I went to a bachelorette in Puerto Rico and realized it’s the perfect destination

I’m surprised it took me so long to make a trip to Puerto Rico, considering its close flight proximity to New York City. I finally visited the island in February for a last-minute, thrown- together bachelorette party. 

I knew I would like Puerto Rico, but I didn’t realize I would LOVE it. For such a small island, it’s packed with everything from history and old ruins to great nightlife. 

I spent the week staying in Old San Juan, with two nights spent on the island of Vieques. Even though we tried to see as many tourist sites and attractions as we could, I may have to return for another visit. I underestimated how much there is to do in Puerto Rico beyond the sandy beaches! 

The biggest surprise? Puerto Rico is probably the best place you can go for a bachelorette party. 

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My first impressions – a slower pace, sense of relaxation, and other observations

When you live in New York City like I do, you forget how overwhelming it is compared to the rest of the world, which is beating to the tune of a slower drum. This was the case in Puerto Rico; everything moves slowly. 

As soon as we landed, I was surprised by how small the international airport was. I instantly felt a sense of relaxation, knowing the atmosphere was already less hectic than what I’m typically used to back home. 

We booked an Airbnb on a quiet street just a ten-minute drive from Old San Juan. When we arrived, our neighbor was grilling food with a smile and we felt a sense of local community even though tourists were occupying every sidewalk (you know them by the sunburn). 

Another contrast was how intertwined poverty and luxury are in Puerto Rico. From natural disasters to bad politics, the island and its people have been through a lot. You could see the divide in neighborhoods, with some buildings abandoned and run down surrounded by modern architecture and upkeep. 

The beauty of the island isn’t overshadowed by this, but I believe visitors should be mindful that many are struggling to survive, even with a strong tourism economy. 

The stunning beauty of Old San Juan

Old San Juan is such a fascinating city with so many cool things to do. The gorgeous cobblestone streets are checkered with colorful houses and old European architecture. 

I would highly recommend spending the day wandering around and visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro. This is a must-see. You’re treated to incredible ocean views from up high, and you can spend hours just walking or hanging out on the grass with your group. 

This is what makes Puerto Rico such a great destination for your bachelorette party. You have the ocean, rich history, architecture, food, and nightlife in the same area. 

We started the day by sightseeing the beautiful grounds of El Morro, and then we were within walking distance of incredible restaurants in Old San Juan when we felt tired. Each of us enjoyed something different, and we loved the fact that wandering around provided us with a package deal of fun.  

Did I mention that the locals are super friendly? Maybe some of the nicest people I’ve met when traveling. 

Quick note: I know I’m focusing on the girls here, but Puerto Rico is a solid choice for a bachelor party; we met plenty of groups on our trip! 

Very safe for female travelers

Everywhere I went in Puerto Rico, I felt safe. Traveling with a group of women and wanting to check out the nightlife, safety is a top priority. 

Of course, as with any city, there are areas to avoid. A local told us to avoid La Perla late at night and not to venture anywhere too quiet, like alleys and dark streets with fewer tourists. I found this crime map to help you navigate the island. 

Since tourism is a vital part of Puerto Rico’s economy, you can see the effort to make sure the area is crime-free. If you stick to the popular neighborhoods, you should feel completely at ease! Just use the same judgment as you would traveling anywhere else.  

Oh, now would be a good time to tell you that the nightlife is INSANE, in the best kind of way. 

Groups of people are dancing to reggaeton everywhere, and the bar scene is electric. La Placita de Santurce and Sebastian Street in Old San Juan are the busiest areas on Friday and Saturday nights. La Factoría was our collective favorite, with El Batey deserving an honorable mention. 

We met multiple other groups of women enjoying their bachelorette parties, and we even exchanged numbers with a few who lived in New York City. Puerto Rico is a safe place to let loose and meet new people. I assure you, you won’t have regrets! 

Delicious food and unique dishes

Puerto Rico definitely has a great food scene, with plenty of unique restaurants for you to try during your visit. I think I ate enough tostones for a lifetime, but probably not, so I will return. 

As a first-time visitor to the archipelago, I was pleasantly surprised by how tasty the traditional dishes of mofongo, arroz con gandules, and pasteles were. 

Heads up – if you’re a vegetarian, then Puerto Rican food may be a bit of a challenge to navigate. They certainly don’t shy away from meat. There are vegetarian options available, but you may feel limited.

Our favorite restaurant and fine-dining experience was Marmalade in San Juan. While it’s on the pricier side, we wanted to give the bride-to-be a proper dinner, and they did not disappoint. 

One other thing: the service in Puerto Rico is slow. This isn’t uncommon for some, but compared to New York City, it took some getting used to. If the waiter asks you for your order, be ready! They may not return for quite a while. 

Hey, living on an island of paradise, who can blame them?

Explore outside of Old San Juan!

If there’s one thing you should do for your bachelorette party in Puerto Rico, it would be to venture to another part of the island. 

Don’t get me wrong; Old San Juan and the surrounding area are enough to satisfy an entire trip. You will not be disappointed. However, it took leaving the touristy neighborhoods to really appreciate the many layers and unique history of the land and locals. 

Our group decided to stay two nights on the island of Vieques, an hour ferry ride from mainland Puerto Rico. San Juan to Vieques took some navigation and planning logistics, but it was worth it. 

I was in awe as soon as we arrived! The neighborhood we stayed in was so quiet, with wild horses, chickens, and dogs openly roaming the street. We befriended a cat and he stayed with us for the two nights we were there. If you want tranquility away from tourists, book a stay in Vieques. 

With less than 10,000 residents, you can enjoy the private beaches, with almost no traffic on the quiet island. Also, Vieques is super safe. 

A top attraction that drew us in was the Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay. You can take a guided tour to see the rare phytoplankton light up in the water when dark. This is the perfect plan for a group and a bonding experience you won’t find everywhere. 

An important reminder: wear sunscreen! 

We had a few hours to kill before our check-in when we arrived in Vieques, and we decided to check out one of the beaches near our Airbnb. Well, three hours under the sun gave us all a serious sunburn. Putting on clothes was painful, and wearing enough sunscreen is a small thing often overlooked. The sun is strong all year round: plan accordingly. 

Quick Note: Get ready to see wild animals roam the streets of Puerto Rico

A final word: Spend at least one night in Old San Juan’s Historic District

I’m including this bit of advice because staying in Old San Juan will cost more than some other parts of Puerto Rico. 

I won’t deny that it’s the “tourist trap” on the island. You will meet so many locals that you’ll feel like you’re on the mainland USA. I mean, it is a territory, but it certainly feels more Latin and has an identity of its own. 

However, Old San Juan is not overrated by any means, even if it is full of tourists. The atmosphere is unique with an enticing energy that’s difficult to explain, but I’ll try. 

Imagine streets similar to Lisbon combined with Caribbean hospitality and ruins that grip you with the 500-year history of colonization and triumph. The mornings are slow, and the streets come alive at night. It’s something everyone should experience once.

We spent two nights in La Terraza de San Juan, which was incredible for accommodating a group. We were close to the historic sites, restaurants, nightlife, and the ocean. 

There aren’t all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Rico, so make sure to book a hotel or apartment that captivates the culture. It makes such a difference! We all raved about our mini apartment that made us feel like we were in a Latin American time capsule.  

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So, there you have it. Book the bachelorette trip in Puerto Rico to get the best of everything! (Just make sure it isn’t hurricane season)