walking tour map of old san juan puerto rico

San Juan is a common stop for cruise ships, yet it is definitely not a beach resort. Brief rain showers are quite common, so watch your step, as the cobblestones can get quite slippery. Around the perimeter of the district the trade winds make it surprisingly comfortable, but along the interior streets it get much hotter, with closely spaced, multi-story buildings cutting off any breeze. Wear good walking shoes to deal with the hills and cobblestone streets. Sunblock is available at many stores in town. Many tourists are caught unaware of the sun exposure received from simply walking around the sites of this tropical city. Much of the district's architecturally historic fabric is intact, including the impressive fortifications. The forts received some naval bombardment from US naval ships during the Spanish American War (1898). Due to its military significance, the government kept the growing population within the city walls until 1897, when a few bastions were demolished. It was considered the Gibraltar of the West Indies.

It guarded an important entrance into the Spanish Main, and withstood multiple attacks by the British and Dutch (some partially successful). As this is a tourist destination, English is relatively common, but not universally spoken.įounded in 1509, San Juan became a walled city protected by multiple forts. It occupies the western half of the islet of San Juan, which it shares with Puerta de Tierra. Although this eight by ten block district is part of San Juan, it is quite geographically and culturally distinct from the rest of the city. San Juan ( Viejo San Juan) is the historic core of San Juan.

Walking tour map of old san juan puerto rico