Old San Juan
Old San Juan (Viejo San Juan) is the historic heart of Puerto Rico’s capital city. This intimate quarter boasts an astonishing wealth of well-preserved forts, cathedrals, and convents, as well as colorful mansions and other important buildings spanning five centuries. The footsteps of friars and conquistadores seem to echo down cobbled streets and plazas that exude plenty of colonial charm. Easily walkable, the narrow, shaded streets of Old San Juan are lined with museums, hotels, restaurants, boutiques, and trendy bars. No museum piece, this lively quarter is a thriving community where families gather to enjoy the irresistible ambience.
1. Casa Blanca
Considered the oldest continually occupied structure in the western hemisphere, Casa Blanca (1521) was built for Ponce de León (for further details see San Juan Founded). It now houses a museum.
Casa Blanca • Calle San Sebastián 1 • 787 725 1454 • open 8:30am–4:30pm Wed–Sun
2. Fortaleza San Felipe del Morro
This fortress guards the entrance to San Juan’s harbor and took over 200 years to complete. Its stone ramparts rise six levels, and feature cannons that point out to sea. A museum displays military uniforms and weaponry.Fortaleza San Felipe del Morro • Calle del Morro • 787 729 6777 • open 9am–6pm • adm $3
3. Castillo de San Cristobal
This massive fortress, built between 1634 and 1783, features seven convoluted lines of defence connected by moats and tunnels. It contains cannons as well as an interesting museum (for further details see Castillo de San Cristóbal).
4. Plaza de San Jose
This delightful square is dominated by a bronze statue of Ponce de León. The square’s restaurants, bars, and cafés come to life at night and are great for people-watching.
5. Plaza del Inmigrante
A wide square by the port, Plaza del Inmigrante features stunning Art Deco and Neo-Classical buildings, and a bust that commemorates all those who came to start life anew in Puerto Rico.
6. Paseo de la Princesa
This promenade runs west from Plaza del Inmigrante. The Raíces Fountain at its far western end celebrates the island’s indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage.
7. Catedral de San Juan Bautista
The cathedral, completed in 1852 with a part-Neo-Classical, part-Baroque facade and restored in 1917, houses the tomb of Ponce de León. It has a beautiful parquet floor and a trompe l’oeil ceiling.Catedral de San Juan Baútista • Plazuela de la Monjas
8. Plaza de Armas
A former parade ground, this leafy plaza is the city’s most lively social gathering place by day. It has four statues representing the four seasons, and is surrounded by elegant buildings.
9. Parque de las Palomas
Named for the pigeons that flock here, this park atop the city walls is home to Capilla del Cristo – a chapel with an altar that is adorned with silver milagros (offerings left in gratitude for favors granted by saints).
10. Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena
Housed in a grandiose Neo-Classical building, the institute has a magnificent museum and art gallery featuring exhibits from pre-Columbian times through the colonial and post-colonial periods.Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña • Calle del Morro • 787 724 0700 • open 8am–noon & 1–4:30pm Mon–Fri • www.icp.gobierno.pr
Blue Cobblestones
Old San Juan is paved with oblong cobblestones that were brought over as ballast in Spanish galleons. Cast from furnace slag, they are tinted blue, unlike the gray- and red-tinted cobbles of English-speaking Caribbean islands. Although many streets have been paved over since, restoration has revealed the original cobbles anew.
Tip: Shorts are fine for exploring the old city, but should not be worn in churches or upscale restaurants. Women should cover their shoulders and dress modestly when entering churches. Tip: The El Patio de Sam is ideal for a cool drink, snack, or simple meal.
