico|Yabucoa]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Remnants of Lisa Public Advisory |url=https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT5+shtml/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=www.nhc.noaa.gov}}</ref> The municipality of San Juan experienced widespread flooding in most coastal areas, and roofs were blown off from numerous structures.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Ferré-Sadurní |first1=Luis |last2=Hartocollis |first2=Anemona |date=2017-09-21 |title=Maria Strikes, and Puerto Rico Goes Dark |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/20/us/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico-power.html |access-date=2022-11-17 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hurricane Maria cuts all electricity as it crushes Puerto Rico |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/weather/hurricane-maria-makes-landfall-puerto-rico-category-4-storm-n802911 |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=NBC News |date=September 21, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> The neighborhood of [[La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico|La Perla]] was largely destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-22 |title='Despacito' made this neighborhood famous. Hurricane Maria left it in ruins |url=https://wreg.com/news/despacito-made-this-neighborhood-famous-hurricane-maria-left-it-in-ruins/ |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=WREG.com |language=en-US |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117050947/https://wreg.com/news/despacito-made-this-neighborhood-famous-hurricane-maria-left-it-in-ruins/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the wider metropolitan area, flooding from [[La Plata Lake|Lake La Plata]] produced flash floods that trapped residents of [[Toa Baja, Puerto Rico|Toa Baja]], and in [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]] the Juana Matos neighborhood was estimated to be 80% destroyed.<ref name="NYT_Sep21">{{cite news |date=September 21, 2017 |title=Hurricane Maria Live Updates: In Puerto Rico, the Storm 'Destroyed Us' |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/us/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921104532/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/21/us/hurricane-maria-puerto-rico.html |archive-date=September 21, 2017}}</ref> At least eight people died from the flooding, while many were unaccounted for.<ref name="ToaBaja">{{cite news |last=Ferré-Sadurní |first=Luis |date=September 22, 2017 |title=In a Puerto Rican Town, 'Water Came Out of Nowhere' |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/us/puerto-rico-toa-baja-hurricane-.html |url-status=live |access-date=September 23, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923034104/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/22/us/puerto-rico-toa-baja-hurricane-.html |archive-date=September 23, 2017}}</ref>

{{San Juan, Puerto Rico weatherbox}}
{{Graph:Weather monthly history
| table=Ncei.noaa.gov/weather/San Juan, Puerto Rico.tab
| title=San Juan monthly weather statistics
}}

=== Beaches ===
[[File:Condado Beach, San Juan, PR, USA.jpg|thumb|[[Condado Beach]]]]

San Juan is home to numerous [[List of beaches in Puerto Rico|beaches]], all of which are open to the public.<ref>{{Cite web|title=DRNA {{!}}|url=https://www.drna.pr.gov/cat/programas-y-proyectos/monitoria-de-playas/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=DRNA|language=en-US}}</ref> All beaches of San Juan face the Atlantic Ocean. The [[Isleta de San Juan|Islet of San Juan]] hosts Los Cables Beach and La Perla Beach next to the [[Old San Juan]] district of [[La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico|La Perla]], the Capitolio Beach located immediately north of the Puerto Rico Capitol, Puerta de Tierra Beach along the ''Paseo de Puerta de Tierra'', and [[El Escambrón Beach]] at the northeastern edge of the islet. The latter is the most popular beach in the islet due to its shore being protected from the strong Atlantic Ocean waves by reefs that serve as natural [[Breakwater (structure)|breakwaters]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-06-19|title=Playa Escambron - San Juan Puerto Rico - Visitor's Guide w/ Photos, Map, Nearby Hotels|url=https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/balneario-el-escambron-beach-san-juan-puerto-rico/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=San Juan Puerto Rico|language=en-US}}</ref> From east to west, the beaches in Santurce include [[Ocean Park Beach]] (also known as Último Trolley Beach), [[Condado Beach]] and [[Playita del Condado]]. Ocean Park Beach and El Condado Beach are the largest in the city and they host a large number of hotels and businesses that cater to tourists and beachgoers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Playa Último Trolley (Playa Ocean Park)|url=https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/playa-ultimo-trolley-playa-ocean-park/9031|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Discover Puerto Rico|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-11-09|title=Ocean Park Beach - San Juan, Puerto Rico - Must Read for Tourists|url=https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/ocean-park-beach-san-juan-puerto-rico/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=San Juan Puerto Rico|language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Beach erosion ====
As with other beaches across Puerto Rico and the Caribbean,<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Mazzei |first1=Patricia |last2=Rodriguez |first2=Erika P. |date=2021-11-06 |title=A Turtle, a Pool and the Fight to Save Puerto Rico's Beaches |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/06/us/puerto-rico-beaches-threats.html |access-date=2022-12-01 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the beaches of San Juan are currently under the threat of [[coastal erosion]], particularly that of Ocean Park.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Rosario Fajardo |title=Beach Erosion in Ocean Park a Growing Threat to Many |url=https://www.theweeklyjournal.com/lifestyle/beach-erosion-in-ocean-park-a-growing-threat-to-many/article_90059796-bdfc-11e9-b76f-a7400041e29a.html |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=The Weekly Journal |date=August 14, 2019 |language=en}}</ref> The threat has become more evident recently and there are currently no state reports dedicated to the documentation or mitigation planning, according to oceanographer and geologist Maritza Barreto.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-20 |title=Erosión costera: la amenaza ignorada en Puerto Rico pese a sus evidentes manifestaciones |url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/ciencia-ambiente/cambio-climatico/notas/erosion-costera-la-amenaza-ignorada-en-puerto-rico-pese-a-sus-evidentes-manifestaciones/ |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=El Nuevo Día |language=es}}</ref>

=== Parks ===
The municipality of San Juan contains numerous parks, including public parks, historic and heritage parks, nature reserves, protected natural areas, and recreational parks. These parks are managed by a number of entities such as the Municipality, the [[Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources]], the [[National Park Service]], the [[University of Puerto Rico]] and [[conservation easement]]s.

==== San Juan Ecological Corridor ====
{{Main|San Juan Ecological Corridor}}
[[File:University of Puerto Rico Botanical Gardens 01.jpg|thumb|[[San Juan Botanical Garden|University of Puerto Rico Botanical Garden]]]]

The '''San Juan Ecological Corridor''' is a conservation project by the [[Government of Puerto Rico]] consisting in 6 different units found within the municipality of San Juan: the Cupey Arboretum, which protects the [[Riparian zone|riparian]] ecosystems along the [[Piedras River (San Juan, Puerto Rico)|Río Piedras]]; the [[Doña Inés Mendoza Urban Forest]], a small urban forest located next to the Luis Muñoz Marín Foundation in [[Sabana Llana Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Sabana Llana Sur]]; [[Los Capuchinos Forest]], a forest which covers a small [[karst]] area also in Sabana Llana Sur; the [[Nuevo Milenio State Forest|New Millennium State Forest]], one of the 20 [[List of Puerto Rico state forests|state forests of Puerto Rico]]; the [[Old Piedras River Aqueduct|San Juan Waterworks]], consisting of the Old Piedras River Aqueduct and adjacent [[Historic districts in the United States|historic district]]; and the University of Puerto Rico Botanical Garden, also known as the [[San Juan Botanical Garden]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-04-12 |title=CORREDOR ECOLÓGICO DE SAN JUAN — Puerto DRNA "Navega por el ambiente" |url=http://www.drna.gobierno.pr/oficinas/arn/recursosvivientes/nsf/proyectos/corredor-ecologico-de-san-juan |access-date=2022-01-21 |website= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412023146/http://www.drna.gobierno.pr/oficinas/arn/recursosvivientes/nsf/proyectos/corredor-ecologico-de-san-juan |archive-date=12 April 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Historical parks ====
The [[San Juan National Historic Site]] is home to [[El Morro Esplanade]], a large open area located between [[Castillo San Felipe del Morro|El Morro]] and [[Ballajá, Old San Juan|Ballajá]] in [[Old San Juan]]. The esplanade is located in the [[promontory]] which gives ''El Morro'' its name and it offers views of the [[San Juan Bay]] and the rest of San Juan. It is very popular for activities such as picnics, [[Amateur astronomy|stargazing]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Night Skies - El Morro National Monument (U.S. National Park Service)|url=https://www.nps.gov/elmo/learn/nature/night-skies.htm|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.nps.gov|language=en}}</ref> and [[Kite|kite flying]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-03-15|title=Kite flying at El Morro Old San Juan {{!}} Discovering Puerto Rico|url=https://www.discoveringpuertorico.com/chiringas-at-el-morro/|access-date=2022-01-21|language=en-US}}</ref>

The district of the [[Capitol of Puerto Rico]] is home to the Iglesias Pantín and Rafael Hernández Marín parks, and a line of monuments located along Constitución Avenue which includes the ''Walkway of the Presidents'', the [[Puerto Rico Police]] Memorial Monument and [[The Holocaust]] Memorial Monument. The ''Loma de los Vientos'', or ''Loma del Viento'' (Spanish for "hill of winds"), is a small open green area located northwest of the Capitol, next to [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan)|Castle San Cristóbal]], and it often hosts events such as the [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] celebrations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=La Loma Del Viento|url=https://www.discoverpuertorico.com/profile/la-loma-del-viento/3416|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Discover Puerto Rico|language=en}}</ref>

[[Luis Muñoz Rivera Park]] is a 27.2 acre recreational and historic park located in [[Puerta de Tierra, San Juan|Puerta de Tierra]], between Luis Muñoz Rivera, [[Avenida Juan Ponce de León|Ponce de León]] and Constitución avenues. It is the largest public square in Puerto Rico, and it is home to several historic sites such as the [[San Gerónimo Powderhouse|Polvorín San Gerónimo de Boquerón]], which used to supply gunpowder to the nearby [[Fortín de San Gerónimo]]. The park used to host a small zoo, and currently hosts gazebos, gardens, restaurants and access to the beach. The park has been listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] since November 14, 2007.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NPGallery Asset Detail|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/07001195|access-date=2022-01-21|website=npgallery.nps.gov}}</ref>

The [[Polvorín de Miraflores|Polvorin de Miraflores]] is a historic district and park located next to the [[Puerto Rico Convention Center]] in [[Isla Grande (Santurce)|Isla Grande]], [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]]. The ammunition storage house dates to the mid-18th century and it is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NPGallery Asset Detail|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/84003172|access-date=2022-01-21|website=npgallery.nps.gov}}</ref>

Another historic district currently under revitalization is the [[Old Piedras River Aqueduct|San Juan Waterworks]] historic district which contains the Old Piedras River Aqueduct. There are plans to revitalize the old aqueduct structures and its surroundings to create a historic park open to visitors and researchers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Antiguo Acueducto del Río Piedras {{!}} National Trust for Historic Preservation|url=https://savingplaces.org/places/antiguo-acueducto-del-rio-piedras|access-date=2022-01-21|website=savingplaces.org|language=en-US|archive-date=January 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121053208/https://savingplaces.org/places/antiguo-acueducto-del-rio-piedras|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:El Morro Old San Juan Panorama.jpg|center|thumb|660x660px|El Morro Esplanade as seen from the [[Castillo San Felipe del Morro|castle]] walls.]]

==== Municipal parks ====
[[File:La Ventana al Mar 07.jpg|thumb|Aerial view of [[La Ventana al Mar|Ventana al Mar]]]]

Some of the recreational parks of the municipality include [[Bahía Urbana]], a waterfront park located in Old San Juan and Puerta de Tierra by the San Juan Bay; the [[Paseo de Puerta de Tierra]], a recreational walkway along the Atlantic Ocean cliffs of Puerta de Tierra that connects the Puerto Rico Capitol with [[El Escambrón Beach]] and Luis Muñoz Rivera Park.

