Old San Juan is a Caribbean capital of Puerto Rico that is rich in history and culture. There are more than enough things to do in Old San Juan to keep you busy for an entire week, but if you only have a day, you can cover most of the top sights in the time you have in port. Here are some of the top things to do in Old San Juan:
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Explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan: The cobblestoned streets, lined by colonial churches and historic buildings, are made for walking. 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.
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Visit the historic El Morro Fort in Old San Juan: This is a six-level fortress that was built in the 16th century to protect the city from attacks by sea. It is now a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Take a guided tour: There are many guided tours available in Old San Juan that can take you to all the top sights and give you a deeper understanding of the citys history and culture.
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Visit the Castillo San Cristóbal: This is another fortress that was built in the 16th century to protect the city from land attacks. It is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World.
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Visit the Catedral de San Juan: This is the second oldest cathedral in the Americas and is a beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture.
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Stroll the Paseo de la Princesa: This is a beautiful promenade that runs along the city walls and offers stunning views of the harbor.
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Visit the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery: This is a beautiful cemetery that is located on a hill overlooking the ocean. It is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens.
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Visit the Capilla del Cristo: This is a small chapel that is located on a hill overlooking the city. It is a popular spot for taking photos and offers great views of the city.
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Sip Piña Coladas Where They Were Created: Barrachina is the reported home of the pina colada, and it is a great place to stop for a drink and a bite to eat.
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Visit the Umbrella Street: Calle Fortaleza is one of Old San Juans oldest and most photogenic streets. It became famous for the multicolored umbrellas that were suspended above parts of the street. The original umbrellas have since been replaced with other decorative canopies – from butterflies to kites to an enormous Puerto Rican flag – so be sure to visit to get a picture in front of the latest installation.
Old San Juan is a walkable city, and walking the streets is one of the most enjoyable things to do here. You can enjoy amazing architecture, splendid sculptures, lively squares, and delicious food and drink during your time in the old city.
