How to spend a day in port in Old San Juan!
The capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan is a bustling city with an ancient heart. We spent all of our time there in Viejo (Old) San Juan, which is fairly common as that's where the cruise ships dock. The old city is over 500 years old and filled with European - mostly Spanish - charm. The streets and alleyways are narrow, far more suitable for pedestrians than cars. You can explore all of Viejo San Juan in a VERY full day, but an overnight stay or two will help you get better acquainted with all there is to do and see in the city. We spent most of our time in VSJ exploring the Castillos, which are incredible (I was particularly impressed by how imposing del Morro is) and sampling foods from various restaurants while gawking at the European architecture that is omnipresent around the old city. There are numerous restaurants and bars to check out; our favorites might have been La Taberna Lupulo (great food and beer) and Deaverdura, though El Jibarito is very well worth a mention.
The oldest European settlement in Puerto Rico and the historical center of San Juan.
If you're staying in Viejo San Juan and you'd like a fresh cup of coffee in the fresh air, you can't go wrong with Cafe Cuatro Estaciones. They've got delicious pastries to go along with their tasty coffee offerings, and the location in Plaza de Armas makes for a lovely backdrop for enjoying your cuppa!
A handy drug store that carries all sorts of goods you might have left back home. Hours Mo-Sa 8a-9p Su 8a-6p
A UNESCO World Heritage and part of the San Juan National Historical Site, Castillo San Cristobal dates as far back as 1634, when its construction began. The castillo provides an amazing window into the history of the area, and a gorgeous vantage point from which to see all of San Juan and its environs! Hours Mo-Su 9a-5p Closed New Year's Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day
nps.govWe had the Puertorican Sampler and it was FANTASTIC! More than enough food for two people, with local favorites galore! Strongly recommend you stop in for lunch while you're in Old San Juan! Hours Mo-Sa 11a-9p Su CLOSED
deaverdura.foodjoyy.comIf you're into the national parks (like I am), this is a must-visit! The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is an enormous, imposing structure guarding the mouth of Bahía de San Juan, and perhaps the most famous landmark in all of Puerto Rico! The fortress rises from the Atlantic on a promontory (morro) up 140 feet to defend the original, Old San Juan. The fort stands six levels tall and was built up over the course of 250 years, finally completed in 1790! Though the US military used the fort during the World Wars I and II, it's time as a fighting fortress had long since passed. The fort was finally decommissioned and turned over to the National Park Service, who maintains the historical defense today! Hours Mo-Su 9a-5p Closed New Year's Day Thanksgiving Christmas Day
Absolutely lovely little restaurant on Calle Del Sol! Recommend the Pollo Al horno and the flan is amazing! Hours Mo-Su 11a-9p
eljibarito.shopWe stumbled upon the Gallery Inn rather by accident. The Inn hosts a cafe, restaurant, and rooftop bar that offers some pretty spectacular views! That said, you're definitely paying a premium for those views as this was easily the most expensive mojito either of us had in Puerto Rico. Hours Mo-Su 12p-12a
thegalleryinn.comRecommended by Cassi for crafty beer, and it does not disappoint! They've got a huge selection to choose from, and plenty of craft beers from around Puerto Rico to sample! The food is delicious, too! Personally, I recommend El Bigote, though you can't go wrong with their Spanish sausage, either!
latabernalupulo.com