As the largest home-based cruise port in the world, San Juan dazzles visitors with its lush beaches, vibrant culture and extravagant nightlife. But the city’s grandeur doesn’t just end there: explore 500 years of history at Old San Juan, visit the majestic El Morro fort, and experience a unique blend of past and present by wandering the cobblestone streets of colonial San Juan. San Juan has something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood to explore historical sites or relax on the sandy beaches.
So, let’s begin our trip by taking a look at the twelve most popular attractions this Puerto Rican capital has to offer.
10 Popular Tourist Attractions in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Old San Juan (San Juan Viejo)
Explore the past by strolling around Old San Juan (San Juan Viejo), the second oldest city in the Americas and the oldest city under the US flag. Here, 500 years of history line the streets with impressive colonial 16th- and 17th-century buildings, now filled with various tourist establishments and shops. Visiting the World Cultural Heritage Site is more than just appreciating the architecture; you can witness a unique mix of contemporary Puerto Rican culture and the traditional charm of Old San Juan.
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Fuerte San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)
A must-visit when in San Juan is the Fuerte San Felipe del Morro (El Morro), an iconic fortress guarding the entrance to San Juan Bay. Charming sentry boxes, called “garitas,” dot the fort, which has become a symbol for Puerto Rico. Spanning 250 years of construction, El Morro is one of the largest Spanish forts in the Caribbean and is a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy panoramic views from the fort towards San Juan or out to the sea and experience the true majesty of El Morro.
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📞 Phone: +1 787-729-6960
🕙 Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance fees: $10 per person (16 years old and over), free for 15 years old and under
Castillo de San Cristóbal (Fort San Cristóbal)
Also, Castillo de San Cristóbal (Fort San Cristóbal) is impressive within the San Juan National Historic Site. Built to guard the eastern gate of San Juan, it is bigger and more elaborate than El Morro and is the largest fort the Spanish ever built in the New World. Spanning 27 acres and featuring five interconnecting sections, Fort San Cristóbal also reveals lovely views of San Juan and out to the ocean, making it worth the visit.
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📞 Phone: +1 787-729-6777
🕙 Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance fees: $10 per person (16 years old and over), free for 15 years old and under
San Juan Cemetery (Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery)
Another highlight of the area is the San Juan Cemetery (Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery), set high up above the ocean and adjacent to El Morro. Here you can find an array of ornate tombs and a beautiful circular red-domed Neoclassical chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. Many of Puerto Rico’s early colonists are also buried here, and the cemetery offers stunning views out to the ocean and toward El Morro.
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San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan)
The San Juan Cathedral, located in the city’s historic center, provides visitors with a taste of religious history. Started in 1540, the cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas. Inside, admire various details like its main altar, which features decorative elements in golden wood, while the side altars boast ornate religious statues that tell the story of the Bible. Step further into the cathedral to appreciate the artwork and craftsmanship of its pulpit, crafted by local artisans.
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📞 Phone: +1 787-722-0861
🕙 Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance fees: Free
El Convento
Els Convento is a historic landmark in San Juan, Puerto Rico, deeply connected to the city’s colonial legacy. The building dates back to 1651 and was originally a Franciscan monastery. While the building has gone through several iterations and has been used for different purposes over the nearly four centuries since it was built, it became an official UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Today, El Convento is a popular tourist attraction in Old San Juan, offering visitors a chance to experience a piece of Puerto Rico’s rich past.
Visitors to El Convento can explore the old monastery, which includes a small museum, several ornate rooms, and a memorial to the original Franciscan founders. For those looking to learn more about the historical significance of El Convento, there are guided tours that discuss the building’s various uses and its various feats. A visit to El Convento will both educate and captivate visitors, giving them a better understanding of the city’s past.
The grounds of El Convento are also a picturesque spot to take in the sights of San Juan. With lush gardens, cobblestone walkways, and a view of the nearby El Morro fort, the area is an inviting place to spend an afternoon. From the courtyard of El Convento, visitors can also get an amazing view of the nearby San Cristóbal fort and the local cemetery.
