Viejo San Juan Photos
Recommended Reviews - Viejo San Juan
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Old San Juan is a must visit. It doesn't matter how many times you've been here. There's always something new to discover. You may even rediscover a part of your past... like I did. It's a timeless Spanish Colonial town filled with charming old-world atmosphere, tropical settings, and tasty treats. It's truly a very walkable city. You just need to know what you want to see and how to get there. Those with mobility issues may need to map out a route with less of an incline. There's a free trolley in the city that used to be very reliable. My mom was very happy to see it during her very last pre-pandemic trip back to the island. I didn't see any of them this time around. Although, that might have been because of the Ironman race. The traffic looping through this part of the city is already bad enough. The roads being blocked off for marathons & festivities make it more difficult to get around. I hope they can improve transportation services for both locals & tourists alike. This is why walking around town is highly recommended. We originally wanted an Uber drop off at Plaza del Quinto Centenario. The roads were blocked off so we ended up at Plaza Colon on the east side. It turned out to be a good starting point as we made our way to Paseo de la Princesa. On our way, we just happened to spot a café-lined public square with a statue of a famous Puerto Rican composer named Arturo Somohano. I would definitely stop here for coffee if ever on a short shore excursion. It's close to the port, yet it's hidden by the Hotel Rumbao. There's also a Starbucks in this square. But, I must tell you. The highlight of our most recent visit was walking along the Princess Promenade and the fortified walls of the city to the San Juan Gate. I know a lot of people go to the forts (El Morro & San Cristóbal), and you should if you've never seen them. It's just that this southwestern part of OSJ wins my heart every time. It's a beautiful nature walk with many landmarks such as La Fortaleza, La Casa Blanca, Pigeon Park, and Paseo del Morro. There's a cat park as well and many garita viewpoints along the wall on your way to El Morro. All with great coastal views. It was also great to visually trace our steps the following evening when leaving on our 7-Day cruise from the Pan American Pier. That whole area along the promenade leading to the San Juan Gate and El Morro is lit up at night. The entire town sparkles when viewing it from the mouth of the bay. It's a beautiful sight that will always be remembered. A great beginning & ending point to any cruise.
This city will always be fun exploring with or without a plan. The colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture make every block a photo opp. I enjoyed walking through the city, taking in the views, and restaurants along the way. From visiting the forts, stopping for a meal, and just walking around, Old San Juan was a beautiful place to spend the whole day.
This was a cute little square that had many kiosk shops and some small sidewalk cafes. It had a large fountain in the middle of the square. It was a bustling section of the town. Many many buses dropped off and picked up at this central square in Puerto Rico. It's also next to the National Park and fort.
Beautiful place with lots to do. Great people's touristy but dos feel like home. Everyone was welcoming. Beautiful scenery and beautiful bodies of water! Forts, historic monuments, The Capitol, John The Baptist statues, The governors mansion, beautiful shops and great eateries. I did want to visit the umbrella wall which disappointingly was taken down around 2 years ago. Ferangi Chocolat is a must try shop in old San Juan with delicious desserts and amazing cafe and lemonade options. Very talented and kind staff. They also have amazing body butters.
If you do one thing in San Juan, come wander the streets here. It's beautiful! Colorful buildings, the ocean, shops, winding streets... it's gorgeous.