[[La Ventana al Mar|Ventana al Mar]], [[Condado Lagoon|Laguna del Condado]] Jaime Benítez Park, Parque del Indio are some of the parks located in [[Condado (Santurce)|El Condado]] district of Santurce. Dr. José Celso Barbosa Park is located in [[Ocean Park (Santurce)|Ocean Park]], also in Santurce. [[Central Park (San Juan, Puerto Rico)|Parque Central]], also known as the San Juan Municipal Central Park, is a large park and recreational complex located in southern Santurce near the mouth of the [[Puerto Nuevo River]] and the [[Martín Peña Channel]]. The Enrique Martí Coll Linear Park connects the Central Park to [[Hato Rey]] through the [[Caño Martín Peña Nature Reserve]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=ZeePuertoRico.com - Enrique Martí Coll Lineal Park|url=https://www.zeepuertorico.com/place/enrique-mart%C3%AD-coll-lineal-park|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.zeepuertorico.com}}</ref>

[[Luis Muñoz Marín Park]], La Merced Park, Dr. José N. Gándara Park, Santiago Iglesias Pantín Park are some of the parks located in Hato Rey.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lugares para correr bicicleta en Puerto Rico|url=https://www.zeepuertorico.com/categoria/lugares-para-correr-bicicleta-en-puerto-rico#:~:text=Parque%20Lineal%20Enrique%20Mart%C3%AD%20Coll%20Desde%20el%20Parque,de%20Puerto%20Rico...%20Parque%20Nacional%20Julio%20Enrique%20Monagas|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.zeepuertorico.com}}</ref> Luis Muñoz Marín Park is one of the largest in the municipality. It is located in the [[Gobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Gobernador Piñero]] district between Hato Rey and [[Puerto Nuevo (Hato Rey)|Puerto Nuevo]]. The park has gazebos that can be rented for events, green areas for strolls, biking and picnics, an artificial lake with paddleboats for rent ($6), and a number of playgrounds for children. Its main attraction is the [[Cable transport|cableway]] that crosses the park and offers scenic views of the [[Piedras River (San Juan, Puerto Rico)|Piedras River]] and the city while providing transportation to the [[Roberto Clemente Coliseum]] and the [[Hiram Bithorn Stadium]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Visit Parque Luis Munoz Marin on your trip to San Juan or Puerto Rico|url=https://www.inspirock.com/puerto-rico/san-juan/parque-luis-munoz-marin-a3470713297|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021052232/https://www.inspirock.com/puerto-rico/san-juan/parque-luis-munoz-marin-a3470713297|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 21, 2021|access-date=2022-01-21|website=www.inspirock.com|language=en}}</ref>

==== Nature reserves ====
{{Main|Protected areas of Puerto Rico}}

The municipality of San Juan is home to various important ecosystems and preserved natural areas. Some of the ecosystems of the [[San Juan Bay National Estuary]], which is the only tropical estuary in the [[National Estuary Program]] network, are protected by numerous nature reserves and protected areas such as the [[Caño Martín Peña Nature Reserve]]. Other areas protected under the San Juan Bay National Estuary include [[Condado Lagoon|El Condado Lagoon]], the [[Laguna San José (Puerto Rico)|San José Lagoon]] and [[El Boquerón (San Juan, Puerto Rico)|El Boquerón]] where the San Antonio Creek and the Condado Lagoon connect with the Atlantic Ocean.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-10-02|title=Áreas naturales protegidas y bosques urbanos|url=https://estuario.org/areas-naturales-protegidas-y-bosques-urbanos/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=Estuario|language=es-ES}}</ref>

Two of the 20 [[List of Puerto Rico state forests|state forests]] of Puerto Rico are located in the municipality of San Juan: the [[Nuevo Milenio State Forest|New Millennium Urban Forest]], which is also part of the San Juan Ecological Corridor, and the [[San Patricio State Forest|San Patricio Urban Forest]], a [[secondary forest]] located next to a [[mogote]]. The Hermanas Sendra and San Juan Park Protected Natural Areas are located inland within the municipality of San Juan in the barrios of [[Caimito, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Caimito]] and [[Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Cupey]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puerto Rico Natural Protected Areas (December 2016 Inventory) {{!}} The Caribbean LCC CPA|url=https://caribbeanlcc.databasin.org/datasets/4db5a86ee415471f94b46e0975a1ae29/|access-date=2022-01-21|website=caribbeanlcc.databasin.org}}</ref>

== Cityscape ==
{{Panorama
| image = File:General view of harbor at San Juan, Porto Rico looking South.jpg
| caption = {{center|General view of harbor at San Juan, Puerto Rico looking South to San Juan Bay, 1927. The clock tower building at center was the [[San Juan Railway Station|San Juan Rail Terminal]].}}
| height = 250
}}

=== Architecture ===
{{See also|National Register of Historic Places listings in San Juan, Puerto Rico}}[[File:Puerto Rico 01.jpg|thumb|[[Old San Juan]]|left]]
[[File:Miami Building Facade.JPG|thumb|The [[Art Deco]] [[Miami Building]] on [[Ashford Avenue|Ashford Ave]] in [[Condado (Santurce)|Condado]].]]
The architecture of San Juan is very diverse, due to its size and all the cultural influences received during its existence. The oldest part of the city, known as [[Old San Juan]], mostly features the influence of [[Spanish architecture]]. This part of the city is comprised by a network of [[Sett (paving)|"setted" roads]] usually surrounded by colonial, two-storied houses built on [[masonry]]. Some colonial structures have been restored and serve either as government offices or museums.<ref name="Grupo Editorial EPRL">{{cite web|url=http://www.enciclopediapr.org/pr_new/viejo_sanjuan.php |title=Viejo San Juan |work=Enciclopedia Puerto Rico |author=Grupo Editorial EPRL |access-date=November 4, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723220237/http://www.enciclopediapr.org/pr_new/viejo_sanjuan.php |archive-date=July 23, 2013 }}</ref> Some examples are the [[Ballajá Barracks]], which now serve as museum and headquarters of several cultural organizations; [[La Fortaleza]], which has served as the residence of the [[Governor of Puerto Rico]] since the 16th Century; and the Ancient Welfare Asylum, which now houses the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture, among others. Old San Juan also features several public squares, like the [[Plaza de Armas, San Juan|Plaza de Armas]], located in front of San Juan City Hall; and cathedrals, like the [[Catedral Metropolitana Basílica de San Juan Bautista (San Juan, Puerto Rico)|Cathedral of San Juan Bautista]].<ref name="Grupo Editorial EPRL" /> Old San Juan is also notable for being partly enclosed by [[City Wall of San Juan|massive walls]] and fortifications built by the [[Spanish government]]. The colonial Walls of the city of San Juan had five gates. The main was the Puerta de San Juan, today preserved, built in 1635. It also had the Puerta de San José, the Puerta de Santa Rosa, the Puerta de San Justo and the Puerta de Santiago, the latter built between 1635 and 1641 by Spanish Captain General Íñigo de la Mota Sarmiento.

The architecture is more varied in other districts of the city, and the different [[Spanish architecture|Spanish]], [[Architecture of the United States|American]] and [[List of Puerto Rican architects|Puerto Rican]] construction styles that reflect the historic architecture trends are most evident in the districts of [[Puerta de Tierra, San Juan|Puerta de Tierra]], [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]], [[Hato Rey]] and [[Pueblo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|downtown Río Piedras]], with [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]], [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]], [[Art Deco]], and [[Mid-century modern|Mid-Century Modern]] being the most popular styles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-13 |title=San Juan, Puerto Rico Is a Supremely Underrated Historic Architectural Goldmine |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/san-juan-architecture-tour |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Architectural Digest |language=en-US}}</ref> Many of the buildings that best exemplify these architectural trends in San Juan are also inscribed in the [[United States National Register of Historic Places listings|United States National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP), such as the [[Nuestra Señora de Lourdes Chapel]] ([[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]], 1907),<ref>{{cite news |author=González Bolívar, Janet |date=March 26, 2009 |title=La histórica Capilla Nuestra Señora de Lourdes ofrece concierto |newspaper=[[Primera Hora (Puerto Rico)|Primera Hora]] |url=http://www.primerahora.com/lahistoricacapillanuestrasenoradelourdesofrececoncierto-285896.html |access-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-date=May 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508044942/http://www.primerahora.com/lahistoricacapillanuestrasenoradelourdesofrececoncierto-285896.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> the [[Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico]] ([[Beaux-Arts architecture|Beaux-Arts]], 1917),<ref name="nrhpdoc">{{cite web |author=A. Tarr |date=January 1977 |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico |url={{NRHP url|id=77001554}} |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NRHP url|id=77001554|title=accompanying seven photos|photos=y}}</ref> the [[Normandie Hotel]] ([[Art Deco]], 1942),<ref name="NRIS">{{NRISref|2013a|name=Hotel Normandie|refnum=80004295|accessdate=December 1, 2021|dateform=mdy}}</ref> and the [[Supreme Court Building (Puerto Rico)|Puerto Rico Supreme Court Building]] ([[Modern architecture|Modern]], 1955).<ref name="nrhpinv3">{{cite web |author=Juan Llanos Santos and Karen Gonzalez Jenson |year=2006 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration: Supreme Court Building |url={{NRHP url|id=06000506}} |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NRHP url|id=06000506|title=''Accompanying six photos, exterior and interior, from 2006''|photos=y}}</ref> The University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus is also home to a rich variety of buildings that showcase the history of Puerto Rican architecture throughout the past 120 years, with buildings designed by notable architects such as [[Frank Lloyd Wright]]'s student [[Henry Klumb]], [[Edward H. Bennett]], [[William E. Parsons]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Bennett, Parsons and Frost |title=San Juan (Puerto Rico), Plan - University of Puerto Rico, additions |url=http://digital-libraries.saic.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/mqc/id/2680/rec/164 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233307/http://digital-libraries.saic.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/mqc/id/2680/rec/164 |archive-date=30 December 2013 |access-date=30 December 2013 |work=Plan and perspective rendering for proposed additions to the University of Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras. |publisher=The Art Institute of Chicago}}</ref> and [[Rafael Carmoega]] who designed the distinctive [[Roosevelt Tower|clock tower]] and the [[The Quadrangle (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras)|university quadrangle]], both of which were inscribed in the NRHP in 1984.<ref name=":03">{{Cite web |title=NPGallery Asset Detail |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/AssetDetail/NRIS/84003174 |access-date=2022-01-22 |website=npgallery.nps.gov}}</ref>

=== Barrios ===
{{Main|Subdivisions of San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
[[File:Map of San Juan Districts.jpg|thumb|The subdivisions of San Juan]]
[[File:San Juan and Rio Piedras municipalities (cropped).jpg|thumb|San Juan and Rio Piedras as separate municipalities on a 1915 map]]

As with the other Puerto Rican municipalities, San Juan is administratively divided into ''[[Barrios of Puerto Rico|barrios]].'' What is now known as [[Old San Juan]] occupied the western end of a rocky islet, the [[Isleta de San Juan]], at the mouth of San Juan Bay. During the 20th century, the main population centers surged well beyond the walls of the old city and onto Puerto Rico's main island and merged with the existing settlements east and south of Old San Juan. Together with [[Puerta de Tierra, San Juan|Puerta de Tierra]], Old San Juan comprises the barrio of [[San Juan Antiguo]].

With the annexation of [[Río Piedras, Puerto Rico|Río Piedras]] in 1951, the municipality of San Juan grew to four times its previous size. As a result, the municipality also went from 2 to 18 barrios (barrios),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://welcome.topuertorico.org/maps/sanjuan.pdf |title=San Juan map: Municipo de San Juan |publisher=Welcome.topuertorico.org |access-date=2012-11-25 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003180207/https://welcome.topuertorico.org/maps/sanjuan.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 16 of which fall within the former municipality of [[Río Piedras]]. Eight of the 18 barrios are further subdivided into subbarrios, including the two barrios ([[San Juan Antiguo]] and [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]]) that belonged to the original municipality of San Juan.

The 18 barrios are:

{{Div col}}
# [[Caimito, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Caimito]]
# [[Cupey, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Cupey]]
# [[El Cinco, San Juan, Puerto Rico|El Cinco]]
# [[Gobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Gobernador Piñero]]
# [[Hato Rey Central, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey Central]]
# [[Hato Rey Norte, San Juan|Hato Rey Norte]]
# [[Hato Rey Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey Sur]]
# [[Monacillo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Monacillo]]
# [[Monacillo Urbano, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Monacillo Urbano]]
# [[Oriente, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Oriente]]
# [[Pueblo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Pueblo]]
# [[Quebrada Arenas, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Quebrada Arenas]]
# [[Sabana Llana Norte, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Sabana Llana Norte]]
# [[Sabana Llana Sur, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Sabana Llana Sur]]
# [[San Juan Antiguo]] (not to be confused with [[Old San Juan, Puerto Rico|Old San Juan]], a historic district within the barrio)
# [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]]
# [[Tortugo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Tortugo]]
# [[Universidad, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Universidad]]
{{div col end}}

==== San Juan Antiguo ====
{{Main|San Juan Antiguo}}
[[File:San Juan 3.jpg|thumb|right|Some streets in Old San Juan are still paved with blue [[cobblestones]] from the Spanish colonial era]]

During the Spanish colonial times most of the urban population resided in what is today known as [[Old San Juan]]. This sector is located on the western half of a small island called the [[Isleta de San Juan]], which is connected to the mainland by two bridges and a [[causeway]]. The small island, which comprises an area of {{convert|47|sqmi}}, also hosts the working-class neighborhood of [[Puerta de Tierra]] and most of Puerto Rico's [[Executive Departments of the Government of Puerto Rico|central government]] buildings, including the [[Puerto Rico Capitol|Commonwealth's Capitol]]. This is also the largest and most populated ''subbarrio'' of San Juan Antiguo.<ref name="2010 Census">{{cite book |url=https://permanent.access.gpo.gov/gpo35934/cph-2-53.pdf |title=Puerto Rico: 2010 Population and housing unit counts |publisher=U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Economics and Statistics Administration, U.S. Census Bureau |year=2010 |page=76 |access-date=2019-04-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220183043/https://permanent.access.gpo.gov/gpo35934/cph-2-53.pdf |archive-date=2017-02-20 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The main central part of the old city is characterized by narrow streets made of blue [[cobblestone]] and picturesque colonial buildings, some of which date back to the 16th and 17th century. Sections of the old city are surrounded by massive walls and several defensive structures and notable forts. These include the 16th-century [[Fort San Felipe del Morro]] and the 17th-century [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan)|Fort San Cristóbal]], both part of [[San Juan National Historic Site]], and the 16th-century [[La Fortaleza|El Palacio de Santa Catalina]], also known as [[La Fortaleza]], which serves as the governor's mansion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/60sjspanish/60sanjuan.htm|title=Los Castillos del Viejo San Juan|language=es|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=April 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412063451/http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/60sjspanish/60sanjuan.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Other buildings of interest predating the 18th century are the ''Ayuntamiento or Alcaldía'' ([[San Juan City Hall]]), the ''Diputación Provincial'' and the ''Real Intendencia'' buildings, which house the [[Puerto Rico Department of State]],<ref>[http://www.estado.gobierno.pr/galeria.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010215414/http://www.estado.gobierno.pr/galeria.htm|date=October 10, 2009}}</ref> the [[Casa Rosa]], the [[San José Church]] (1523) and the adjacent [[Hotel El Convento]], the former house of the Ponce de León family known as [[Casa Blanca (San Juan)|Casa Blanca]], the [[Teatro Tapia]], the former Spanish barracks (now [[Ballajá Barracks|Museum of Ballajá]]), ''La Princesa'' (former municipal jail, now headquartering the [[Puerto Rico Tourism Company]]), and the [[Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery]], located just outside the city walls.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://home.coqui.net/sarrasin/ballaja.htm |title=History of ''El Cuartel de Ballajá'' |language=es |publisher=Coquí.Net |access-date=2007-05-03 |archive-date=March 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305161943/http://home.coqui.net/sarrasin/ballaja.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rootsweb.com/~prsanjua/pazzi.htm|title=Viejo Cementerio de San Juan (graveyard's history)|author=E. Ramirez Brau|year=2005|language=es|access-date=2007-02-03 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070116042729/http://www.rootsweb.com/~prsanjua/pazzi.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = January 16, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Teatro Tapia|publisher=Yahoo Travel|url=http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2770412-tapia_theater_san_juan-i;_ylc=X3oDMTFka28zOGNuBF9TAzI3NjY2NzkEX3MDOTY5NTUzMjUEc2VjA3NzcC1kZXN0BHNsawN0aXRsZQ--|access-date=2007-05-03|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306041218/http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2770412-tapia_theater_san_juan-i|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Catedral Metropolitana Basílica de San Juan Bautista (San Juan, Puerto Rico)|Cathedral of San Juan Bautista]] (construction began in the 1520s) is also located in Old San Juan and contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer and settlement founder [[Juan Ponce de León]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.catedralsanjuan.com/|title=Official Web Site of the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista|language=es|access-date=2007-05-03|archive-date=March 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301034701/http://www.catedralsanjuan.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Old San Juan, also known as the "old city", is the main cultural tourist attraction in Puerto Rico; its bayside is lined by dock slips for large [[cruise ship]]s.

