San Juan

Locals call Puerto Rico la isla del encanto, “the island of enchantment.” The capital, San Juan, is its heart and soul. Established in 1508, San Juan is the second-oldest settlement in the New World and the oldest city under US jurisdiction. Today, it’s a place of contrasts—appealing historical town and a modern metropolis, an intriguing blend of old and new. Towering skyscrapers and 5-star hotels are surrounded by forts, churches, and cobblestoned streets.

Getting Ashore

The majority of ships dock at the port in Old San Juan. Ships docking at the Pan American Pier are about a 5-minute taxi ride from Old San Juan.

Fast Fact

San Juan is the capital and most populated city in Puerto Rico.

Port Shopping

In Old San Juan, brand-name stores and local shops line the streets. Look for handmade lace, hand-rolled cigars, jewelry, and watches.

El Morro

The imposing Castillo San Felipe del Morro is a military masterpiece, a 6-story-tall complex with 65-foot-high, 18-foot-thick walls rising 150 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

The Mall of San Juan

State-of-the-art mall about 15 minutes from port with dining, entertainment, unique retailers, and a children’s play area.

San Cristóbal

The immense fortress, built to protect the city from attacks on land, is a prime example of Spanish-colonial military architecture.

Catedral de San Juan Bautista

The can’t-miss historic landmark, circa 1521, is one of the oldest churches in the Americas. It houses the tomb of Ponce de León.

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Featured Story

San Juan: The Walled City

Locals call Puerto Rico la isla del encanto, “the island of enchantment.” The city of San Juan, its capital, is its heart and soul. Established in 1508 on a tiny islet off Puerto Rico’...
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Things to do in San Juan

The Mall of San Juan

The Mall of San Juan is the only mall in Puerto Rico, featuring a 138,000 square foot Nordstrom and a 100,000 square foot Saks Fifth Avenue. This stat...

Beach / waterfront in San Juan, Puerto Rico

New San Juan & The Beaches

If you’re looking to explore beautiful beaches, try the Third Millennium National Park in Old San Juan. The park is home to a historic Spanish fort;...

Historic colonial fortification walls overlooking San Juan Bay

Explore the Forts

From the piers in Old San Juan, it’s a quick walk to Paseo de la Princesa, a peaceful tree-lined promenade that overlooks San Juan Bay. Here street ...

Nocturnal Canopy Tour Zip-Line Adventure

The jungle comes alive in the dark. Explore the tree tops of San Juan and zip line from platform to platform at night. Fly over eight traverses, the longest over two football fields in length and 350 feet in the air. See bugs and plants in their natural environment.

Old and New San Juan City Tour

Fall in love with the beauty of Puerto Rico’s capital as you tour historical landmarks in Old and New San Juan. Then, enjoy some free time to shop for jewelry and memorable souvenirs during a scenic stroll along the quaint streets of Old San Juan’s shopping district.