San juan del morro: Exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Old San Juan

Posted by alexxlab
February 26, 2021
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Castillo San Felipe del Morro – What To Know BEFORE You Go

Overview
Tours & Tickets

The Basics

Driving and walking tours of Old San Juan usually include a stop at El Morro, as the fortress is commonly known, or you can zip around the site on a Segway or catch sight of it from the water aboard a boat tour. The fort’s more recent history includes the American military, which occupied the site from 1898 to 1961. The citadel occupies a picturesque spot, and when the wind blows, the lawn that connects it to town is a popular kite-flying spot.

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Things to Know Before You Go

Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a must-visit for history buffs.
Park rangers present a free orientation every hour.
Most levels of the fortress are accessible via ramps.
It takes about 1.5 hours to explore the fort and its exhibits.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring water and sunscreen.

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How to Get There

El Morro is located in the historic quarter, which is not accessible by public transportation. However, trolleys follow designated routes around Old San Juan, including one dedicated to stopping at the various forts, and taxis are also available. Driving is not recommended because the narrow, one-way streets are difficult to navigate.

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Trip ideas

Visiting San Juan for the First Time? Here’s What to See and Do

From the food to the flora and fauna and everything in between, here’s how to make the most of your first trip to San Juan.

Don’t Miss These Must-Do Activities in San Juan

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Where to Find the Best Views in San Juan

Here’s where to go for the best views in San Juan, from the streets to the suburbs.

How to Spend 2 Days in San Juan

With two days to spend in the Puerto Rican capital, you’ll be able to tour the colonial old city, explore otherworldly bioluminescent bays, and head farther afield to experience Puerto Rico’s rain forests.

How to Spend 1 Day in San Juan

Don’t-Miss Dishes in San Juan

How to Spend a Rainy Day in San Juan

When to Get There

You can expect the biggest crowds at El Morro when the cruise ships are docked, as well as on weekends, when kite flyers gather on the field leading up to the fort. Food vendors also gather then to cater to tourists and locals alike. El Morro is closed on major holidays.

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Castillo San Cristóbal

History and military buffs will also want to stop at Castillo San Cristóbal, another fort on the northeast edge of Old San Juan that is also part of the San Juan National Historic Site. Within walking distance of El Morro, it is typically less crowded. If you plan to visit the two sites, save money with a combination ticket that covers entry to both.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

What are the nearest attractions to Castillo San Felipe del Morro ?

Attractions near Castillo San Felipe del Morro :

San Juan National Historic Site (Sitio Histórico Nacional de San Juan)
Museum of the Americas (Museo de las Américas)
Old San Juan

What else should I know about attractions in San Juan?

As well as visiting the Castillo San Felipe del Morro , check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit:

Don’t-Miss Dishes in San Juan
How to Spend 2 Days in San Juan
How to Spend 1 Day in San Juan

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A Brief History of El Morro Castle in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

View of El Morro from the water | © TravelingOtter/ Flick

Mariela Santos

17 February 2017

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly known as El Morro, is a fortification built in San Juan, dating back to the 16th century, when Puerto Rico was under Spanish rule. Now a Word Heritage site it is one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic structures. Facing the Atlantic Ocean and situated in what is now known as Old San Juan, the capital city’s historic district, El Morro bridges the past with the present.

Built at the entrance of the Bay of San Juan, as the United States National Park service notes, made the fortification’s location crucial to protecting this premier Spanish colony- and protect Puerto Rico it did. El Morro came under attack multiple times by a variety of opponents, the most notable probably being renowned seaman Sir Francis Drake.

Inside El Morro | © Paul Sableman/ Fickr

When Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain to the United States at the end of the Spanish-American war, El Morro continued to play an important role in protecting the area. Features like a bunker and observation post were added, and it was used as a military base by the United States during World War I and II.

Once El Morro was no longer in use as a military structure, it was officially named a Historic Site. Since then the fortification and its lawn have been host to many events, especially concerts by various musical acts, including the Symphonic Orchestra of Puerto Rico and the Greek pianist and composer, Yanni.

Currently on any given day, families can be seen flying kites from the sprawling lawn in front of El Morro, various groups including students and tourists explore the fortification, and visitors of all ages take advantage of the breathtaking view to snap pictures.

El Morro and Lawn | © Ken and Nyetta/ Flickr

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The 10 best hotels close to

Fort San Felipe del Morro, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Star Ratings

5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star

Review score

Excellent: 9+
Very good: 8+
Good: 7+
Fairly good: 6+

Our recommendations
Lowest price at the beginning
Number of stars and price
Rating + number of reviews

352 Guest House Hotel Boutique

Old San Juan, San Juan (0.7 miles from Fort San Felipe del Morro)

352 Guesthouse is located in San Juan. The property has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden. The hotel’s front desk is open 24 hours a day. Room service is available.

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9.7

Superb

187 reviews

Price from

€283

per night

Check Availability

Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast

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Old San Juan, San Juan (0.7 miles from Fort San Felipe del Morro)

Housed in a restored 18th-century colonial building, Casa Sol B&B is located in the heart of San Juan Old Town, a 13-minute walk from the San Juan Fort.

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9.6

Superb

59 reviews

Price from

€241

per night

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EL Colonial Adults Only

Hotel in Old San Juan, San Juan
(0.7 miles from Fort San Felipe del Morro)

EL Colonial Adults Only is located in San Juan, 2.3 km from Escambron Beach. It offers allergy-free rooms, a bar, free Wi-Fi and a terrace.

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9.3

Superb

461 reviews

Price from

€317

per night

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Palacio Provincial – Adults Only

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Hotel in Old San Juan, San Juan
(0.9 miles from Fort San Felipe del Morro)

Offering a fitness center and a bar, Palacio Provincial is located in San Juan, 2.7 km from Escambron Beach and less than 1 km from San Felipe del Morro Fort.

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8.8

Fantastic

421 reviews

Price from

€229

per night

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Villa Herencia Hotel

Hotel in Old San Juan, San Juan
(0.5 miles from Fort San Felipe del Morro)

Featuring local art and a cozy terrace, Old San Juan is less than 3 km from Castillo de San Cristobal. The hotel also has a bar fridge.

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8.7

Fabulous

181 reviews

Price from

€194

per night

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Fortel Hostel

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Old San Juan, San Juan (0.7 miles from Fort San Felipe del Morro)

The Fortel Hostel in San Juan is adults only. The property features a restaurant, a shared lounge and a garden. A shared kitchen and concierge services are at guests’ disposal.

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8.9

Fantastic

331 reviews

Price from

€39

per night

Check Availability

See more properties near Fort San Felipe del Morro
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No. 1

7.9
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1 425 reviews

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