==== Santurce ====
{{Main|Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
[[File:La Placita de Santurce en Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico.jpg|left|thumb|[[La Placita de Santurce|''La Placita'']] in Santurce (2020).]]
[[File:Highrise on Ashford Avenue, Condado, Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|Highrises on [[Ashford Avenue]] in [[Condado (Santurce)|El Condado]].]]
Santurce is the largest and most populated barrio in the municipality of San Juan, and one of the most densely populated areas of the island (13,257.4 persons per square mile).<ref>{{cite web |title=Link to Puerto Rico – San Juan |url=http://www.proyectosalonhogar.com/Link%20P.R/www.linktopr.com/sanjuan.html |access-date=November 29, 2012 |work=Proyecto Salón Hogar |language=es}}</ref> Santurce, originally named ''San Mateo de Cangrejos'' (Saint Matthew of the Crabs), was a settlement for [[Freedman|freed African slaves]] during the early days of the city. Santurce was a separate town until it was annexed to San Juan in 1863.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Iturrospe |first=Jon Fernández García de |date=2015-11-20 |title=135 AÑOS DEL SANTURCE DE PUERTO RICO |url=https://santurtzihistorianzehar.net/135-anos-del-santurce-de-puerto-rico/ |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=Santurtzi historian zehar |language=es}}</ref> After Pablo Ubarri Capetillo, a Spanish railroad developer and ''Count of San José de Santurce'' under the Spanish colonial period, sought permission to link San Juan with Río Piedras proper via steam tramway in 1878, the time it took to travel between both points were shortened and thereby stimulated the colonization and growth of the district. At the beginning of the twentieth century an electric trolley was installed, the township was split into three parts, and its main settlement, merged with the city, was renamed using the Spanish spelling of [[Santurtzi]] (''[[Saint George]]'' in Basque), Ubarri's birthplace in [[Biscay|Vizcaya]], Spain. [[Puerto Rico Museum of Art]] and other important cultural venues are located in Santurce.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapr.org/|title=Official site of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico|language=es|publisher=Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico|year=2006|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306085246/http://www.mapr.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>

This barrio is further divided into subbarrios such as the tourist-oriented neighborhood of [[Condado (Santurce)|Condado]], which occupies land that used to be owned by Ubarri Capetillo. Beaches such as nearby [[Ocean Park (Santurce)|Ocean Park]], popular with swimmers, [[surfers]] and [[kitesurfers]], are found all along the district's Atlantic coastline which is also the locus of numerous hotels.<ref>{{cite web |year=2007 |title=Puerto Rico Cheap Hotels: Condado, Old San Juan, Isla Verde and Ocean Park budget hotels |url=http://www.puertoricocheaphotels.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419025520/http://puertoricocheaphotels.com/ |archive-date=April 19, 2018 |access-date=2007-05-06 |publisher=Hola San Juan}}</ref> [[Miramar (Santurce)|Miramar]] is mainly a residential area rising south of the Condado Lagoon. It comprises the former ''[[barrio]]'' of Miraflores, as well as drained marshland and landfill over which was built San Juan's first airport, the Isla Grande airport, which was renamed [[Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport]] in honor of Major [[Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci]] (USAF). Miramar now hosts the [[Puerto Rico Convention Center]] as well as some of San Juan Harbor's cruise ship piers. In 2005 Miramar was designated an historical district of Puerto Rico.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miramarpr.com/|title=Informese: Miramar designated a historical district|publisher=MiramarPR|year=2007|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014192026/http://miramarpr.com/|archive-date=October 14, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Río Piedras ====
{{Main|Río Piedras, Puerto Rico|Hato Rey}}
[[File:Plaza de la Convalecencia, Río Piedras, San Juan.jpg|thumb|Plaza de la Convalecencia in [[Pueblo, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Río Piedras Pueblo]] (the historic downtown of Rio Piedras).]]
South of Santurce is [[Hato Rey]], part of the former municipality of Río Piedras. Hato Rey was grazing ground for cattle owned by the royal government (hence its name, the ''King's Herd'' in Spanish) as early as the 16th century,<ref name="mini-wall-street" /> and is now considered the financial center of the island. A section of this district is often referred to as ''[[Milla de Oro]]'' (actually {{convert|0.47|mi|km|2|disp=or|sp=us}} long) due in part to the many banks and businesses located there.<ref name="mini-wall-street">{{cite web|url=http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2004/vol8n47/PRSST0847-en.shtml|title=Eatin' Where The Cows Used To Roam: Hato Rey Dining At Its Best|author=Brenda A. Mari|publisher=The Puerto Rico Herald|date=November 19, 2004|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=November 24, 2004|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041124095522/http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2004/vol8n47/PRSST0847-en.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the southern part of the city is the socially diversified community of [[Río Piedras]]. Founded in the mid-1850s, Río Piedras was a separate town which hosted sugar cane plantations and the estates of some of San Juan's wealthiest inhabitants (as well as their working-class staff). The Spanish colonial governors also had their summer home there on land which eventually gave way to the main campus of the [[University of Puerto Rico]]. In 1951 the municipalities of San Juan and Río Piedras were merged to redefine San Juan's current city limits. Today Río Piedras comprises the largest area of the municipality of San Juan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Official site of the University of Puerto Rico|url=http://www.uprrp.edu/|language=es|publisher=Universidad de Puerto Rico|year=2007|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306033946/http://www.uprrp.edu/|url-status=live}}</ref> and is home to the "Plaza del Mercado" (Río Piedras [[Marketplace]]), the main campus and the Medical Sciences campus of the [[University of Puerto Rico]] and the [[San Juan Botanical Garden]].

== Demographics ==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+Race – San Juan, Puerto Rico – 2020 Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=U.S. Census website|author=Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS)|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=December 27, 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/http://www.census.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
! Race
! Population
! % of Total
|-
| '''[[White American|White]]'''||49,388||14.4%
|-
| '''Black/Afro-Puerto Rican'''||75,864||22.2%
|-
| '''[[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]]/[[Alaska Native]]'''||9,364||2.7%
|-
| '''[[Asian American|Asian]]'''||1,774||0.5%
|-
| '''[[Multiracial American|Two or more races]]/Some other race'''||205,869||60.2%
|}
{{Historical populations
|title        = Population of San Juan
|source       = Census<ref name="census 1960">{{cite web |title=U.S. CENSUSES OF POPULATION and HOUSING: 1960 Final Report PHC(1) - 180, Census Tracts, San Juan, P.R. |url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-and-housing-phc-1/41953654v11ch11.pdf |website=census.gov |page=29}}</ref>
|1899 |32048
|1910 |48716
|1920 |69733
|1930 |114715
|1940 |169247
|1950 |224767
|1960 |451658
|1970 |463242
|1980 |434849
|1990 |437745
|2000 |434374
|2010|395475|2020|342259}}
{{Historical populations
|title        = Population of Río Piedras
|footnote     =
|source       =
|1899 |13760
|1910 |18880
|1920 |24745
|1930 |40853
|1940 |68290
|1950 |134989
|2000 |332344
}}

The municipality of San Juan has a population of 342,259 as of the 2020 US Census, making it the [[Municipalities of Puerto Rico|largest in Puerto Rico]],<ref name="poptotal">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=ChangeGeoContext&geo_id=05000US72127&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=San+Juan&_cityTown=San+Juan&_state=04000US72&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&_submenuId=population_0&ds_name=null&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null%3Anull&_keyword=&_industry=|title=San Juan and its barrios|publisher=United States Census Bureau|year=2008|access-date=2009-10-26|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212045418/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_event=ChangeGeoContext&geo_id=05000US72127&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=San+Juan&_cityTown=San+Juan&_state=04000US72&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&ActiveGeoDiv=&_useEV=&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010&_submenuId=population_0&ds_name=null&_ci_nbr=null&qr_name=null&reg=null:null&_keyword=&_industry=|archive-date=February 12, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[List of United States cities by population|57th largest in the United States and its territories]].<ref name=":02">{{Cite web   |title=Puerto Rico Population Declined 11.8% From 2010 to 2020 |url=https://www.census.gov/library/stories/state-by-state/puerto-rico-population-change-between-census-decade.html |access-date=2022-03-11 |website=Census.gov}}</ref> From 1899 to 1950 the municipality of San Juan excluded the township of Río Piedras. For this reason, population data and land area for the period make reference only to the Antiguo San Juan and Santurce ''barrios'', or subdivisions, of San Juan. The old municipality of Río Piedras constituted the third most populated city of Puerto Rico at the time of its annexation in 1951. Its strategic location south of the capital served as a junction for all the principal ways of transportation of the island and as a geographical entry to San Juan, which are factors that prompted Río Piedras's dramatic urban development in the 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Río Piedras: Centro de transportación |url=https://enciclopediapr.org/content/rio-piedras-centro-de-transportacion/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=EnciclopediaPR |date=December 29, 2009 |language=en-US}}</ref>

According to the [[2010 United States Census|2010 Census]], the racial composition of San Juan was as follows:

* [[White American|White]]: 68.0% ([[Non-Hispanic Whites]]: 1.2%)
* Black or African American: 18.3% (Non-Hispanic Blacks: 0.3%)
* [[Native Americans in the United States|American Indian]]: 0.8%
* [[Asian American|Asian]]: 0.4%
* [[Native Hawaiians|Native Hawaiian]]/[[Pacific Islander American|Pacific Islander]]: 0.0%
* Some other race: 8.2%
* [[Multiracial American|Two or more races]]: 4.0%
* [[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (of any race): 98.2%

Among the Hispanic and Latino population, [[Puerto Rican people|Puerto Ricans]] are the largest group; they make up 87.5% of San Juan's Hispanic population. People of [[Dominican American|Dominican]] descent make up 7.6% of the Hispanic population, while those of [[Cuban American|Cuban]] descent form 1.7% of the Hispanic populace. Other Hispanic and Latino groups collectively form 3.2% of San Juan's Hispanic population.

There are 4,822 whites and 1,187 blacks of non-Hispanic origin living in San Juan. Non-Hispanic whites and blacks form 1.2% and 0.3% of San Juan's population respectively. There are also approximately 673 Asians of non-Hispanic origin in San Juan; they make up less than 0.1% of the population. However, Asians of Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin together number at 6,342.<ref name="American FactFinder">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US7276770&-qr_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_DP3YR5&-ds_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_&-_lang=en&-redoLog=false&-_sse=on |title=American FactFinder |publisher=Factfinder.census.gov |access-date=2012-11-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200211183320/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US7276770&-qr_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_DP3YR5&-ds_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_&-_lang=en&-redoLog=false&-_sse=on |archive-date=February 11, 2020 }}</ref>

The vast majority of Asians in San Juan are of [[Chinese American|Chinese]] descent; of the 6,342 Asians, 4,928 are Chinese. Chinese comprise 1.4% of the population. The only other sizable Asian group in San Juan are [[Indian Americans]]; there are 698 people of Indian descent in the city, forming 0.2% of the population. There are very small numbers of people of [[Filipino American|Filipino]], [[Japanese American|Japanese]], and [[Vietnamese American|Vietnamese]] ancestry; none of these groups number more than 100 members.<ref name="American FactFinder" />

According to the 2006–2008 American Community Survey, 87.5% of San Juan's population was native and 12.5% were foreign-born. Of the native population, 86.9% were born in Puerto Rico or the U.S. proper, of which 75.6% were born in Puerto Rico and 8.9% were born in the U.S. The other 0.7% were born in a different U.S. territory or born abroad to American parents. The remaining 11.9% of the population were born outside the United States and U.S. territories.

In recent years, an increasing number of Americans not of Hispanic ancestry (both of [[African American]] and of [[White American]] descent) have moved to San Juan. In addition, a large number of [[Stateside Puerto Ricans]] have settled in the city upon their return to Puerto Rico. There is also a growing [[West Indian]] population, both of Hispanic and non-Hispanic origin.

