Old San Juan is one of our favourite cities, but there’s a lot more to do than you’ll find time for in one trip. So we though we’d distill the San Juan experience into six fun things — whether you’re in the city for a week or just stopping by from the cruise port. What’s your favourite thing to do in Old San Juan? Tell us in the comments section.
Hear live jazz
Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano has become an Old San Juan institution since opening in 1998. It’s brainchild of well-known jazz pianist Carli Munoz, who plays live every night from Tuesday through Saturday.
Visit El Morro
One of the historical wonders of the western hemisphere, Castillo San Felipe del Morro dates back to the 16th century. It was declared a UNESCO World Hertiage site 30 years ago, and scouring its nooks and crannies is a terrific way to spend an afternoon.
Get yourself a custom-made Panama Hat
Olé is a treasure of the Calle Fortaleza shopping district where Guillermo Cristian Jeffs has benen making custom, authentic Panama hats for decades. You choose the hat and ribbon and they do the rest.
Have a piña colada at El Barrachina
There remains a debate about where the Pina Colada was created, but when you’re done with this drink you’ll forget what the argument was even about. Barrachina makes between 300 to 400 of these a day, using the delectable Ron del Barrilito.
Above: Calle Fortaleza
Have mofongo at Cafe El Punto
The plantain-based mofongo is Puerto Rico’s signature dish. A great place to try it is at Cafe El Punto, a hole-in-the-wall eatery inside a building off of Calle Fortaleza.
Head to La Placita
It’s about 10 minutes outside of Old San Juan, but the area called La Placita is a market by day and a non-stop festival by night. It’s during the evening when it really heats up into a certified street party.