Old San Juan

Since arriving in Puerto Rico, I have been spoiled with visits to two of the Country’s best beaches, Flamenco and Totuga Beach located on Culebra. Today I find myself in the historic town of Old San Juan.  Founded in 1508, Old San Juan looks and feels more like a town from Colonial Spanish times than a North American city. With its cobbled stone streets and brightly colored buildings the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. There’s plenty to do and see in Old San Juan with its rich history of 400 years of Spanish rule and 100 plus years of American rule — even the most avid traveler will be impressed with what the town has to offer.

Before hitting the streets of Old San Juan breakfast is in order and since you’re in a tourist zone the choices are a bit of a hit or miss. I was lucky enough to stumble across a great place tucked away on a cobblestoned street. Bodega Chic, located at the top of Calle Cristo Street (no 51) offers a brunch special of coffee, juice and a choice of four breakfast options, including Eggs Benedict and egg sandwich.  While the service maybe slow the food is well worth the wait. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily except on Monday.

El Morro - Old San Jaun

With breakfast in your belly you can start your Old San Juan tour. Located down the street from the eatery is San Juan’s Cathedral, in Spanish, ‘Catedral de San Juan’. And opposite the Cathedral lies a picturesque square and Caleta de San Juan (street name). Admire the big trees and the colorful buildings as you wander down Caleta de San Juan towards the old fort wall. The old fort wall runs around most Old San Juan and it connects with El Morro, a six-level sea facing fort and lighthouse perched on the hill in Old San Juan.  El Morro was built by the Spanish in 1539 to keep out the British and Dutch and later the Americans. With its 140ft tall walls it is said to be one of the oldest Spanish forts in the world. A five minute walk along the fort’s walls will lead you to the other fort in Old San Juan, San Cristobal Fort (Forte San Cristobal). The fort was designed to protect Old San Juan from land attacks.

Walking around Old San Juan you’ll notice in addition to the souvenir shops a lot of bars. Puerto Ricans and tourists like to party and the town has no shortage of bars. The bars are mainly concentrated around Plaza de San Jose or along Fortaleza Street heading east. With bars being a dime a dozen so are accommodation options. But be warned they’re not many budget options in the heart of Old San Juan. I stayed at the Guest House Old San Juan, a very basic but cheap room. I felt like I was back in colonial days but at $35 per night I wasn’t complaining! Another popular destination in Old San Juan is the night market held on the promenade, (the Paseo de la Princeasa) at the south-end of city.

Caleta de San Juan

Old San Juan is a walking and self-discovery city. It’s filled with picture postcard shots thanks to its colorful architecture and cobbled stone streets. The best I advice I can give you is get out there and loose yourself in this truly magically city. In tomorrow’s post I head to the world renowned rainforests of El Yunque in search of waterfalls and wildlife.