Old San Juan
Viejo San Juan
The second-oldest European colonial city in the Americas, with blue cobblestone streets, colorful colonial houses and fortress walls on a peninsula. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Old San Juan was founded in 1521 at the western tip of the peninsula. It measures about seven blocks by seven blocks and is best explored on foot. The streets are paved with blue-gray slag brick (adoquines), which were brought over in the 18th century as ballast in ships. Lining the streets are colonial buildings in pink, yellow and blue, as well as wrought-iron balconies. A recommended route starts at the Paseo de la Princesa, passes through San Juan Gate into the city, then visits San Juan Cathedral (the tomb of Juan Ponce de León), La Fortaleza (the governor’s palace, the oldest continuously used executive residence in the Americas and part of the World Heritage Site), Calle Fortaleza (Umbrella Street), San Cristóbal Castle, and finally the lawn in front of El Morro, where you can watch kites fly. The Old City has plenty of restaurants, rum bars and cafés. Be sure to try mofongo (mashed fried plantains) and the Piña Colada, which is said to have been invented here. Cruise ship days bring large crowds, so early morning is the best time for photos. Visitors can ride the free trolley through the Old City, though schedules may vary locally.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Castillo San Cristóbal
- Capitol of Puerto Rico
- La Perla
- Plaza de Armas
- Cathedral of San Juan Bautista
- Museo de San Juan
- Church of San José
- Parque de las Palomas