Viejo san juan puerto rico: Old San Juan Trolley, Puerto Rico. Hours, Map, Stops, Tours

20 Best Things to Do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

When it comes to Old San Juan, the first thing that hits travelers is the steep and labyrinth-like streets along the Atlantic Ocean. However, this beautiful historic district has much more to offer, from old-world elegance to five-century-old forts and delicious food. And in this post, we will share them all, plus tips for a great experience.

1: See the colorful buildings of Old San Juan

While in Old San Juan, the first thing you should see is the colorful historic buildings running along the Atlantic Ocean. Most of them today are residential properties, cafes, and more than enough shops, from small souvenirs to high-end clothes.

Stroll up the street, and soon you will find yourself on a steep cobblestone street – Calle del Cristo – and overlook the colorful buildings, a view that nobody can resist the temptation not to leave a few photographs with. Also, Calle del Cristo is a famous shopping district with all kinds of spaces and establishments with a variety of offers.

If you want something to look at while roaming around, head to the Paseo de la Princesa, a wide-open pedestrian street lined with shops, vendors selling shaved ice, artists, and places to eat. And you’ll take in the majestic shoreline views as you stroll.

Walking up our first colorful street in Old San Juan.

2: Visit Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Also known as El Morro, this old fortress sits atop a high promontory at the northwesternmost point of the island, overlooking the entrance to San Juan Bay. It is the result of the efforts of Spanish engineers over 250 years since 1983 and is one of the most massive fortifications built in the Caribbean.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro has a long history, through both World Wars, and was retired in 1961. Today, national park rangers are there to provide information, in addition to the site’s displayed signs and exhibitions, to help you experience this impressive historical landmark.

There are six levels, and on the second level are a few stone viewpoints from where you can overlook the boundless Atlantic Ocean, the colorful houses along the coast, and the vast grassland stretching from the fort.

Me and the stunning ocean views from the second floor of Castillo Felipe del Morro.

Fun fact: We were caught in a small storm visiting the fort, which wetted us from top to toe and destroyed our umbrellas. It was fun, though.

In addition to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, forts like the Castle of San Cristóbal (Castillo De San Cristóbal) and El Palacio de Santa Catalina (also known as La Fortaleza) have been the primary defense to protect this historic city from numerous attacks.

3: See Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery

Located right next to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, this beautiful cemetery was established in 1863 and the final resting place for many notable residents of Puerto Rico, including famous poets, politicians composers, and artists.

I hear you! A cemetery might not be the best place to spend a leisure afternoon in Old San Juan, but this colonial-era one is different. Sitting alongside the Atlantic Ocean, it is full of wildflowers, life-sized sculptures made of marble, bright white burial sites, and colorful houses in the distance. This is a perfect spot for some unique photos.

Visitors are welcomed to walk into the site, but if you don’t have time to make your way into the cemetery itself, you can get some great views from the top of Castillo del Morro.

An overview of Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery from the wall.

4: Visit The Cathedral Of San Juan Bautista

This graceful church located just across from the beautiful El Convento Hotel is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, Puerto Rico, not to mention the oldest cathedral in the U. S. and the 2nd oldest in the Americas. The original structure was made of wood but destroyed by a hurricane and rebuilt in 1540.

Besides its beautiful appearance, the cathedral is famous for two famous reliquaries, the first of which rests the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León. He is the first governor of Puerto Rico and the man who went to search the Fountain of Youth.

Here, you will also find one for another long-deceased figure: Padre Pio, a Roman martyr who was killed for his faith, and his saint is encased in a glass box.

• A Fun fact about the place: Strategically located near the docks, the church is the first place for sailors, travelers, and explorers as they entered the city to thank God for a safe voyage.

The inside of Cathedral Of San Juan Bautista, Puerto Rico.

5: Go for some Puerto Rican Street Food

Old San Juan Food Court is our favorite spot to hit for street food in Old San Juan. Their piña colada is made fresh and only costs $5. Though it’s a food court, there are only two options. You can get your drinks at the bar by the entrance and food from the concession stand inside, which has a nice selection of meat and veggies.

Looking for some more piña colada or appetizers to enjoy while roaming around? Head to La Casita de Rones, a cute pink house just steps from the Muelle De Viejo Ferry Terminal. You can also sit outside on the back deck and take in some amazing views of San Juan Bay.

If you’re looking for restaurants to have a proper sit-down meal, go to Fortaleza Street, which is famous as a Restaurant Row that features some of the best restaurants in town.

