Things To Do In Old San Juan
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Ever wonder why Old San Juan is a must-visit? Picture this: a compact, walkable city brimming with history, stunning architecture, and a vibe that’s both laid-back and buzzing with life. It’s the kind of place where you can explore centuries-old forts, enjoy the local cuisine at a street-side café, and soak in the views of a sunset that lights up the harbor. Old San Juan offers a blend of experiences that caters to the curious traveler, the history buff, and the foodie in all of us.
Do You Need A Passport to go to Puerto Rico?
Do you need a passport to visit San Juan?
If you’re a U.S. citizen, the answer is no—you don’t need a passport to visit San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, all you need is the same identification you’d use to fly domestically. This typically means a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or ID card.
However, if you’re traveling from outside the United States, standard international travel requirements apply, and you will need a passport to enter. It’s always a good idea to check the latest travel guidelines before your trip to ensure a smooth experience.
What is Old San Juan?
It’s the historic heart of San Juan, Puerto Rico, known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, vibrant blue cobblestone streets, and a laid-back yet lively atmosphere. Imagine wandering through narrow lanes lined with brightly colored buildings, stumbling upon hidden courtyards, and soaking up views of the ocean from ancient forts.
It’s not just about the sights, though; this place buzzes with energy from its cozy cafes, lively bars, and artisan shops. Essentially, Old San Juan is a blend of history, culture, and Puerto Rican flair, all packed into a walkable area that feels like a world of its own.
Historical Gems in Old San Juan
Puerto Rico has a rich and diverse history that is deeply ingrained in its culture. The island was first inhabited by the Taíno people before being colonized by the Spanish in 1493. The colonial legacy can still be seen in the architecture of the old town of San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Old San Juan, you can visit impressive forts like El Morro and San Cristobal, stroll through colorful streets, and admire the colonial architecture.
Puerto Rico is also home to several museums and cultural institutions that showcase the island’s history and art, such as the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico and the Museum of the Americas. If music interests you, Puerto Rico played a significant role in the development of salsa with popularizing the Afro-Spanish music traditions of Cuba. Salsa music and dancing still play a significant role in the culture today.
Old San Juan Festivals
Puerto Rico is an island that knows how to party, and they know how to do it well. Some festivals are going on every month all year long. There are even festivals and celebrations that go on all year.
These festivals are highlighted with parades, music, food, drinks, and dancing. They are a convergence of Puerto Rican culture. The best months for these festivals are December and January, and daytime is the best time to experience them. At night, they tend to get a lot more crowded and rowdier.
Great Drinks
Puerto Rico is considered to be the King of Rum, and they embrace the moniker. There are amazing innovative mixologists! All over the island, they are using Puerto Rican rum and native fruits (like passion fruits, mangoes, papayas, and more) to create a perfect taste of Puerto Rico.
Many of these mixologists also compete internationally, so they are a lot of fun to watch work. There is everything from great drinks to beautiful paired drinks and courses, and you can find it all.
I took a food and drink tour recently and it’s definitely one of the best things to do in Old San Juan. I loved that you could tie so many things into one package, a historical walking tour, a couple tasty local dishes and some refreshing drinks! You can find the link to this tour here. Here are just a few photo’s of my day.
Bacardi Rum Factory
The Bacardi Factory in Puerto Rico is the largest in the world. This factory can bottle up to 100,000 bottles a day. Aside from just touring the factory itself, you can also go on a tasting tour.
This tour allows visitors to learn all about the rum, the bottling process, and the different flavors and tastes that Bacardi manufactures. It is an important part of Puerto Rico, and it is a lot of fun. I highly suggest you take an Uber, the fumes alone make it so that you’ll need a designated driver home.
The Food of Old San Juan is …Chef’s Kiss
The “Dining Capital of the Caribbean,” is the way that many Puerto Ricans refer to their homeland. Their cuisine is a harmonious blend of Taino (the native people of Puerto Rico), American, and Spanish cuisines. These different influences combine to generate amazing dishes like mofongo (mashed plantains) and Arroz con gandules y Lechon (rice with pigeon peas and pork). This is my go to!
Things to Do Outside of Old San Juan
The island has so much to offer that it might prove impossible to try to get it all in one trip. If you happen to want to venture outside of Old San Juan, you can check out my post on different locations to visit. You’ll find it here.
Here are just a few of my top recommendations.
Head Over To Vieques
Nestled just a few miles off the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico is the island of Vieques. The tiny island of Vieques offers visitors a rich history and a plethora of exciting activities to explore. Once used as a naval bombing range by the US Navy, Vieques is now a peaceful oasis with pristine beaches, bioluminescent bays, and lush wildlife reserves.
For those with a taste for adventure, hiking, snorkeling, and kayaking are popular activities. History buffs can explore the remnants of Vieques’ historic sugar plantations. And if you’re looking for a companion getaway, don’t worry!
Vieques is just a short ferry ride away from San Juan. If you are more adventurous, you can take a small plane. I don’t have the stomach for it!
But, if you’re looking for an island paradise that’s both rich in history and filled with excitement, head down to Vieques and experience all that this enchanting island has to offer!
Vieques is the home of a beautiful bioluminescent bay, and El Yunque is the location of the only subtropical rainforest in the United States. Below are my top three tours of El Yunque rainforest.
Don’t Forget Water Fun
No matter where you are going in the Caribbean, the beaches and ocean are an essential part of the trip. In Puerto Rico, areas like Culebra, Vieques, and El Yunque are great places to visit. Culebra is the perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Flamingo Beach in Culebra offers the ideal backdrop for your snorkeling and diving adventure. Below are a few of my top suggestions.
Which Things to Do in Old San Juan Will You Do?
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, or a seeker of authentic experiences, Old San Juan offers something special for everyone. If you’re ready to turn this virtual adventure into a reality, our team of travel experts is here to craft a personalized itinerary that brings your dream vacation to life. Contact us today!