San Juan today is home to the largest [[History of the Jews in Puerto Rico|Jewish community in Puerto Rico]], and one of the largest Jewish communities in the Caribbean,<ref>Society For Crypto Judaic Studies, Harry Ezratty, [http://www.cryptojews.com/Puerto_Rico_Ezratty.htm Profile] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430072654/http://www.cryptojews.com/Puerto_Rico_Ezratty.htm|date=April 30, 2008}}, cryptojews.com; accessed March 18, 2015.</ref> with more than 2,000 people attending two local synagogues in [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]] (the [[Conservative Judaism|Conservative]] Shaare Zedeck Synagogue and the [[Reform Judaism|Reform]] Temple Beth Shalom)<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Juan: Culture & Community |url=https://reformjudaism.org/san-juan-culture-community |access-date=2022-12-06 |website=Reform Judaism |language=en}}</ref> and an additional synagogue (the [[Chabad affiliated organizations|Chabad]] Jewish Center of Puerto Rico) in [[Isla Verde, Puerto Rico|Isla Verde]] in neighboring [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.jewishpuertorico.com/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/266798/jewish/About-Us.htm |website=Chabad of Puerto Rico}}</ref>

In terms of ancestry, 23,875 people claimed American ancestry, which is equivalent to 5.8% of San Juan's population. Other sizable ancestry groups included those of [[Italian American|Italian]] descent, [[French American|French]] descent, and [[West Indian]] descent. People of Italian descent numbered at 1,694, forming 0.4% of the population; people of French descent numbered at 1,064, forming 0.2% of the population. Finally, those of West Indian descent numbered at 1,393, forming 0.3% of San Juan's population. Approximately 1,026 people claimed [[Sub-Saharan Africa]]n ancestry; 719 claimed [[Irish American|Irish]] ancestry; 646 claimed [[German American|German]] ancestry; 431 claimed [[Arab American|Arab]] ancestry, and 346 claimed [[English American|English]] ancestry. There are many other ancestry groups in San Juan, but they are very scant.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US7276770&-qr_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_DP3YR2PR&-ds_name=&-_lang=en&-redoLog=true |title=American FactFinder |publisher=Factfinder.census.gov |access-date=2012-11-25 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200211183444/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/ADPTable?_bm=y&-geo_id=16000US7276770&-qr_name=ACS_2008_3YR_G00_DP3YR2PR&-ds_name=&-_lang=en&-redoLog=true |archive-date=February 11, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

As of 2000, speakers of [[English language|English]] as a first language accounted for 12.93% of the population.<ref>[https://apps.mla.org/map_data_results&SRVY_YEAR=2000&geo=&state_id=72&county_id=&mode=&lang_id=&zip=&place_id=76770&cty_id=&region_id=&division_id=&ll=&ea=n&order=&a=n&pc=1 ''MLA Data Center Results for San Juan, Puerto Rico''] [[Modern Language Association]]. Retrieved 29 February 2024.</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:Popular Center (01).jpg|thumb|[[Popular, Inc.]] headquarters at Popular Center in [[Hato Rey]].]]
San Juan experienced significant economic growth following [[World War II]]. During this period the city underwent an industrial revolution, although as of 1984 it had never generated its own economic region.<ref>Cities and the Wealth of Nations, Chapter 3, Jane Jacobs, 1984</ref><ref name="Encarta">Microsoft Encarta Biblioteca (2006), Microsoft Corporation</ref> The city's economy relies mostly on companies dedicated to the manufacture of several products, including: [[chemical substance]]s (bleach and house cleaning products); pharmaceuticals; rum and other beverages; [[fertilizer]]s; electric tools; [[Electronics|electronic devices]]; plastics, [[textile]]s, and food-based products.<ref name="Encarta" />

Tourism is also a key industry, based on San Juan's proximity to Puerto Rico's main airport, the [[Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport]].<ref name="Encarta" />
The tourism focus of the city is located in the district of Condado Beach where there are luxurious hotels.<ref name="Encarta" /> Historical locations such as El Morro, Old San Juan and El Cuartel de Ballaja are promoted in tourism campaigns. The district of Hato Rey contains a corporate sector known as [[Milla de Oro]] (Golden Mile) which serves as the headquarters of local and international banks. San Juan's Hato Rey district is often referred to as the "Wall Street of the Caribbean", due to the influence of the area on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean's economy.<ref name="mini-wall-street" />

San Juan is also home to the [[Popular, Inc.]], parent company of [[Banco Popular de Puerto Rico]], Popular Bank, [[E-Loan]], and a [[Fortune 1000]] company as of 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Sushma |date=2022-07-23 |title=Fortune 1000 companies list in 2022 |url=https://moneymint.com/fortune-1000-companies-list/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=Moneymint |language=en-US}}</ref> Other companies based in San Juan include [[ATH (interbank network)|ATH Network]], [[First BanCorp]], [[Liberty Puerto Rico]], [[The Cervantes Group]], and [[Triple-S Management Corporation]]. [[Seaborne Airlines]] is headquartered on the ninth floor of the World Plaza Building in Hato Rey.<ref>"[http://www.seaborneairlines.com/about-us/general-info/ General Info]" ([https://web.archive.org/web/20150408082536/http://www.seaborneairlines.com/about-us/general-info/ Archive]). [[Seaborne Airlines]]. Retrieved on April 18, 2015. "Mailing Address: Seaborne Airlines World Plaza Building, 9th Floor 268 Muñoz Rivera Ave. San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918"</ref>

=== Tourism ===
[[File:Street art, statues in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|''Fuente Raíces'', [[Paseo de La Princesa]]]]Technological advances after World War II in the development of the airliner, coupled with the island's climate and natural setting, have transformed San Juan into the springboard for tourism around the island, and has made the rest of the Caribbean known throughout the world during the last fifty years.<ref>Puerto Rico, Borinquen Querida - Authors; Roger A. LaBrucherie, Imágenes Press, (1992) {{ISBN|0-939302-26-8}}</ref> Today the capital features hotels, museums, historical buildings, restaurants, parks, beaches and shopping centers. San Juan is the most visited city in Puerto Rico domestically and internationally, with approximately 12.2 million passengers arriving by air and 1.8 million cruise passengers arriving by sea in 2023 according to the [[Puerto Rico Tourism Company]] and the [[Puerto Rico Ports Authority]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cruise passengers in Puerto Rico  {{!}} Statista |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/817537/puerto-rico-number-cruise-arrivals/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909031344/https://www.statista.com/statistics/817537/puerto-rico-number-cruise-arrivals/ |archive-date=2024-09-09 |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=Statista |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>

Old San Juan is often emphasized in tourism campaigns, promoting the historic nature of its colonial buildings and narrow streets covered by cobblestones, a blue stone cast from furnace slag; they were brought over as ballast on Spanish ships.<ref name="Encarta" /> This includes the city's ancient defensive wall and forts, most notably [[Castillo San Felipe del Morro|El Morro]] and the [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan)|Castillo San Cristóbal]].<ref name="Encarta" /> On January 23, 1984, both of these edifices together with [[La Fortaleza]] and [[Fortín San Juan de la Cruz|El Cañuelo]] (in nearby [[Toa Baja, Puerto Rico|Toa Baja]]) were included as a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]],<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Centre |first=UNESCO World Heritage |title=La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/266/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=UNESCO World Heritage Centre |language=en}}</ref> catalogued as being part of humanity's cultural patrimony as part of the [[National Park Service]]-administered [[San Juan National Historic Site]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=San Juan National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service) |url=https://home.nps.gov/saju/index.htm |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.nps.gov |language=en}}</ref> The restaurants and art galleries in the zone are visited by tourists and locals alike.<ref name="Encarta" />
[[File:Bacardi building in Cataño, Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|[[Cathedral of Rum|Casa Bacardi]] in nearby [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]] is a popular tourist attraction for those visiting San Juan.]]
Outside of Old San Juan, the Puerto Rico Convention Center District (PRCC) includes the [[Puerto Rico Convention Center]], which hosts a number of local and international events throughout the year such as the [[Puerto Rico Comic Con]], the biggest of its kind in the Caribbean.<ref>{{Cite web |title=#PRCOMICCON |url=https://www.prcomiccon.com/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=#PRCOMICCON |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[Distrito T-Mobile|PRCC District]] also hosts a number of hotels, nightclubs, shops, cinemas, bars and restaurants,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Distrito T-Mobile |url=https://distritot-mobile.com/ |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=distritot-mobile.com}}</ref> the [[Coca-Cola Music Hall]], and the Toro Verde Eco Adventure Park.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} Toro Verde Eco Adventure Park Orocovis |url=https://www.toroverdepr.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAwJWdBhCYARIsAJc4idAsijt1S2l0Vrb-w25uCbEmD_vzyKeRIDw_o_r5mNEbm2QIC-UxcUAaAnDyEALw_wcB |access-date=2022-12-23 |website=www.toroverdepr.com}}</ref>

Other notable tourist attractions in San Juan include the [[Condado Beach|Condado]] and [[Ocean Park Beach]]es, [[El Escambrón Beach|El Escambrón]] and the [[Fortín de San Gerónimo]], [[La Placita de Santurce]], the [[Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center]], the [[Luis Muñoz Marín Park|Luis Muñoz Marín]] and [[Luis Muñoz Rivera Park]]s, [[Plaza Las Américas (Puerto Rico)|Plaza Las Américas]], [[The Outlets at Montehiedra]], [[Señorial Plaza]], and [[The Mall of San Juan]], the [[Museum of Art of Puerto Rico]], the [[Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art]], the [[Museo de Vida Silvestre|San Juan Wildlife Museum]], and the [[San Juan Botanical Garden|University of Puerto Rico Botanical Garden]], among others. The University of Puerto Rico's main campus in Río Piedras is also of interest with its [[The Quadrangle (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras)|historic quadrangle]] and [[Roosevelt Tower|clock tower]], its number of theaters and venues which host events such as the [[Casals Festival]]s, and a museum. San Juan is also used by tourists as a base to explore other attractions within and outside the San Juan metropolitan area, such as the [[Bacardi]] [[Cathedral of Rum]] and [[Cataño barrio-pueblo|boardwalk]] in [[Cataño, Puerto Rico|Cataño]], the "Pork Highway" of [[Guavate, Cayey, Puerto Rico|Guavate]] in [[Cayey, Puerto Rico|Cayey]], the [[bioluminiscent bay]] in [[Fajardo, Puerto Rico|Fajardo]], the beaches and street food of [[Piñones (Loíza, Puerto Rico)|Piñones]] in [[Loíza, Puerto Rico|Loíza]], and [[El Yunque National Forest]] recreational areas in the municipalities of [[Luquillo, Puerto Rico|Luquillo]] and [[Río Grande, Puerto Rico|Río Grande]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=CCISJ |date=2022-09-14 |title=Best Places to Visit in Puerto Rico from San Juan - 7 Fantastic Day Trips |url=https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/best-places-to-visit-in-puerto-rico-from-san-juan/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=San Juan Puerto Rico |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-08-23 |title=15 Day Trips from San Juan for 2022 (By a Local!) - Travel Lemming |url=https://travellemming.com/day-trips-from-san-juan/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=travellemming.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Explore more of Puerto Rico with the 5 best day trips from San Juan |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-day-trips-from-san-juan |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Lonely Planet |language=en}}</ref>

==== Post Hurricane Maria ====
An April 2019 report indicated that, by that time, repairs after Hurricane Maria were moving rapidly. Only a few hotels were still closed in San Juan and that life for tourists in and around the capital had, for the most part, returned to normal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/04/02/puerto-rico-breaks-tourism-record-while-rebuilding-hurricane-maria/3346139002/ |title=Nearly two years after Hurricane Maria devastation, Puerto Rico welcomes record number of tourists |date=2 April 2019 |publisher=USA Today |access-date=27 November 2019 |quote=Brief power outages still hit occasionally as the government prepares to privatize an aging and poorly maintained grid that was destroyed by the hurricane, and water shortages have hit parts of Puerto Rico's north coast since 30 percent of the island is experiencing a moderate drought that is affecting 791,000 of its 3.2 million inhabitants. |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127164315/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/04/02/puerto-rico-breaks-tourism-record-while-rebuilding-hurricane-maria/3346139002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By October 2019, nearly all of the popular amenities for tourists, in the major destinations such as San Juan, Ponce and Arecibo, were in operation on the island and tourism was rebounding. This was important for the economy, since tourism provides up 10% of Puerto Rico's GDP, according to Discover Puerto Rico.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.viahero.com/travel-to-puerto-rico/puerto-rico-tourism-update |title=Nearly two years after Hurricane Maria devastation, Puerto Rico welcomes record number of tourists |date=2 April 2019 |publisher=ViaHero |access-date=16 October 2019 |quote=Almost all of Puerto Rico's hotels are open for business. The beaches are ready for swimming and sunbathing, and even remote places to visit like El Yunque rainforest are receiving visitors. |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127164436/https://www.viahero.com/travel-to-puerto-rico/puerto-rico-tourism-update |url-status=live }}</ref>

In late November 2019, reports indicated that 90 calls to San Juan by [[Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.|Royal Caribbean]] ships would be cancelled during 2020 and 2021. This step would mean 360,000 fewer visitors, with a loss to the island's economy of $44&nbsp;million. As well, 30 ship departures from San Juan were being canceled.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-ship-visits-to-san-juan-puerto-rico-are-being-canceled/35941 |title=Cruise Ship Visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico Are Being Canceled |date=27 November 2019 |publisher=Cruise Hive |access-date=27 November 2019 |quote=Cruise ship visits to San Juan, Puerto Rico are being canceled for the 2020-21 season due to the privatization of the cruise port. |archive-date=November 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191127164313/https://www.cruisehive.com/cruise-ship-visits-to-san-juan-puerto-rico-are-being-canceled/35941 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Arts and culture ==
{{See also|List of notable residents of San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
[[File:Centro de Bellas Artes Luis Ferre.jpg|thumb|The [[Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center]] in [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]]]]
As the capital and most populous municipality of Puerto Rico, San Juan is a culturally vibrant city influenced by the heterogenous origins of Puerto Rican culture. The city is the birthplace of artists and musicians who have significantly influenced the arts, design, literature, music and pop culture of Puerto Rico. During the 20th century, the musical aspect of the city was influenced by performers including [[West Indian Americans|Afro-Caribbean]] dancer and choreographer [[Sylvia del Villard]] and [[José Enrique Pedreira]] who became a composer of Puerto Rican [[Music of Puerto Rico#Danza|''Danzas'']]. 

