“We only have until 3pm before we leave on the ship and there is so much to do here,” exclaimed a cruise ship traveler who was enjoying his hours in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This traveler’s map and guide will list fun and unique restaurants, sites, experiences, and shops to discover in the historic city of Old San Juan. Our extensive guide mentions places to visit beginning with the best spots from the southern end to the north of Old San Juan. 

Tip Before Your Visit to Old San Juan

• If you’re arriving by car, it is best to get there before 11 am to ensure parking. There are several parking lots in Old San Juan, depending on where you are looking to visit.
• Rain or shine, you should bring water, sunblock, and an umbrella.

Most Unique Places to Visit in Old San Juan

Caleta del Vino, Calle Tetuan

This new wine bar and restaurant on Calle Tetuan in Old San Juan does not have many pictures currently that do it justice. Above is a picture of Saturday evening jazz nights with floral, outdoor seating overlooking the San Juan Bay and backdropped by the historical Chapel of Christ. The interior is also very lovely.

Caleto del Vino is a cute and relaxing spot for wine, cocktails, and tapas-style food. Recommended for couples and small groups. 

Sip and Paint, Calle Cruz

A great group activity to experience with friends, family, or both. Sip and paint for two hours listening to music and laughing at how your paintings are going. It is also a great way to support local painters and art students that lead the guided classes. Reserve a spot in their painting class!

Triana Tapas and Flamenco, Calle Recinto Sur

Historically and traditionally, Puerto Rico became a cultural mix of Spanish, Indigenous, and African heritage. At Triana Tapas and Flamenco Restaurant you can experience Spanish influences in our culture. These include Spanish cuisine and Flamenco dance. Visting is also a great way to support local dancers and musicians!

Señor Paleta, Calle Tetuán

Puerto Rico is warm year-round, and heat records are currently being broken during this summer. A great, refreshing, frozen lollipop from Señor Paleta is the perfect treat. Pick from typical tropical fruits like coconut, passionfruit, papaya, guava or very sweet ones like Oreo, Ferrero Rocher, and Nutella. 

Café Botánico, Calle Tetuán

Both a local and visitor favorite, this café has a lovely ambiance and delicious meals for lunch. The corner of Café Botánico is lush with the “trinitaria” flowers, a classic picture to take in Viejo San Juan. Inside, the café is just as lovely, with plants and flowers adorning the space. For lunch they offer a protein base and two sides to pick between different style salads, grains, pasta, and mashed cassava, taro, and sweet potato. 

Spiga, Calle Tetuán

The coffee and pastries at Spiga are truly some of the best in Old San Juan. Try the cinnamon rolls with a cappuccino! Spiga also offers delicious sandwiches and pasta for lunch. A great breakfast or lunch spot before they close at 3 pm.

Escape Room, Calle Fortaleza

A world-wide favorite, there is an Escape Room in Old San Juan. Book your appointment with friends and family and have fun solving puzzles to try and escape!

The Cigar House, Calle de la Fortaleza

It is like Cigars and the Caribbean go together! Located in Calle de la Fortaleza, shop an array of cigars and sit in their lounge area to enjoy your choice. Great spot for men and cigar lovers in general to visit! 

Librería Laberinto, Calle Cruz

This bookstore is truly a gem, since it not only offers almost all their repertoire in Spanish, but they also make it a point to feature and promote local writers in all genres- historic, fiction, science, fantasy… This bookstore has withstood the test of time and globalization. There are also plans to create a café and reading spaces!

La Casa del Libro Museum, Callejón de la Capilla

A beautiful museum to visit with historic books and booking-making machines from Puerto Rico!

Galería Botello, Calle del Cristo since 1953

The longest-standing art gallery in Old San Juan located in one of the Oldest buildings, if you’re an art lover or in the market to purchase a stunning painting or sculpture from Puerto Rico, this is the spot. 

La Lanterna Restaurant, Calle del Cristo

Authentic Italian food with some ingredients sourced from farms in Italy and a stunning Spanish-heritage indoor patio, owner Franco Seccarelli has made La Lanterna a top fine dining experience in Old San Juan to visit.

Coquí el Original® Fine Jewelry, Calle de la Fortaleza

After your fine dining, visit Coqui el Original for fine jewelry shopping. Sometimes visitors look for mementos from their travels that will commemorate forever those lived experiences.

This fine and locally designed jewelry line offers seven gorgeous collections inspired by Puerto Rico’s nature and beauty. Its staple collection is the culturally significant amphibian, the very tiny coquí tree frog.

This line was created in 2009, but the family jewelry business spans back since 1965 in Old San Juan. A beautiful way to remember Puerto Rico and support a long-standing business tradition.

Finca Cialitos, Calle San Francisco

Historically, Ciales has always been a center for coffee production in Puerto Rico. This is a great coffee shop to support as they also focus on ethical and sustainable practices.

Cervecería del Callejón de la Capilla Esquina con San Francisco

If you’re a lover of craft beers and fun, casual vibes with great music, this is a great spot to visit! They host local bands as well as the traditional Afro-Boricua Bomba music and dance performances.

Museo del Mar, Calle San Francisco

A great spot for museum lovers on Puerto Rico’s naval history!

La O Restaurant, Calle San Francisco

Focused on delicious Mediterranean-inspired food, have a delicious cocktail and craft pizza/other food selections. There are beautiful indoor and outdoor seating arrangements. 

Mar y Rosa, Rooftop, Calle San Francisco

  One of the best rooftops in Old San Juan located on the Alma Hotel with beautiful views of the historic city. Make sure to book your visit since it is a popular spot!

Poet’s Passage, Calle Cruz

This passageway with an art gallery, shopping area, and back room for arts, crafts, and poetry readings is a great place to visit! Usually Tuesday nights they host poetry readings.

Teatro 15, Calle San Sebastián

A great place to support local actors! This theatre hosts 15-minute functions Thursdays through Sundays for only $5! A must for theatre lovers.

Oasis Picnic Experience, Calle Norzagaray

If you’re looking to coordinate an outdoor event set on the beautiful El Morro lawn in Old San Juan, this business offers to create those special moments. Plan birthdays, engagements, friends’ hangout, corporate events and more with Oasis.

Museo de San Juan, Calle Norzagaray

With free entry, visit this important cultural institution featuring Puerto Rico’s art history! 

¡Salud y Éxito!

Daniela Barquet