Although visitors sometimes dress more casually a collared shirt, shorts with pockets and belt, and shoes are minimally appropriate for adults at most attractions. Women tend to wear skirts or dresses and often high heeled shoes. Men typically wear collared shirts and long pants, and businessmen wear suits. It is a real neighborhood, where people work and live. San Juan is a common stop for cruise ships, yet it is definitely not a beach resort. Brief rain showers are quite common, so watch your step, as the cobblestones can get quite slippery. Around the perimeter of the district the trade winds make it surprisingly comfortable, but along the interior streets it get much hotter, with closely spaced, multi-story buildings cutting off any breeze. Wear good walking shoes to deal with the hills and cobblestone streets.
Sunblock is available at many stores in town. Many tourists are caught unaware of the sun exposure received from simply walking around the sites of this tropical city. Much of the district's architecturally historic fabric is intact, including the impressive fortifications. The forts received some naval bombardment from US naval ships during the Spanish American War (1898). Due to its military significance, the government kept the growing population within the city walls until 1897, when a few bastions were demolished. It was considered the Gibraltar of the West Indies. It guarded an important entrance into the Spanish Main, and withstood multiple attacks by the British and Dutch (some partially successful). As this is a tourist destination, English is relatively common, but not universally spoken.įounded in 1509, San Juan became a walled city protected by multiple forts. It occupies the western half of the islet of San Juan, which it shares with Puerta de Tierra. Although this eight by ten block district is part of San Juan, it is quite geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of the city. This whole area can be explored on foot, although the walk out to El Morro fort adds considerably more to the length of a walking tour.San Juan ( Viejo San Juan) is the historic core of San Juan. Other highlights are Fortaleza, the San Juan Cathedral, and Castillo de San Cristóbal.Īs you stroll, be sure to pop into some of the museums, many of which are worth stepping into just to appreciate the architecture of the structure housing the collections. The most dramatic feature, and the real showpiece of Old San Juan is the Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, known more commonly as El Morro, set out on a point of land overlooking the sea in the San Juan National Historic Site.Įxperience the city's real charm by simply wandering the streets, admiring the old architecture, and enjoying a meal on an outdoor patio. The seven-square-block area contains more than 400 beautifully restored 16th- and 17th-century colonial buildings, many of which contain shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, and other public buildings. This World Cultural Heritage Site is the second oldest city in the Americas and the oldest city under the US flag.
#Viejo san juan puerto rico map windows#
Showcasing almost 500 years of history, the streets of Old San Juan (San Juan Viejo) are windows to the past, with historic forts and Spanish colonial architecture setting the scene.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues. Plan your sightseeing with our list of top attractions in San Juan.
Depending on the number of cruise ships in port, the city can either be very quiet or extremely lively. San Juan is also a major cruise ship destination, and is known for being one of the largest home-based cruise ports in the world. The old buildings are now home to many of the city's attractions and tourist establishments. Historic forts, colonial architecture, fine dining, museums, and much more, are all within easy walking distance.Īt the heart of the city is Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where colonial architecture mixes with contemporary Puerto Rican culture. Beachfront luxury hotels and resorts can be found right in San Juan and neighboring districts. San Juan is a beautiful capital city, with soft-sand beaches, a multitude of cultural attractions, and a vibe that could easily make it a destination for an entire vacation. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )