In only 8 hours in Puerto Rico, I was able to visit Old San Juan, try out the traditional foods, visit museums and more. Here’s my complete itinerary in order of what I did in La isla del Encanto. Walking trail included!
So below I outlined my walking trail from beginning to end, I hope you enjoy my Microsoft paint skills on Google maps. There’s plenty of other side streets with stores, restaurants, also a few other landmarks I missed but I think I got to see all the best places without walking in circles.
Cafeteria Mallorca
La Cafeteria Mallorca is a cute, small, and humble diner located in Old San Juan that serves delicious pastries and the best mallorca in town. If you’ve never had mallorca, it’s a sweet bread with powder sugar that originated in Spain.
Puerto Rican’s gave it a twist by making it into a full blown breakfast sandwich so you can order it with ham, cheese, eggs, bacon and more. Don’t forget to order fresh lemonade or café con leche, it’s the classic way to get breakfast in Puerto Rico. The menu is very limited to mallorca and breakfast drinks so don’t expect the typical 6-page diner menu. The most expensive item is $6.95 so it is a VERY affordable way to start your day!
If you follow me on instagram (@simplory) then you know what a hot mess I was this day, I even left my wallet in the hotel and had to find help to pay, I was minutes away from cleaning dishes LOL. Anyway it’s saved in my highlights stories, so go check it out and join me on instagram :).
La Perla
Across from the Mallorca diner there are stairs leading uphill a street to the edge of the water and down into La Perla. You’ll recognize this colorful neighborhood from Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” music video.
La Perla is situated just outside the northern historic city walls of Old San Juan right along the water. It’s definitely a scenic way to get to Fort San Felipe and I recommend the walk during the day with a companion.
La Perla is known as many things; the most famous informal settlement, brightly covered beach side homes, slums, and etc. It used to be a very dangerous barrio but times have changed and it’s more accessible to tourist.
I rarely saw anyone outside this graffiti-filled neighborhood and when I did, they were older Puerto Rican folks selling homemade goods or groups of tourist.
You can also find this mural along the ocean that was created by artist from 12 different countries in honor of the victims of Hurricane Maria. You’ll also see many signs throughout the neighborhood with tips on how to contribute and help La Perla get back up and going again for elderly homes.
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery
Right next to La Perla you’ll find the famous colonial era cemetery, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis. I’m not a huge fan of cemeteries but you can take a stroll inside and check out statues and stones of famous Puerto Rican citizens.
Right across from the entrance of the cemetery you’ll see a dark hollow tunnel that will lead you straight to Fort San Felipe.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
If you don’t go to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly know as, “El Morro” did you really go to Puerto Rico? This landmark is a 16th century Spanish fort in San Juan and you can’t miss it.
Prepare to walk what feels like 5 miles to the entrance and don’t forget sunscreen and water because it is HOT. I paid $7 (adults) to get in and that included my entrance to Castillo San Cristobal… nothing beats two for one deals! :-P. It wasn’t a special, it’s been that way since my first visit years ago.
Wear comfy shoes, bring your camera, and prepare to walk through stairs, ramps, look out points and dungeons on all six levels of the fort. I wouldn’t say its stroller friendly because its composed of stairs and some steep ramps but it’s not iiimpossible. You can still go and enjoy some levels more than others. I just wouldn’t let my one year olds lose because the edges are not guarded at all.
There’s lots of history to learn in El Morro, plenty of photo opportunities, and beautiful scenery.
Museo de las Américas
Across from El Morro in this not so interesting looking building and here you’ll find El Museo de Las Americas, restaurants, and more.
I was walking on the street and saw a hall leading to this plaza center when I discovered where I really was. The museum is on the second floor and there’s also restaurants and bars.
Museo de Las Americas is a cultural institution that exposes the history of the Americas and Puerto Rico through different exhibitions. For full details on time and entrance fee click here.
El Patio de Sam
So we all get hungry at some point right? Well my local friend suggested I go to El Patio de Sam to get mofongo and that’s exactly what I did. Mofongo is a Puerto Rican dish of deep fried green plantain mashed together with your choice of meat/fish.
If you’re looking for a place to get lunch and eat the traditional mofongo or trifongo, this cute restaurants is the spot. Trifongo is the same as above but with a mix of green plantain, sweet plantain, and yuca. Either options are delicious and you must try it out!
It’s a bit pricey but that’s what most prices are in these tourist areas. I got a chicken mofongo with side of vegetables to go for $16 and it was delicious!
San Juan Bautista Cathedral
Just two blocks from El Patio de Sam is San Juan Bautista Cathedral.
This gorgeous catholic church was built in the 1500s and is a historic landmark in Old San Juan. Like many iconic churches, it has beautiful symmetry, statues, painting on the ceiling, stained windows, and it continues to service the community every day. If you’re into tombs and such, you’ll be eager to find the tomb of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in this cathedral.
Umbrella Path
Continue walking down the same street as the cathedral and just two blocks over you’ll find the famous umbrella path.
There isn’t much to say about this block other than, this is the place to be when it rains. You’ll only find this display in the summer and there’s always a lot of tourist in the area.
Pigeon Park
One block over is the pigeon park and it’s exactly what the name describes; A park with pigeons. This park is home to thousands of birds and you can feed them, take photos with them, and be pooped on by one…its basically a bird sanctuary.
Señor Paletas
Cool off with some delicious artisanal sorbets and gelatos at Señor Paletas. They have so many fun flavors made with natural fruits and nuts.
I purchased the Mango Fresa combo and it was soooo good. Just go!
Plaza de Armas
Relax and take a break at Plaza de Armas! Sit and enjoy the cool breeze, people watch and eat your ice cream in peace. There are also many restaurants and local shops surrounding this haven.
Plaza Colón
Plaza Colón is a public square with lost of activity. During my visit there were tents with localmerchants selling anything from hand made plant pots to jewelry. There’s plenty to see from each end and be mindful of where you stand or you might be pooped on (darn pigeons).
Castillo San Cristobal
From the square you can see Castillo San Cristobal so that’s where I headed. Remember, I already paid for the entrance when I went to Fort San Felipe.
Castillo San Filipe was built to protect the city from sea attacks and Castillo San Cristobal was built to protect Old San Juan from land attacks. Once inside the castle you are on your own and have full access with signs that describe each room you are visiting. A must!
Plaza San Juan Bautista and Playa Peña Beach
Passed the Castillo San Cristobal and along the water is the San Juan Bautista Plaza. There’s not much going on at this plaza but its has stairs on both ends that lead to paradise, Playa Peña beach. The beach is located walking distance from the cruise port with turquoise blue water and soft light sand. Due to the rocks, it is not suitable for swimming but still a great place to tan and freshen up.
I ended my trip at Peña beach and then and headed back to my hotel to get ready for the airport. I hope you enjoyed this quick short tour of Old San Juan. There are some things I missed like the famous Barrachina (birthplace of Piña Coladas) so please do me a favor and go there otherwise enjoy and let the wind take you where ever it may, you’ll never regret it 🙂