San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is one of the impressive destinations where rich history, vibrant culture and Caribbean climate blend together. You won’t be disappointed with the artists playing music on the corners as you walk along the narrow cobblestone streets or the simple but cozy cafes that pop up when you least expect it.
San Juan can be divided into Old and New Town. What makes Old San Juan special is that it reflects the entire history and culture of the city as it is. Walking for hours among the well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful buildings and narrow streets of Old San Juan and getting lost in the city is like going back in history.
My first memory of San Juan is El Morro, the San Felipe del Morro Fortress, which welcomed us with the smell of the soil and the rain we left behind when I went on deck very early in the morning. Built in the 16th century, this castle was designed to protect the Gulf of San Juan. It is a place to visit for its historical importance and ocean view.
As you walk through the streets, you will immediately notice the distinctiveness of San Juan houses. Most of the houses date back to the colonial period and were designed to be narrow and long to make efficient use of the limited city space. While the lower floors are usually used for commercial purposes and workshops, the upper floors are designed as living spaces.
La Casa Estrecha is the most famous of these houses. It means “narrow house” in Spanish. I think it deserves this reputation for being a house 1.5 meters wide.
If you are tired of walking the streets, we can move on to my second favorite activity. Sitting in a small, simple cafe and watching people for hours. If you sit in a cafe in Tokyo, you will see people running around meaninglessly in the hurry of everyday life. If you sit in a cafe in Nassau, you will see people far away from the rush, maybe in an uncomfortable comfort. What I see in a café in San Juan is the exact middle of that. Unhurried people but with a certain dynamic. Lively streets, street vendors, musicians…
If you get bored of the streets, you can head to the beaches or jungles of Puerto Rico. Condado Beach and Isla Verde Beach are the most popular.
I will write a separate article about El Yunque Rainforest because it is a must-see.
You can also take boat tours in the Gulf and watch the city from the ocean. Those who are curious about its depths can dive with us and discover San Juan from underwater.
The official language of Puerto Rico is Spanish, but everyone speaks English as a second language. US Dollar is used as the currency.
You will not have a problem in finding food because it is possible to find restaurants that will satisfy everyone.
Unfortunately, in addition to all these beauties, San Juan has also become a place of ostentation and vulgarity. Being America’s backyard has shadowed this beautiful country at some points. What I won’t share here are the super boats that show off the riches or the luxury automobiles that doesnt fit the cobblestone streets.
But despite all this, Puerto Rico is definitely one of the must-see locations.
Goodbye
