Viejo San Juan or Old San Juan is Puerto Rico’s most historic district. Old San Juan is also considered one of the oldest cities in the Americas. This beautiful historic city is full of colorful Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Surrounding this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site are spectacular Spanish-built historic forts. Throughout Viejo San Juan, you will find numerous plazas, cafes, restaurants, and Instagrammable photo spots. Keep reading for your guide to exploring Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Visiting Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
There are several ways to explore Old San Juan. You can explore this historic district at your leisure or book a tour with a local. Exploring on your own gives you the freedom to spend as much time as you want exploring Viejo San Juan. You can spend as much time as you want at the Historic Sites or simply walk up and down the cobblestone streets.
A walking tour will take you to several of the main points of interest in Old San Juan. Booking a guided tour with a local will provide you with a unique local perspective of the area. Locals will offer recommendations on where to eat, places to visit, and provide more information about the area’s history. No matter how you decide to experience Old San Juan, here are a few key landmarks that you can visit in Old San Juan.
Explore the San Juan Historic Sites
The most popular thing to do in Old San Juan is to visit the San Juan Historic Sites. The San Juan Historic Site is a collection of forts, old city walls, and bastions that surround Old San Juan. These historic landmarks in Old San Juan are a large part of the reason Old San Juan has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These historic sites contribute to the historic charm of Old San Juan.
Visiting the fortresses costs $10 for those over the age of 15 and includes entrance to both El Morro and San Cristobal for 24 hours. Anyone 15 years of age and younger is admitted free of charge. Make sure you keep your receipt as proof of payment if you decide to visit both forts. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass for National Parks, the pass will cover your entrance fee.
Explore Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
The most visited of the two main fortresses of the San Juan Historic Site is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly referred to as El Morro. The fortress is one of the more prominent features of Old San Juan, especially when entering San Juan Bay. From various spots on the fort, you will have amazing scenic views of Old San Juan, San Juan Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. We took many scenic pictures from various spots of El Morro. The views overlooking the city out to the ocean and San Juan Bay were amazing.
Leading to the entrance of the fortress is a massive lawn. You will see many locals and visitors enjoying the day with a picnic and flying kites. If you want to fly a kite on the lawn, which is a very popular thing to do at El Morro, you can buy a kite from a local vendor.
Expore Castillo San Cristóbal
Castillo San Cristobal is the sister fortress to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. From Castillo San Cristóbal, you can see El Morro, views overlooking Old San Juan, and breathtaking views of the cliffside out to the Atlantic Ocean. While exploring San Cristóbal, you can walk through a tunnel to a dungeon and explore different levels of the fortress.
Some popular spots to take pictures are the sentry boxes. Sentry boxes are iconic features of the forts, which often have windows looking out to the ocean. If you have the time, we recommend exploring Castillo San Cristóbal. We enjoyed our time walking around the fort, and it is usually less crowded than El Morro.
Discover La Fortaleza (The Governor’s Mansion)
La Fortaleza was once a prison, fortress, and arsenal. Today, La Fortaleza is the residence of the Puerto Rican Governor. To tour La Fortaleza, you will need to plan ahead. Since La Fortaleza is a functioning government building, guided tours are offered; however, they may be impacted by ongoing government proceedings.
Walk Along the Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro
Both Paseo de la Princesa and Paseo del Morro are along the outside of the historic old city walls. Paseo de la Princesa begins at the end of the old city’s fort wall, near the marina. A portion of the Paseo de la Princesa is lined with trees and benches, which is a great spot to sit and enjoy a piragua. As you approach San Juan Bay, you will see Fuente Raíces, which is a popular photo spot. Paseo de la Princesa turns into Paseo del Morro, where the Puerta de San Juan, the San Juan Gate, is located.
The Puerta de San Juan was once a main entrance for dignitaries and is the last city gate remaining in Old San Juan. Paseo del Morro goes from the Puerta de San Juan to Castillo San Felipe del Morro. As you walk Paseo del Morro, you are walking along the outside of the old city walls.
Relax at One of the Plazas in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
While walking around Old San Juan, you will encounter numerous plazas. The plazas are scattered throughout Old San Juan, so as you walk around, you can stop and rest at one of them. Here are a few of the plazas we spent time at.
Stop By Plaza de Armas
Plaza de Armas is a historic town square, which was the original town square during the colonial era. The plaza is surrounded by various cafes and shops, with a couple of cafes in the plaza. There is a fountain and benches in the shade. You can relax at Plaza de Armas while people-watching and enjoying the sights of the colorful colonial buildings.
Wander Around Plaza Colón
Plaza Colon is near Castillo San Cristobal. At Plaza Colon, a prominent feature is the monument to Christopher Columbus. If you like taking pictures with location signs, you will find an “I Love SJ” sign in this plaza. You can find several shops, restaurants, and hotels around Plaza Colon. There is even a kiosk in the plaza that sells Mofongo.
Enjoy Plaza Felisa Rincón de Gautier or Plaza de la Catedral
Plaza Felisa Rincón de Gautier, also known as Plaza de la Catedral, is a smaller plaza across from Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. The plaza features a large tree in the center, providing ample shade. Plaza de la Catedral is a great place to relax. It is also located a short distance from the Puerta de San Juan.
