Viejo San Juan
The historic core of San Juan, founded in the sixteenth century on an islet and still partly ringed by its walls. It holds the two forts, the blue cobblestone streets, the painted buildings and most of the capital's visitor offer. It is walkable in a few hours, and the hills and heat are the only real difficulty.
Example
Starting at the high end and walking down toward the bay saves you half the climbing.
Best tours and tickets
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San Juan Guided Turtle Snorkel Tour and Complimentary Videos
★★★★★ 4.9 · 18,453 reviews
From $39View tour
San Juan to El Yunque Rainforest Waterslides and Luquillo Beach
★★★★★ 4.7 · 5,927 reviews
From $50View tour
Cave, Waterfall and River Adventure in Charco Azul from San Juan
★★★★★ 5.0 · 2,492 reviews
From $115View tour
Related terms
History
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
A sixteenth century fortress raised on the headland commanding the entrance to San Juan Bay, with six levels and a...
History
Castillo San Cristóbal
The largest Spanish fortification built in the Americas, raised to defend San Juan by land while El Morro faced the...
History
Adoquín azul
A block of iron slag with a bluish sheen that has paved the streets of Old San Juan since the late nineteenth...
History
Murallas de San Juan
The sandstone defensive belt that ringed the old city, largely preserved on the seaward side. The red painted Puerta...
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need?
Half a day for the essentials and a full day if you enter both forts and a museum without rushing.
Is parking easy?
Not very. There are paid garages at either end and the streets are narrow, so many people arrive by taxi or on foot from Condado.