When my husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday on the 26th and our wedding anniversary, we settled on Puerto Rico. He's got an aunt out there and I used to have family in Ponce (they've since moved to the Dominican Republic). Still, I've never set foot on the island and it was time to change that. While planning, hubs and I considered staying in San Juan because of its close proximity to shops, city life and history- but most importantly, we were really drawn to the idea of a hotel right on the water and there are plenty of those. Although many of them have a sleek, modern vibe (which I like), that just wasn't the look we were after this time. Hubs took it to another level and searched for coastal towns. And even when we looked at hotel stays in these coastal towns, we didn't mind to drive to the beach. In comes a polished, white-bedding oasis in Luquillo, Puerto Rico 40 minutes away from the city lights of San Juan. After doing a few trips from Luquillo to San Juan, we were so freaking happy we went with a wonderful B&B instead. Driving: While there's plenty to see and do in Old San Juan/San Juan, the heavy traffic and narrow streets can make getting around a real damn challenge. Also, not just in San Juan, but all throughout the northeast to southeast towns we drove, it felt like Puerto Ricans missed the memo on how lanes work. People crawl in the fast lane like it's a Sunday parade, while the slow lane was either empty or, people drove at regular speed between 75-90. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Also- people don't know how to freaking merge and nor do they use signals. Maybe we saw a couple of folks use 'em. Let's talk about the whole damn piña colada situation. The second we landed and picked up our rental car, we were on a mission: authentic Puerto Rican food and a piña coladas. Everywhere we went, servers would ask, "¿Con alcohol sin alcohol?" [h is silent]. Of course we wanted alcohol. But that first piña colada? Nothing. Tasted great- but didn't do a damn thing. No kick, no buzz- just a creamy, tropical smoothie pretending to be a cocktail. We'd gone for dinner elsewhere and same result: sweet, yes. Boozy? Not even close. But I wasn't going to be fooled a 3rd time. My husband stuck to beer and I drank fresh tropical juices instead. At least they didn't pretend to be something they weren't. Food: Puerto Ricans love their pork TIMES 100 and plenty of fried finger foods like bacalaitos, alcapurrias and pastelillos. Every town we visited had their own bacalaito spin: some bigger than others or different condiments. As a Pescatarian, I seriously lucked out! We were never more than 15-20 minutes from the coast and seafood restaurants were absolutely everywhere. Thank you, Jesus! Prices: they aren't all that different from NYC when it comes to food and the usual weak drinks. If anything, the drinks might actually cost a bit more than in NYC. My Nuyorican husband and I had a blast in Old San Juan and other towns in Puerto Rico. Hubs and I know the Spanish side of PR's history- but we wanted to be immersed in the Afro-Caribbean culture side and listen to Salsa, Bomba and Plena music PR is known for. Would we return? Absolutely. There's still the West Coast we didn't cover on our short trip.Credit is due to Puerto Ricans for being kind and down-to-earth.
This was my first visit to Puerto Rico and I'm so glad it was in San Juan! I visited via cruise (Celebrity Apex) and highly enjoyed the guided walking tour of the Old San Juan. It is SUNNY and HOT in Old San Juan, so make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen if you are walking around the city (tour or not). A hat is a must! If you can brave the heat and feel up to it, I recommend signing up for a guided walking tour to get the best history lesson and see all the best spots. I was exhausted after the walking tour so we went straight back to the ship, but I really enjoyed the history. We didn't tour any of the castles, so I would love to see those on my next visit!
The Beauty in Old San Juan is the history in every step you take. To the many historical sites, exceeding all your photo expectations. There is so many amazing restaurants with its authentic cooking you taste with every bite. Hospitality you receive amongst the people is beyond measures.
As a tourist I visit El Viejo San Juan when I went to PR. I wanted to spend a day exploring PR but still saving money. This would be the perfect way to spend your day because you get to see so many historic places without paying for tours and even markets with great views. The food is delicious and although there are a lot of American brands this place still holds the price of their criollo food with low prices but the same great taste.
If you're an active/fit person, this place is walkable in one day. If you want to stop and enjoy the history that boasts within its core, give yourself at least 2 days, you can spend an entire day roaming around the castles alone. I walked from Condado Beach and it took about 40 minutes. (I was stopping and exploring though.) If you play Pokemon Go, LOADS of Pokestops and gyms are here.
