Old San Juan is often thought of as a place for jangueo. There is no shortage of great spots to eat and enjoy a good cocktail, but the walled city also holds a historical context worth rediscovering again and again.
Bring your traveler's spirit and take a turn through these 7 historic places to visit in this city, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This space has hosted several national exhibitions. Even without exhibitions, it is a place you can visit and take in another perspective looking toward San Juan Bay. It was built in 1847 and used as a barracks, warehouse and shipyard until 1898.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Near El Morro and the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña is the garden of Casa Blanca. A small but charming garden. You may have visited before, but it is always good to return to these pleasant corners of Old San Juan that offer a break from the bustle of its streets.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For those who did not know, Felisa Rincón de Gautier, known to many as Doña Fela, was the first woman mayor of San Juan, appointed in 1946. She ran the city for 22 years and transformed San Juan into what we know and enjoy today. This museum offers a look at much of her work and legacy.
Hours: Wednesday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For some it is a secret, and others already know that Old San Juan has its own beach. If you walk from Plaza San Juan Bautista (the one with the coat of arms of Puerto Rico's towns) you will find Playa del Capitolio, where you can take a dip.
It has natural pools and areas with sun and shade, good for sitting down to read, meditating while looking out at the sea, or getting some sun.
Hours: There are no set hours, but we recommend going during the day and with company.
One of the things many travelers do when visiting Europe is tour its great cathedrals. This side of the world has its own, too.
Catedral San Juan Bautista was built in 1521 and rebuilt eight years later after damage from a storm. In 1978, Pope Paul VI designated it a minor basilica. The cathedral holds the remains of explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de León, as well as those of the martyr San Pío. File away these details so that when you visit with your friends, everyone is impressed by what you know about the cathedral.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Did you know that Paseo de la Princesa has a dark past? The building was originally constructed as a provisional prison in 1837. Today it houses the offices of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company and also admits visitors for its art exhibitions.
Walking the full length of the paseo, you can take in San Juan Bay, see some remarkable sunsets, meet the beach cats that live along the path, and end up at El Morro.
This spot has drawn some controversy because of the cat population that lives there. Even so, from this space overlooking San Juan Bay, you can see the coast of Cataño and part of Isla de Cabra. It is one of the better places to walk and watch the sunset alongside a few kittens.
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This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
