Old San Juan Puerto Rico

Old San Juan Puerto Rico, known in Spanish as “EL Viejo San Juan” has been the inspiration of many poets and songwriters for decades.

It’s one of the neighborhoods of the capital city of Puerto Rico, as well as the commercial centers of Santurce and Rio Piedras the banking district of Hato Rey and the residential and tourist sector of El Condado, among others.

El Morro Puerto Rico at the entrance of Old San Juan

It is there to greet you on your Puerto Rico Vacations

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The most visited site among tourist visiting Puerto Rico

For many years we worked in this picturesque walled city and I can tell you that driving every morning bordering the Atlantic Ocean and past the Capitol reaching Old San Juan, was an inspiration.

It is by far the most visited site by tourists arriving to Puerto Rico. It is also know as the oldest city under the American Flag, and the second oldest of the Americas after Santo Domingo in the the Republica Dominicana.Old San Juan was founded in 1521 in the site it occupies now is one of the Caribbean’s best natural harbors. It is a very important port for Cargo and many Top Cruise Lines offering Puerto Rico as one of their stops on many Caribbean Cruises.

Puerto Rico's Spanish Heritage

• Plaza Colon or Columbus Square is at the very entrance of the city. It features a statue of Columbus and a plaque at its pedestal remembering many of his Voyages’ tales.

• Plaza de Armas on San Jose Street, more than 100 years old has been a meeting place for all ages during generations. It is well planned has four statues representing the Four Seasons.

• Plaza de San Jose hosts the statue of Ponce de Leon. Plaza de Hostos with its artisan displays as well as Puerto Rican typical foods and the ever present “Piragueros”, vendors selling shaved ice with many syrup flavors.

While enjoying Puerto Rico Travel you'll see many of these "Garitas"

They are protecting Old San Juan from foreign invaders

• Plaza del Quinto Centenario was built in 1992 to commemorate the Fifth Centenary of the discovery of America. In the center stands the impressive statue of the “Totem Telurico” by Puerto Rican artist Jaime Suarez. From here you’ll have a great view of El Morro, the Cemetery and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Plazuela de La Rogativa (procession) has a statue of religious women in a procession commemorating an event that occurred in that place centuries ago when the British tried to conquer the colony.

• Parque de las Palomas or pigeon’s park at the top of the city wall is a lovely place where I saw many brides and grooms taking their pictures on their way to their Wedding at the Cathedral.

• La Capilla del Cristo (Christ’s Chapel) built in 1753 on Calle Cristo features beautiful paintings from famous Puerto Rican artist Jose Campeche. Open Tuesdays 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.

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Calle Cristo, one of many colorful street in Old San Juan

Among Puerto Rico Activities, walking around Old San Juan is my favorite

La Catedral de San Juan

• La Catedral de San Juan (Cathedral) was originally built as a wooden church in 1521. Destroyed many times by hurricanes fires and lootings and was rebuilt every time.

The Building we enjoy today is the result of major restoration in 1917. It holds services regularly and it’s open for tours from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

• Iglesia de San Jose (St Joseph’s Church) one of the oldest in the Americas is a perfect example of Gothic Architecture of the 16th Century. Sunday Mass at 12pm and its open to the public Mon-Sat 8:30am to 4:00 pm

La Fortaleza

• La Fortaleza also know as El Palacio de Santa Catalina built in the middle of the 16th century, has undergone many restorations to its colonial building and its beautiful gardens.

Although the name implies Fortress it is actually the Official residence of the Governor and has hosted hundreds of governors throughout the centuries. Open for free tours Mon – Fri 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.

• La Alcaldia (City Hall) has a heavy Spanish influence. It hosts a tourist information center and some exhibitions. Open Mon-Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

• Paseo la Princesa, located is a stylish promenade that hosts a former Spanish prisonis now the home of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

It offers breathtaking view of the bay and the old city.

Old San Juan shaded narrow street

This is the most important of all Puerto Rico cities

El Morro

At the very tip of the small peninsula of this walled city you can visit the imposing and dignified fortress of El Morro, rising 140 feet above the sea. Its thick walls are visited by most of the tourists visiting Puerto Rico. Locals use the big gardens for picnics, games and all kind of passive recreation.

We take a stroll through Fortaleza and San Francisco streets with its Jewelry stores and Tourist souvenirs. Many fine restaurants are located in the old city. On latest addition is the world famous Casa Botin. The world renowned restaurant in Madrid, opened a replica here.

One of the most important Cruise Ports of the World

Walking down the slopes of Old San Juan we reach the Port, where many ships of all Cruise Lines visit constantly. The Southern Caribbean Cruises going all the way to Barbados and Aruba leave from Old San Juan in their majority.

A view of the old city taken from one of the many cruise lines' ships

We may take a little break by taking a Ferry ride to Cataño and be on the other side of the bay in about 20 minutes. After walking around the town you can take the ferry back. It runs every 15-30 minutes in both directions.

We head back to Plaza Colon, where we started our tour. Across the plaza is the beautiful and restored Teatro Tapia (Tapia Theater) one of the oldest in this part of the world. It still hosts a variety of plays, Ballets and concerts.

The Puerto Rico Capitol, house of the local Congress

Now we leave Old San Juan through the area or Puerta de Tierra and can visit the Capitol a replica of the one in Washington DC. It’s the home of the Senate on one wing and the House of Representatives on the other. Guided tours by appointment only Mon – Fri 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Before entering back to “New San Juan” you can enjoy Parque Muñoz Rivera with large trees, spacious walks and an impressive view of the Atlantic Ocean.

I hope you enjoyed our tour to Old San Juan. I can assure you that you’ll go back to visit on future Puerto Rico Travel.

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