I took an Uber from my resort, about 20 minutes away, and couldn't wait to start my own self-guided tour. I'd seen Old San Juan on the Travel Channel many times, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person. From the vibrant, colorful buildings to the cobblestone streets, it was even more wonderful than I imagined. Each building had its own character, which made them even more appealing. The intricate wrought iron balconies and windows throughout Old San Juan also added another layer of architectural beauty. Love the details that were selected back in the day. Arrived around noon and yes, the sun was blazing, I was drenched but didn't mind. There's so much to see: historic buildings, souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, churches, and of course, countless restaurants. The cobblestone streets are lovely but tricky to walk on, especially with traffic nearby. Tip: wear good walking shoes! I stopped into a few jewelry shops for window shopping - the craftsmanship and variety were quite impressive. But my favorite moment was stepping inside a small, centuries-old church tucked away in the tourist area. It was quiet and peaceful, offering a chance to sit, reflect, and truly appreciate the moment. The area was busy but not overwhelming, and loved being able to stop by benches along the way to people-watch or enjoy a beverage. My Uber cost about $25 round trip, and pickup/drop-off was easy at Plaza Colón, where you'll also find the iconic "I Love San Juan" sign and the Christopher Columbus statue -- the best photo spot in my opinion. Spending about 4.5 hours exploring was certainly a highlight for me in visiting P.R. and the time flew by. Old San Juan is unforgettable and absolutely worth the trip. I highly recommend! Pro Tips: * Research the historic sites beforehand to make the most of your visit. You might even want your own personal tour guide. * Wear tennis shoes -- cobblestones and traffic are no joke. Maybe wear even a sun visor and bring a water bottle too! Trust and believe. * Don't drive yourself; traffic and parking can be a huge pain from what I observed. * Grab a keepsake or two -- it's always nice to have memories, plus the souvenir shops are very unique. * If you have kids, keep them close; it's busy and traffic can be thick. Con mucho amor for Puerto Rico -- ¡qué chévere! Old San Juan has my heart. Stay lovely my friends!
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes. It's hot and a lot of walking. It's a must if you come to visit PR. They also have vendors everywhere. Bring cash but also music of them accept card.
I wanted to update my previous review of Viejo San Juan since I had a return visit to VSJ on 04/27/2023 (previous visit was in 2022) & just wanted to share some helpful tidbits from my visit. A "free-99" thing to do --- Visiting El Morro at night is definitely something I recommend you add to your itinerary..why you ask? Well, it's free to do! Of course, you won't be able to go into El Morro but you can actually walk right up to the front doors of El Morro & walk down the stairs to walk the grounds below. It's all lit up at night which gives it such a cool vibe! (See pics included in this review). Visiting at night also lets you escape the scorching sun. Walk around VSJ to explore all the street murals (very colorful! See pics included in review) I really enjoyed my return trip to Viejo San Juan & I'm sure I'll be returning soon!
Exploring Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) was such an adventure & it was so much fun!I felt like Dora the Explorer! I visited the castle, explored different historic spots like El Morro,ate @ a couple of popular restaurants,went shopping,& saw so much art throughout the city. Not to mention the gorg ocean views!There were photo ops everywhere I turned which made it even more enjoyable just walking around & taking everything in. It's such a beautiful place w/ so much character & history. The colors, the architecture,& the overall vibe really made it feel special & memorable! read more
5 days ago
Very touristy but glad they kept some old structures and historical places. Hot as hell but definitely worth it. read more
Old San Juan is a must visit. It doesn't matter how many times you've been here. There's always something new to discover. You may even rediscover a part of your past... like I did. It's a timeless Spanish Colonial town filled with charming old-world atmosphere, tropical settings, and tasty treats. It's truly a very walkable city. You just need to know what you want to see and how to get there. Those with mobility issues may need to map out a route with less of an incline. There's a free trolley in the city that used to be very reliable. My mom was very happy to see it during her very last pre-pandemic trip back to the island. I didn't see any of them this time around. Although, that might have been because of the Ironman race. The traffic looping through this part of the city is already bad enough. The roads being blocked off for marathons & festivities make it more