Sometimes all you need is one day in Old San Juan Puerto Rico. Read how you can spend it wandering the streets, taking in the sites and sounds, and visiting popular attractions with our guide below. It’s the perfect day trip during your stay at Fajardo Inn!
History of Old San Juan
Known as San Juan Antiguo, Old San Juan is the oldest city in the U.S. and its territories. The Spanish settled here in 1521 and in 1539 the El Morro Fort was built to ward of greedy pirates. In 1898, the U.S. attacked Puerto Rico in the Spanish-American war, leading to America’s newest territory. Today San Juan is a popular tourist destination in Puerto Rico and is easily toured on foot.
Paseo de Princesa
Begin your one day in Old San Juan Puerto Rico with a walk along the city’s most beautiful promenade. Enjoy stunning views of the San Juan Bay, decadent fountains, and stunning trees that practically encapsulate the streets.
Walk through the Old San Juan Gate
The Puerto de San Juan is the only remaining (out of the original six) historic entrance to the city. These doorways were originally meant to serve as protection against invaders. The gate was named in honor of Saint John the Baptist.
Walk along Calle del Cristo
This is what they call Old San Juan. The colorful buildings, charming balconies, local shops, and cafes make this one of the most popular streets in the city. Along this street you will pass the Cathedral de San Juan Bautista. Not only is this the second-oldest cathedral in America, it’s the site of Ponce de Leon’s tomb.
See La Fortaleza
No trip to San Juan would be complete without a walk down La Fortaleza Street. As the oldest street in the city, it also houses the oldest executive mansion still in use in America, La Fortaleza.
Visit the smallest house in the world
Located on Calle Tetuan is the La Casa Estrecha (meaning the narrow house), which is claimed as the smallest house in the world. Visitors will find its small space sandwiched between two larger homes. The house is five feet wide, and stretches 36 feet long, with two stories. Now that is a tiny home!
Tour the historic forts
Visitors can tour two of the historic forts in San Juan, the Castillo de San Cristobal, the largest Spanish fort in America, and the El Morro Fort. While they aren’t next to each other, they are only a 20-minute walk between the two.
Stay at Fajardo Inn
Complete your visit to Puerto Rico with a stay at the Fajardo Inn. Our island hotel features 125 rooms, a fitness center, two full-service restaurants, and beautiful ocean views. It’s also home to Coco’s Park which features two beautiful swimming pools with a swim-up bar and waterslide, tropical gardens, tennis courts, mini-golf, a 1/2 basketball court, and more.
Enjoy top-quality lodging with bright, spacious rooms with Puerto Rican and Spanish flare décor. You can choose from a variety of rooms, sleeping anywhere from one to eight people, depending on the room chosen!
