We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
All 189 San Juan Attractions »

El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan)

San Juan, Puerto Rico
As featured in 3 days in San Juan and 1 other guide
Ranked #5 of 91 attractions in San Juan
4.5 of 5 stars 705 Reviews
Type: Historic Walking Areas, Neighbourhoods, Historic Sites
Activities: City walk sightseeing, Shopping, Walking, Nightlife, Dancing, Dining
Owner description: Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an...... more » Owner description: Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm. « less
Useful Information: Activities for older children
Update attraction details
Write a Review

705 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    483
    178
    29
    10
    5
Date Rating
Luquillo, Puerto Rico
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

Where to start? There's just so much to see and do... Beautiful architecture and plazas...El Morro fortress... shows at TeatroTapia... yearly SoFo food festival and San Sebastian Festival... wonderful restaurants... arts and crafts fairs... beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean and lagoon... cruise ship docks... access to Bacardi Factory via Acuaexpreso (watertaxi)... The nightlife is fun, but I especially like... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 31 more reviews by Sra Y for San Juan
Brownsville, Texas, United States
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

you don't need a guide unless you wanna be real into this tour. you can walk around and you can read signs and posts of the history of this place. stop by the tourism offices they can give you some info and free Bacardi and don q drinks for free. you got senor frogs near by scooter rentals and bike... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Jorge A for San Juan
Cruz Bay, St. John
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 May 2012 NEW

What an amazing escape. The beautifully colored and vibrant walkways and alleys are so easy to get lost on(in a good way). so enchanting, my boyfriend and I scanned local real estate to see if we could afford to buy! Be sure to stroll around in the early evening and relax at an outdoor cafe with a cold beer. We... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Aphiladee for San Juan
New York City, New York
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Have good walking shoes and note the sidewalks are narrow and uneven. After that just have fun. It's a beautiful old city with plenty of bars, restaurants, shops and parks. For a respite from the heat stop at El Convento Hotel's El Picoteo (inside the courtyard). More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by AKSB219 for San Juan
Greensboro, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 May 2012 NEW

This is a very busy touristy site. Roads are narrow with lots of shops. Prices are a little on the expensive side. Nice site to see once in your life! More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by bornredprincess for San Juan
Paris, France
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2012 NEW

A good place for city tours (shopping , ballads, restaurants). Dirty beaches. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by A M for San Juan
Jersey City, New Jersey
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

we really liked old san juan, we used the trolley system for free to get around old san juan and visited el morro. it was lively at night, the shopping was great, there was a wide variety of shops. went with my sister and felt safe walking around. it is not as "old" as i expected :) very nice little... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Tam L for San Juan
Saba, Caribisch Nederland
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

I bought a kite for my daughter and she enjoy it while we where sitting enjoying the vieuw.Then we took the free trolley for sightseeing throught Old town. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Herrin, Illinois, United States
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

This is a very neat place to go. We spent about half a day here on a sunday walking all over. A lot was closed but the weather was perfect to walk around. We stayed at the La Concha and we walked back via the north shore which was a beautiful walk back to the hotel, right along the beach... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Nathan-Tobey S for San Juan
Brooklyn, New York
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2012 NEW

the buildings are all different colors. theres lots to see and take pictures. the pigeon park was pretty cool too. the museum was also very cool. More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by lisellef for San Juan

Travellers who viewed El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) also viewed

El Morro (Castillo de San Felipe del Morro)
4.5 of 5 stars 788 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Paseo de la Princesa
4.5 of 5 stars 107 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
 
Campo Rico Ziplining Adventure
5 of 5 stars 105 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Castillo de San Cristobal
4.5 of 5 stars 324 Reviews
San Juan, Puerto Rico
 

Been to El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan)? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing
See all sites
Cruise Critic

The ultimate cruise resource: cruise reviews, deals, news and advice.

SeatGuru

The world's most comprehensive source for airline seats, airline info, & in-flight amenities.

Family Vacation Critic

The best family holidays start here.

Get the #1 travel app FREE>>
Take TripAdvisor with you

Find 50 million reviews & opinions of hotels, things to do, restaurants and more

GET IT
Named "#1 Travel App" by Frommer's