Subscribe to our Travel Newsletter!
Receive our free Packing Guide with Bonus Cruise Essentials Checklist and Waikiki Travel Guide with Map when you subscribe.
Visit the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Catedral de San Juan Bautista is considered to be one of the oldest Cathedrals in the Americas. It is also considered the oldest church on United States soil, dating back to Spanish colonization of Puerto Rico. The Catedral de San Juan Bautista is also the resting place of Juan Ponce de Leon, a legendary explorer who was the first governor of Puerto Rico.
Visiting the Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is a popular thing to do in Old San Juan. The cathedral features Gothic-style architecture, with stained glass windows, a beautiful altar, and domed ceilings. If you decide to visit the church, please be respectful. The church is active and holds masses, and you will likely see people praying.
Stop by Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
Parque de las Palomas, or Pigeon Park, is a popular spot for visitors. Pigeon Park gets its name from the many pigeons that call this park home. While at the park, if you are interested in feeding the pigeons, you can buy food from local vendors. In addition to the many pigeons in Parque de las Palomas, you will have an amazing view of San Juan Bay.
You can find Parque de las Palomas next to the Capilla del Cristo. The park is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Tuesday through Sunday.
Admire the Street Art and Art Installations in Old San Juan
In and around Old San Juan, you will find numerous spots for Instagrammable photo opportunities. One of the most popular spots is on the corner of Calle Fortaleza and Calle del Cristo, and is often referred to as Umbrella Street. This area of Calle Fortaleza has hanging decorations that will change periodically. Sometimes there will be umbrellas, the Puerto Rican flag, lights, or other decorations. Unfortunately, when we went, it was during a time they were in the process of changing out the decorations.
Another popular spot for pictures is Callejón de la Puerta Bandera. Callejón de la Puerta Bandera is a narrow alley featuring a mural of a Puerto Rican flag painted on an old door. The mural is near the Museum of San Juan. Additionally, on Calle de San Jose, you will find the Mural a la Bandera Negra. On Calle de la Cruz near Calle de San Sebastián, you will find Ángel de Boricua, which is angel wings with the Puerto Rican flag.
Visit One of the Several Museums in Old San Juan
Do you enjoy visiting museums during your travels? Stop by one of the several museums in Old San Juan. You can learn about the history of San Juan and the Americas or admire pieces of art at the National Gallery.
Explore the Museo de las Américas
The Museo de las Américas is a museum that highlights the history of the Americas, with an emphasis on Puerto Rico. There are several permanent exhibits, including the Indigenous of the Americas, African Heritage, and the Conquest and Colonization of Puerto Rico. The museum is located across from Castillo San Felipe del Morro. General admission to the museum is $6, while seniors and children under 12 years old pay $4.
Visit the Casa Blanca Museum
The Casa Blanca Museum is also near El Morro on Calle de San Sebastian. Casa Blanca was the home of Juan Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico’s first governor, family. It is one of the oldest homes in Old San Juan, having been built in 1521. The Casa Blanca Museum has artifacts and furniture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries as part of its collection. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The cost to enter the museum is $5; however, you can walk around the garden for free.
Visit the Museo de San Juan
The Museum of San Juan is a museum with artwork and information on the history of San Juan. The San Juan Museum is small, so you can easily walk through the exhibits and still have time to explore Old San Juan. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Admission to the Museo de San Juan is free of charge.
Enjoy Local Cuisine at Cafes and Restaurants
While exploring Old San Juan, visit one of the local restaurants or cafes to taste local cuisine. As you walk around Old San Juan, you will find many places to grab a bite to eat. Some of the traditional Puerto Rican dishes include mofongo, tostones, and lechon asado.
You can stop by Deaverdura, a local favorite that was recommended to us during our visit. Additionally, Puerto Rico is the home of the Piña Colada, so we recommend having one during your visit. Barrachina, near Parque de las Palomas, is said to be the home of the Piña Colada.
It can get hot while walking around Old San Juan, so a nice cool local treat you can get is a Piragua. A Piragua is a Puerto Rican version of a snow cone. You will find local piragua vendors throughout Old San Juan.
If you are looking for a fun, sweet treat and a drink, we recommend stopping by Drunken Cookies. At Drunken Cookies, you can order a cookie that comes with a mini shot of liquor. You can also order a cookie shot glass filled with a shot of liquor. The cookies were delicious, and it was a fun experience to have a shot of liquor in a chocolate chip cookie shot glass.
Book A Guided Food Tour
You can also book a guided food tour in Old San Juan that will take you to various spots. If you choose to do a food tour, you will likely stop at about five places and taste a variety of savory and sweet items. You may even find a food tour that includes a cocktail. Doing a guided food tour will also allow you to ask your local guide for more recommendations of places to eat. Food tours in Old San Juan are typically a walking tour to the various food locations.
