Cheap flights from Pittsburgh to San Juan, and what to do once you're there

<p>Photo: iStock</p>

Photo: iStock

If you're looking to escape to the tropics, head to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the destination with the top spot on the New York Times' list of places to visit in 2019. The island's capital and largest city faces the Atlantic Ocean, and it has plenty to offer.

Plan to visit both the Isla Verde resort strip, known for its bars, nightclubs and casinos and Old San Juan, which features colorful Spanish colonial buildings, cobble-stoned streets and 16th-century landmarks. There is also the Paseo de la Princesa bayside promenade, a number of imposing fortresses and the close proximity to El Yunque National Forest, all of which are worth visiting.

Thankfully, there are plenty of relatively inexpensive flights between Pittsburgh and San Juan. We pulled from travel site Skyscanner to provide you with a short list of flights and hotels handpicked with the trendy adventurer in mind.

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Cheapest San Juan flights

The cheapest flights between Pittsburgh and San Juan are if you leave on April 30 and return from Puerto Rico on May 4. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $315, roundtrip.

There are also deals to be had in May. If you fly out of Pittsburgh on May 28 and return from San Juan on June 4, jetBlue can get you there and back for $357 roundtrip.

Top San Juan hotels

Regarding where to stay, here are two of San Juan’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.

The Hotel El Convento (100 Cristo St. Old, San Juan)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Hotel El Convento. The hotel has a 4.9-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $280.

This San Juan boutique hotel is located in the historical district, near the Museo del Nino, San Juan Cathedral and the Puerta de San Juan.

The Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino (1309 Ashford Ave.)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

There's also the 4.7-star rated The Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino. Rooms are currently set at $261/night.

This beachfront resort is close to the Plaza del Mercado and Condado Beach. Additional attractions include the Puerto Rico Convention Center.

Featured San Juan food and drink

If you're looking to snag a bite at one of San Juan's many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations from Skyscanner's listings that will help keep you satiated.

Kasalta (1966 Mc Leary)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

One of San Juan's most popular restaurants is Kasalta, which has an average of 4.6 stars out of 29 reviews on Skyscanner.

"It's great for breakfast even though it has a bar and deli as well," wrote Dani.

Santaella (219 Calle Canals)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular dining destination is Santaella, with five stars from 10 reviews.

"Santaella celebrates the roots of the island, and incorporates techniques, flavors and fusions from around the world into its food," wrote reviewer www.puertorico-rentals.com.

Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar (317 Calle Fortaleza)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for a solid place to grab a drink, plan to visit Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar. It has 4.8 stars from 19 reviews.

El Jibarito (280 Calle Sol)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's the El Jibarito, with 4.9 stars from 12 reviews.

"San Juan dining at its best," wrote Aaron.

Featured San Juan attractions

Not sure what to do in San Juan, besides eat and drink? Here are a few recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.

Old San Juan (San Juan)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is Old San Juan. It checks in with 4.9 stars from 152 reviews.

"Old San Juan is beautiful. I highly recommend coming here if you're interested in learning about history, local food, museums and more," wrote visitor Sofia.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro (501 Calle Norzagaray)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is another popular destination, with 4.7 stars from 123 reviews.

Constructed in 1540, this six-story fort hides a warren of prison cells, barracks and hallways. It was attacked on many occasions by both English and Dutch forces. It is listed in the National Historic Register.

The Bacardi Rum Factory (Cataño)

<b>Photo: Trip by Skyscanner</b>
Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, consider checking out The Bacardi Rum Factory. It has 4.6 stars from 89 reviews.

See how Bacardi is made and sample it on a tour of the Bacardi Rum Factory.

This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.