Old San Juan

Old San Juan (Spanish: Viejo San Juan) is an old settlement and historic center of the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which was fortified from the 15th to the 19th century with fortifications to protect the Gulf of St. Juan (Bahia de San Juan). Due to the uniqueness of European military architecture adapted to the location of the American port, Fort La Fortaleza, along with other historic sites in San Juan, was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites in America in 1983 .

Old San Juan is located on a long islet located in the Atlantic Ocean, along the northwest coast of New San Juan with which it is connected by three bridges (Puente Dos Hermanos, Puente G. Esteves and Puente San Antonio) while on the other side of the bay of st. Juan is the island of Cabras (Isla de Cabras) on which is Fort El Cañuelo (“Fortress of the Canal”).

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

The Castillo de San Felipe del Morro, is a Spanish citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries in the far north of San Juan, Puerto Rico. For many years, it guarded the entrance to the Bay of San Juan and protected the city from maritime attacks. This castle is part of the National Historic Site of San Juan and was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983.

Today, El Morro is one of the main tourist attractions in Puerto Rico, with displays of items from the Conquest era worn by Spaniards, indigenous people, and Africans. Other exhibits show ship models as well as historical data from the time. Tourists and visitors enjoy flying chiringas (kites) around the castle. About two million visitors explore this fort each year.

Paseo de la Princesa

In the heart of the historic part of the capital city, we find a typical 19th century promenade: Paseo de la Princesa, one of the most visited places by both locals and tourists.

The Paseo de la Princesa and its gardens were designed and built between 1852 and 1854, inaugurated on December 20, 1854, the day that the Princess of Asturias also had a birthday.  Paseo de la Princesa is a green oasis in the city and the favorite meeting place for all families on weekends. Neighbors gather to talk or play musical instruments with whose music people go out to dance, producing a joy that infects passers-by and tourists.

Buy a tropical fruit ice cream, and stroll around admiring the fountains, the old prison building that today serves as an art gallery, and Bay of San Juan.

Isla Verde Beach

The Isla Verde Beach is a very long, wide beach with soft, light golden sand, a tropical beach in the heart of the city. Coastline is long, wide, framed by coconut palm trees.  The waters are nice and warm all year round. What is commonly known as “Isla Verde Beach” by travelers, is three distinct beaches: El Alambique, Pine Grove Beach, and Balneario de Carolina, each with its own vibe, personality, and name. this award-winning beach is popular among visitors. The locals visit the beach on weekends.

The beach has beautiful sand and you can walk a long way, crystal blue water, lots of things to do, jet ski, parasailing, places to eat and drink along the beach.

Fortaleza Street

Get into the hectic atmosphere of Old San Juan on Calle Fortaleza. Fortaleza Street, is the main artery of San Juan’s historic quarter, and is also the oldest street in the area. It starts from Columbus Square gradually transforming into Avenue Juan Ponce de León in the east.

Strolling down the cobbled street lined with colonial-era buildings, you can find numerous shops selling clothing, souvenirs, art, and jewelry. Hang out at one of the bars, hang out with the locals and enjoy the spirit of the city. Restaurants along the street serve Puerto Rican cuisine.

Fortaleza Street really stands out above the rest due to the display of umbrellas that makes it particularly recognizable.