San Juan City Guide

Food is hearty and local, but international options (Italian, some Asian) are growing. Vegetarian and vegan options exist but are not found everywhere. Late-night snacks are popular downtown.

Nightlife is relaxed, with pubs, bars, and a few dance clubs mainly active on weekends, mostly centered around Avenida Libertador and Rivadavia.

Coffee culture mixes old-style cafes with new specialty spots. Café con leche is popular, and some local roasters are gaining traction.

Tipping 10% at restaurants is normal for good service. Taxis and small services round up, but it’s optional.

Buy SIMs at Claro, Movistar, or Personal stores or kiosks; passport needed. eSIM is growing but not always found. Setup is quick if you have ID.

City center and avenidas are clean. Waste pickup is regular, though recycling is limited.

Some pharmacies on a rotating 24-hour schedule; major hospitals are always open. Minimarts and late-night food options are available, but night clinics are limited.

Large supermarkets like Carrefour and Vea are common, with fresh markets offering good local produce. Most store hours are 9 AM–9 PM; expect afternoon breaks and Sunday closures in small shops.

Cards work in big supermarkets, hotels, and many restaurants. For small shops, markets, and taxis, expect to pay cash.

ATMs are easy to find, with Banco Nación and Banco San Juan being common. Fees for international cards can be high. It makes sense to withdraw larger sums at once.

Public and private schools operate mainly in Spanish; no major international schools in San Juan itself. Admissions and English support vary by school—check directly with the institution.

San Juan’s nomad scene is small and connections are often informal. Few official meetups, but some coworking and friendly cafes exist.

Good access to parks, like Parque de Mayo and Quebrada de Zonda. They offer shade and spots for exercise or picnics.

Running is popular in parks like Parque de Mayo, with good paths and decent air quality. Clubs and park loops are available.

Gyms are easy to find and offer flexible passes. Most have standard workout equipment, and some have classes.

Tennis courts and clubs are common. Bookings and coaching available, with mostly clay or hard courts.

Padel is popular and courts are easy to find. Rentals and classes are often available.

Yoga studios are in the city, with a growing variety of class styles. Some English-speaking teachers can be found.

Facilities offer Taekwondo, Karate, Judo, boxing, and a bit of BJJ. English-speaking trainers are rare, so local language helps.

No ski resorts in San Juan. Las Leñas resort is several hours away in Mendoza.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are all available at Ullum Dam or Cuesta del Viento Dam.

No surfing. San Juan is far from the ocean.

No scuba diving or snorkeling here.

Healthcare is solid, with Hospital Rawson (public) and Clínica San Juan (private) as main options. Clinics are faster but pricier. Pharmacies are spread throughout the city, some open 24/7 on a rotation.

Tap water is treated and is safe to drink, but some visitors prefer bottled water for taste reasons.

San Juan suits families with parks, playgrounds, and activities. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions like museums and animal parks are popular.

San Juan is moderately accepting, with a more conservative feel than Buenos Aires. Legal protections are strong but visible LGBTQ+ spaces are fewer.

Pet rules depend on each hotel or place, but pet supplies and vets are easy to find. There are some green spaces where dogs are allowed.