International musicians such as opera singer [[Justino Díaz]] and [[Grammy Award]] winners [[Daddy Yankee|Ramón Ayala]] (Daddy Yankee) and [[Ricky Martin]] were born in the city. Other notable residents include writers [[Giannina Braschi]] and [[Tomás Blanco (writer)|Tomas Blanco]], award-winning actors [[Raul Julia]] and [[Benicio del Toro]], and comedian [[José Miguel Agrelot]]. Teacher [[Rafael Cordero (educator)|Rafael Cordero]] (1790–1868), was influential in the development of Puerto Rican education and began the process of beatification in 2013, if accepted as a saint he will become only the second black saint from the Americas.<ref>{{cite news |title=Puerto Rico layman could become second black saint from Americas |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/28624/puerto-rico-layman-could-become-second-black-saint-from-americas |access-date=14 April 2024 |agency=Catholic News Agency}}</ref>

=== Entertainment and performing arts ===
[[File:San Sebastian Parade Dancers 2013 (8418487044).jpg|thumb|The [[San Sebastián Street Festival]]]]
San Juan is host to numerous annual festivals and celebrations. The official [[patronal festival]] of the city is the summertime [[Saint John's Eve|Feast of Saint John]] (''Fiestas de San Juan''). The most famous event is the [[San Sebastián Street Festival]] (''Fiestas de la Calle de San Sebastián''), celebrated yearly during the third weekend of January in Old San Juan. The event, originally a community festival coinciding with the feast day of [[Saint Sebastian]], has become an important part of Puerto Rican popular culture, being unofficially considered to mark the end of the [[Christmas and holiday season]] in the island. It is now one of the most popular and largest festivals in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, drawing around 200,000 visitors each year. Other annual festivals and events in San Juan include the Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest in March, the [[Casals Festival|Casals Festivals]] in April, Puerto Rico Comic Con in May, San Juan [[Fashion week|Fashion Week]] in September, Puerto Rican Music Festival (''Festival de la Música Puertorriqueña'') in November, the city-wide events and activities of Christmas in San Juan (''Navidad en San Juan'') in December, and the New Year's Eve celebrations in [[Distrito T-Mobile]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Puerto Rico Heineken Jazz Festival |url=https://www.puertoricotravel.guide/blog/puerto-rico-heineken-jazz-festival/ |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=PuertoRico Travel Guide |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CASALS FESTIVAL — Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico |url=https://www.ospr.pr.gov/casalsfestival |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Orquesta Sinfónica de Puerto Rico |language=es-PR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=#PRCOMICCON2024 |url=https://www.prcomiccon.com/ |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=#PRCOMICCON2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Andrea |date=2025-01-01 |title=Todos los festivales en Puerto Rico para disfrutar este 2025 |url=https://www.plateapr.com/festivales-puerto-rico/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=PlateaPR |language=es}}</ref>

The [[Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center]] (Spanish: ''Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré'') hosts some of the most important musical and artistic events in Puerto Rico. It is home to the [[Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra]] (PRSO) and hosts the [[Casals Festival]], the most important classical music festival in the Caribbean. The venue also hosts theater and musical performances such as [[Hamilton (musical)|Hamilton]], which it hosted in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Jones|first=Chris|title='Hamilton' opens in Puerto Rico with emotional performance by Lin-Manuel Miranda: 'I just love this island so much'|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/ct-ent-hamilton-puerto-rico-0113-story.html|access-date=2021-09-23|website=chicagotribune.com|date=January 12, 2019 }}</ref>  The Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico is a public music conservatory that hosts Puerto Rican and international students has a longstanding relationship with the classical music movement in the island. The {{Lang|es|[[Ateneo Puertorriqueño]]|italic=no}} and the theater of the [[University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus|University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras]] also host important music events.

=== Museums and visual arts ===
[[File:Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico en Santurce, San Juan.jpg|thumb|The [[Museum of Art of Puerto Rico|Puerto Rico Museum of Art]]]]

The city is also the home of contemporary and classic art museums. The [[Museum of Art of Puerto Rico|Puerto Rico Museum of Art]] hosts the largest collection of art in Puerto Rico, housing over 1,100 permanent art pieces and displaying temporary exhibitions containing artwork from various locations through Latin America.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mapr.org/La%20Colecci%c3%b3n.aspx |title=Colección Permanente |language=es |publisher=Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico |access-date=2007-06-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430001929/http://www.mapr.org/La%20Colecci%C3%B3n.aspx |archive-date=April 30, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The [[Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art]], located in Santurce, specializes in contemporary artwork from Latin America and the Caribbean. The paintings displayed in the permanent exhibition are either acquired by the museum's administrative personnel or donated by artists and collectors. They are judged by a panel of painters, art critics, and scholars before being displayed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.museocontemporaneopr.org/coleccionpermanente.htm|title=Colección Parmanente|publisher=Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Puerto Rico|language=es|year=2004|access-date=2007-06-11|archive-date=June 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120623125417/http://www.museocontemporaneopr.org/coleccionpermanente.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

Other museums such as the [[Pablo Casals Museum]], the San Juan Book Museum, the [[Museo de las Américas|Museum of the Americas]], and the [[Galería Nacional|National Gallery]] display historic items and artwork alongside contemporary art.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.museolasamericas.org/|title=Orígenes, historia y misión del Museo|language=es|publisher=Museo las Americas|year=2007|access-date=2007-06-11|archive-date=March 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120307154106/http://museolasamericas.org/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icp.gobierno.pr/myp/museos/m9.htm |publisher=Instituto de Cultura Puertoriqueña |title=Galería Nacional, Viejo San Juan |year=2003 |access-date=2007-06-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618101848/http://www.icp.gobierno.pr/myp/museos/m9.htm |archive-date=June 18, 2007 }}</ref> Miscellaneous museums such as the Children's Museum, the [[Museo de Vida Silvestre|San Juan Wildlife Museum]], and the [[Bacardi]] Distillery (also known as the "Rum Cathedral") in nearby [[Cataño]] appeal to different audiences through interactive exhibitions.<ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://www.museodelninopr.org/inf_historia.htm
 |title=Historia del Museo del Niño
 |language=es
 |publisher=Museo del Niño
 |access-date=2007-06-11
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070605032858/http://www.museodelninopr.org/inf_historia.htm
 |archive-date=June 5, 2007
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.embassysuitesdorado.com/spanish/puertoricoattractions.htm|title=Puerto Rico Attractions and Museums|access-date=2007-06-11|archive-date=October 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017044142/http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/DORPRES-Embassy-Suites-Dorado-del-Mar-Beach-Golf-Resort/index.do|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Casa Dra. Concha Melendez Ramirez]] in Santurce is a [[National Historic Landmark]] and museum and research center that showcases the life and work of [[Concha Meléndez|one of the most important figures]] in the literary culture of Puerto Rico.<ref name="nhl">{{cite web |title=NHL nomination for Casa Dra. Concha Melendez Ramirez |url=http://www.nps.gov/nhl/news/LC/fall2012/MelendezRamirez.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203145110/https://www.nps.gov/NHL/news/LC/fall2012/MelendezRamirez.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 3, 2017 |accessdate=2015-11-11 |publisher=National Park Service}}</ref> [[Old San Juan]] is also home to important art museums, such as the [[Galería Nacional|Puerto Rico National Gallery]], and numerous private art galleries.

== Government ==
{{Main|List of mayors of San Juan, Puerto Rico}}

=== Structure ===
[[File:Coat of arms of San Juan, Puerto Rico.svg|thumb|San Juan's coat of arms]]

As one of Puerto Rico's 78 [[Municipalities of Puerto Rico|municipalities]], San Juan's government has two branches, the executive and the legislative. Those citizens eligible to vote directly elect the [[Mayor of San Juan]] and the municipal assembly for four-year terms. The municipal government is housed in [[San Juan City Hall|City Hall]] or ''Casa Alcaldia'', which is located at 153 San Francisco Street, facing the [[Plaza de Armas, San Juan|Plaza de Armas]] at the center of [[Old San Juan]].<ref name="Alcaldía">{{cite web|url=http://www.sanjuancapital.com/historia.asp?tab=2&cat=GCJPHATHEW |title=Historia de San Juan: Casa Alcaldía |language=es |publisher=Municipio de San Juan |access-date=2010-01-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225174506/http://www.sanjuancapital.com/historia.asp?tab=2&cat=GCJPHATHEW |archive-date=February 25, 2009 }}</ref> City Hall was constructed based on [[Madrid, Spain|Madrid]]'s City Hall starting in 1604 and completed in 1789.<ref name="Alcaldía" />

The executive branch is headed by a popularly elected mayor. The office is held by [[Miguel Romero|Miguel Romero Lugo]] who won in the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2020|2020 general election]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://elecciones2020.ceepur.org/Escrutinio_General_93/index.html#en/default/ALCALDES_San_Juan.xml |title=San Juan Results|website=ceepur.org |date=December 31, 2020}}</ref> and was reelected in the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2024|2024 general election]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://elecciones2024.ceepur.org/Escrutinio_General_121/index.html#es/default/ALCALDES_San_Juan.xml |title=San Juan Results 2024|website=ceepur.org |date=December 23, 2024}}</ref> [[Miguel Romero|Miguel Romero Lugo]] took over from [[Carmen Yulín Cruz]], who was elected at the [[Puerto Rican general election, 2012|2012 general election]]. Before her, [[Jorge A. Santini]] held the position for 12 years.<ref name="Asamblea"/>

In addition to running the city's day-to-day operations and supervising associated departments, the mayor is responsible for appointing a secretary-auditor and a treasurer. San Juan's Municipal Legislature is made up of 17 municipal legislators, elected at-large, which represent the city's population.<ref name="Asamblea">{{cite web| url=http://www.lmsj.org/historia.htm| title=Historia breve de la Asamblea Municipal| publisher=Municipio de San Juan| language=es| access-date=2010-01-28| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717203934/http://www.lmsj.org/historia.htm| archive-date=July 17, 2013| url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Coat of arms and flag ====
{{Main|Diego de Torres Vargas}}

[[File:Historic Coat of Arms of San Juan (Puerto Rico)-Spanish Rule.svg|thumb|160px|San Juan's historic coat of arms during Spanish rule]]
The {{lang|es|municipio}} has an official flag and coat of arms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ley Núm. 70 de 2006 -Ley para disponer la oficialidad de la bandera y el escudo de los setenta y ocho (78) municipios.|url=https://www.lexjuris.com/LEXLEX/Leyes2006/lexl2006070.htm|access-date=2021-06-15|website=LexJuris de Puerto Rico|language=es}}</ref>

On March 8, 1948, the city government of San Juan officially adopted as the city's first flag an orange field, in the center of which is the coat of arms of the city. The orange color was based and taken from Father [[Diego de Torres Vargas]]' text and it reads:

"''Escudo de armas dado a Puerto Rico por los Reyes Católicos en el año de 1511, siendo Procurador un vecino llamado Pedro Moreno. Son : un cordero blanco con su banderilla colorada, sobre un libro, y todo sobre una isla verde, que es la de Puerto Rico, y por los lados una F y una I, que quiere decir Fernando e Isabel, los Reyes Católicos que se las dieron, y hoy se conservan en el estandarte real, que es de damasco anaranjado, con que se ganó la ciudad''".<ref name="LexJuris (Leyes y Jurisprudencia) de Puerto Rico 2020">{{cite web|date=19 February 2020|title=San Juan|url=http://www.lexjuris.com/pueblos/pueblos_files/SANJUAN.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219000511/http://www.lexjuris.com/pueblos/pueblos_files/SANJUAN.html|archive-date=19 February 2020|access-date=17 September 2020|website=LexJuris (Leyes y Jurisprudencia) de Puerto Rico|language=es}}</ref>

("Coat of arms given to Puerto Rico by the [[Catholic Monarchs]] in the year 1511 being Procurator a ''vecino'' (citizen) named Pedro Moreno. They are a white lamb with a red flag, on top of a book, and everything above a green island, which is Puerto Rico...which is of orange damask, with which the city was won"). It appears that the color was changed from orange to white at some point.<ref>{{cite web|title=San Juan (Puerto Rico)|url=http://flagspot.net/flags/pr-sj.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003180208/https://www.fotw.info/flags/pr-sj.html|archive-date=October 3, 2020|access-date=May 23, 2015}}</ref><ref name="LexJuris (Leyes y Jurisprudencia) de Puerto Rico 2020" />

=== Territorial and federal government ===
[[File:Capitolio de Puerto Rico (28755163211).jpg|thumb|The [[Capitol of Puerto Rico]], built between 1921 and 1929.]]
San Juan is the territorial capital of the [[Puerto Rico|Commonwealth of Puerto Rico]], and it is home to the [[Executive branch of the government of Puerto Rico|executive]], [[Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico|legislative]] and [[Judiciary of Puerto Rico|judicial]] branches of the [[Government of Puerto Rico|Puerto Rican government]]. San Juan is the seat of the [[Puerto Rico Senatorial district I]], which is represented by two Senators.<ref>[http://electionspuertorico.org/referencia/distritos/2011/#Senatoriales Distribución de Distritos Senatoriales de Puerto Rico] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116121857/http://electionspuertorico.org/referencia/distritos/2011/#Senatoriales|date=November 16, 2011}} on ElectionsPuertoRico</ref> 

