7 Hours in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
Rich in history, cuisine and culture, Puerto Rico is a popular destination for both business and leisure. If you’re stopping by for a few hours, there’s a few things you must do.
Walk the streets of Old San Juan. Vibrant colors, narrow alleys and luscious courtyards fill the port. Old San Juan is a small area, so it’s easy to hit every corner of the village in a short amount of time. Walking the streets, you’ll find art galleries, food vendors, local shops, tons of roaming cats and colorful decor.
Lunch at Café El Punto. This is the best hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Old San Juan - I eat here every time I’m in town. It can be tricky to find, as you must walk through an art gallery hallway to get there, but once you’re in, prepare for excellent dishes and a quiet atmosphere. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but I would always recommend ordering a side of sweet, fried plantains. Muy delicioso.
Gallery hallway leading into the cafe.
Spanish Fort view from below.
Visit the Spanish Forts. Puerto Rico was discovered by Spanish settlers in the early 1500s, and the forts were built soon after as a form of protection against attack. What’s been left behind is beautiful stonework built onto a rocky coast. Explore the dungeons, war memorabilia and lookout stations.
