Old San Juan
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a compact historic district where Caribbean culture meets Spanish colonial architecture. Cobbled streets thread brightly painted buildings, iron balconies, and plazas with tropical foliage. Dominated by 16th-century forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, the area offers history and ocean views.
Walkable and culturally rich, it hosts churches, museums, galleries, and shops selling crafts, rum, and coffee. Calle Fortaleza and Calle del Cristo bustle with cafés, restaurants, and bars serving traditional and fusion cuisine. Colorful facades and street art make it a photographer’s delight.
Despite tourism, Old San Juan feels lived-in: neighbors meet in plazas, music drifts from windows, and locals shop the narrow lanes. The waterfront promenade and lookout points provide bay views and quiet rest spots. Its blend of history, street life, and culture rewards exploration on foot.
