The Salsa Experience

Old San Juan is, without a doubt, the most dazzling area of Puerto Rico’s Capital City. Today, almost 500 years after its foundation by Spanish colonizers, Old San Juan still keeps its status and magnificence. It is the center of various historical attractions and a bustling port. Quintessential forts, colorful houses with narrow balconies and cobble-stoned streets add color to its scenery. Its rich history, warm people, bright ambiance and rhythmic air makes Old San Juan the perfect place to liberate your spirit and let your musical talent flow through your veins. To warm you up here are some ideas of what to do while you are in Old San Juan.

Unlike other sprawling cities, the best way to explore here is by foot! If walking seems like a big challenge for you, there are also two trolley loops that operate free of charge. Start your day trying a tasty mayorca (hot sweet bread with powdered sugar) at La Bombonera. Complete your breakfast with a café con leche from their shiny, immense vintage coffee maker steaming with delicious flavor. Other places like La Mayorca and Siglo XX are also worth trying. After breakfast take a spectacular stroll all around the old city from Castillo San Cristobal (San Cristobal Fort) down Calle Norzagaray all the way to El Morro (also know as Fort San Felipe del Morro), a colonial fort built to protect the city from French and British attacks. Refresh yourself with a piragua (shaved ice topped with fruity syrup) from a local vender as you enjoy the magnificent green field and breath-taking open sky. If you don’t need a nap in the grass, continue to the lush Paseo La Princesa (Princess’ path) and Puerta de San Juan (city’s gate) - also perfect for a romantic wander.

For lunch experiment in Café Manolin. Their cool locality, wide variety of typical food and economic prices attract working class locals and tourists as well. Also try Los Yeyos, a more intimate hang with equally delicious dishes (full plates for $5!). For a typical dinner taste El Jibarito Restaurant located on Calle Sol. If you want to tempt your palate with international food there are several options along Calle Fortaleza as it reaches Plaza Colon.

Old San Juan has a different plaza for every mood. Our favorites: Plaza de Armas, for its vibrant characters and random bohemians haunting boleros with a guitar and Plaza de la Rogativa for its intimate view of the bay. On weekends and holidays it is not rare to catch an outdoor folkloric music concert in one of the plazas especially in Plaza de Armas, Paseo la Princesa and Plaza San Jose. Right around Plaza San Jose are several museums to delight your eyes –and ears. Try Museo de Nuestras Raices Africanas (African Roots Museum). It features African musical instruments and artifacts. They also offer African music and dance classes. Right next door to it is the Pablo Cassals Museum and Iglesia de San Jose, the second oldest Church in the Western Hemisphere. The city also has many galleries to accommodate various tastes. If you arrive on time for the first Tuesday of the month, the city hosts a Gallery Night where galleries feature new exhibitions and stay open late. The San Juan Cathedral, Parque de las Palomas and Capilla del Cristo are also great points of interest. Teatro Tapia right in front of Plaza Colon offers seasonal varied performances.

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