Why you should visit Old San Juan right now
Puerto Rico is all the rage at the moment, topping list upon list of travel hotspots - and for good reason! The island is nothing short of a marvel, packing eye candy beaches, a mesmerizing rainforest, bioluminescent beauty, and a colorful culture into its claim of the Eastern Caribbean.
In particular, its Atlantic-facing capital of San Juan is a destination filled with history, nightlife, shopping, museums, and more.
Within the coastal metropolis lies Old San Juan. The historic islet is a Spanish colonial wonder, and so cool to explore!
Here are 6 reasons you should add it to your list stat.
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1. It's bright and colorful.
A visit to Old San Juan will cheer up even the most weary of traveler. The historic district is a vision in color with its collection of pastel buildings and eye-catching wall murals.
The streets are made of cobblestones, lined with ornate lampposts and overlooked by pretty little terraces. The song of tropical birds echoes all around and narrow alleyways branch off just waiting to be explored.
Between the lavender walls, mint buildings, auburn windows, and pale pink houses aglow with string lights, you'll feel as if you're lost in a Caribbean dream. 😍
2. It features fascinating history.
Old San Juan was founded in 1521, and is the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico. As a result, there are plenty of awe-inspiring historical sights to explore during your visit.
Arguably the most prominent is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, also referred to simply as El Morro. The fortress was built in the 16th century by the Spanish to protect the island from foreign attack, and sits impressively atop the edge of Old San Juan.
El Morro was occupied by the US Army from 1898 until 1961, when it became part of the National Park Service (and later declared a World Heritage Site by the UN.) It's since become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puerto Rico.
The site is open daily from 9AM-6PM, and costs $10 to enter; children 15 and under are free. You can tour it on your own or partake in various ranger-led programs.
Elsewhere in Old San Juan you'll find remnants of the San Juan wall, a 3-mile expanse of masonry. It was constructed and improved upon throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, and once enclosed the city. It's pretty cool to follow it along the water and see many of its original features still intact - including gates, bastions, and sentry boxes.
3. It's a delicious place.
Puerto Rico excels at many things, but of particular note are its coffee, rum, and food. A visit to Old San Juan is not complete without indulging in all of these things.
Swing by any grocery store while you're in town and snag a couple bags of Cafe Oro de Puerto Rico or Yaucono - they're both seriously yummy coffee, and they retail for insanely cheap on the island.
While you're at it, check out Caficultura. The picturesque cafe features incredible espresso drinks, fresh fruit, and some of the best oatmeal I've ever had.
4. It's walkable.
Old San Juan is very easy to explore by foot - in my opinion, that's the best way to see it!
There are countless museums, shops, alleyways, art installations, and cafes throughout the district. If you want to explore all these things and simultaneously get a sense for the city's personality, simply hit the pavement!
5. It's easy to access.
You don't need a passport to visit Puerto Rico if you're a US citizen, and many airlines offer direct service to San Juan from major hubs across the US.
6. It's inspiring.
Puerto Rico in general is a place of great resilience. I've been three times and loved it every time!
As of late, you can still see devastation across San Juan from Hurricane Maria. And yet, the island keeps on chugging forwards. It's a place where great stories lie, and where inspiration can be found from hardship. And one of the best ways to support the island is through tourism - come visit Puerto Rico and experience its incredibly inspiring spirit for yourself!
HOW TO GET THERE
San Juan is served by Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), which is located about 8 miles from the Old San Juan District. Most major US airlines and several international carriers operate flights into SJU.
San Juan is also a popular cruise port. Many major cruise lines offer itineraries that either originate/terminate in the city, or feature it as a port of call.
WHEN TO GO
San Juan experiences quite nice weather throughout the year, with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s each month.
Peak tourism season in Puerto Rico is from December to May - this is when the island experiences its driest and consistently best weather. June to November is considered the rainy season, with hurricanes hitting most frequently from August to October.
As with any destination, the island is less crowded and cheaper in the off-season.
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Inspired to visit San Juan? Contact me today to get started planning your Puerto Rico adventure.