6: Walk Down Calle Fortaleza, a.k.a. Umbrella Street

While it’s touristy, this is the spot to go to in Old San Juan if you want to take Instagrammable photos. The draw here is the colorful umbrellas that hang over the cobblestone streets, which are also lined with plenty of shops and places to eat.

The colors of these umbrellas do occasionally change, depending on the theme. But if you’re hoping for the perfect selfie, go early! So you have a better chance of taking photos without a million people in the background.

Visit Calle Fortaleza – the Umbrella Street on a weekday afternoon.

7: Visit Castillo San Cristobal

Located to the east of Castillo San Felipe del Morro and rising 150 feet above the sea level, Castillo San Cristobal has three levels for you to explore. At the top, you will enjoy some panoramic views of the old city and the Atlantic Ocean.

Similar to Castillo del Morro, it took quite some time – up to 20 years – for this sprawling fortification to finish, in 1785, which makes it 200 years younger than its peer in the west. As the largest European fort in the United States, Castillo San Cristobal was built to protect Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the city from an attack by land.

Best of all, admission to the site is only $5. You can explore this massive castle yourself or take a free guided walking tour, which allows you to hold one of the bayonets in the soldier’s barracks, visit the tunnels below, and learn the history of the fort.

Castillo San Cristobal facing the Atlantic Ocean. Photo by rschnaible/Flickr

8: Take a Sunset Stroll Along Paseo La Princesa

If you’re looking for a spot to take a peaceful stroll or jog, this 0.2-mile shaded promenade is your best bet. It stretches from Banco Popular – the tallest building as well as the first bank in Old San Juan to the lovely Raíces Fountain.

During the weekend, the street is often packed with locals who flock here to enjoy a lovely walk, free cultural performance, or shop for local handmade crafts. If you continue past the San Juan Gate, the road extends for about a mile to the new entrance of Fort El Morro.

In addition to early mornings, the best time to enjoy the walk is during sunset when you will take in some gorgeous views of the bay from the fountain. Best of all, you can avoid all that heat of the day.

The exotic houses along Paseo La Princesa in Old San Juan. Photo by Joan/Flickr (under Creative Commons license)

9: Beer Hopping

If you don’t want to travel far to the Bacardi Rum Distillery, head to one of the microbreweries on the island and enjoy fresh-craft beer. One recommended option is Old Harbor Brewery, which is next to Banco Popular near the cruise docks. It follows the German Purity Law in their brewing practices and famous for Cerveza Santo Viejo.

Another great option is the Taverna Lupulom, which is said to have the best craft beer in Puerto Rico, featuring over 150 selections of local, American, and European beer.

10: Tour Around on a bicycle

If you want a unique way to learn the history of the old town, join a guided bicycle tour which, departs from Bahia Urbana next to Pier 4. You can also rent a bike for the day and ride it around the city and stop anytime you like for photos and snacks.

Best of all, there aren’t crazy hills like New York, or San Juan does have some hills. So, you won’t exhaust yourself even on hot summer days (bring enough water through!) Also, just like any other city, be conscious and share the road.

11: Check Out the Home of Ponce de León

Remember the Spanish explorer who made his legacy chasing after the mythical Foundation of Youth? Before embarking on his destined-to-fail journey, he built this home, where his family lived here for about 200 years since 16th century. Today, the house is a beautiful trip back through the ages, and one of the cultural highlights of Old San Juan.

12: Browse the Art Galleries

Besides the artsy and beautiful architectures you see here, Old San Juan is home to plenty of galleries and a heaven for artists. Some great options worth visiting are Galería Botello and Obra Galería, which showcase fine local and regional works.

Galería W. Labiosa, the oldest art gallery in Puerto Rico. Photo by Galería W. Labiosa

13: Shop, Shop, Shop!

Besides the colorful architectures, delicious snacks, and piña colada, there are plenty of opportunities to shop. Walking down the streets, you will see shops selling great antiques, cigars, vintage items, hats, and more! Even if you don’t buy anything, it is still fun to venture into one of the stores and just look.

14: Sunset Sailing on the Bay

For some majestic views of Old San Juan’s harbor, hop on the ferry at the terminal near La Casita de Rones, which connects the towns of Catano and Old San Juan.

The ride is 8 to 10 minutes, during which you will snap some great photos of Fort El Morro and Castillo San Felipe del Morro in the distance. If you go for sunset, be ready for some gorgeous shots of the bay as the sun starts to set. As the ferries are for commuters, there’s no outdoor seating. But, you can open the windows for photos.

Once you get off in Catano, wander around and check out the Bacardi Rum Distillery if you plan to. There isn’t really much to do here. And, the round trip costs just a buck!

