San Juan Antiguo Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

San Juan Cemetery
San Juan Cathedral
San Juan Cathedral
El Morro
San Juan Antiguo

Walk down picturesque cobbled streets lined with centuries old buildings and some of the most popular historical attractions in Puerto Rico. 

Old San Juan, the oldest settlement in Puerto Rico, occupies a small island off the coast of the main island. Get there by driving across one of three bridges, and you’ll find yourself in a world dating back to 1508.

This historic city is a stunning example of colonial heritage in Central America and features over 400 restored buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries. A great way to discover the quaint beauty of the walled city is on foot. The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan are lovely to explore and the distance between attractions isn’t far. Be forewarned, though: the afternoon heat can be taxing. Luckily, there’s some shade to be found and cafes to stop in for a cool drink.

The San Juan National Historical Site houses all of the major historical attractions in the city. See the Castillo San Cristobal, an enormous fortress built by the Spanish in the 18th century. Make your way to the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture for a great education in the customs, traditions and culture of the diverse local people and their shared history.

Old San Juan is home to many traditional Caribbean restaurants and bars where you can sample the local cuisine and cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two or a family-style meal, this is a great evening destination.

Old San Juan is located approximately 35 miles (55 kilometers) from the main island’s eastern tip. No public transportation services the walled city, so come by rental car or taxi. Be aware that the cobblestone streets are narrow and often one way, so the best way to sightsee is on foot. Old San Juan can be visited daily, and the shops and restaurants are open during normal business hours.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best San Juan Antiguo Hotel Deals

Caribe Hilton

Caribe Hilton

4.5 out of 5
1 San Geronimo Street, San Juan
The price is AU$375 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$375
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this beach resort in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,104 reviews)
"love the atmosphere"

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Caribe Hilton
Costa Bahia Hotel Paseo Caribe

Costa Bahia Hotel Paseo Caribe

3.5 out of 5
1 Calle San Gerónimo, San Juan, San Juan
The price is AU$197 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
AU$197
20 Aug - 21 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (3,332 reviews)
"Smelly water outside unable to walk properly"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Costa Bahia Hotel Paseo Caribe
Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
100 Brumbaugh Street, San Juan, Puerto Rico
The price is AU$366 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$366
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,079 reviews)
"Great location"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Hotel Rumbao, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
El Colonial - Adults Only

El Colonial - Adults Only

3.5 out of 5
312 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,281 reviews)
"."

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

El Colonial - Adults Only
Romeo Gay Hotel

Romeo Gay Hotel

4 out of 5
214 C. San Agustín, San Juan, San Juan
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Pan American Pier and Port of San Juan ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (52 reviews)
"Everything was excellent. But since the hotel is an old building, the owners need to polish the floor. But we don't have any complaints. I will stay there again and I will recommend my friends to stay at Romeo Gay Hotel."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Romeo Gay Hotel
Armas Hotel

Armas Hotel

2 out of 5
202 C. San José, San Juan, San Juan
The price is AU$235 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$235
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Juan. Enjoy free WiFi, premium TV channels, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Port of San Juan and Pan American Pier are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (269 reviews)
"It is very clean inside, the staff are very friendly. No parking if you have a car leave it down at the end by the police station or where the cruises come in don’t risk getting towed. Very safe the door to get in locks after a certain hour and you can only get in with your room key. Someone is always ..."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Armas Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around San Juan Antiguo

San Juan

Old San Juan

4/5(1 area review)

The interesting museums and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Old San Juan. A stop by Port of San Juan or Pier 4 might round out your trip.

Old San Juan
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San Francisco

If you're spending some time in San Francisco, Calle Fortaleza and Teatro Tapia are top sights worth seeing.

San Francisco
Fort San Jeronimo featuring heritage elements

Puerta de Tierra

Travellers to Puerta de Tierra praise its stunning beaches. If you've got some more time to explore, be sure to stop by Port of San Juan and Escambron Beach.

Puerta de Tierra
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Isla Grande

While visiting Isla Grande, you might make a stop by sights like Pan American Pier and Coca-Cola Music Hall.

Isla Grande
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Miramar

The pristine beaches and ample dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Miramar. A stop by Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico or Carribbean Cinemas Fine Arts Miramar might round out your trip.

Miramar
Condado

Condado

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of Condado. Make a stop by Condado Beach or Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort while you're exploring the area.

Condado

San Juan Antiguo Travel Guide

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