The [[United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico]] is located in [[Hato Rey]]. There are two additional federal offices in the San Juan metropolitan area: the [[Jose V. Toledo Federal Building and United States Courthouse|Jose V. Toledo U.S. Post Office and Courthouse]] in Old San Juan and the GSA Federal Center in Guaynabo.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Puerto Rico Federal Buildings |url=https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions/region-2-northeast-and-caribbean/buildings-and-facilities/puerto-rico |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=www.gsa.gov |language=en-us |archive-date=December 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221224013943/https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/regions/welcome-to-the-northeast-caribbean-region-2/buildings-and-facilities/puerto-rico-federal-buildings |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] (FBI), along with other federal organisms, has also had regional offices at the [[Federico Degetau Federal Building]], also in Hato Rey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=FEDERICO DEGETAU FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING Site Profile |url=https://cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/CurSites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0202743 |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=cumulis.epa.gov |language=en}}</ref>

=== Safety ===
Law enforcement in San Juan is the joint responsibility of the Department of Police and Public Safety, also known as the [[San Juan Police Department]] and the [[Puerto Rico Police Department]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanjuancapital.com/temp.asp?tab=3&dept=SJ00000017 |title=Departamento de Policía y Seguridad Pública |publisher=Municipio de San Juan |language=es |access-date=2010-01-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071115050814/http://www.sanjuancapital.com/temp.asp?tab=3&dept=SJ00000017 |archive-date=November 15, 2007 }}</ref> The Municipal Police, originally known as the "San Juan Municipal Guard", was created in 1521 and had active military and law enforcement functions until 1980, when Act #77 created municipal law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico. It employs over 1,000 sworn officers plus civilian staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.primerahora.com/noticia/informe_especial/noticias/de_negro__bajo_el_sol/205570 |title=De negro bajo el sol |author=Leysa Caro González |work=[[Primera Hora (Guaynabo)|Primera Hora]] |language=es |date=June 30, 2008 |access-date=2010-01-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628184134/http://www.primerahora.com/noticia/informe_especial/noticias/de_negro__bajo_el_sol/205570 |archive-date=June 28, 2009 }}</ref>

==== Crime ====
In 2010, there were 201 homicides in San Juan, a rate of around 50 per 100,000 residents. In 2019, there were 172 homicides, a rate of 53 per 100,000 residents.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-03-08|title=San Juan se coloca como la segunda capital con más asesinatos en Latinoamérica|url=https://www.primerahora.com/noticias/policia-tribunales/notas/san-juan-se-coloca-como-la-segunda-capital-con-mas-asesinatos-en-latinoamerica/|access-date=2021-08-26|website=Primera Hora|language=spanish}}</ref> In the 2019 bulletin ranking of the 50 most violent cities in the world, San Juan ranked as the 16th most violent in the world, with a rate of 54.01 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.<ref name="seguridadjusticiaypaz">{{cite web |title=Bulletin Ranking 2019 of the 50 most violent cities in the world |url=http://www.seguridadjusticiaypaz.org.mx/sala-de-prensa/1590-boletin-ranking-2019-de-las-50-ciudades-mas-violentas-del-mundo |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804121557/http://www.seguridadjusticiaypaz.org.mx/sala-de-prensa/1590-boletin-ranking-2019-de-las-50-ciudades-mas-violentas-del-mundo |archive-date=4 August 2020 |access-date=1 June 2020 |publisher=seguridadjusticiaypaz.org.mx}}</ref> San Juan ranked as the 3rd most violent in the United States and its territories, after [[St. Louis]] and [[Baltimore]].<ref>{{cite web |title=50 of the most dangerous cities in the world |url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/news/2019/07/24/most-dangerous-cities-world-tijuana-caracas-cape-town/1813211001/ |website=USA Today }}</ref>

== Media ==
{{See also|Media of Puerto Rico}}

=== Newspapers ===
Most of Puerto Rico's major newspapers are published in San Juan: [[El Nuevo Día]], [[Primera Hora (Puerto Rico)|Primera Hora]], [[El Vocero]] and the English-language [[The San Juan Star|San Juan Star]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Periódicos diarios de Puerto Rico - Puertorriqueños|url=https://www.prensaescrita.com/america/puertorico.php|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.prensaescrita.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The San Juan Daily Star {{!}} Puerto Rico {{!}} About|url=https://www.sanjuandailystar.com/about|access-date=2021-10-11|website=sjds|language=en}}</ref> Other newspapers published in San Juan are [[Metro Newspapers|Metro Puerto Rico]], Indice and [[Caribbean Business|Caribbean Business News]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puerto Rican Newspapers|url=https://www.w3newspapers.com/usa/puertorico/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.w3newspapers.com}}</ref>

=== Radio ===
San Juan is also home to several of Puerto Rico's major radio stations: [[WKAQ (AM)|WKAQ 580 AM]] and [[WKAQ-FM|105 FM]], WPRM Salsoul 99.1 FM, WODA La Nueva 94 FM, Fidelity 95.7 FM, WSKN Radio Isla 1320 AM, WORO Radio Oro 92.5 FM, Salsa Hits Radio, WAPA Radio, WOYE Magic 97.3, WRTU Radio Universidad FM, WIPR 940 AM, Mix 107.7 FM, WTOK Hot 102, AZ Rock, Radio Antillas, etc.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Emisoras de Radio de San Juan, Puerto Rico - Escuchar Online - myTuner Radio|url=https://mytuner-radio.com/es/emisora/pais/puerto-rico/estado/san-juan-estaciones|access-date=2021-10-11|website=mytuner-radio.com}}</ref>

=== Television ===
Some of the television stations based in San Juan are [[WKAQ-TV]] [[Telemundo]]/[[NBC|NBC Puerto Rico]], [[Univision Puerto Rico|WORA Univision Puerto Rico]], [[WAPA-TV]], [[WIPR-TV]], [[Mega TV (American TV network)|WTCV Mega TV]], WJPX [[América TeVé]], etc.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Puerto Rico Television Stations - Station Index|url=https://www.stationindex.com/tv/markets/puerto+rico|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.stationindex.com}}</ref>

=== Movies and filming ===
San Juan has been the setting of numerous movies and the city has also been used as a stand-in or substitute for other cities and countries where filming is more expensive, more dangerous or more restrictive. Some of the most popular movies filmed in San Juan are: [[Woody Allen]]'s ''[[Bananas (film)|Bananas]]'' (1971), ''[[Captain Ron]]'' (1992), ''[[Assassins (1995 film)|Assassins]]'' (1995), ''[[Amistad (film)|Amistad]]'' (1997), ''[[Bad Boys II]]'' (2003) standing-in as [[Havana]], ''[[Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights]]'' (2004) also as [[Havana]], ''[[The Men Who Stare at Goats (film)|The Men Who Stare at Goats]]'' (2009) standing-in as [[Iraq]], ''[[The Losers (2010 film)|The Losers]]'' (2010), ''[[Fast Five]]'' (2011) standing-in as [[Miami]] and [[Rio de Janeiro]], ''[[Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides]]'' (2011) standing-in as [[Cádiz|Cádiz, Spain]], ''[[The Rum Diary (film)|The Rum Diary]]'' (2011), ''[[22 Jump Street]]'' (2014) standing-in as a Mexican resort, ''[[Captain America: Civil War]]'' (2016) standing-in as [[Lagos|Lagos, Nigeria]], ''[[Force of Nature (2020 film)|Force of Nature]]'' (2020), ''[[Black Panther: Wakanda Forever]]'' (2022), and ''[[Blue Beetle (film)|Blue Beetle]]'' (2023).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Howell|first=Douglas|title=10 Películas Excelentes Filmadas En Puerto Rico - 2021|url=https://yourtripagent.com/4599-10-great-movies-filmed-in-puerto-rico|access-date=2021-10-11|website=yourtripagent.com|language=es-ES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-05-13|title=20 películas grabadas en Puerto Rico|url=https://pr-gamer.com/15-peliculas-grabadas-en-puerto-rico/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=PR Gamer|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All the 'Black Panther' filming locations that you can visit in real life |url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/black-panther-filming-locations-visit-000041500.html |access-date=2022-12-01 |website=sg.style.yahoo.com |date=November 18, 2022 |language=en-SG |archive-date=December 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201033455/https://sg.style.yahoo.com/black-panther-filming-locations-visit-000041500.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-05 |title='Blue Beetle' Nearly Done Shooting, Reveals Star Raoul Trujillo |url=https://collider.com/blue-beetle-filming-news-raoul-trujillo/ |access-date=2023-07-31 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref>

== Education ==
=== Colleges and universities ===
[[File:Torre Universidad de-Puerto Rico Rio Piedras.jpg|thumb|right|The [[Roosevelt Tower|main tower]] of the [[University of Puerto Rico]] campus in [[Río Piedras, Puerto Rico|Río Piedras]]]]

San Juan is home to many of Puerto Rico's institutions of higher learning. The [[UPRRP|University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras Campus]] is located in San Juan, along with the [[University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus|University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus]]. Other colleges located in San Juan are the [[University of the Sacred Heart (Puerto Rico)|University of the Sacred Heart]], the [[Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico]], the Ana G. Méndez University System's [[Metropolitan University (Puerto Rico)|Metropolitan University]], the Metropolitan Campus of the [[Inter American University of Puerto Rico]], the [[Carlos Albizu University]], the [[Evangelic Seminary of Puerto Rico]] and the [[Center for Advanced Studies on Puerto Rico and the Caribbean]]. There are smaller colleges located in the city, including the ICPR Junior College, the ''Instituto de Banca y Comercio'' and the International Junior College, located in Santurce.<ref name="college"/>

There are also several technical schools based in San Juan, including the Technological College of San Juan, the ''Liceo de Artes y Ciencias'', Ramirez College of Business and Technology, and the Puerto Rico Technical Junior College. The [[Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music]] and the [[Escuela de Artes Plásticas y Diseño de Puerto Rico|School of Fine Arts]] in Old San Juan specialize in education that promotes the fine arts and music.<ref name="college">{{cite web|url=http://www.infoplease.com/edu/colleges/PR.html|title=Puerto Rico Colleges and Universities|publisher=Infoplease|year=2006|access-date=2007-06-25|archive-date=November 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103142305/http://www.infoplease.com/edu/colleges/PR.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Public and private schools ===
As of the 2022–23 school year, there are 83 public schools serving 24,494 students in San Juan,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 10 Best San Juan, PR Public Schools (2022-23) |url=https://www.publicschoolreview.com/puerto-rico/san-juan |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=www.publicschoolreview.com}}</ref> all of which are operated by the [[Puerto Rico Department of Education]]. Most of the specialized schools operated by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are located in San Juan. These schools emphasize topics such as Science and Math, Radio and Television, Arts, Trade, Music, and Sports, but also include other subjects such as Spanish, English, and Social Studies in their curriculum.

In addition to dozens of state-run elementary, intermediate, and high schools, the government of the city of San Juan operates two bilingual schools, including one sports-magnet school, the first municipal-run schools in Puerto Rico.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sistema Educativo Municipal Integrado |url=https://sanjuan.pr/servicios/educacion-municipal/ |access-date=2022-12-24 |website=Municipio de San Juan |language=es}}</ref> Several private schools are located in San Juan, including Robinson and St. John's schools in the [[Condado (Santurce)|Condado]], Perpetuo Socorro in [[Miramar, Puerto Rico|Miramar]], St. John's Episcopal, Santa Mónica and [[Academia San Jorge]] in [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]], Commonwealth High School, La Merced and Espíritu Santo in [[Hato Rey]], Escuela Josefita Monserrate de Selles, San Antonio, [[Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola (San Juan)|Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola]], San José in [[Río Piedras]] and [[Cupeyville School|Cupeyville]], St. Mary's, Boneville and Cupey Maria Montesory School in Cupey.

== Transportation ==
=== Airports ===
[[File:Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Puerto Rico.jpg|thumb|[[Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport|Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport]]]]

The [[San Juan–Caguas–Guaynabo metropolitan area|San Juan Metropolitan Area]] is served by two airports:

The '''[[Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport]]''' (SJU), San Juan's primary commercial airport, is located eight miles ({{convert|8|mi|abbr=out|1|disp=output only}}) from [[Old San Juan]] in the neighboring municipality of [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]]. The airport accommodates more than 30 domestic and international airlines and is the busiest airport in the [[Caribbean]]. It is often referred to as ''The Gateway to the Caribbean'' because it serves as the main connection to the island and the rest of the Caribbean for the United States and vice versa.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Caribbean International Airports|url=https://www.caribbeanislands.com/airports/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=www.caribbeanislands.com|archive-date=February 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212074427/https://www.caribbeanislands.com/airports/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The area's secondary airport is the '''[[Fernando Ribas Dominicci Airport]]''' (SIG), located directly across the [[San Antonio Channel]] (''Caño San Antonio'') from Old San Juan in the [[Isla Grande (Santurce)|Isla Grande]] district.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prpa.gobierno.pr/APMain.aspx |title=Autoridad de puertos de Puerto Rico official website |language=es |publisher=Autoridad de Puertos de Puerto Rico |access-date=2007-05-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091007181239/http://www.prpa.gobierno.pr/apmain.aspx |archive-date=October 7, 2009 }}</ref> Dominicci Airport is used mainly by general aviation aircraft, charter flights and some domestic commercial flights. It used to be the city's and also the island of Puerto Rico's main international gateway until the opening of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport. It is now also widely used by the Isla Grande Flight School and Caribbean Flight Center, the only flight school on the island.

