Last Updated on February 2, 2025 by Christine Kaaloa
Welcome to the captivating charm of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, where you’ll explore vibrant Spanish colonial architecture, colorful murals and yummy Puerto Rican culture and cuisine.
In this guide, I’m sharing an Old San Juan walking tour and 24 hour itinerary that covers the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and mouthwatering dishes that define the old world charm of Old San Juan.
Watch my walking tour highlights of Old San Juan:
Table of Contents: Old San Juan Walking Tour: Puerto Rican Seaside Charm You’ll Love
This video is my documentation of the 24 hour highlights that I experienced in Old San Juan.
An Honest Overview of Old San Juan: The Good & the Bad
As the capital of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory just off the coast of Florida, San Juan offers a distinctly unique cultural blend that makes you feel like you’re in another country. Although English is spoken, Spanish is the dominant language, and due to the island being an American territory it might still surprise you that no passport is required for American citizens!
Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a picturesque enclave with brightly-colored Spanish colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. This historic district is undeniably charming, photogenic and easily walkable.
However, visiting San Juan can come with a few drawbacks.
Not a Budget Destination: Travelers might be surprised to learn that Old San Juan is not as cheap as many assume it to be. If you are hoping for to stay within budget, then Puerto Rico overalll is a destination that requires research and planning. Accommodation prices rise, if you’re looking for something centrally located. While hostels are available, they can feel like New York or Los Angeles prices. The best hostel option I found was $50/night for a bed in an all-female hostel. I really enjoyed my stay, but it’s a pretty penny to pay for a hostel.
Limited Transportation Options: Navigating San Juan can be challenging due to limited public transportation options. The lack of a metro system or an easy-to-use bus system can make it difficult to explore areas beyond Old San Juan. Thankfully there are e-scooters, bike rentals and ride-sharing services like Uber are available, although the latter can add up.

Day Trip Logistics: Exploring the island beyond San Juan, often requires renting a car. I didn’t want to drive alone, so I thought of the next best thing– taking a tour that includes pickups in Old San Juan or at least has a convenient pickup meeting spot for travelers. I wanted to take a night kayaking trip in Mosquito Bay to see the bioluminscent beach and a hike at El Yunque Rainforest. But neither tour activities had meeting points or pickups in San Juan. This meant booking a car rental to do a tour. While this may be conducive to a family or friends vacation, it’s not easy for solo female travelers, who feel uncomfortable renting a car and driving alone. I ended up cutting my explorations shorter than I would’ve hoped. Exploring Old San Juan and Pinones had to be enough for me.
Exploring Old San Juan on Foot
There’s no better way to absorb the essence of Old San Juan than on foot. You’ll encounter plazas, local churches, mural art, photogenic spots and hidden gems.
Old San Juan has a lot of historical attractions, government buildings, boutiques, restaurants and bars. However, one thing I was surprised to discover is that you won’t find convenience stores and snack shops in Old San Juan if you forget to bring or pack sightseeing essentials. If convenience stores exist, they are not easy to find.
Pro-Tip: Bring a day pack. Wear sunscreen, take a hat with a wide brim, refill your reusable water bottle and pack snacks for the road. It can get hot and humid and I found few areas of shade. Watch my YouTube video!
Tips for Getting around Old San Juan:
I tried their Bird e-scooter, which is easy to use (although its app isnt and I have an accidental $8 on it in my account; I don’t know how i did that). It charges you by distance and I don’t like that you can’t see how much your scootering around is costing you. I rented a scooter to get from one of the forts to an area that was closer walkng proximity to my hostel and it cost $2. In Hawaii, that’s the cost of a bus ride.
There is also a local shop that rents bikes for the day, but you’ll have to ask around, because I didn’t get the name of it

Best Things to Do in San Juan in 24 Hours
The good news is that there is a lot you can do and see in Old San Juan.
1. San Juan Mural Art
San Juan has a huge mural scene! Murals are spread around the city and it is fun to interact and take photos with them. Some of these murals tell stories of the island’s struggles, triumphs, and the spirit of its people. Each mural serves as a canvas that shares the heart and soul of Puerto Rican identity.
La Perla is known to have a lot of murals, but as the neighborhood doesn’t look happily upon trespassing tourists, so I’d recommend taking a guided mural tour so you can be led directly to the mural spots and aren’t stumbling into someone’s home.


