This is San Juan Puerto Rico travel guide we explore the area known as Old San Juan as well as the new town. We start out at the …
### Exploring San Juan, Puerto Rico with Island Hopper TV
Hello everyone! Welcome to Island Hopper TV. Today, we’re coming to you from the beautiful city of San Juan, Puerto Rico. We’re about to explore the historic Old Town, a city rich with 500 years of history. Let’s dive in!
San Juan, Puerto Rico is indeed 500 years old. Located in the heart of the Caribbean, right next to the Dominican Republic, San Juan is a treasure trove of history and culture. This travel guide will take you through both the old and new parts of the city, starting from the port area.
**Breakfast on the Beach**
This morning, we enjoyed poached eggs right on Isla Verde Beach. We’re staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Isla Verde Beach Resort, which is perfectly situated on this beautiful beach. Isla Verde, also known as Playa Verde (Green Beach), is a long stretch of sand great for surfing and relaxation. It’s conveniently close to the airport, making it an ideal spot for travelers.
**Heading to Old San Juan**
After breakfast and some time on the beach, we’re heading to Old San Juan. The drive from our hotel takes about 15 minutes. Being close to the airport, it’s also about a 15-minute drive from the airport to Old San Juan.
**Exploring Old San Juan**
We’ve arrived at Old San Juan, starting at Plaza de Colón, near the fort. Our first stop is Fortaleza, before we explore the main fort. The roads and structures here have been preserved since the 15th and 16th centuries, giving a genuine feel of old Puerto Rico. The streets are narrow, one-way roads, reflecting their historic origins.
**A Brief History of San Juan**
San Juan, named after Saint John of the Cross, is part of the unincorporated territory of the United States. It’s the 46th largest city in the U.S. with a population of around 400,000 people, expanding to 2.6 million if you include the metro area. San Juan is known for its manufacturing, financial services, and tourism. Notably, 80% of Puerto Rico’s population resides in this metro area.
**The Birthplace of the Piña Colada**
Old San Juan is also the birthplace of the world-famous piña colada. In 1963, Don Ramón Cortés Mingott created this iconic drink right here on Fortaleza Street. Make sure to stir it well when you try it!
**The Historic Forts**
We continue our journey towards the historic fortifications of San Juan. Walking along the old fortress walls, we reach Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a Spanish fort that has stood the test of time. This fort served as a crucial defense point, protecting the bay from potential invaders.
**Museum of the Americas**
For those interested in history, the Museum of the Americas offers a wealth of information about the colonial era in the Caribbean.
**San Sebastian Street**
Next, we visit San Sebastian Street, known for its vibrant bars and nightlife. Although it’s quieter during the day, it’s a bustling area come evening.
**A Sudden Downpour**
As is common in San Juan, a sudden rainstorm hits. Everyone quickly finds shelter until the storm passes, which usually takes about five to ten minutes.
**Modern San Juan**
We head to the modern city center of San Juan, where you’ll find the convention center and the Distrito T-Mobile. Founded in 1521 and named after John the Baptist, San Juan has grown into a bustling municipality with a metro population of 2.3 million and about 340,000 in the city itself. Despite being a U.S. territory, the official language is Spanish, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. The city has a vibe reminiscent of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, especially in the newer built-up areas.
**Culinary Delights**
We enjoyed a delicious meal of churrasco, rice, beans, and salad. Puerto Rico, being the oldest European establishment in the U.S. territory, offers a blend of cultural and culinary experiences.
**La Perla Neighborhood**
Overlooking La Perla, a historic neighborhood in San Juan, we decided not to film there but recommend checking it out if you visit Old San Juan.
Thank you for joining Island Hopper TV in San Juan, Puerto Rico. We hope you enjoyed this tour of one of the Caribbean’s most historic and vibrant cities. Stay tuned for more travel adventures!
