Old San Juan 1 day walking tour

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Constructed from 1634 to 1790, a UNESCO world heritage site. Military buffs can ask for an appointment to peruse the military archives

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No trip to Old San Juan would be complete without a stop at this venerable institution for a mallorca and café con leche.

Our Local Expert Says:

Educational and breath-taking, El Morro is the picturesque gem of Old San Juan and well worth the trek to its massive front doors.

Description:

Construction of El Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or just El Morro, was started in 1540 to protect the coast from invading enemies. The fort is the main attraction of Old San Juan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 16th century citadel is monumental in size and breathtaking to look at. The grounds that surround it make it an even more majestic place. Enjoy the area like locals do; by flying kites, eating piraguas (shaved flavored ice) or just laying on the grass, feeling the wind that comes from the Atlantic sea.

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Within Plaza del Quinto Centenario(Quincentennial Square) you can't miss this 40-foot(12m) totem pole, conceived in 1992 and designed to commemorate Indian culture. Visitors flock to take photos of this imposing and stark centerpiece. The controversial sculpture has drawn some criticism as being too contemporary for the old city. It's displayed in its own sub-plaza; the 'Plaza del Totem' located between Castillo del Morro and the Ballajá Barracks. Plaza del Quinto Centenario is a favorite spot for skateboarders, rollerbladers and for those seeking a lunch break or a stroll. The plaza is also a central meeting place and host area for neighborhood events as well.

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Built in 1532 by Dominican frairs, the church housed the first governor Juan Ponce de Leon's remains for 300 years.

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African heritage has played a strong role in influencing Puerto Rican culture. This adobe-styled museum chronicles the history of Africans in Puerto Rico from the early days of slavery to modern day. Here you will find African art, literature, sounds, and pictures. Browse through nine exhibition rooms. Admission is free.

Our Local Expert Says:

History and modest elegance in the most beautiful corner of Old San Juan; the roof bathing pool and exquisite indoor courtyard alone make the splurge worth it.

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This once Carmelite Convent was built in 1651. The convent has changed purpose many times, but was finally restored and became a hotel in 1962. The inside is warm though a bit gloomy, but that changes once I reach the open-air courtyard, and it is a marvelous sight. When the hotel opened in the early 60s, celebrities flocked to enjoy the exuberance and mysticism that can be felt here. Today, the hotel is one of the most beautiful places to stay in San Juan. It was modernized with air-conditioned rooms and many other amenities.

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Offers an extensive tapas menu and other Spanish fixtures such as paella, you can enjoy a full meal or graze on simple plates of meats, cheese, and olives as you sip sangria and enjoy the the ambience of the large indoor patio in the centuries old El Convento hotel.

Our Local Expert Says:

Spectacular photo op of the harbor and the governor's mansion, then head right to El Morro, or follow the street down to the left, through the original gate of San Juan, and walk along the 500 year old walls along to the Paseo de la Princesa

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Plazuela de la Rogativa's four statues (sculptured by Lindsay Daen) pay tribute to a San Juan legend. Dating back to 1797, as the story goes, a bishop and his congregation marched through the city singing hymns and carrying torches during a British attack, and as result were able to scare off the potential invaders. La Rogativa (Plaza of Religious Procession) is a great spot to rest your weary feet after a walking tour of the city, and affords an excellent view of the San Juan Bay.

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The Catedral de San Juan is considered a 'Minor Basilica' by the Roman Vatican. It is located on Calle del Cristo, facing the plaza that's right next to the Convento Hotel. The cathedral's construction began in 1521 inspired in Gothic architecture. The vaulted tower, ceilings and its circular staircase are all original elements that can still be seen. The remains of Puerto Rico's first governor, Juan Ponce de León are interred here.

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A leyend tells the story of how the Cristo Chapel was created as a thank you to a saint for saving a boy that fell over a citadel precipice. Sadly, recent studies show that the leyend is far from real. The boy died and the chapel was made by then secretary Don Tomas Mateo Prats as a way to prevent future accidents. It is beautifully designed with a gold and silver altar inside and right in front of a very high citadel. The chapel is a landmark in Old San Juan and a masterpiece that serves as an anchor of busy Cristo street.

Description:

A very casual dining room on a quiet residential street on Old San Juan, this is a local's institution for favorites like mofongo, churrasco, and mariscos. Lunch and Dinner daily