=== Highways and roads ===
[[File:Cars, houses, street light, man on bicycle and El Morro in Old San Juan.jpg|thumb|[[Calle Norzagaray]] in [[Old San Juan]]]]

Some of the major highways and roads of San Juan include:

* [[Puerto Rico Highway 52]] (PR-52), also known as '''Luis A. Ferré Highway''', runs from [[Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Santurce]] to [[Ponce, Puerto Rico|Ponce]] through [[Caguas, Puerto Rico|Caguas]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 1]] (PR-1), also known as [[Carretera Central (Puerto Rico)|'''Carretera Central''']], '''Antigua Carretera Militar''' and '''''La Muda''''' between [[Río Piedras, Puerto Rico|Río Piedras]] and Caguas, runs from Santurce to Ponce through [[Cayey, Puerto Rico|Cayey]] and the [[Cordillera Central (Puerto Rico)|Cordillera Central]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 2]] (PR-2), also known as '''Kennedy Expressway''' between San Juan and [[Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Guaynabo]], runs from Santurce to Ponce through [[Mayagüez, Puerto Rico|Mayagüez]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 3]] (PR-3), also known as '''65 de Infantería Avenue''' between Río Piedras and Carolina, runs from [[Hato Rey]] to [[Salinas, Puerto Rico|Salinas]] through [[Humacao, Puerto Rico|Humacao]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 22]] (PR-22), also known as '''José de Diego Expressway''', runs from Santurce to [[Hatillo, Puerto Rico|Hatillo]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 8]] (PR-8) runs from Sabana Llana Norte to barrio Oriente and the [[Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 16]] (PR-16) runs parallel to PR-1 from the [[Port of San Juan]] in Hato Rey to the [[Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport]] in [[Isla Grande (Santurce)|Isla Grande]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 18]] (PR-18), also known as '''Las Américas Expressway''', runs from [[Hato Rey Norte]] to [[Monacillo Urbano, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Monacillo Urbano]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 20]] (PR-20), also known as '''Rafael Martínez Nadal Expressway''', runs from [[Guaynabo barrio-pueblo|Guaynabo Pueblo]] through Monacillo Urbano and [[Gobernador Piñero, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Gobernador Piñero]] to [[Pueblo Viejo, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Caparra]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 26]] (PR-26), also known as '''Román Baldorioty de Castro Expressway''', runs from Santurce to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]].
* [[Puerto Rico Highway 28]] (PR-28), also known as '''Francisco José de Goya Avenue''', runs from the Port of San Juan to [[Bayamón, Puerto Rico|Bayamón]].

There are 193 bridges in San Juan.<ref name="bridge">{{cite web|title=San Juan Bridges|url=http://bridgereports.com/pr/san-juan/|website=National Bridge Inventory Data|publisher=US Dept. of Transportation|access-date=20 February 2019|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003180208/http://bridgereports.com/pr/san-juan/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Public transport ===
{{See also|Tren Urbano|Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority}}
[[File:Estación Universidad - Tren Urbano.jpg|thumb|[[Universidad station (Puerto Rico)|Universidad station]]]]

At 4,300 vehicles per paved mile, San Juan has by far the highest density of vehicles on the road of any city in the world.<ref>[http://www.businessregisterpr.com/search?transportation=true Highest auto density in the world] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101191502/http://www.businessregisterpr.com/search?transportation=true |date=January 1, 2010 }}</ref> The city is served by five limited-access expressways and highways and numerous arterial avenues and boulevards but continues to suffer from severe traffic congestion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dollarman.com/puertorico/sanjuan.html|title=About Puerto Rico...San Juan|publisher=Dollarman.com|access-date=2007-05-11|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306095212/http://www.dollarman.com/puertorico/sanjuan.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Puerto Rico Metropolitan Bus Authority|Metropolitan Bus Authority]] (''Autoridad Metropolitana de Autobuses'' or ''AMA'' in Spanish) provides daily bus transportation to residents of San Juan, Guaynabo, Bayamón, Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Cataño and Carolina through 30 fixed routes. Its fleet consists of 277 regular buses and 35 handicap-accessible buses. AMA's ridership is estimated at 112,000 on weekdays.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dtop.gobierno.pr/AMA/Amades_e.htm|title=AMA: Descripción|publisher=Departamento de Transportación Publica|language=es|year=2006|access-date=2007-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070502004203/http://www.dtop.gobierno.pr/AMA/Amades_e.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=May 2, 2007}}</ref>

[[File:SanJuan-Condado-IslaVerde.gif|thumb|The T5, 21 and 53 buses pass between Old San Juan, Condado and Isla Verde.]]
In an attempt to decrease vehicle dependency and road congestion, the city built a [[rapid transit|metro]] system dubbed "[[Tren Urbano]]" ("Urban Train"). The {{convert|10.7|mi|adj=on}} line connects to 16&nbsp;stations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alternativa de Transporte Integrado homepage|publisher=Departamento de Trasportación Publica|year=2006|url=http://www.ati.gobierno.pr/|language=es|access-date=2007-05-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505011816/http://www.ati.gobierno.pr/|archive-date=May 5, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The project, which opened in late 2004, cost $2.25&nbsp;billion and was more than $1&nbsp;billion over budget and four years late. The Tren Urbano has received less ridership than was originally projected and has not significantly reduced the city's automobile traffic, despite a reported 7.5% ridership increase in 2006 over 2005. There is a planned project to build an "interurban light rail system" connecting the cities of [[San Juan-Caguas Rail|San Juan and Caguas]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2004/vol8n15/CBCaguasSanJuan.html |title=Caguas To San Juan In 15 Minutes |publisher=Puerto Rico Herald |year=2007 |access-date=2007-05-08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927203704/http://www.puertorico-herald.org/issues/2004/vol8n15/CBCaguasSanJuan.html |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>

Increased investment in public transportation, however, has not changed the fact that San Juan is an [[Automobile dependency|automobile-reliant]] city and its fast growth has sparked [[urban sprawl]]. As of mid-2010, the government has approved plans for a redesign of this Puerto Rican city, featuring a new [[mass transit]] system, new roads and intersections, and more beach-access points. [[Road space rationing|No cars]] will be allowed inside the oldest part of city (Old San Juan). The plans hope to remedy previous poor urban planning in the oldest section of the city, the Isleta, while curbing reliance on motor vehicles. The plans for redevelopment also hope to make the city more appealing in order to attract new residents, as San Juan has suffered from a shrinking population over the past 60 years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://issuu.com/sanjuannews/docs/finalreportsummary_walkablecity_july3-final|title=Walkable City San Juan|publisher=Issuu|year=2010|access-date=2010-08-10|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003180221/https://issuu.com/sanjuannews/docs/finalreportsummary_walkablecity_july3-final|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Port ===
{{Main|Port of San Juan}}

[[File:Lancha de Cataño panorama.jpg|thumb|[[Cataño Ferry]]]]
The [[Port of San Juan]] is the fourth busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere, ranked among the top 17 in the world in terms of container movement. It is also the largest home-based cruise port in the world with over a dozen cruise ships. It is the second busiest port in cruise volume after Miami.{{Citation needed|date=July 2021}} It is managed by the [[Puerto Rico Ports Authority]].

[[AcuaExpreso]] is a [[ferry]] service in the [[San Juan Bay]], consisting of the [[Cataño Ferry]] (''Lancha de Cataño'') service between [[Cataño barrio-pueblo|downtown Cataño]] and [[Old San Juan]], and the ''AquaExpress'' which connects Old San Juan to [[Hato Rey]] and the [[Hato Rey station|Tren Urbano]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-05-08|title=Larga historia en la lancha de Cataño|url=https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/locales/notas/larga-historia-en-la-lancha-de-catano/|access-date=2022-02-12|website=El Nuevo Día|language=es}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presupuesto.gobierno.pr/Tomo_II/transporteMaritimo.htm#PROG1314|title=Government's page on Lancha de Cataño's economical impact|language=es|publisher=Gobierno de Puerto Rico|year=2007|access-date=2007-05-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070311082352/http://www.presupuesto.gobierno.pr/Tomo_II/transporteMaritimo.htm#PROG1314|archive-date=March 11, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

== Healthcare ==
[[File:Hospital Español Auxilio Mutuo 1.jpg|thumb|[[Auxilio Mutuo, Universidad|Auxilio Mutuo]] Hospital in ''barrio'' [[Universidad, San Juan, Puerto Rico|Universidad]]]]

San Juan has an elaborate system of [[triage]], hospital, and preventive care health services. The municipal government sponsors regular health fairs in different areas of the city focusing on health care for the elderly and the disabled. There are 20 hospitals in San Juan, half of them operated by the government. The largest hospital in San Juan and most important of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean{{Citation needed|date=July 2010}} is the '''Rio Piedras Medical Center''', or '''''Centro Medico de Rio Piedras''''' in Spanish. This hospital, founded in 1956, is operated by the Medical Services Administration of the Department of Health of Puerto Rico. It is made up of eight other hospitals.

* San Juan Municipal Hospital: This hospital is operated by the San Juan municipal government.
* Industrial Hospital: This is the hospital for Puerto Rico government employees, whether municipal or Commonwealth government employees. Normally, injured police officers and firefighters are cared for here.
* San Juan Pediatric Hospital - Also operated by the San Juan municipal government.
* Pediatric Hospital: Operated by the government of the Commonwealth, this is the main trauma hospital for pediatric cases.
* Centro Médico: This is the main hospital for trauma cases for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
* Centro Cardiovascular del Caribe (Caribbean Cardiovascular Center): This is the main hospital for open heart surgery in the Caribbean. It features a hotel for the patients' families.
* Psychiatric Hospital: The main psychiatric hospital in Puerto Rico. Operated by the government of Puerto Rico.
* Psychiatric Correctional Hospital: It is both a hospital and correctional facility. It is operated jointly by the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and the Medical Services Administration.

The city of San Juan operates 10 hospitals. Of these, nine are Diagnostic and Treatment Centers located in communities throughout San Juan. The main hospital is located at Centro Medico. These 10 hospitals are:

* [[La Perla, San Juan, Puerto Rico|La Perla]]
* [[Puerta de Tierra, Puerto Rico|Puerta de Tierra]]
* Llorens Torres
* Puerto Nuevo
* San José
* Rio Piedras
* Sabana Llana
* Hoare
* Santurce Parada 19
* General Hospital (Centro Medico)

Also, there are 10 private hospitals in San Juan. These are:

* Hospital Metropolitano
* Hospital Auxilio Mutuo
* Hospital Auxilio Mutuo Expreso
* Hospital de Veteranos: The main Veterans hospital in the Caribbean. Operated by the U.S. Veteran Healthcare System.
* Ashford Presbyterian Hospital
* Hospital Pavia Hato Rey
* Hospital Pavia Santurce
* San Jorge Children's Hospital: The most well-known children's hospital in the San Juan Metropolitan Area.
* Hospital San Gerardo: Located at the Cupey neighborhood, is a small hospital but is also specialized in psychiatry and elderly.
* Hospital del Maestro (Teachers Hospital): Located in Hato Rey, this hospital is operated by the Puerto Rico Teachers Association.

== Sports ==
[[File:Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A night view of the [[José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum]]]]

Teams based in San Juan have been notably successful in athletic competition. The [[Santurce Crabbers (basketball)|Santurce Crabbers]] won the [[National Superior Basketball League]] championship in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2003 during this period being recognized as a dynasty. The San Juan Senators and the [[Santurce Crabbers (baseball)|Santurce Crabbers]] were the two major baseball teams in the city, winning the championship of the [[Puerto Rican Professional Baseball League]] a total of 17 times. The Santurce Crabbers are located third among teams with more championships in the [[Caribbean Series]], winning championships in the 1951, 1953, 1955, 1993 and 2000 editions of the tournament. The city has also been the host of events within the sports community; some examples include:
* Host of the [[1966 Central American and Caribbean Games]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pju.org/nuevo/histjuegoscac.htm#During|title=Historia de los Juegos Centro Americanos y del Caribe|language=es|publisher=Unión Pan Americana de Judo|year=1998|access-date=2007-05-06|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421164252/http://www.pju.org/nuevo/histjuegoscac.htm#During|archive-date=April 21, 2007|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* Host of the [[1979 Pan American Games]].<ref>{{cite web|title=VIII Pan American Games |url=http://www.la84foundation.org/8saa/PanAm/san_juan.htm |publisher=LA84 Foundation |access-date=2007-05-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602041914/http://www.la84foundation.org/8saa/PanAm/san_juan.htm |archive-date=June 2, 2008 }}</ref>
* Hosted the [[Caribbean World Series]] nine times.<ref>{{cite web|title=Caribbean World Series Historical Statistics 2005|url=http://www.latinobaseball.com/cwb-hstatics.html|publisher=Latino Baseball|year=2005|access-date=2007-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070213055513/http://www.latinobaseball.com/cwb-hstatics.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date=February 13, 2007}}</ref>
* [[Major League Baseball]]'s [[Montreal Expos]] played 22 home games at [[Hiram Bithorn Stadium]] between 2003 and 2004.<ref>{{cite web|author=Josh Dubow|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/baseball/20030602-0938-bbo-puertorico.html|title=Expos odyssey takes them back to Puerto Rico|publisher=SingOnSanDiego.com|year=2003|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=November 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111105192020/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/baseball/20030602-0938-bbo-puertorico.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also briefly considered moving permanently to San Juan before relocating to Washington, D.C.
* Hosted the [[2006 World Baseball Classic|2006]], [[2009 World Baseball Classic|2009]] and [[2013 World Baseball Classic]] at the [[Hiram Bithorn Stadium]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Official site of the World Baseball Classic|url=http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/index.jsp|publisher=World Baseball Classic|year=2006|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509094744/http://ww2.worldbaseballclassic.com/2006/index.jsp|archive-date=May 9, 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Host of the [[1974 FIBA World Championship]] (basketball).<ref>{{cite web|title=Year by Year Champions|publisher=Fiba|url=http://www.authenticbasketball.com/fiba_world_cup/year_by_year_champions.htm|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=March 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306095221/http://www.thebasketballworld.com/fiba_world_cup/year_by_year_champions.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Host of the [[FIBA Americas Championship]] five times (1980, 1993, 1999, 2003, 2009).
* Hosted the first edition of [[World Wrestling Entertainment]]'s pay per view [[New Year's Revolution]] was held at the [[José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum]] in January 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/history/resultshistory|title=New Year's revolution Pay-Per-View history|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|year=2005|access-date=2007-05-06|archive-date=October 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026075808/http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/history/resultshistory|url-status=live}}</ref>
* The Latin American Regional [[Special Olympics]] in February 2010.
* Host of Major League Baseball's 2010 "San Juan Series", three games of the Mets at Marlins held on June 28–30, 2010 at [[Hiram Bithorn Stadium]].

