Bianca & ColeBianca & Cole
Things To DoThings To Do
🏰 Landmarks & Views🏰 Landmarks & Views
Castillo San Felipe del Morro (El Morro) Explore its casemates, chapel, and towering walls while enjoying breathtaking ocean views and kites dancing in the breeze. Castillo San Cristóbal Explore its casemates, plaza, and dungeon with centuries-old drawings while enjoying panoramic views. Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery A 19th-century landmark renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful memorial parks. La Puerta de San Juan A historic gate leading to the romantic Paseo de la Princesa. La Fortaleza The governor’s mansion, offering guided walking tours Monday–Friday from 8:15 AM to 3:30 PM.
⛪ Churches & Cathedrals⛪ Churches & Cathedrals
Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud Built between 1753 and 1780, this historic chapel commemorates a miraculous event in which a young man was saved after falling from a cliff during a horse race. Today, it remains a peaceful and spiritual landmark in Old San Juan. Catedral Basílica Menor de San Juan Bautista Dating back to 1521, this is the oldest church on U.S. soil and one of Puerto Rico’s most important religious landmarks, known for its stunning architecture and rich history. Mass Schedule Sunday: 9:00 AM & 11:00 AM Monday–Friday: 12:15 PM Saturday: 6:00 PM
🏛️ Monuments & Statues🏛️ Monuments & Statues
Plazuela de la Rogativa Located near the governor’s mansion, this sculpture commemorates a woman-led religious procession in 1797 that helped halt a British invasion. Paseo de los Presidentes Located near the Capitol, this walk features statues honoring U.S. presidents who have visited Puerto Rico. Plaza de Armas One of Old San Juan’s most iconic plazas, dating back to Spanish colonial times and home to the city’s main square and historic buildings. Plaza del Quinto Centenario Built in 1992 to commemorate Columbus’ arrival, this plaza features the towering El Tótem Telúrico monument. Paseo de la Princesa A scenic promenade and historic entrance to Old San Juan, offering beautiful views of the bay. Plaza Colón Located at the entrance of the walled city, this plaza features a monument honoring Christopher Columbus.
🖼️ Museums & Historic Homes🖼️ Museums & Historic Homes
Museo Casa Blanca Address: 1 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, PR 00926 Originally built for Ponce de León, this 16th-century residence now showcases period furnishings and lush gardens. Museo de las Américas Address: Cuartel de Ballajá, Segundo Piso, San Juan, PR 00926 Located in the historic Cuartel de Ballajá, this museum highlights the art and culture of the Americas.
🍹 Food & Drink Highlights🍹 Food & Drink Highlights
Barrachina Address: 104 Calle de la Fortaleza, San Juan, PR 00901 Claiming to be the birthplace of the piña colada, it's a must-visit for this tropical treat. Café Manolín Address: 251 Calle San Justo, San Juan, PR 00901 A local favorite for traditional Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo. La Factoría Address: 148 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, PR 00901 A renowned cocktail bar featured in music videos, offering creative drinks and a lively atmosphere
🏝️ Islands🏝️ Islands
Culebra is home to Flamenco Beach, known for its turquoise waters and white sands. Vieques is famous for Mosquitoh Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world. Travel to the islands is typically via the Ceiba Ferry Terminal, about 1.5 hours from Old San Juan. Ferries run daily, and you can reach the terminal by rental car, taxi, shuttle, or Uber.
🌿 El Yunque Rainforest🌿 El Yunque Rainforest
El Yunque is about a 45-minute drive from Old San Juan and can be reached by rental car, taxi, Uber, or through a guided tour that includes transportation. What to Expect: Hiking trails range from easy to moderate, with lush scenery, natural pools, and waterfalls like Juan Diego Falls and La Mina. You may also spot native wildlife such as coquí frogs and parrots. Self-Guided Exploration: Trails are well-marked, and maps are available at the El Portal Visitor Center. Popular options include: • Juan Diego Falls — short trail to a beautiful waterfall • Mt. Britton Trail — moderate hike with panoramic views • Angelito Trail — easy walk to natural swimming areas
💎 Culture & Hidden Gems💎 Culture & Hidden Gems
Callejón de la Puerta de la Bandera A place of national pride and cultural appreciation for visitors. Cuartel de Ballajá A historic building, once used as a hospital during WWII, now home to museums, music, and dance spaces. La Casa Estrecha “The Narrow House,” a bright yellow home measuring approximately 5 feet wide, wedged between two buildings. Parque de las Palomas Located next to Capilla del Cristo, this park is home to many pigeons and loved by visitors who enjoy feeding them.
🍸 Distelliries🍸 Distelliries
Casa Bacardi Cataño, Puerto Rico Open Hours: Every day 9:30am – 6:00pm Email: casabacardi@bacardi.com Telephone: 787-788-8400 Ron del Barrilito Bayamón, Puerto Rico Visitor Center Hours: Monday to Saturday Tour hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm Email: info@rondelbarrilito.com Telephone: 787-415-8601 Don Q Ponce, Puerto Rico Open from Wednesday to Sunday Tour Hour: 1:00pm Telephone: 787-259-1775
🍺 Breweries🍺 Breweries
Ocean lab brewing co. : San Patricio / Carolina, Puerto Rico Open from Every day 11:00am - 11:00pm (Friday and Saturday until 12:00am Email: support@oceanlabbrewing.com Telephone: 787-708-6486 Old Harbor: Carolina, Puerto Rico Wednesday - Thursday / Sunday: 2:00pm - 10:00pm Friday - Saturday: 2:00pm - 11:00pm Email: info@miramarbrewing.com Telephone: 787-936-314
🚶♀️Tours & Experiences🚶♀️Tours & Experiences
Explore Old San Juan through guided walking and tasting tours featuring historic landmarks, local culture, and iconic sights such as El Morro, Paseo de la Princesa, La Fortaleza, and the San Juan Cathedral. Walking Tours Bespoke Lifestyle Management (787-690-8040) Puerto Rico Tour Desk (787-710-1109) Flavors of San Juan (787-964-2447) Free Walking Tours (787-505-5581, meeting at Plaza Colón) Food & Cocktail Tours Spoon (787-598-6008) Flavors of San Juan (787-964-2447) Options include walking tours, food tastings, and cocktail experiences with multiple stops throughout the city.
