La Perla
A colorful neighborhood built along the sea just outside the northern walls of Old San Juan. It rose to fame after the “Despacito” music video was filmed here, and the walls offer views over the painted houses and the Atlantic.
La Perla sits between the walls of Old San Juan and the Atlantic Ocean. From the 19th century, slaughterhouse workers and the poor built houses outside the walls. The houses are painted in bright colors, and many walls are covered with murals. The hit song “Despacito” was filmed here in 2017, and the area became a social media hotspot. The best views are from the lookouts on the city walls or from San Cristóbal Castle. You can enter the neighborhood, but please respect residents, don’t photograph people at random, and avoid going after dark.
Opening hours
All day (daytime recommended)
Nearby sights
- Museo de San Juan
- Church of San José
- Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
- Plaza de Armas
- Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
- Casa Blanca Museum
- Puerta de San Juan
- Castillo San Cristóbal