San Juan, the vibrant heart of Puerto Rico, is a city with a rich history and cultural diversity that begs to be explored. Old San Juan offers a multitude of activities, ranging from the mesmerizing forts of El Morro and Castillo San Crist贸bal, to the vibrant, colorful streets filled with colonial charm. Dive in and discover these 11 unique things to do in Old San Juan and create your own memories of Puerto Rico鈥檚 unforgettable capital city.
Stay tuned till the end of the article to explore our free immersive audio guides that will make your journey through Old San Juan even more enriching.
Table of Contents
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- Step Back in Time at the El Morro Fort
- Get Lost in the Charming Cobblestone Streets of Old San Juan
- Uncover the Mysteries of Castillo San Crist贸bal
- Revel in the Beauty of La Fortaleza
- Visit San Juan Cathedral
- Stop and Feed San Juan鈥檚 Pigeons
- Discover Casa Blanca, the Ancient Home of Juan Ponce de Le贸n
- Indulge in the Gastronomic Delights of Old San Juan
- Embark on a Leisurely Stroll along Paseo de la Princesa
- Discover the Serenity of the Old San Juan Cemetery
- Marvel at the Historic Gate of Old San Juan
1. Step Back in Time at the El Morro Fort
Discover the rich history of Puerto Rico by visiting El Morro Fort, a World Heritage Site and one of the best things to do in Old San Juan.
The fort offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the coastline, making it a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. Listen to our immersive El Morro Audio Tour to get a deeper understanding of the fort's significance and for exciting recreations of its most important battles against some of history鈥檚 most infamous pirates!
2. Get Lost in the Charming Cobblestone Streets of Old San Juan
Step into a bygone era as you wander through the enchanting cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. The city's vibrant facades, flower-bedecked balconies, and the harmonious blend of old and new create an atmospheric backdrop perfect for a leisurely stroll.
3. Uncover the Mysteries of Castillo San Crist贸bal
Another key historical site that tops the list of things to do in Old San Juan is the fascinating Castillo San Crist贸bal. This sprawling fortress is a testament to the island's storied past. Don't forget to plug into our San Cristobal Castle Audio Tour to fully grasp the history behind this magnificent structure and to learn of an 18th-century true crime drama that ended with the murderer shackled in the fort鈥檚 dungeon.
4. Revel in the Beauty of La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza, one of the prettiest buildings in Old San Juan, is not to be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, which serves as the residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, is known for its stunning blue exterior and elegant Spanish colonial architecture. It is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere.
5. Visit San Juan Cathedral
Step into the tranquility of San Juan Cathedral, a Roman Catholic basilica that is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan. With its impressive architecture, it offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city outside. It was also the final resting place for the famed Spanish conquistador, Juan Ponce de Le贸n.
6. Stop and Feed San Juan鈥檚 Pigeons
Parque de las Palomas, or Pigeon Park, offers a fun and unique experience that's fit for all ages. This peaceful park, overlooking the city walls and the ocean, is home to hundreds of pigeons that have become accustomed to human interaction. Visitors can feed the pigeons, making for an entertaining and photogenic spectacle. This is surely one of the unique things to do in Old San Juan that you won't forget.
7. Discover Casa Blanca, the Ancient Home of Juan Ponce de Le贸n
Take a tour of Casa Blanca, the ancient home of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Le贸n. This 16th-century stronghold turned family home turned museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the explorer's life and the colonial history of the island.
8. Indulge in the Gastronomic Delights of Old San Juan
No visit to Old San Juan is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Participate in a food tour or explore the vibrant restaurants to savor local delicacies like mofongo (mashed plantains), lech贸n (roast pig), and the original pi帽a colada.
9. Embark on a Leisurely Stroll along Paseo de la Princesa
Enjoy a relaxing walk along the Paseo de la Princesa. This beautiful, tree-lined promenade, graced by a majestic fountain representing the birth of the Puerto Rican people from the mixing of indigenous, African, and Spanish cultures, offers breathtaking views of the bay. You'll also find food vendors and local artisans along the way, making it one of the most charming things to do in Old San Juan.
10. Discover the Serenity of the Old San Juan Cemetery
One of the more unique things to do in Old San Juan is to visit the Santa Mar铆a Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. This historic cemetery, established in the 19th century, is perched on the edge of the sea, creating a hauntingly beautiful panorama. The elaborate tombstones and crypts here tell tales of the city's past and the notable figures that once walked its streets.
11. Marvel at the Historic Gate of Old San Juan
The iconic red gate, La Puerta de San Juan, once served as the main entrance to the fortified city for seafarers arriving after long ocean voyages. Walking through this gate along the old city wall, you'll be treading the same path as traders, explorers, and colonizers did centuries ago. This captivating symbol of history is another must-see on your list of things to do in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Be sure to listen to our El Morro Audio Tour and San Cristobal Castle Audio Tour for more interesting facts about the gate's historical significance and the walls that once enclosed the entire city.
Remember, your journey in Old San Juan can be greatly enriched with our immersive audio guides, recorded by local experts in a podcast format. They're absolutely free, with nothing to rent and no app to download.