difficult to get around. I hope they can improve transportation services for both locals & tourists alike. This is why walking around town is highly recommended. We originally wanted an Uber drop off at Plaza del Quinto Centenario. The roads were blocked off so we ended up at Plaza Colon on the east side. It turned out to be a good starting point as we made our way to Paseo de la Princesa. On our way, we just happened to spot a café-lined public square with a statue of a famous Puerto Rican composer named Arturo Somohano. I would definitely stop here for coffee if ever on a short shore excursion. It's close to the port, yet it's hidden by the Hotel Rumbao. There's also a Starbucks in this square. But, I must tell you. The highlight of our most recent visit was walking along the Princess Promenade and the fortified walls of the city to the San Juan Gate. I know a lot of people go to the forts (El Morro & San Cristóbal), and you should if you've never seen them. It's just that this southwestern part of OSJ wins my heart every time. It's a beautiful nature walk with many landmarks such as La Fortaleza, La Casa Blanca, Pigeon Park, and Paseo del Morro. There's a cat park as well and many garita viewpoints along the wall on your way to El Morro. All with great coastal views. It was also great to visually trace our steps the following evening when leaving on our 7-Day cruise from the Pan American Pier. That whole area along the promenade leading to the San Juan Gate and El Morro is lit up at night. The entire town sparkles when viewing it from the mouth of the bay. It's a beautiful sight that will always be remembered. A great beginning & ending point to any cruise. read more
2 months ago
This city will always be fun exploring with or without a plan. The colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture make every block a photo opp. I enjoyed walking through the city, taking in the views, and restaurants along the way. From visiting the forts, stopping for a meal, and just walking around, Old San Juan was a beautiful place to spend the whole day. read more
This was a cute little square that had many kiosk shops and some small sidewalk cafes. It had a large fountain in the middle of the square. It was a bustling section of the town. Many many buses dropped off and picked up at this central square in Puerto Rico. It's also next to the National Park and fort. read more
4 months ago
Beautiful place with lots to do. Great people's touristy but dos feel like home. Everyone was welcoming. Beautiful scenery and beautiful bodies of water! Forts, historic monuments, The Capitol, John The Baptist statues, The governors mansion, beautiful shops and great eateries. I did want to visit the umbrella wall which disappointingly was taken down around 2 years ago. Ferangi Chocolat is a must try shop in old San Juan with delicious desserts and amazing cafe and lemonade options. Very talented and kind staff. They also have amazing body butters. read more
1 year ago
When my husband and I decided to celebrate my birthday on the 26th and our wedding anniversary, we settled on Puerto Rico. He's got an aunt out there and I used to have family in Ponce (they've since moved to the Dominican Republic). Still, I've never set foot on the island and it was time to change that. While planning, hubs and I considered staying in San Juan because of its close proximity to shops, city life and history- but most importantly, we were really drawn to the idea of a hotel right on the water and there are plenty of those. Although many of them have a sleek, modern vibe (which I like), that just wasn't the look we were after this time. Hubs took it to another level and searched for coastal towns. And even when we looked at hotel stays in these coastal towns, we didn't mind to drive to the beach. In comes a polished, white-bedding oasis in Luquillo, Puerto Rico 40 minutes away from the city lights of San Juan. After doing a few trips from Luquillo to San Juan, we were so freaking happy we went with a wonderful B&B instead. Driving: While there's plenty to see and do in Old San Juan/San Juan, the heavy traffic and narrow streets can make getting around a real damn challenge. Also, not just in San Juan, but all throughout the northeast to southeast towns we drove, it felt like Puerto Ricans missed the memo on how lanes work. People crawl in the fast lane like it's a Sunday parade, while the slow lane was either empty or, people drove at regular speed between 75-90. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Also- people don't know how to freaking merge and nor do they use signals. Maybe we saw a couple of folks use 'em. Let's talk about the whole damn piña colada situation. The second we landed and picked up our rental car, we were on a mission: authentic Puerto Rican food and a piña coladas. Everywhere we went, servers would ask, "¿Con alcohol sin alcohol?" [h is silent]. Of course we wanted alcohol. But that first piña colada? Nothing. Tasted great- but didn't do a damn thing. No kick, no buzz- just a creamy, tropical smoothie pretending to be a cocktail. We'd gone for dinner elsewhere and same result: sweet, yes. Boozy? Not even close. But I wasn't going to be fooled a 3rd time. My husband stuck to beer and I drank fresh tropical juices instead. At least they didn't pretend to be something they weren't. Food: Puerto Ricans love their pork TIMES 100 and plenty of fried finger foods like bacalaitos, alcapurrias and pastelillos. Every town we visited had their own bacalaito spin: some bigger than others or different condiments. As a Pescatarian, I seriously lucked out! We were never more than 15-20 minutes from the coast and seafood restaurants were absolutely everywhere. Thank you, Jesus! Prices: they aren't all that different from NYC when it comes to food and the usual weak drinks. If anything, the drinks might actually cost a bit more than in NYC. My Nuyorican husband and I had a blast in Old San Juan and other towns in Puerto Rico. Hubs and I know the Spanish side of PR's history- but we wanted to be immersed in the Afro-Caribbean culture side and listen to Salsa, Bomba and Plena music PR is known for. Would we return? Absolutely. There's still the West Coast we didn't cover on our short trip.Credit is due to Puerto Ricans for being kind and down-to-earth. read more
3 months ago
This was my first visit to Puerto Rico and I'm so glad it was in San Juan! I visited via cruise (Celebrity Apex) and highly enjoyed the guided walking tour of the Old San Juan. It is SUNNY and HOT in Old San Juan, so make sure to take plenty of water and sunscreen if you are walking around the city (tour or not). A hat is a must! If you can brave the heat and feel up to it, I recommend signing up for a guided walking tour to get the best history lesson and see all the best spots. I was exhausted after the walking tour so we went straight back to the ship, but I really enjoyed the history. We didn't tour any of the castles, so I would love to see those on my next visit! read more
The Beauty in Old San Juan is the history in every step you take. To the many historical sites, exceeding all your photo expectations. There is so many amazing restaurants with its authentic cooking you taste with every bite. Hospitality you receive amongst the people is beyond measures. read more
7 months ago
As a tourist I visit El Viejo San Juan when I went to PR. I wanted to spend a day exploring PR but still saving money. This would be the perfect way to spend your day because you get to see so many historic places without paying for tours and even markets with great views. The food is delicious and although there are a lot of American brands this place still holds the price of their criollo food with low prices but the same great taste. read more
If you're an active/fit person, this place is walkable in one day. If you want to stop and enjoy the history that boasts within its core, give yourself at least 2 days, you can spend an entire day roaming around the castles alone. I walked from Condado Beach and it took about 40 minutes. (I was stopping and exploring though.) If you play Pokemon Go, LOADS of Pokestops and gyms are here. read more
11 months ago
I took an Uber from my resort, about 20 minutes away, and couldn't wait to start my own self-guided tour. I'd seen Old San Juan on the Travel Channel many times, but nothing compares to experiencing it in person. From the vibrant, colorful buildings to the cobblestone streets, it was even more wonderful than I imagined. Each building had its own character, which made them even more appealing. The intricate wrought iron balconies and windows throughout Old San Juan also added another layer of architectural beauty. Love the details that were selected back in the day. Arrived around noon and yes, the sun was blazing, I was drenched but didn't mind. There's so much to see: historic buildings, souvenir shops, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, churches, and of course, countless restaurants. The cobblestone streets are lovely but tricky to walk on, especially with traffic nearby. Tip: wear good walking shoes! I stopped into a few jewelry shops for window shopping - the craftsmanship and variety were quite impressive. But my favorite moment was stepping inside a small, centuries-old church tucked away in the tourist area. It was quiet and peaceful, offering a chance to sit, reflect, and truly appreciate the moment. The area was busy but not overwhelming, and loved being able to stop by benches along the way to people-watch or enjoy a beverage. My Uber cost about $25 round trip, and pickup/drop-off was easy at Plaza Colón, where you'll also find the iconic "I Love San Juan" sign and the Christopher Columbus statue -- the best photo spot in my opinion. Spending about 4.5 hours exploring was certainly a highlight for me in visiting P.R. and the time flew by. Old San Juan is unforgettable and absolutely worth the trip. I highly recommend! Pro Tips: * Research the historic sites beforehand to make the most of your visit. You might even want your own personal tour guide. * Wear tennis shoes -- cobblestones and traffic are no joke. Maybe wear even a sun visor and bring a water bottle too! Trust and believe. * Don't drive yourself; traffic and parking can be a huge pain from what I observed. * Grab a keepsake or two -- it's always nice to have memories, plus the souvenir shops are very unique. * If you have kids, keep them close; it's busy and traffic can be thick. Con mucho amor for Puerto Rico -- ¡qué chévere! Old San Juan has my heart. Stay lovely my friends! read more
