San Juan is a vibrant, historic city that welcomes millions of visitors annually. It is generally safe for tourists who exercise standard urban awareness, presenting safety considerations similar to any major metropolitan area worldwide. Visitors who remain in well-traveled, tourist-focused districts and maintain vigilance typically experience a safe and enjoyable trip.
Understanding the Crime Landscape
The most common type of crime affecting visitors is property crime, including pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from rental cars. Property crimes account for a significant majority of all reported incidents in Puerto Rico and are the crimes most likely to impact tourists. This risk is highest in crowded areas, such as busy markets, beaches, and public transportation hubs.
Violent crime is generally concentrated in areas far removed from the main tourist zones, often related to drug trafficking or local disputes. Tourists are rarely the intended targets of these incidents, especially when they avoid venturing into unfamiliar residential neighborhoods. Treating San Juan with the same level of caution used in New York, Miami, or any other major city is the most effective preventative measure.
Neighborhood Safety: Where to Be Cautious
The primary tourist areas are considered the safest parts of the city due to high visibility and consistent police presence. Old San Juan, the beachfront districts of Condado and Isla Verde, are well-lit and heavily patrolled. These areas are safe for walking during the day and into the evening, though awareness should be maintained, especially late at night.
Caution is advised when exploring less-traveled or residential areas, particularly after dark. Neighborhoods like Puerta de Tierra and parts of Santurce require greater vigilance, especially if unfamiliar with the area. A specific area to avoid entirely is La Perla, located just outside the northern walls of Old San Juan, which is known for illicit activity.
Essential Precautions and Common Scams
Securing personal belongings is the most important precaution, especially when relaxing on the beach or navigating crowded streets. Never leave bags, phones, or wallets unattended on the sand, as opportunistic theft is common. When withdrawing cash, use ATMs located inside banks or secure hotel lobbies rather than isolated street machines, which can be targets for card skimming devices.
Tourists should also be aware of common distraction scams designed to facilitate pickpocketing. One tactic involves a person offering to help clean a substance, such as a fake bird dropping, placed on your clothing. For transportation, rely on licensed taxis or established ride-share applications to avoid being overcharged. Always confirm the fare or ensure the meter is running before the trip begins.
Non-Criminal Travel Safety
Beyond crime, San Juan’s tropical environment presents specific environmental and health considerations. The sun’s intensity near the equator is significantly stronger, requiring the application of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and consistent hydration to prevent heat exhaustion. Peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., demand extra caution.
Ocean safety is also a concern, particularly on the north coast beaches, including those in Condado and Isla Verde, which are exposed to the Atlantic Ocean. These beaches frequently experience strong rip currents, which are channeled currents of water flowing away from the shore. If caught in a rip current, remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, rather than attempting to swim directly back to the beach.