Best Beaches Near Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Looking for a beach near Old San Juan? You can find a few great swim beaches about a 10 to 15 minute drive from the heart of Old San Juan. Here are a few of the best beaches near Old San Juan.
Balneario del Escambrón
Balneario del Escambron is one of the two closest beaches to Old San Juan. Of the two closest beaches, Balneario del Escambron has a bigger beach area. This is one of the most popular beaches closest to Old San Juan, so it can get crowded. Next to Balneario del Escambron is a parking lot and a park. The park separates Balneario del Escambron from Playa Escambron.
Playa Escambron, Escambron Beach
Playa Escambron is the second closest beach to Old San Juan. Escambron Beach is on the opposite side of the park from Balneario del Escambron, next to the Caribe Hilton Hotel. Compared to Balneario del Escambron, Escambron Beach has a smaller beach area. This is also one of the more popular beaches near Old San Juan, so it can get packed with visitors throughout the day.
The water at Escambron Beach is calm, making it a great beach for swimming. If you are interested in snorkeling and potentially seeing sea turtles, this is one of the beaches to visit. You can easily book a snorkel excursion or bring your own snorkel gear to snorkel on your own.
La Playita del Condado
If you are looking for a great family-friendly beach near Old San Juan, visit La Playita del Condado. La Playita del Condado is just outside the Old San Juan area, adjacent to Condado Lagoon. From the heart of Old San Juan, La Playita del Condado is about a 10-minute drive.
La Playita del Condado has calm water and a tidal pool. The calm water makes it an excellent beach for swimming and snorkeling. You can find lounge chairs and umbrellas available to rent on the beach. If you get hungry, you can also find local food vendors selling food on the beach. You can also find some nearby places to grab a bite to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions About Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Here are some frequently asked questions about exploring Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. We hope these answers help you prepare for your visit to Old San Juan.
To truly experience the beauty and history of Old San Juan, I recommend spending at least two to three days exploring this historic district. There is so much to see in Old San Juan that leisurely exploring the area is the best way to explore this historic district of Viejo San Juan. You can easily spend a few hours or half a day exploring the San Juan Historic Site and still have many historical sites, museums, and points of interest to visit.
Yes, Old San Juan is a very walkable historic district in Puerto Rico. You should be aware that sidewalks can be narrow in many areas. The roads are mainly cobblestone streets, so if you walk on the street, there can be some uneven areas. Additionally, you will likely be walking uphill or downhill depending on where you start exploring Old San Juan.
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for your day or days exploring Old San Juan. If you are traveling with someone who is mobility-impaired, they may have a harder time getting around. The area closest to the San Juan Cruise Port is more accessible for individuals with mobility issues to explore. This area has wider sidewalks and less of an incline.
The best time to visit Old San Juan is from December through April, which is the dry season. During this time, you can expect great weather during your trip, with minimal rainfall. From late May through November is the wet season, which corresponds with hurricane season in the Caribbean. It can be hot and humid, so we highly recommend having a water bottle with you when exploring this historic area.
Yes, there is parking in Old San Juan. You can find paid parking garages in Old San Juan, or try to find free street parking. The Ballaja parking garage is near Castillo Felipe del Morro. You can also find a few parking areas near the San Juan Cruise Port.
Yes, Uber is available in Old San Juan. When we stayed in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, we used Uber to get to and from Old San Juan.
Yes, you can find taxis in Old San Juan. Taxis in Puerto Rico, especially in tourist zones like Old San Juan, are regulated. If you are in a tourist zone, a fixed rate will apply to your taxi ride, depending on your destination. Outside of the tourist zones, taxis are metered.
Yes, you can find several hotels throughout Old San Juan. You can find both locally owned hotels and big chain hotels, such as Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott.
Is Old San Juan Worth Visiting?
Yes, Old San Juan is absolutely worth visiting during your trip to Puerto Rico. There is so much history in this wonderful town. There are many beautiful, colorful Spanish Colonial buildings, Instagram-worthy spots, and culture throughout Old San Juan. A visit to Old San Juan should be part of your Puerto Rico vacation itinerary.
Enjoy Your Time Exploring Old San Juan
We hope you enjoy exploring Old San Juan as much as we did. If you will be in the San Juan, Puerto Rico area for several days, we recommend taking your time to enjoy and explore Old San Juan. Spend some time walking the Paseo del Morro, explore the forts, and enjoy some of the local cuisine. You will not regret taking the time to explore the beautiful, colorful, historic Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Happy traveling!
Popular & Related Posts
- Visiting El Yunque National Forest: Puerto Rico’s Rainforest
- San Juan Cruise Terminal Puerto Rico: Your Complete Guide
- The 33 Best Things to Do in Aruba, The Ultimate Guide
- The 25 Best Things to Do in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
- 32 Things to Do in Bonaire, The Ultimate Guide
- 45 Best Things to Do in Curacao on Your Caribbean Getaway
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua Tour, Everything You Need to Know
- Tips to Know Before Traveling to the US Virgin Islands
- Best Things to Do on Grand Cayman Island
- Shete Boka National Park in Curacao – A Complete Guide
- Christoffel National Park in Curacao – A Complete Guide