15: Book a Nighttime Walking Tour of the City

Old San Juan comes alive as the sun starts to set, and you can explore the many bars, restaurants, and live events it has to offer yourself or take a guided walking tour. There are two for you to choose from – Leslie Padró’s Flavors of San Juan and Night Tales in Old San Juan, which invites you to experience the sides of Old San Juan that you wouldn’t see during the day.

The night of Old San Juan. Photo by NomadicStateOfMind/Flickr (under Creative Commons license)

16: Visit the Bacardi Rum Distillery

Have you ever wondered how rum is made? If you do, you shouldn’t miss the Bacardi Rum Distillery, which is considered as the cathedral of rum by the locals. There are tours available every day for you to explore the rum-making process.

You can also take a mixology class and learn to craft some popular island cocktails. You will even walk away with a certificate of completion that you can brag about from an expert mixologist!

17: Spend a beach day at Isla Verde

Of course, your visit to Old San Juan, or just Puerto Rico, in general, won’t be complete without spending a day or two at the beach and get gorgeously tanned. One great beach worth hitting in Old San Juan is Isla Verde. As one of the most popular beaches in the metro area, it invites travelers to experience the pleasures of a beautiful tropical beach with a vibrant nightlife and a variety of water sports.

The peaceful Isla Verde beach near Puerto Rico airport.

18: Visit La Rogativa & Learn its Story

Located in a quiet corner of the city near San Juan Gate, this famous bronze statue commemorates one of the most powerful yet ridiculous legends of Puerto Rico.

In 1797, the British troops took control of the city by the naval blockade (this historic district has been a military location for the Spanish well into the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries until 1898.) But, a sharp-witted priest led the outnumbered soldiers out on the streets, singing hymns, carrying torches and bells, and praying for their city’s deliverance. The British mistook the sights and sounds for the arrival of reinforcements and abandoned their attack.

Ridiculous but witty!

19: Stop by La Fortaleza – governor’s mansion

La Fortaleza isn’t just the oldest governor’s mansion still operating in the western hemisphere but also one of the loveliest. Its light blue and white facade, tiled roof, and wrought ironwork make it a perfect spot for some Instagrammable shots.

Its name means “The Fortress” in Spanish, and it was intended as such when it was completed in 1540 as part of the effort to secure the island’s defenses. In 1846, it was remodeled and converted to be the governor’s house. The highlight of this massive mansion is the ancient mahogany clock. Before leaving the island, the last Spanish governor paused the time with his sword, stopping the Spanish rule in the New World.

For those who have kids and plan to visit during Christmas, be sure to stop by La Fortaleza, and your little one(s) might walk away with a gift.

20: Visit Casa Blanca Museum

Tucked away at the corner of Calle de Casa Blanca along the city wall, Casa Blanca is the first fortification built in San Juan. It was also the residence of Juan Ponce de Leon, who, sadly, passed away before he was able to occupy it, but his family did.

Today, Casa Blanca is a museum with 16th and 17th-century artifacts. Here, you can wander through the elegant gardens, a living room with one of the best views in San Juan, the dining room where Ponce de Leon’s family ate dinner, a small but informative exhibit, and more.

Casa Blanca Museum in Old San Juan. Photo by David Bloch Gallery

How to Get to Old San Juan

If you live in Old San Juan the day before, which we highly recommend you to do so, the easiest way to get there is to take an Uber. It is a 10-minute ride from Old San Juan with an average cost of $5. The driver would usually drop you off at the small square from where it is another 2-minute walk to those colorful buildings.

If you drive, there are several parking lots on different sides of the San Juan National Historic Site that have a reasonable parking rate of $2 per hour.

Also, a warning about driving: avoid driving into the heart of Old San Juan. Otherwise, you will end up in an endless loop of One Way streets, tiny alleyways, and hairpin turns. Not to mention how steep these streets are.

The Best Time To Visit Old San Juan

The best time to visit those buildings is on a sunny day as the sunlight will make the wall color more vibrant. Unfortunately, we didn’t have much luck with the weather during our visit. The rain was on and off. But we did seize a few lovely moments for photos when the sun peaked out.

Our favorite activity in Old San Juan was just wandering the beautiful streets. If you keep walking north, you will see the Atlantic Ocean.

If you love fascinating statues commemorating history, there is also one famous fort, which we will visit in a minute. If shopping is your thing, there are more than enough shops, from small souvenirs to high-end clothes.

There are many places in Old San Juan where you can take postcard-like pictures. Below are some of our favorite spots, check them out when you were there.

