San Juan has that mix of culture, sun, vibrancy and old world charm. The capital of Puerto Rico is actually two different districts, spanning over five centuries, for a charming mix of the old and the new.
“Old San Juan” is full of history and charm. San Cristobal Fortress / Castillo de San Cristobal is the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Featuring breathtaking views and magnificent architecture the castle’s courtyard is the location of may fairy tale weddings. It is a place full of beauty, legends and history.
The Fort in San Juan
Once connected to the San Cristobal Fortress, Castillo de San Felipe del Morro was constructed in 1540 and is considered a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. There’s also a surprisingly good Italian restaurant built into the inside of the fort. Today, you can access both by walking or hopping onto the free trolley.
With so many things to see and do, with only one day your best option is the free trolley. You can hop on and off and maps are available to help you plan the perfect day.
Beautiful Beaches
And, of course, no trip to San Juan would be complete without a visit to the wonderful tropical beaches. Condado Beach is a hugely popular tourist destination and features tons of watersports. Ocean Park Beach, slightly east of Condado, is considered San Juan’s most attractive beach and features fine, golden sand. The best beach for swimming is Isla Verde Beach. It is the longest and widest in San Juan.
Activities
San Juan is a vibrant city that is steeped in history and culture, and there are many things to see and do, even if you only have one day. One of the top attractions is the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a massive 16th-century fortress that overlooks the sea. The fortress has withstood attacks from pirates and other invaders over the centuries and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you can explore the colorful streets of Old San Juan, which are lined with pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone streets. You can also visit the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, which dates back to the 16th century and is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Finally, you can spend some time at the beautiful Condado Beach, which is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching.
San Juan is a beautiful place to visit and a wonderful way to make memories that will last a lifetime.
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