9 months ago
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes. It's hot and a lot of walking. It's a must if you come to visit PR. They also have vendors everywhere. Bring cash but also music of them accept card. read more
2 years ago
I wanted to update my previous review of Viejo San Juan since I had a return visit to VSJ on 04/27/2023 (previous visit was in 2022) & just wanted to share some helpful tidbits from my visit. A "free-99" thing to do --- Visiting El Morro at night is definitely something I recommend you add to your itinerary..why you ask? Well, it's free to do! Of course, you won't be able to go into El Morro but you can actually walk right up to the front doors of El Morro & walk down the stairs to walk the grounds below. It's all lit up at night which gives it such a cool vibe! (See pics included in this review). Visiting at night also lets you escape the scorching sun. Walk around VSJ to explore all the street murals (very colorful! See pics included in review) I really enjoyed my return trip to Viejo San Juan & I'm sure I'll be returning soon! read more
Truly 'the stuff of movies' best describes Viejo San Juan, Puerto Rico! I'd only ever seen San Juan in the movies & on TV shows. So to actually be here walking, seeing, feeling it = stunning, surreal & unbelievable - a huge mind trip. Built by the Spanish centuries (16th century) ago, it has been left alone ever since. 500 years of Gothic architecture is all on display wherever you walk. The cobblestone streets, the colourful buildings & massive doors that are hundreds of years old are just awestruck to behold. Some highlights ... - Castillo San Felipe del Morro (1787) aka fort EL Morro, - Nonos bar - excellent Mojitos & great for shots (remember to lick salt on your hand & have a Lime to suck on after the shot) & good company - Barrachina bar - world's first Pina Colada & try the local dish, chicken or beef or shrimp Mofongo. As you're walking about, look out for the neighbourhood of La Perla, the colorful barrio built outside Old San Juan's city walls, on your way to Fort EL Morro, but do not wonder towards it. Double check with locals first or the authorities. It's cool to view & take pix from a distance. There's quite the intresting history about La Perla & how it came to be. Looking for cigars or cigarillos, then you must pop into the Cigar House! While I'm sure the beaches of Puerto Rico are nice, to me it's all about the culture & vibe of old San Juan. I can't wait to go back! Lastly if you're on a cruise & about to head back over to board, go to Walgreens & get a bottle of Don Q rum. That is if you're not staggering around too much after hitting up San Juan's awesome cocktail bars. San Juan should absolutely 100% be on your bucket list! read more
2 years ago
Viejo San Juan is a very touristy area in Puerto Rico for many reasons. There is the beautiful architecture, it is colorful, there is El Morro or Castillo de San Cristobal, Paseo La Princesa, and more. There's many restaurants but you also find food trucks. We were in traffic, and while in traffic we were able to buy a whole coconut and the water was cold, delicious and refreshing, yumm. One downside is finding parking, but if you go to PR, you should not miss El Viejo San Juan. read more
3 years ago
If you're looking for a nice walk I suggest taking the Paseo La Princesa path. You'll pass the Puerta de San Juan and connect with the Paseo del Morro which will take to the base of El Morro. The entire walk is by the San Juan Bay, with a great view of Isla de Cabras. When you reach the end of the trail you'll be at the base of El Morro where you can watch the waves crash against the rocks and maybe even get to g to see boats/ships entering or leaving the bay. There are some stairs so you can climb to the El Morro. read more
2 years ago
Very beautiful architecture in old San Juan. So many amazing places to eat. Vibes are good, tourist friendly, people are nice. Street parking is very tough so definitely recommend a nearby parking garage and walking from there. read more
1 year ago
This is the oldest part of Puerto Rico with buildings dating back to the 16th century, and as result it is also the most crowded and touristy. Many cruise ships stop here, so this is not where you go to see the real Puerto Rico. Nevertheless, it is a still a beautiful area to walk through. The streets are lined with colorful houses and feature cobblestone streets. There are old military forts, churches, and plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from. You should spend at least a day just exploring Old San Juan while on a visit.. read more
