Wondering how to spend 2 wonderful days in San Juan Puerto Rico? Trust me, it’s going to be easy! I recommend staying in Old San Juan and taking the time to explore it. Old San Juan is a vibrant, colorful neighborhood with long and rich history. It was established in 1521 by the Spaniards and it is the second oldest city in the Americas (after Santo Domingo). As you stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll be impressed by the colonial architecture, lovely plazas, and vivid colors. Sample Puerto Rican cuisine, enjoy a couple of rum cocktails, and admire the views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s time to relax. You’re in the Caribbean!
How to spend 2 wonderful days in San Juan Puerto Rico
Visit San Juan’s colonial forts
There are two forts in San Juan: Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. Both are a part of the National Park Service and both are worth visiting. El Morro was built in the 16th century by the Spanish Crown to protect the gateway into the Caribbean and prevent attacks from the British and the Dutch. San Cristobal Castle was constructed a century later virtually for the same purpose. We enjoyed walking around the grounds, learning about the history and role of the forts, and exploring the military museum. The forts with their massive walls are truly impressive and both the city and the water views are great from them.
Take a look at Santa Maria Magdalena Cemetery
Right to the east of El Morro is a picturesque cemetery. You can walk to it underneath a little tunnel visible from the castle or enjoy the views from above.
Walk along Paseo del Morro and Paseo de la Princesa
I highly recommend strolling along Paseo del Morro and Paseo de la Princesa. These pedestrian promenades along the water will give you a great view of the massive city walls. Enjoy the vegetation, occasional statues, and the vistas over the Atlantic Ocean. Walk into Old San Juan through the San Juan Gate, which dates back to the 17th century.Once inside the city gates, sit in the little park and relax in the shade.
Gaze at La Perla
If you’re walking along Norzagaray Street between El Morro and San Cristobal Castles, you’ll walk above La Perla. La Perla, which is in fact quite picturesque from the street, is considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Puerto Rico. We enjoyed looking at the colorful, though, dilapidated buildings, but decided not to venture into the barrio.
Relax at the prettiest plazas of San Juan
San Juan has quite a few plazas. They are all pretty with some sort of a central statue, interesting buildings, and benches all around. We greatly appreciated all of them and enjoyed sitting around, relaxing for a few moments. Some of the most prominent plazas are Plaza de Armas, the central square of Old San Juan. The coffee stand in the north west corner serves wonderful coffee and pastries but only takes cash. Plaza de Colon and Plaza de San Jose are also great places to rest and take in the atmosphere.
Stroll along Calle Fortaleza
If you want to do some shopping, head to Calle Fortaleza. We enjoyed walking into several souvenir stores, buying some Puerto Rican coffee, and looking at the local arts and crafts. There is a good selection of restaurants along the street especially closer to Plaza de Colon. On the west side of Calle Fortaleza is the lovely governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza. It has been a house to over 170 governors of Puerto Rico, dating back to 1846.
Check out the San Juan Bautista Cathedral
The San Juan Cathedral is the second oldest church in the Americas. It’s a lovely building that was constructed in 1549 and houses the relics of Saint Pius, a martyr from the 1st century. A Spanish explorer and conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon is buried in the cathedral as well.
Stroll through Parque de Las Paloma’s
Parque de Las Palomas or the Pigeon Park is a lovely place to visit. Virtually behind Capilla del Cristo chapel, Las Palomas provides some shade, nice views over the water, and a coffee/ snack stand. It’s a pleasant spot in town, so don’t miss it.
Relax on a beach
There are many beaches in San Juan, most notably in Condado, Isla Verde, or Balneario de Escambron in Old San Juan. Since we didn’t have a car, we didn’t visit those beaches. However, we walked to a nice secluded beach right across the street from the Capitol Building, Playa del Capitolio. If all you want to do is swim in the ocean or sit on a nice beach, I absolutely recommend this city beach. There was hardly anyone there!
Sample Puerto Rican cuisine and enjoy a rum coctail
We certainly enjoyed sampling Puerto Rican food. From mofongo, pernil (roasted pork), rice with pigeon peas, tostones to mallorca sandwiches and traditional pastries, we ate well every day and enjoyed it. Combine that with pina coladas and other delicious rum drinks, and your palate will be satisfied.
Have more than 2 days to spend? Explore the island!
After spending 3 nights in Old San Juan, we decided to rent a car and explore the island.
Read about our adventure here.