2. El Capitolio
You will ask yourself “What is this?”, then think you know the answer… and you’ll be absolutely right. This government building looks like a smaller version of the White House capitol building with marble columns. The El Capitolio stands proudly as Puerto Rico’s legislative seat. Admission is free and guided tours are available.
3. Walkway of the Presidents
The Walkway of the Presidents pays homage to the U.S. leaders who visited Puerto Rico. The statues’ lifelike representations of presidential leaders make this an interesting spot for reflection and admiration. Parallel to the El Capitolio, you’ll find the Walkway of the Presidents.
Hidden Gems and Culture
4. Holocaust Memorial
I found it interesting that Puerto Rico has a Holocaust Memorial, because Jewish and Puerto Rico wasn’t an obvious combination in my head… The Holocaust Memorial design features a sculpture of a broken Star of David. The memorial also honors the 17 Puerto Ricans who were murdered at the Lod Airport in 1972. The memorial is located next to the Walkway of the Presidents and El Capitolio.
5. San Juan Architecture
The colorful Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets are iconic of Old San Juan, making it a breathtakingly photogenic city that transported me back in time. Explore the cobblestone streets and fall in love with the bright facades and its balconies.
Join an Old San Juan Food and History Tour


6. Cristobal Colon Park
Named after Christopher Columbus, Cristobal Colon Park is a peaceful respite amidst the San Juan heat. Whether reading a book, people-watching, or simply unwinding, the park invites you to take a leisurely break. But what really attracted me was the I heart San Juan sign. I’m such a tourist!
Located against the backdrop of the stunning cityscape, the “I Heart San Juan” sign serves as a playful spot for tourist selfies. Strike a pose next to this iconic sign and walk away with a free souvenir.

7. Explore Fortaleza Neighborhood
The Fortaleza neighborhood, named after the official residence of Puerto Rico’s governors, is a charming and relaxed area that exudes a colorfully bright and cheerful character. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has beautifully preserved 100-year-old buildings that offer a glimpse into Spanish colonial rule. It’s another really photogenic spot that is great for photographers.
Pro Tip: Fortaleza is a haven for cat lovers! You’ll find water and food bowls outside many doorways. Take a moment to give its feline residents a gentle scratch.

9. Plazuela La Rogativa & Arch
Plazuela La Rogativa is a bronze sculpture of a religious procession (aka “rogativa”) of women and priests carrying torches and chanting. This historical moment led invaders to believe that the city was well-defended. It saved the city!
The nearby arch stands out and there might be connected to the sculpture. I thought it was a lovely window framing the sea. You’ll see it in my Old San Juan video linked above and below this post.
10. El Morro
El Morro is a fortress that guarded San Juan’s entrance for centuries. It sits on the northern tip of the island along the ocean cliff side. This iconic fortress allows you explore tunnels, and sentry boxes that were once used for the city’s defense. The panoramic views from its walls are breathtaking, offering ocean vistas. The $7 admission fee for adults is a small price to pay for the opportunity to step into the shoes of the soldiers who once stood watch over this majestic structure.
Locals like to use the spacious grassy lawn for kite flying. You can find a kite vendor nearby.
Across the street, there is a plaza with a few trees and the statue of Don Ricardo Alegria, a historian and poet who dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating Puerto Rico’s culture and traditions.
Tip: At this plaza, there’s sometimes an ice sherbet vendor. It gets hot and humid pretty fast out there. The frozen dessert offers a sweet respite from the city’s heat.

