Things To Do

Iglesia de San José

San José Church (Iglesia de San José), in Old San Juan, is the second oldest church in the Americas. This beautiful church, was constructed on land given to the Church by the Ponce De León family in 1532. It was one of the first “permanent” (stone) buildings built in Puerto Rico. This church lasted almost 500 years, through hurricanes, wars, and fires, but the ravages of time eventually took its toll on the structure. In 2000, the church was closed and restoration began. This restoration took almost 20 years to finish — the church just reopened to the public in March 2021. We highly recommend, if you have some time, to visit the church we are getting married in before the ceremony as it is a historical landmark.

Escambron Beach

Our favorite beach in Old San Juan! Great for snorkeling and walking distance from main area of OSJ.

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

El Morro is a large fortress and citadel in the historic district of Old San Juan. Growing up, Chantal spent a lot of time here flying kites!

Barrachina

Birthplace of the piña colada! Can't leave Puerto Rico without trying one!

Cafetería Mallorca

Best breakfast diner in OSJ to try Puerto Rico's famous sweet roll, mallorca. Try the eggs, ham, and cheese mallorca!

Calle de la Fortaleza

Famous street in OSJ and the mansion at the end is where the governor of Puerto Rico lives! It's called La Fortaleza.

La Garita

Must try MOFONGO when in Puerto Rico! Our signature dish made out of plantains. La Garita is our favorite restaurant in OSJ because of the food and views. It is near the El Morro fort. If you can't find it with the GPS feel free to ask anyone around as Puerto Ricans are very friendly and talkative. Another good restaurant where you can try mofongo is El Jibarito.

Paseo de la Princesa

Enjoy a stroll along OSJ's most beautiful and historical promenade with views of the water!

Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista

The Mezzanine

Our favorite cocktail lounge in OSJ! Check out the top floor which has a rooftop terrace.

Chocobar Cortés

Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis

Cemetery next to the El Morro fort with beautiful views of the water! Right before becoming official, Alec and Chantal went on a Puerto Rico trip with their friends from Boston in February of 2024. Alec asked Chantal on their first date on the steps at the top of the cemetery.

El Yunque National Forest

National Rainforest 40 minutes from OSJ for those renting a car!