Old San Juan

Take a colourful stroll through some of Puerto Rico's oldest streets.

With tiny streets lined with colourful properties adorned with flowers and intricate details, Old San Juan offers a glimpse into Puerto Rico’s colourful past and bears the signatures of the millions who have passed through this globally influenced city.

The history of Old San Juan

Situated in Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the western hemisphere. It has an extensive history dating back centuries and was originally established as a Spanish colonial settlement. Over time, this quaint but bustling port city has gone through many transformations, playing an integral role in the history of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

Nestled next to the blue Atlantic and Caribbean waters, Old San Juan has been captivating visitors for centuries through its unique blend of historic wonders and contemporary delights. With a history deeply rooted in colonial Spain, the city’s streets are lined with complex architecture made from stone, wood, and clay. Commerce has long been an essential part of its culture as it lies at the crossroads of important Phoenician trade routes.

San Juan has long been an integral part of the island’s culture, serving as a centre for political, economic, and cultural activities. Despite facing destruction from natural disasters such as fires and hurricanes, Old San Juan has managed to bounce back up time and again, never losing its significance in the region.

We Suggest…

LGBTQ+ Puerto Rico Culinary Tour: San Juan, Ponce

Tailor-made Holiday

Puerto Rico's food carries three distinct histories at once: Taino root vegetables and cooking techniques, Spanish stews and sofrito, and West African ingredients brought through the slave trade, most visibly in dishes built on plantain and salted cod. That layering is still legible on the plate. Mofongo, made from mashed green plantain, and arroz con gandules, rice cooked with pigeon peas, both trace directly back to it.

7 days tailor-made from £3,525 per person View trip

The best things to see in Old San Juan

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico is a city brimming with culture and history. Boasting a variety of stunning architecture, the city holds something for everyone – whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced traveller. There’s no shortage of sights to see and experiences to have in this tropical paradise.

If you love history and architecture, a visit to El Morro Fort in Old San Juan is a must. Built during the 16th century as a defence against invading forces, this iconic structure is still standing today and offers visitors breathtaking views of the harbour.

Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, the incredible San Juan Cathedral is one of the oldest functioning cathedrals in the Western Hemisphere. Visitors from far and wide flock to admire its impressive stained glass windows, awe-inspiring baroque altar, and intricately carved wooden sculptures.

If you’re looking for an exciting night out in Old San Juan, a trip to Calle San Sebastián is a must. This street is full of energy and colour, featuring brightly-coloured buildings, loud bars and lively music. Spend your evening winding through the narrow alleyways and soak up the authentic atmosphere.

The best time to visit Old San Juan

Visiting Old San Juan from December to April is a great time for tourists, as the weather is at its best. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s during this period, and there’s generally much less rain. Although this season is the most popular, with increased crowds and higher hotel rates, it offers a unique opportunity to experience all that Old San Juan has to offer.

One of the best times to visit Old San Juan is during the low season of May through November. While this time of year features more frequent rainy days and higher temperatures than the rest of the year, budget travellers can take advantage of lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.

Old San Juan is the perfect destination for travellers seeking warm weather and fewer crowds during the fall season. Thanks to the mild temperatures and a lower influx of tourists, visitors can easily explore all the city’s centuries-old monuments and cultural sites without getting overwhelmed by large amounts of people.