What to bring when going to old san juan

It can be pretty exhausting to roam around in these slopping streets, which is especially true on a hot day. Check the weather forecast before going, bring a lot of water if necessary. Wear sneakers, flip-flops, or any shoes that you feel comfortable in. High heels are not recommended. If you are visiting in winter as we did, bring an umbrella as it may rain a lot.

Too much walking?

There are a few cafes and bars between the blocks where you can sit outside in the umbrella shade and enjoy a light breakfast/brunch or even grab a coffee or drink to go. Since day one, we have been told that drinking on the street in Puerto Rico is legal – you don’t have this luxury often, so take the chance and enjoy it!

Alright, that’s all the fun things we recommend in Old San Juan and hope you’ve enjoyed it and known which one to visit during your time here. In summary, our day trips to Puerto Rico were delightful, tasty, exhausting, but memorable!

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Take a trip around Viejo San Juan | Courier

Viejo San Juan, or Old San Juan, is a small neighborhood in the greater metropolitan area of Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan. It serves as a time capsule for history and architecture, with more than 700 historic post-Columbian buildings. This cluster of 74 blocks is bookended by two and a half miles of formidable stone bastions, defensive curtain walls and castles built during Spanish rule. While it’s the seat of local government and Puerto Rican history, it’s also home to a thriving bohemian culture. Although tourism has changed some of its character in recent years, there are bars, restaurants, galleries, bookstores and museums that maintain the neighborhood’s essence – one forged through more than 400 years of colonialism. Despite the gentrification, Viejo San Juan remains the urban center of San Juan. 

Drink 

El Batey

Bars change; they come and go. But El Batey remains the same as it was in the sixties, with just a few minor updates. The building was constructed in the 18th century, and the bar has become an icon of the city and its popular history, with the walls covered in the graffitied names of those who visit and photos of those who’ve passed.

El Vino Crudo

Although natural wines are pretty new to San Juan, El Vino Crudo in Calle de la Fortaleza imports and retails a wide and diverse selection. The bar is lined with pale-yellow tiles and enclosed with a glass ceiling, setting the perfect scene for trying wines by the glass with a selection of local bread and cheese.

Eat

Spiga

On Calle de Tetuán, in front of the art deco building of banking company Banco Popular, is this small cafe with a fresh breakfast and lunch menu, where sourdough bread, pasta and locally famous chocolate-chip-walnut cookies are made daily. Sitting on the sidewalk tables is ideal, where guests can watch the city go by on this quiet street. 

Filtrado

This tiny coffee shop on Calle de San Francisco, near Calle del Cristo, Viejo San Juan’s main shopping area, brews Puerto Rican coffee within historic brick walls and above a bright 19th-century tiled floor. The backyard garden provides shade from the San Juan sunshine and its yellow-and-white sign in the shape of a Chemex coffeemaker is unmissable from the street. As well as its extensive coffee menu, Filtrado offers grain salads and cornflake cookies. 

Pio Pio

Pio Pio proves that the size of a restaurant space doesn’t determine its quality. This tiny restaurant serves local ingredients in fine-dining style. Think pumpkin and goat cheese tart, cassava flatbread covered in truffle and parmesan, or lump crab and sturgeon caviar with toasted crumpets. Despite the refined food and extensive wine menu, the energy is electric and casual. 

Bodega Chic

This timeless bistro-style restaurant on Calle de la Fortaleza has a casual, playful ambience and offers a taste of rustic French cuisine created by chef Brahim Haouchine. The black and white tiles, high Spanish ceilings and walls covered in retro illustrations provide a convivial atmosphere. The $19 Sunday brunch is a steal, serving the best omelet in the city, while weekly specials could include smoked trout with potatoes or venison tenderloin with truffle risotto.

Shop

MUNS

MUNS is a fashion store in Calle de la Luna owned by two sisters, Bianca and Paola Muns. It offers jewelry and a clothing collection made locally with sustainable fabrics.

Boca de Lobo

Buy a camera or drop off a used roll for digitization at this shop dedicated to analog photography. Its bold pop-art decoration brings a modern flair to 35mm cameras. 

A version of this article was first published in Courier issue 47, June/July 2022. To purchase the issue or become a subscriber, head to our webshop.

San Juan Puerto Rico August Main Tourist Area Old Town — Stock Video © dacasdo #187770478

San Juan Puerto Rico August Main Tourist Area Old Town — Stock Video © dacasdo #187770478

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SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, August 1: The main tourist area in the old town of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on August 1, 2017. Old San Juan is the main destination for local and domestic tourism — Video by dacasdo

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