If you have just one day, make it count with these fun and unique things to do in Old San Juan. Perfect when you don’t want to be part of a tour!
If you’re looking for the perfect one day itinerary in Old San Juan, you’ll find a ton of them out there. While I like to catch some of the major tourist attractions (I mean, they are well-known for a reason), I like to venture off the beaten path a little. I like to have a trip that is uniquely my own. And maybe now, uniquely yours!
But chances are you won’t follow my itinerary for things to do in Old San Juan to a tee but hopefully it will inspire you to check out things you might now have otherwise known about. So whether you’re in town for a one day cruise stop or you’re looking to just explore the historic part of San Juan as part of a larger itinerary, I think you’ll like these places!
Things to Do in Old San Juan
Where is Old San Juan?
San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and is located on the north side of the island. If you’re visiting San Juan, Puerto Rico, it’s worth noting that Old San Juan is a very small portion of the larger city. But if you’re a tourist, and more importantly, a tourist for the day, this is a dense area that’s perfect for walking around.
In the map above, Old San Juan is circled in red and you’ll see a bunch of icons indicating I’ve saved places all over the city but more densely in Old San Juan. Don’t worry, I’m going to share all of that with you! This Google Map list will show you all of the places that I visited and talk about below as well as places I didn’t make it to but think they’re worth a stop if you have time.
Where to Start in Old San Juan
This is going to depend on where you’re coming from. If you’re a cruise passenger, you’ll be coming from the south side of Old San Juan through the cruise terminal. If you’re a day traveler into Old San Juan, you will likely stop somewhere close to Plaza Colón, which is where my hotel shuttle dropped me off.
Either location puts you close to the action for things to do in Old San Juan and also gives you some great photo opportunities! When exiting the cruise terminal, stop for a quick photo with the I❤️PR sign. If you keep traveling west, you’ll find the colorful Boriqua (boreekwa) sign, which is just slang for a proud Puero Rican!
If you travel into Plaza Colón, stop for your photo in front of the I❤️SJ sign. If you’re solo, like me, you’ll always find someone willing to help you with your pic!
Where to Shop in Old San Juan
Plaza Colón is a great place to start your shopping as it also serves as an open air market. You can also find a similar market near the Old San Juan fort in the northwest corner of Old San Juan. It’s arguably the most well-known attraction in this part of the city, so I won’t be covering it. But you’ll definitely be walking by it!
The open markets are a great place to find something unique but there are also plenty of shops to check out ranging from upscale boutiques to tacky tourist shops. I usually like to check them all out but I have to recommend two of my favorite shopping spots.
The Poet’s Passage
I would never probably have thought to visit The Poet’s Passage on my own. I was with a friend who had bought artwork here on a previous trip and wanted to grab a matching print. This is one of the most unique shops in town featuring the couple that owns it – a native Puerto Rican poet and her French artist husband. Even if you don’t want to purchase, there’s a lovely little gallery worth walking through.
Location: 203 Calle de la Cruz, Old San Juan
Side note: If you need some sundries, there’s a great little shop called Puerto Rico Drug on the corner adjacent to this block.
Marshalls
Okay, before you judge me, yes, I am a total Maxxinista (TJMaxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods) fan. But I do like to visit these stores when I’m traveling because you find different items, more regional in nature. For example, the Old San Juan Marshalls is a great place to look for bargains on bathing suits, cover ups, and hats. And you can check out the Liquidacion rack! Find this shop literally across the street from The Poet’s Passage.
Location: 154 Calle Rafael Cordero, Old San Juan
Where to Eat in Old San Juan
Shopping and walking always builds up a good appetite for me and there are no shortages of places to eat in Old San Juan. The previous evening, I had eaten more traditional Puerto Rican food which was heavy and fried. So when I set out on my solo day, I wanted something a little different. I googled something along the lines of “best local food in Old San Juan” and ended up at a blog with a two suggestions. I took both of them!
Verde Mesa
Verde Mesa restaurant was presented more or less as a farm-to-table restaurant. I though it would be perfect for a solo lunch where I could splurge a little bit. And it was a splurge! My entree and drink (it was an amazing craft cocktail) came in at about $50. But was it worth it? 100%. I found out why after I had eaten there. Chef Gabriel Hernandez Febo is a James Beard finalist for 2024.
I had the signature Verde Mesa Rice, described as sautéed rice, sweet chili peppers, eggplant, zucchini, pumpkin, mushrooms, caramelized onions, walnuts, cranberries, with parmesan cheese and local herbs vinaigrette. It was heavenly, especially with the Yellow Tonic, a concoction made with tropical pineapple infused with anised tarragon paired with aged rum. You’ve got to taste it to appreciate it but photos will have to do.
Location: 107 Calle Tetuan Esq, Old San Juan
St. Germain Bistro and Cafe
After allow myself an indulgence at Verde Mesa, you might be wondering how I was able to eat anything else. Turns out I met up with my friend, Andrea, who had not yet eaten. Here’s where my second recommendation came into play. I suggested St. Germain Bistro and Cafe offering “fresh, healthy, creative” food. I kept it light with a cappuccino and beet salad and it was the perfect alternative to a heavy dinner.