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📞 Phone: +1 787-723-9020
🌐 Website: https://www.elconvento.com/
🕙 Hours: N/A
🎟️ Entrance fees: N/A
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza, the official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico, is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan, with roots dating back to the 16th century. The building, constructed in 1533, today symbolizes the city’s colonial past and government. It is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places and is an official UNESCO World Heritage Site member.
La Fortaleza offers a unique look into Puerto Rico’s history and the city of San Juan. Tourists can explore the various rooms of the Spanish Renaissance-style building, many of which maintain the same furnishings and decorations they had when they were first built. The building also houses a museum, where visitors can learn more about the city’s colonial roots.
The grounds of La Fortaleza are a beautiful spot to explore, with lush vegetation and a variety of exotic plants. Visitors can take in the beauty of the surrounding area as well as get a fantastic view of the nearby El Morro Fort and the San Cristobal Fort. The area is also great to take in some of the many festivals and ceremonies held throughout the year.
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📞 Phone: +1 787-721-7000
Casa Blanca
Casa Blanca, or the White House, is a historic building located in Old San Juan. Built-in 1521, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city, having served at one point as the official residence of the Spanish Governor of Puerto Rico. When the US took control of the island in 1898, the building became known as the White House and served as the residence of the US President until the 1940s.
Today, Casa Blanca is a popular tourist attraction in Old San Juan and a great way to learn more about Puerto Rico’s history. Visitors to the building can explore the various rooms of the Spanish-style mansion and see the large collection of antiques, artwork, and furniture that make up the interior.
The grounds around Casa Blanca offer a peaceful, relaxing spot to enjoy the city’s beauty. Visitors can stroll along the lush grounds or enjoy gorgeous views from any outdoor terraces. With a view of the nearby El Morro Fort and the San Cristobal Fort, Casa Blanca is a great place to take in the sights of San Juan.
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📞 Phone: (787) 725-1454
🕙 Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (closed on Sundays)
🎟️ Entrance fees: Adults: $5, children under 12 years old: free
Old San Juan Beach
Old San Juan Beach is a picturesque beach in San Juan’s heart. The beach is popular with both locals and tourists, offering crystal clear waters, white sand beaches, and incredible views of the nearby El Morro fort. It’s also a great spot to catch a glimpse of some of San Juan’s famous wild horses.
At Old San Juan Beach, visitors can sunbathe on the white sand, take a dip in the crystal clear ocean, and explore the rocky coast. Those looking for more of a thrill can try their hand at kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing.
The beach area is also a great place to take in the sights of San Juan. With views of the fort, the nearby cemetery, and the San Cristobal fort, there are plenty of photo opportunities to capture some of the city’s most stunning landmarks. After a day at the beach, visitors can also explore the nearby galleries and restaurants in Old San Juan or simply enjoy the sunset over the ocean.
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🕙 Hours: Open 24 hours
🎟️ Entrance fees: Free
El Teatro Tapia
El Teatro Tapia is a historical theater located in the heart of Old San Juan, which is one of the tourist attractions in Old San Juan. Founded in 1832 by Pascual Abad and named after the dramatist Alejandro Tapia, the theater has been a hub of culture and entertainment in the city ever since.
Today, El Teatro Tapia remains one of the city’s premier destinations for theater and other live performances. The theater offers everything from classical concertos to plays, ballets and operas. Visitors to El Teatro Tapia can participate in the performances or interactive workshops and classes.
The theater is also a beautiful spot to soak in the culture of San Juan. Its traditional interior, which has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, is a reminder of the city’s past. The nearby El Morro Fort and the San Cristobal Fort also offer excellent views from the theater as well.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (787) 224-9365
🕙 Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on weekends)
🎟️ Entrance fees: Ticket prices vary depending on the event.
Conclusion
Visiting San Juan is like walking through history; we have shared the list of the top 10 attractions in Old San Juan. The city is a treasure of architectural gems from the 16th-century Fortaleza to the 18th-century Iglesia de San José. For those looking for more modern attractions, the Plaza las Americas presents a chance for a spot of retail therapy. When it’s time to rest and relax, there are plenty of luxurious and quaint hotels to choose from. No matter what type of vacation experience you desire, San Juan offers something for everyone.