Colorful! If there's one word that captures the essence of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, that's it. Old San Juan dating to the 16th century is full of history. This Caribbean capital of Puerto Rico is dripping with history and culture. Founded by Spanish colonists back in 1521, San Juan is the oldest city under U.S. sovereignty and the second oldest European-established capital in the Americas. With the forts, colorful houses (Just walk - and gawk), cobbled streets it transports you to a different world altogether. The cobblestoned streets, lined by colonial churches and historic buildings, are made for walking. The walk from San Cristobal fort to El Morro fort with the sea on one side and a row of colorful houses on the other is so soothing. Not to forget La Perla neighborhood (you have seen it in Daddy Yankee's Despacito). In the Old Town, there are some 400+ restored Spanish colonial-style buildings, all dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Plaza de Armas, with the city hall on the north side, is the main square in Old San Juan. Castillo San Cristobal - together with El Morro (It's the older of the city's two forts - dating back to 1539) - probably the most famous attraction in Old San Juan - is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built between 1765 and 1785 to protect the city from a land invasion. There's a small entrance fee - $10 USD gets you into both this fort and El Morro. Definitely recommend walking around the city to soak its vibes with sitting in the plazas, picking up a few souvenirs (there are lots of places) and trying out the numerous restaurants catering to Caribbean food and rum cocktails/Mojiots/ Pina Coladas. Personally, I loved the area around El Convento. Calle Fortaleza street is overhyped, there are prettier streets. As the sun sets, head to the Calle Sebastian. Yes, that's where you will find all the party animals. The street comes alive with people thronging the area drinking and dancing. San Juan is also a very popular destination in cruise ship stops. read more
9 months ago
A very ravishing part of San Juan. I loved the colors of the buildings and the architecture. It's a nice walk around at night. Parking garages are cheap but the spaces are very tight. Driving around can get a little confusing. It's a very walkable area and the weather is perfect. read more
3 years ago
My family and I took a tour of both Old (Viejo) San Juan and New San Juan, while we were in port from the Carnival Celebration. Old San Juan is beautiful, so many different sights to see like the Old Prison de la Princesa, taking a stroll down the Paseo de La Princesa, the Fuente Raices is majestic, and the old forts you can tour. There are so many other sights we wished we had more time to see. Alas, when you are on a cruise, you only have a few hours to enjoy the destinations. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island, and Old San Juan is a true gem! read more
Brick lined narrow streets. Love the colorful streets in town. Great views of the water. Slow roll stroll or drive along the water. You could easily spend a day or more in old San Juan and you should definitely see it at least once if you are here. read more
4 years ago
Old San Juan is an architectural gem with a mix of historical buildings that are painted in beautiful colors. I would recommend parking your car in the morning (before 10:00am) and strolling along the cobblestone streets at a leisurely pace to enjoy the atmosphere. Yes, it's touristy and a major port of call for the cruise ships. But it's also a fascinating window into history as you can visually experience a mix of European colonial styles in one city. Ideally, it would take 2 full days to enjoy OSJ which has so many interesting sights. Day 1 could be dedicated to Castillo San Cristobal and the northern walk to El Morro. Day 2 could focus on the interior city with a walking tour (Plaza Colon, Plaza de Armas, Old Churches) and some time for shopping or a leisurely coffee break. What I enjoyed a lot was learning about the architectural mix of styles from Spanish colonial architecture to French to American designs (with concrete). Much of the Spanish design comes from Barcelona (and the Catalans). If you look at today's flag for Catalonia, it bears a striking resemblance to the flag of Puerto Rico. read more
5 years ago
