Welcome to Old San Juan
Old San Juan is located on an islet connected to Puerto Rico by three bridges. This islet is the most visited in Puerto Rico and is a popular cruise destination. Old San Juan is an exceptional place. It has a romantic atmosphere, old-world elegance, delicious food, rich history, ancient forts, and rich culture.
The island's vibrant history is preserved in Old San Juan's cobblestone streets, Spanish townhouses with wrought-iron balconies, historic plazas, and quirky museums dating back to the 16th century. Old San Juan, established in 1521 by Juan Ponce de León, is located far from the city’s newer areas. However, modern-day inhabitants, including trendy professionals, artists, and college students, have given the area a culturally young and exciting vibe. You won't find a more concentrated concentration of sidewalk cafes, cutting-edge dining establishments, modern art galleries, or street performers anywhere else in San Juan.
What to Love
Local Lifestyle
Old San Juan is the heart of Puerto Rico's cultural scene. As a town with deep historical roots and a thriving arts district, residents of all ages may enjoy plenty of activities together. Old San Juan is a great place to experience the true spirit of Puerto Rico with its historic architecture, monuments, music, and cuisine. As locals explore the city, they keep their ears peeled for local musicians lighting up the streets with beautiful jazz and salsa tunes. Old San Juan hosts hundreds of annual community-wide activities to honor Puerto Rico's long and illustrious history and cultural traditions.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Old San Juan offers several unique shopping options. Puerto Rican Arts and Crafts is the best place to find unique souvenirs made by skilled locals. Art, including paintings, prints, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and more, fills both floors of this spacious shop. Several high-end retailers, such as Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Couch, Crocs, Dooney & Bourke, Harry Winston, Chopard, Polo, and H.Stern, can be found spread out along Calle del Cristo. Delight in fine jewelry, including diamond rings and watches, at Club Jibarito.
For authentic Italian cuisine, visit La Lanterna by Franco Seccarelli. The pinnacle of chef Franco's career, this fine dining establishment is steeped in Italian beauty, tradition, and nostalgia. When you enter La Factoria’s doors, you'll quickly recognize it's not your average bar. The restaurant's unmarked location has several secret passages leading to six bars, each with its own unique atmosphere and drink menu.
Indulge in global cuisine in a chic restaurant with innovative dishes and a wide selection of wine at Marmalade. This eatery is a must-visit for its elegant ambiance. Look no further than Trois Cent Onze for flavorful French cuisine. This high-end establishment delights guests with its white tablecloth setting and sparkling chandeliers.
Things to Do
One of the most enjoyable activities in Old San Juan is visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Explore the Fort's rich history while taking in breathtaking ocean vistas. You can even have a picnic on the expansive front lawn. Castillo San Cristobal is located on the opposite end of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Photographers will find San Cristobal a veritable treasure trove of breathtaking vistas stretching from Old San Juan to Condado and beyond. Admission to either San Cristobal or San Felipe del Morro will get you into the other, so visitors only need to pay one admission fee.
Paseo de la Princesa is a promenade that starts at the city docks and ends at the gorgeous Fuente Races. On the weekends, there are usually a variety of stalls lining the road, and you may even be able to see a free concert or cultural show. Old San Juan hosts several events, including Fiestas de la Calle. During these popular festivities, live music, spontaneous street dancing, and even circus performances are found on every corner of Old San Juan.