Location: 156 Sol Street, Old San Juan
Where to Visit and Wander in Old San Juan
I’m a wanderer. I like to have some idea of where I’m going and then I like to take time to enjoy things as I naturally discover them. I had a few stops planned but then found new spots that were close by and thought they would at least make a good photo op! If I had time for some of these places, I did actually go in. Here are some of my favorites.
Las Americas Museum
Let me start by saying that I’m not a big museum person. When I’m in a new destination for a short period of time, I’m ready to go, go, go. But when I started asking questions like, how old is Puerto Rico? who were the first inhabitants of Puerto Rico? I knew that Las Americas Museum would be a great place to get my questions answered. Located on the second floor of an old army barracks, the architecture is amazing and the museum ranges from history to art to modern culture. Worth the price of admission (which was only $6 when I went!).
Location: Calle Beneficencia, Old San Juan
Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista
Since visiting Rome earlier this year, I have fallen in love with exploring church architecture and history. And churches are always free! (although donations are always welcome). Don’t forget to remove your hat and it’s a good idea to cover your shoulders when entering this house of worship. This cathedral is actually second oldest church in the Western Hemisphere, and the oldest church on U.S. soil. If you’re more interested in history, you’ll also find the tomb of Juan Ponce de León, one-time governor of Puerto Rico.
Location: 151 Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan
Puerta de San Juan
San Juan was once a prominent fort (the fort is the most popular tourist attraction) which included a wall surrounding the city. The Puerta de San Juan is a colorful and famous gate to the city. A perfect photo spot or stop along a walking route along the sea.
Location: Caleta de San Juan, Old San Juan
Parque de las Palomas
This is definitely going to be a love-hate stop for many of you. And for me, I absolutely loved it! Translated from Spanish Parque de las Palomas means Park of the Pigeons and they aren’t kidding! While there are tons of pigeons through the city, this specifically designated area allows tourist to feed the pigeons and the pigeons definitely know it! They will land on your arms, your head, and anywhere close to you if you are holding a bag of feed. You can also see an old wall where the pigeons roost. And if you don’t want to feed the pigeons, you can still catch an amazing view of the bay.
Location: Calle Tetuán, Old San Juan
Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud
The Capilla del Santo Cristo is an old chapel built cliffside in the 1700s. It’s an iconic image that almost fell into ruins. There are historic artifacts to see inside but the chapel was closed when I visited but I still got to capture the image right next door to the Pigeon Park.
Location: 1 Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan
La Casa Estrecha
Just down the street from the Capilla del Santo Cristo and just up from Verde Mesa is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it house. La Casa Estrecha was once a narrow alleyway that has been enclosed to become known as “The Narrow House.” It’s only 5’3″ wide which means I could literally lay down from side to side with no room to spare! It’s possible to tour the house by appointment by most people stop by for a photo op.
Location: 101 Calle Tetuán, Old San Juan
Estátua de Doña Felisa Rincón de Gautier
Felisa Rincón de Gautier, better known as Doña Fela, might be one of the most significant women you’ve never heard of. She was elected mayor of San Juan in 1946, making her the first female mayor of a capital city in America. She served the people for over two decades and is memorialized in a lovely little park.
Location: 2 Paseo de la Princesa, Old San Juan
Banco Popular de San Juan
Yes, this is a bank, but this location is the famed Banco Popular art deco building built in 1939. There are mixed reviews on whether there is anything worth seeing inside (some say there is an amazing art deco stained glass window) while some say they don’t necessarily want visitors inside. Either way, if you’re an architecture fan, it’s worth observing this building from the outside.
Location: 206 Calle Tetuán, Old San Juan
Jose V. Toledo United States Courthouse
If you’re looking at the Banco Popular building in Old San Juan, you simply have to turn to your right to see the Jose V. Toledo United States Courthouse. It consists of two building, the first of which was completed in 1914. An addition was added in 1930. This is simply worth a wander but I probably wouldn’t enter unless you have official court business. Let’s hope you don’t!
Location: 300 Calle Recinto Sur, Old San Juan
What I Missed in Old San Juan
I could have seen more if I started earlier (I usually don’t get moving until lunchtime). I had some other spots on my list but either ran out of time or motivation. Here’s where I missed but I still think would be worth checking out!
Capilla del Cementario Santa Maria
I did wander past this famous above-ground cemetery that’s part of the Old San Juan fort. This Old San Juan Cemetery can be viewed from up high but must be accessed by a tunnel to visit.
Location: See Google Map
El Batey
El Batey is a dive bar but one that has a rich history. Think of the cultural upheaval of the 1960s and icons like Hunter S. Thompson, the Rolling Stones, and Alan Ginsberg all stopping by.
Location: 101 Calle del Cristo, Old San Juan
Walkway of the Presidents
The Walkway of the Presidents in the eastern section of Old San Juan celebrates all the presidents who’ve visited Puerto Rico since the end of the Spanish-American war in 1898. Sadly, there have only been ten (only nine statues have been erected though).
Location: See Google Map
Holocaust Memorial Monument
The Holocaust Memorial Monument is something I really wanted to see but just didn’t have the time as it was a little further than my walking journey could have taken me.
Location: See Google Map
When many people visit Old San Juan, they’re tempted to stick to piña coladas (it is the birthplace after all) and a walk through and around the historic fort. That alone is a great experience but I recommend you head a little off the beaten path. Enjoy the history, colors, and flavors of this culturally rich city with these things to do in Old San Juan!