Old San Juan is lots of fun. There is lots to do, whether its shopping, eat, drinking, entertainment, or checking out the historical sights. Even wheen you just want to walk around with no goal, it's great. It's one of the best places to spend with family. Kids will enjoy it. The best spot for kids is the lawn in front of El Morro. It's huge, lots of grass. It is excellent for picnics and flying kites. If you don't have your own kite, you can buy a cheap one nearby. Down by the pier, there is a long flat stretch that is good for riding bikes and scooters. You can also take the kids to the Bahia Urbana Waterfront. Prior to covid we took our son and niece during Christmas to a fair they set up in that space with rides, food, and Santa's Workshop. It was lots of fun. By the Puntilla parking there is a playground, plus the Paseo de la Princesa. And of course, you can't leave out the Parque de la Palomas. For grownups who like beer, I would recommend checking out La Taberna Lúpulo and Cervecería del Callejón. Cervecería del Callejón also serves great food and is kid friendly. They have lots of board games. Taberna Lúpulo is not kid friendly. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful old San Juan with 16th century buildings. Brightly colored houses line cobbled streets and shady plazas, alongside cool pina colada drinks and renowned Caribbean fusion restaurants. Lots of tourist especially from the cruise ships. read more
Finally made it to Old San Juan. Now that I have friends here it was even better. Had such a good time. Made lasting memories. Look forward to visiting again. It was better than what I had anticipated. It's rich in culture and historical trivia. It's fun just walking around and talking to the locals. I had the best coffee date ever in Old San Juan with an awesome Puerto Rican artist. My other lovely Puerto Rican friends did not disappoint. You could do walking tours, food tours, drink tours. Or tour yourself. Every turn is selfie worthy. I took the time to appreciate the art and architecture. Some was familiar and some was distinctly Puerto Rico. So fun to experience Old San Juan. Just had the best time with the sweetest people in a beautiful place. Viejo San Juan. Mel M Yelp 20:7 read more
Viejo San Juan is a step back in time with a modern touch. The old Spanish architecture and the cobblestone roads are enchanting. The buildings are colorful and you will find little plazas to rest your feet. Some of the best Puerto Rican restaurants can be found in this area. read more
Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) is one of the best little gems of a place one could find. With its narrow little pale blue cobblestone streets, great restaurants, unique foods, fabulous art galleries and shops it's a tourist's heaven. And for history buffs, the place was founded by none other than Juan Ponce de Leon in 1508, and is teaming with all sorts of historical sites. However, as a foodie and a Yelper my favorite place in Viejo San Juan is Barrchina restaurant. It was at this place and upon this spot back in 1963 that the now world famous Pina Colada was created. If you've never had a pina colada or even if you have had, having one here is an absolute must. Their pina coladas are the real thing unlike any others; they are that good. read more
This March I had the opportunity to visit Puerto Rico for the first time and it was an unforgettable experience I have to say. When in Puerto Rico, Viejo San Juan is definitely a must. Old San Juan is very touristy and rich in history. You can find five century old forts, romantic ambiance, many souvenirs stores, delicious Puerto Rican food, and festive atmosphere. We did a lot around Old San Juan but my favorites definitely were Calle Fortaleza where all the umbrellas are. It was just super IG-worthy! We also visited Castillo San Felipe & Castillo San Cristobal and they were both an awesome experience. The streets, the colors and the architecture of Old San Juan is just beautiful. Full of history, and culture. I'm from Venezuela and I felt like I was back home with all the beaches, and great Caribbean food and people. After Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico se levanta y está mejor que nunca. ESPAÑOL Este marzo tuve la oportunidad de visitar Puerto Rico por primera vez y fue una experiencia inolvidable, debo decir. En Puerto Rico, Viejo San Juan es definitivamente una necesidad. El viejo San Juan es muy turístico y rico en historia. Puede encontrar fuertes de cinco siglos de antigüedad, ambiente romántico, muchas tiendas de recuerdos, deliciosa comida puertorriqueña y un ambiente festivo. Hicimos mucho en el Viejo San Juan, pero mis favoritos definitivamente fueron en la calle Fortaleza, donde están todas las sombrillas. Fue simplemente super IG-digno! También visitamos el Castillo San Felipe y el Castillo San Cristóbal y ambos fueron una experiencia increíble. Las calles, los colores y la arquitectura del Viejo San Juan son simplemente hermosos. Lleno de historia y cultura. Soy de Venezuela y me sentí como si estuviera en casa con todas las playas, y con excelente comida y gente caribeñas. Después del huracán María, Puerto Rico se levanta y está mejor que nunca. read more
8 years ago
Old San Juan has always been my favourite Port of Calls! A lot of history, interesting architecture and so walkable on foot. Great to spend a morning to just get lost in the narrow streets. There are also a lot of great photo ops! Have a coffee? a Mallorca? a shaved ice? A cocktails? some Puerto Rican cuisine? The choice is endless. Or you can just go shopping at the various outlet stores and even Marshall. read more
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