Old San Juan Landmarks
"Just steps from our hotel, explore the iconic landmarks of Old San Juan — from historic forts and colorful colonial streets to vibrant plazas and seaside views, all within easy walking distance."
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly known as El Morro, is a 16th-century fortress in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Built by the Spanish to guard the entrance to San Juan Bay, it was a key military post for over 400 years. With its dramatic oceanfront views, thick stone walls, and iconic sentry boxes (garitas), El Morro is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Puerto Rico’s most visited landmarks.
Castillo San Cristóbal
Castillo San Cristóbal is a massive Spanish fort in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, built in the late 1700s to protect the city from land-based attacks. It’s the largest fortress Spain constructed in the New World, covering about 27 acres. Designed with tunnels, ramparts, and lookout points, San Cristóbal offers sweeping views of the city and coastline, showcasing Puerto Rico’s colonial military history.
Ballajá Barracks
La Fortaleza and San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico, often associated with Ballajá Barracks, is a key historic complex in Old San Juan. The Ballajá Barracks (Cuartel de Ballajá) were built in the mid-1800s to house Spanish troops and their families. Today, the beautifully restored building hosts the Museum of the Americas, cultural events, and shops. With its grand architecture and courtyard, it’s a vibrant spot that blends history, art, and community.
Fifth Centennial Square
Fifth Centennial Square (Plaza del Quinto Centenario) is a public plaza in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, built in 1992 to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus's arrival in the Americas. Its most striking feature is the Tótem Telúrico, a tall ceramic sculpture symbolizing Puerto Rico’s Indigenous and colonial heritage. The square offers open space, ocean views, and is a popular site for cultural events and festivals.
Puerta de San Juan
Puerta de San Juan is the main historic gate to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, built in the late 1600s as part of the city’s defensive walls. Once used by Spanish royalty and dignitaries, it served as the official entrance from the harbor. Painted a deep red, the gate opens to a scenic path along the city walls and leads directly to San Juan’s historic center. It’s a powerful symbol of the city’s colonial past and maritime importance.
Paseo de la Princesa
Paseo de la Princesa is a historic 19th-century promenade in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, stretching along the city's southern walls. Originally built between 1852 and 1854 to honor Queen Isabella II’s daughter, it now serves as a vibrant cultural hub. Lined with antique lampposts, lush trees, and benches, the walkway offers scenic views of San Juan Bay and features attractions like the Raíces Fountain, symbolizing Puerto Rico's diverse heritage. Visitors can enjoy local art, street food, and live music, making it a must-visit spot that blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
San José Church
San José Church (Iglesia de San José) is one of the oldest churches in the Americas, located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Built in 1532 by the Dominican Order, it features Spanish Gothic architecture and has undergone extensive restoration. The church has deep historical roots, once serving as the resting place of explorer Juan Ponce de León. Its centuries-old walls and elegant interior make it a treasured symbol of Puerto Rico’s colonial and religious heritage.
Capilla del Cristo
Capilla del Cristo, also known as Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud, is a small 18th-century chapel perched at the end of Calle del Cristo in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Constructed between 1753 and 1780, it is renowned for its Baroque architecture and rich folklore. According to legend, the chapel was built to commemorate a miraculous event during a horse race, where a young rider named Baltazar Montañez survived a fall from the city wall after invoking divine intervention .
Casa Blanca Museum
Casa Blanca Museum (Museo Casa Blanca) is a historic house museum located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Built in 1521, it was originally intended as the residence for Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de León, who passed away before occupying it. The house became home to his descendants until the mid-18th century. Over the centuries, it also served as a military fortification and later housed various military and chivalry organizations. Today, the museum showcases 16th and 17th-century artifacts, offering insights into Puerto Rico’s colonial history. Visitors can explore its well-preserved architecture, antique furnishings, and lush gardens, making it a significant cultural and historical landmark in the region.
Museum of the History of San Juan
Museum of San Juan (Museo de San Juan) is a multidisciplinary museum located in the former 19th-century marketplace hall of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Established in 1979, it was the first municipal museum in Puerto Rico. The museum features two main exhibition areas: one dedicated to the city's history, showcasing artifacts from the Cathedral of San Juan treasuries and works by Puerto Rican masters like José Campeche; and another for contemporary local artists. Additionally, the museum hosts a temporary art gallery at the San Juan City Hall.
Catedral de San Juan Bautista
Catedral de San Juan Bautista is one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Originally built in 1521 and rebuilt in 1540 after a storm, it features beautiful Gothic and neoclassical architecture. The cathedral houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León and remains an active place of worship. It's a major historical and religious landmark, known for its serene interior and rich colonial heritage.
La Fortaleza
La Fortaleza, also known as The Fortress, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico, located in Old San Juan. Built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the city from sea attacks, it is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Fortaleza blends military and Spanish colonial architecture and offers guided tours showcasing its history, gardens, and elegant interior.
Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico
The Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico is a historic Beaux Arts-style building located in Old San Juan. Constructed in 1917, it originally served as an exclusive social club for the island's elite. Over the years, the building has undergone various transformations, including use as an officers' club during World War II and later as the headquarters for the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña.
Plaza Colón Square
Plaza Colón, or Columbus Square, is a lively public plaza located at the entrance of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Named after Christopher Columbus, it features a prominent statue of the explorer erected in 1893. Surrounded by colorful buildings, shops, and cafes, the plaza serves as a popular meeting point and gateway to the city’s historic sites. Its vibrant atmosphere and historic charm make it a favorite spot for both locals and visitors.
Old San Juan Port
Old San Juan Port is a major cruise and cargo port located along the San Juan Bay in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. It serves as one of the busiest cruise ship terminals in the Caribbean, welcoming visitors from around the world. The port’s location offers immediate access to the historic district, with its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, shops, and cultural attractions. It’s a vital hub for tourism and trade, blending maritime activity with the charm of a centuries-old city.
The Capitol Building
The Capitol of Puerto Rico (El Capitolio) is a grand neoclassical building located just outside Old San Juan. Completed in 1929, it houses Puerto Rico’s Legislative Assembly, including the Senate and House of Representatives. The building is known for its impressive marble facade, domed rotunda, and beautiful mosaics and murals that depict the island’s history. Open to the public, it serves as a symbol of Puerto Rico’s political and cultural identity.