The $28&nbsp;million San Juan Natatorium attracts island-wide and regional swim meets, as well as winter training by top-rated mainland U.S. colleges and universities, including the [[United States Military Academy]] at [[West Point]] and the [[United States Naval Academy]] at [[Annapolis]].

In July 2007, the San Juan Golf Academy and its driving range began operating atop the city's former sanitary landfill in [[Puerto Nuevo (Hato Rey)|Puerto Nuevo]], and will eventually include the city's first and only 9-hole golf course.

=== Professional teams ===
{|class="wikitable"
|-
!Club
!Sport
!League
!Venue
|-
|[[Cangrejeros de Santurce (basketball)|Cangrejeros de Santurce]]
|Basketball
|[[Baloncesto Superior Nacional]]
|[[Roberto Clemente Coliseum]]
|-
|[[Cangrejeros de Santurce (baseball)|Cangrejeros de Santurce]]
|Baseball
|[[Puerto Rico Baseball League]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Hiram Bithorn Stadium]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/afiliados/prsl/atletico.htm |title=Afiliados: Atlético San Juan Fútbol Club |publisher=Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol |language=es |access-date=2010-02-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121082957/http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/afiliados/prsl/atletico.htm |archive-date=November 21, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/afiliados/prsl/quintana.htm |title=Afiliados: Professional Team Academia Quintana FC |publisher=Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol |language=es |access-date=2010-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081121114002/http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/afiliados/prsl/quintana.htm |archive-date=November 21, 2008 }}</ref>
|-
|[[Atléticos de San Juan]]
|rowspan="3"|Football/Balompié (Soccer)
|rowspan="2"|[[Puerto Rico Soccer League]]
|-
|[[Academia Quintana]]
|-
|San Juan United
|Puerto Rico Soccer League Second Division
|Sixto Escobar Stadium<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/afiliados/masters/united.htm |title=Afiliados: San Juan United Soccer Club, Corp. |publisher=Federación Puertorriqueña de Fútbol |language=es |access-date=2010-02-09 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090727055239/http://www.fedefutbolpr.com/afiliados/masters/united.htm |archive-date=July 27, 2009 }}</ref>
|}

== International relations ==
=== Diplomatic missions<!-- Please help update this list by deleting closed consulates and/or adding missing ones. Thank you. :) --> ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
'''Consulate-General'''
* {{flagdeco|COL}} [[Colombia]]<ref>{{Cite web|title={{!}} Consulado de Colombia en San Juan|url=https://sanjuan.consulado.gov.co/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=sanjuan.consulado.gov.co}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Dominican Republic}} [[Dominican Republic]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulate General of the Dominican Republic in San Juan, Puerto Rico|url=https://www.embassypages.com/dominicanrepublic-consulategeneral-sanjuan-puertorico}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Mexico}} [[Mexico]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulado General de México en San Juan, Puerto Rico|url=https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sanjuan/index.php/directorio|access-date=2021-10-21|website=consulmex.sre.gob.mx}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Spain}} [[Spain]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Páginas - Consulado de España en San Juan de Puerto Rico|url=http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/SanJuandePuertoRico/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.exteriores.gob.es|archive-date=October 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020160104/http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/SANJUANDEPUERTORICO/es/Paginas/inicio.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Venezuela}} [[Venezuela]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulado de Venezuela en Puerto Rico, San Juan|url=https://www.municipio.co.ve/consulado-de-venezuela-en-puerto-rico.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.municipio.co.ve}}</ref>
||'''Honorary Consulates'''
* {{Flagdeco|Argentina}} [[Argentina]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-09-24|title=Consulado Itinerante en Puerto Rico|url=https://www.argentina.gob.ar/noticias/consulado-itinerante-en-puerto-rico|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Argentina.gob.ar|language=es}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Austria}} [[Austria]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meet the Consul|url=https://www.austria.org/austrianinformation/2015/6/24/meet-the-consul|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Austria|language=en-US|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021063326/https://www.austria.org/austrianinformation/2015/6/24/meet-the-consul|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Belgium}} [[Belgium]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Embassies and Consulates in Puerto Rico|url=https://welcome.topuertorico.org/reference/consulates.shtml|access-date=2021-10-21|website=welcome.topuertorico.org}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Belize}} [[Belize]]<ref name=":0"/>
* {{Flagdeco|Bolivia}} [[Bolivia]]<ref name=":0"/>
* {{Flagdeco|Canada}} [[Canada]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Canada|first=Global Affairs|date=2019-09-23|title=Consulate of Canada in San Juan, Puerto Rico|url=https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/puerto_rico-porto_rico/san_juan.aspx?lang=eng|access-date=2021-10-21|website=GAC}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Chile}} [[Chile]]<ref>{{Cite web|last=Consulares|first=Servicios|title=Consulado Honorario en San Juan Puerto Rico|url=http://www.serviciosconsulares.cl/tramites/consulados-en-el-exterior/estados-unidos/san-juan-puerto-rico/consulado-honorario-en-san-juan-puerto-rico|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Servicios Consulares|language=es-CL|archive-date=2021-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024115042/https://www.serviciosconsulares.cl/tramites/consulados-en-el-exterior/estados-unidos/san-juan-puerto-rico/consulado-honorario-en-san-juan-puerto-rico|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Costa Rica}} [[Costa Rica]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=LISTA DE CONSULADOS DE COSTA RICA EN E.E.U.U {{!}} Embajada de Costa Rica en DC|url=http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/135|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.costarica-embassy.org|archive-date=2021-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021063335/http://www.costarica-embassy.org/index.php?q=node/135|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Czech Republic}} [[Czech Republic]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulado de Republica Checa en San Juan|url=https://www.123embajada.com/Consulado/3772/Republica-Checa-en-San-Juan|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.123embajada.com}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Denmark}} [[Denmark]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Ecuador}} [[Ecuador]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulado de Ecuador en San Juan, Puerto Rico|url=https://www.embassypages.com/ecuador-consulado-sanjuan-puertorico}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|El Salvador}} [[El Salvador]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Finland}} [[Finland]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|France}} [[France]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulado Honorario de Francia en San Juan, Puerto Rico|url=https://www.embassypages.com/francia-consulado-sanjuan-puertorico}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Georgia}} [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Germany}} [[Germany]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Guatemala}} [[Guatemala]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Haiti}} [[Haiti]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consular Offices|url=https://www.haiti.org/consular-offices/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Embassy of Haiti|language=en-US|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021063327/https://www.haiti.org/consular-offices/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Hungary}} [[Hungary]]<ref name=":0" />
|
* {{Flagdeco|Israel}} [[Israel]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Italy}} [[Italy]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Japan}} [[Japan]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Nicaragua}} [[Nicaragua]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Norway}} [[Norway]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Panama}} [[Panama]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Paraguay}} [[Paraguay]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Peru}} [[Peru]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Poland}} [[Poland]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Portugal}} [[Portugal]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Russia}} [[Russia]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|South Korea}} [[South Korea]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Sweden}} [[Sweden]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Switzerland}}   [[Switzerland]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulate of Switzerland in San Juan / Puerto Rico|url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/usa/en/home/representations/embassy-washington/honorary-consulates/consulate-san-juan-puerto-rico.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.eda.admin.ch|language=en}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Thailand}} [[Thailand]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|Trinidad and Tobago}} [[Trinidad and Tobago|Trinidad & Tobago]]<ref name=":0" />
* {{Flagdeco|United Kingdom}} [[United Kingdom]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The British Consulate in San Juan|url=https://www.british-consulate.net/uk/United-Kingdom-Consular-Assistance-San-Juan|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.british-consulate.net}}</ref>
* {{Flagdeco|Uruguay}} [[Uruguay]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Consulado de Uruguay en Puerto Rico, San Juan|url=https://www.municipio.uy/consulado-de-uruguay-en-puerto-rico.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=www.municipio.uy}}</ref>
|}

=== Twin towns – Sister cities ===
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in the Caribbean#Puerto Rico|l1=List of twin towns and sister cities in Puerto Rico}}San Juan is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with:<ref name="o7">{{cite web |title=Meet Jacksonville's Eight International "Sister Cities"|url=https://thecoastal.com/culture/jacksonville-eight-international-sister-cities/8/#split_content|website=thecoastal.com|publisher=The Coastal|date=2020-04-20|access-date=2021-12-22}}</ref>
{|class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|
'''Domestic'''
* {{flagdeco|Florida}} [[Jacksonville, Florida]]<ref name="o7" />
* {{flagdeco|Hawaii}} [[Honolulu, Hawaii]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://data.honolulu.gov/dataset/Sister-Cities/pvti-pwka|title=Sister Cities - Honolulu - Open Data Portal|work=Socrata|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=December 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171227122108/https://data.honolulu.gov/dataset/Sister-Cities/pvti-pwka|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flagdeco|Texas}} [[Killeen, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/fnotes/fn1209/sister-cities.php|title=Sister Cities Link Businesses, Create Opportunities|access-date=May 23, 2015|archive-date=November 17, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141117013104/http://www.window.state.tx.us/comptrol/fnotes/fn1209/sister-cities.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.centraltexasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13660740|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729182021/http://www.centraltexasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13660740|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 29, 2012|title=Killeen and San Juan, Puerto Rico now "sister cities" -kcentv.com - KCEN HD - Waco, Temple, and Killeen|publisher=Centraltexasnow.com|date=December 12, 2010|access-date=2012-11-25}}</ref>
||'''International'''
* {{flagdeco|COL}} [[Cartagena, Colombia]]
* {{flagdeco|DOM}} [[Santiago de los Caballeros|Santiago]], Dominican Republic
* {{flagdeco|GUA}} [[Guatemala City]], Guatemala
* {{flagdeco|PHL}} [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan]], Philippines
* {{flagdeco|UAE}} [[Dubai]], United Arab Emirates
* {{flagdeco|ESP}} [[Cádiz]], Spain
* {{flagdeco|ESP}} [[Madrid]], Spain
|}

== Notable people ==
{{See also|Category:People from San Juan, Puerto Rico}}

== See also ==
*[[List of the oldest buildings in Puerto Rico]]
* [[List of people from San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
* [[List of streets in San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
* [[Castillo San Cristóbal (San Juan)]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in San Juan, Puerto Rico]]
* [[History of Puerto Rico]]
* [[List of former national capitals]]
* [[List of national capitals]]
* [[Military history of Puerto Rico]]
* [[Spanish Colonial architecture]]
* [[USS San Juan|USS ''San Juan'']], 2 ships

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
{{See also|Timeline of San Juan, Puerto Rico#Bibliography|l1=Bibliography of the history of San Juan, Puerto Rico}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.sanjuancapital.com/ City of San Juan]
* [https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm National Park Service – San Juan]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070715150713/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/prvi/ Historic Places in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, a National Park Service Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary]
* [http://www.srh.noaa.gov/sju/ National Weather Service – San Juan, Puerto Rico]
* [http://sanjuanpuertorico.com San Juan Puerto Rico]

{{Adjacent communities
|Centre    = San Juan
|North     = Atlantic Ocean
|Northeast =
|East      = [[Carolina, Puerto Rico|Carolina]]
|Southeast = [[Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico|Trujillo Alto]]
|South     = [[Caguas, Puerto Rico|Caguas]]
|Southwest = [[Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico|Aguas Buenas]]
|West      = [[Guaynabo, Puerto Rico|Guaynabo]]
|Northwest =
}}
{{San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
{{US state capitals}}
{{Pan American Games host cities}}
{{List of North American capitals}}
{{Puerto Rico subdivisions}}
{{Subject bar
|portal1=Puerto Rico
|portal2=Geography
|portal3=North America
|portal4=United States
|portal5=Caribbean
|portal6=Islands
|portal7=Puerto Rico/Did you know-Puerto Rico?
|auto=y
|s=1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/San Juan Bautista de Puerto Rico
|d=y
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:San Juan, Puerto Rico}}
[[Category:San Juan, Puerto Rico| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Capitals in North America]]
[[Category:Capitals in the Caribbean]]
[[Category:Capitals of political divisions in the United States]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1508]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in Puerto Rico]]
[[Category:San Juan–Caguas–Guaynabo metropolitan area]]
[[Category:1508 establishments in the Spanish Empire]]
[[Category:1508 establishments in North America]]