The Astonishing Old San Juan

Most attractions in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico (PR) are within walking distances to each other...the reason why a walking tour is highly recommended. Wearing your most comfortable shoes is also highly suggested mostly because the streets are partly hilly and are paved with cobblestones.

Streets are narrow and can be steep at times particularly when the streets get wet. Cobblestones that are on the streets are actually cobbles of adoquine, - a blue stone cast from furnace slag. These stones were brought by Spanish ships and they got their colorful characterisitc due to time and moisture.

Old San Juan is considered to be a 465-year old community, used to be a military stronghold and ultimately transformed into a commercial and charming, residential district. These are more than 400 16th-17th century Spanish colonial buildings carefully restored in the city of San Juan. Old San Juan brings many tourists each year enjoying fine beaches, casinos and its tropical climate.

If you are visiting Old San Juan by foot, it can also be challenging experiencing the heat, mostly in mid-late afternoons. During spring, summer and fall, walking can sometimes become a bit oppressive due to heat, with crowded, tall buildings blocking the breeze. Good options to do in order to avoid the heat of the tropical sun and humidity would be to start the walk early, as most stores open at 10AM during weekdays, or you can consider catching up trolleys for free that goes back and forth throughout the area, and get the chance to get off at marked stops wherever you desire.

Have a fun-filled visit! ;)

The Historical San Juan - Puerto Rico!

When Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico in 1493, he named the island "San Juan Bautista" in honor of John the Baptist. In 1508, the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de Leon as the first governor of the island. He founded Pueblo Viejo, - the original settlement which became Spain's most important military outpost in the Caribbean. The original settlement was relocated a year later to a coastal islet close by the site now presently called Old San Juan.

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and considered to be the most populous city in Puerto Rico. It was founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de Leon who later named it city of Puerto Rico which means "rich port".

Puerto Rico's capital city is known to be the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction although some agree that St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565 in the U.S. continent is the oldest city.

At present, San Juan is known as the walled city and is one of the best and biggest natural harbors in the Caribbean, and also known as the 2nd oldest European-founded city in the Americas. San Juan flag was officially adopted on March 8, 1948. The flag displays the coat of arms symbol of the city in the center of it.

Being known as the walled city, it expanded its walled confines in the 20th century which included Santurce, Condado, Miramar, Rio Piedras and Hato Rey.

The San Juan metropolitan area has also 3 distinct areas; - the Old San Juan, the beach/resort area and other communities like Rio Piedras, Santurce, Hato Rey and Puerta de Tierra. Metropolitan areas of San Juan has large facilities for the production of petroleum, sugar, brewing and distillery, cement, metal products, clothing, pharmaceuticals and tobacco, making San Juan as the largest processing center in the island.

San Juan is as well the country's financial capital where many U.S. banks and corporations hold offices and distributing centers there. 

It is also one of the busiest port in the Caribbean, the center of Caribbean shipping and the 2nd largest sea port in the area.

Tourism wise, there are lots of points of interest worth visiting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some highlights to visit are; the Old San Juan, the Forts, Parks, museums, historical buildings and landmarks, and other festivals and events.

As a tourist, it will be up to you to discover when you visit. Every tourist spot has its own rich historical past to tell. So pack your cameras and journals when you're planning to step on San Juan. A day or two of a visit wouldn't be enough! So plan your length of stay as well! :)

The Old And New San Juan City Tour (via Royal Caribbean)

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, - a commonwealth of the United States. It was founded by the Spanish and made it their settlement in 1521. Today, it is considered to be the second oldest European settlement in the Americas, and one of the largest natural harbors in the caribbean.

No wonder why many tourists are very much attracted to its colonial past that reflects its architectural landmarks which now can be frequently seen through out the Old San Juan.

If you love exploring culture, arts, sports and many more, the tour of Old & New San Juan is perfectly made for you.

This guided tour will first lead you to New San Juan where guests will see common landmarks such as the Capitol Building, the Convention Center, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, Museum of Art Puerto Rico, Roberto Clemente Coliseum, Plaza Las Americas, and others. (Take note that this is a driving tour and hopping off the bus is not allowed except for a visit to Fort San Cristobal,)

The tour will then proceed in Old San Juan where visitors will be given the chance to explore inside San Cristobal Fort and can take as many photos as they want ;). Tour inside the fort is 45 minutes. There is a passageway going up the fort through a tunnel. ;)

My hubby going up  the fort.

Other historical buildings will also be seen like Museo de Ateneo, Antigua Casino and Casa Olimpica where you would learn each of their cultural significance.

The ending part of the tour will be a shopping time at Plaza Colon. Items such as crafts, arts and souvenirs will be the common choices.

You will also get the option to stay a little bit at Old San Juan as you prefer and go back to the ship on your own or choose to be taken back to the ship by the tour bus.