Old San Juan, San Juan

  Amazing colors
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  • Amazing colors
      Amazing colors
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  • Ravages of time
      Ravages of time
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  • Ornate
      Ornate
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  • Gorgeous hilly steet
      Gorgeous hilly steet
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  • A retreat
      A retreat
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57 Reviews of Old San Juan

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Take a Self-Guided Walking Tour
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starship 870 reviews
Corner near Plaza de Armas

The top of attractions of Old San Juan can easily be seen on foot for the most part. Although for anyone wishing to save the shoe leather or just get there faster, a taxi to El Morro or San Cristobal should not be too expensive. Since Old San Juan is considered to be the area within the old fort or castle walls and only 7 square blocks, you can see alot in one day on foot if you are so inclined. This area will delight you with its Spanish architecture, churches, shops, restaurants, and museums, not to mention historically significant buildings and other features. Calle Fortaleza is a street favored by many tourists because of its attractive restaurants, hotels and shops.

Since the old town is bordered by San Juan Bay, a walk along the waterfront can be a pleasant way to start or end your walking tours or enjoy a respite while taking in the great vistas it has to offer.

Guided tours of Old San Juan or excursions to other sites on Puerto Rico can be arranged from La Casita (see General Tips) or from your hotel.

Written Jan 15, 2005

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Local merchants by the pier
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lashr1999 469 reviews
Local merchants by the pier Old San Juan

You have to go to old San Juan and check out the local merchants by the pier near the visitor center. Some of these have quite good prices and craftmanship, while others are rip-off. One of my favorite purchases is this leather name bracelet that was hand made. Total cost $5 with name. It costs 10$+ without name in NYC. Needeless to say, I brought several of these. I don't smoke but there was a merchant selling hand made cigars a block away for those of you that do.

Written Sep 24, 2004

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Marble Building
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Veronica1977 1 reviews

I forgot what it was called, but there is a government building there that is made entirely of marble. It's beautiful. There are paintings of Ponce de Leon and Columbus on the walls. It only cost a half a million to make. Just breathtaking!

Written Nov 24, 2003

Address: not sure

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Stroll through shaded street in Old San Juan
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807Wheaton 837 reviews
Celeta San Juan
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Continue your stroll out of San Juan Cathedral towards the San Juan Gate, which is the official entrance to the city.

Written May 13, 2009

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 Hiking and Walking
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Museum las Americas (Museum of the Americas)
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Jim_Eliason 3758 reviews
Donkey Cart
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One of the unique aspects of traditional Puerto Rican culture are brightly painted Donkey Carts like the one shown in this picture.

Updated Dec 20, 2008

Address: Cuartel de Ballaja

Phone: 787/724-5052

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Statue of Isabella
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Jim_Eliason 3758 reviews
Statute of Isabella

This statue in honor of the monarch, financed the discovery of the New World. It sits outside the wall next to the city gate

Updated Dec 20, 2008

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Inside City Gate
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Jim_Eliason 3758 reviews
City Gate

A gate leading out to the walled portion of the old city

Updated Dec 20, 2008

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Children's Museum
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Jim_Eliason 3758 reviews
Children's Museum

A hands-on science museum for children is housed in this colorful building.

Updated Dec 20, 2008

Address: Calle Cristo 150

Phone: 787-722-3791

Website: http://www.museodelninopr.org/

Related to:
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Paseo la Princesa
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Gypsystravels 2986 reviews

Written Dec 19, 2008

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The Streets
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chodearm 595 reviews
Cleaner than I thought

Written Aug 15, 2006

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Top 3 Hotels in San Juan

Hotel El Convento  San Juan

 5 Reviews and 809 Opinions  The staff was great...the rooms were great...the only place you would want to stay in Old San Juan! 

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Old San Juan

Old San Juan tips and photos posted by real travelers and San Juan locals.

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 A hands-on science museum for children is housed in this colorful building. 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hello We are leaving San Juan on a cruise and would like to know what is the best way to get from the airport to the cruise... 

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A: Nothing is reasonable in San Jose, they cheat you, so yes, 30$ is reasonable. But "round trip"; are you going from the airport to the cruise terminal and back to the... 

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Top San Juan Writers

1

La Ciudad del Encanto

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 The city of San Juan was officially established in 1521, making it one of the oldest cities in all of the Americas. As you stroll down the streets of Old San Juan, you can't help but be amazed at the... 

2

BLUE WATERS, WHITE SAND AND TONS OF HISTORY,

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 When I decided to make a trip to Puerto Rico last fall, it had nothing to do with anything, or should I say the lack of anything, I knew about the island. I chose Puerto Rico for a really stupid... 

3

San Juan

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 San Juan is a great mix of beach, history and great culture and nightlife. 

4

Jumping Around San Juan, Puerto Rico!

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  So my Top Things To Do in Puerto Rico based on what we experienced, whether you're coming off a cruise ship or not: 1. Visit the Fort of El Morro at least (swing by Cristobal if you can) 2. Enjoy...... 

5

San Juan, Puerto Rico

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 I first visited San Juan in the later 1980's when we sailed from the wharfs in Old San Juan twice on the old Cunard Countess. Although a somewhat "strange new land", San Juan failed to leave a lasting... 

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