Top Things to do in San Juan
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What to do and see in San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Best Historic Walking Areas
The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture. Get to know its roots by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists mostly of Spanish colonial buildings. Flesh out your self-guided history lesson with a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then reward yourself with a cooling dip at Luquillo or Carolina Beach, then a tasty tour of the Bacardi rum plant.
Restaurants in San Juan
1. Old San Juan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,304 reviews
Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm.
Reviewed By MaryannL521 - Fair Oaks, United States
Old San Juan is beyond charming. There is so much history here, great architecture, landmarks, cobblestone streets, wonderful food, great museums, El Morro and San Cristobol, beautiful parks and plazas and lovely residential streets. We walked everywhere but also rode the free trolley. There are three trolley lines that will take you almost anywhere in the old city. A good place to begin is to stop at one of the many Tourist Information Centers. We found the one directly across from Pier One to be the most helpful. Here we got a list of museums and their hours as well as a self guided walking tour and directions to take the ferry to Casa Bacardi. Don't miss the San Juan Gate, Fortaleza Street, the cathedral, the San Juan Historic Cemetery and the Paseo de la Princesa. Enjoy!
2. Paseo de la Princesa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,216 reviews
This restored 19th-century esplanade is the place to begin your stroll through Old San Juan, because of its central location and its inexhaustible charm.
Reviewed By JoeNathan9249 - Saint Paul, United States
Beautiful walk along the harbor. Lovely little playground (please see below) along with lovely walk through plants) and a very nice fountain
3. Plaza Felisa Rincon de Gautier
4. San Juan National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,056 reviews
Constructed to defend the San Juan coastline during the 17th and 18th centuries, this dramatic fortress rises 140 feet above the sea on a rocky promontory, and is composed of six huge levels of ramps, barracks, dungeons, turrets, towers and tunnels.
Reviewed By Cfbslg - Kankakee, United States
We enjoyed touring the forts of Old San Juan. The National Park Service has done well keeping the history of the forts accessible to visitors at an entrance fee of $7 per person for the two larger forts. However there are steep ramps and stairs to get to all levels. Make sure you take plenty of water and enjoy the scenery!
5. La Muralla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 197 reviews
Reviewed By Johnny5588 - Austin, United States
After being closed because of debris washout by the high waves, we finally got to walk this path. Nice views of the fortress and city walls, as well as the ocean and San Juan Bay. Bring water to stay hydrated as it gets hot !! Will also walk by the Save a Gato area where feral cats are fed.