11. Castillo San Cristobal
Castillo San Cristobal is another historic fortress offering breathtaking views of Old San Juan and the coastline. This fortress, strategically located atop a hill, has sweeping views of Old San Juan, the coastline, and the endless ocean beyond. It’s gorgeous. The walls bear witness to centuries of military strategy and island life. The $10 admission fee grants access to both, forts Cristobal and El Morro
Tip: This fortress offers one of the best views overlooking Old San Juan… and it offers shade from the sun. Check out my video.

12. Museo de las Americas
Right next to El Morro is the Museo de las Americas, a treasure trove of cultural artifacts that reflect Puerto Rico’s diverse heritage. Housed in a historic building, the museum showcases exhibitions spanning indigenous, African, and European influences on the island’s culture. I missed this building but it’s a worthwhile visit if you want to learn more about Puerto Rico’s unique culture. A $6 admission fee.
13. La Perla
Walk through the vibrant La Perla neighborhood, known for its colorful houses, lively mural art and stunning ocean views.The La Perla neighborhood is a captivating paradox, as it is also a sketchy neighborhood. At night, across the street you’ll find a bar scene with festive street lights, outdoor seating and blaring music. Definitely a lively area.
Tip: Take a guided tour of La Perla, so you know exactly where to go for the mural and understand the artists’ intention. As a safety precaution, I would not advise wandering the neighborhood alone as there has been local controversy and upset over tourists overstepping their welcome and trespassing into local homes.
What to Eat in Old San Juan
Old San Juan can be a little intimidating for solo travelers. It is filled with tourist-oriented restaurants and bars. While I was excited to try iconic Puerto Rican cuisine, authentic local eateries in Old San Juan felt like it was going to be a challenge. Nevertheless, I discovered a fantastic spot for mofongo that I highly recommend.
14. Mofongo at Devadura
A local recommendation I loved was Devadura, a cozy family owned restaurant that is loved by both tourists and locals. Try the mofongo. Mofongo is Puerto Rico’s iconic dish made from plantains or yucca. I arrived just in the nick of closing time, so I ordered a vegetarian mofongo for takeout to eat at my hostel. It was made with yucca and it was heavenly!


15. Empanadillas and Fried Plantains are also Puerto Rican favorites.
Empanadillas are a fried pastry with filling of meat, while Fried Plantains bring a satisfying crunch. These dishes speak volumes about the island’s flavors and traditions, offering a taste of Puerto Rico’s soul.
16. Join an Old San Juan food tour
For a truly authentic culinary experience, consider joining a food tour or venturing beyond Old San Juan to explore local neighborhoods like Pinones.
- Pinones Beach Food Tour: Immerse yourself in the flavors of Pinones with a guided food tour along the beach, sampling local street foods and learning about their cultural significance. Book Here
- Old San Juan Food Tour is a culinary exploration through the charming streets of Old San Juan, discovering hidden eateries and trying traditional Puerto Rican dishes along the way. Book Here
Recommended Day Tours and Activities in Old San Juan
Old San Juan Food and History Tour: Immerse yourself in the city’s history and culinary delights on this guided walking tour.
San Juan City Trolley Tour: Enjoy a comprehensive city tour aboard a trolley, covering key attractions and insights into the city’s history.
Volunteer Activities San Juan, Puerto Rico
Amigos los Animales is a 501c3 non-profit organization that rescues street dog from injury, mistreatment, abuse and rehomes them. The small shelter running out of the founder’s house is alongside the beach of Pinones. Travelers can volunteer to walk their dogs to a secret beach to let them enjoy the sand and water pay. It’s a great way to enjoy Pinones, meet other travelers and give the shelter animals a fun field trip outing to the beach!
Flight Angels PR accepts volunteer pet transporters. If you’re visiting Puerto Rico but returning to the mainland U.S., you can volunteer your flight to help them transport rescued dogs and cats to sister shelters in the U.S. that will help find homes for the animals. They provide you with the carrying case and animal travel kit. Read my experience of volunteering as a Flight Angel.

Where to Stay in Old San Juan
Juliet Women’s Only Hostel – Clean and well-maintained female only hostel with dorm beds. Great vibe and convenient location in the Old town. Highly recommend.