Destination 01
Old San Juan
Walled 16th-century city of forts and plazas; 3 nights for the forts and Christmas streets.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Six-level Spanish citadel begun in 1539 on the headland guarding San Juan Bay, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tip Go early before the heat; the lawn in front is where families fly kites in the late afternoon.
Castillo San Cristobal
The largest Spanish fort in the Americas, completed in 1783, guarding the land approach to the old city.
Tip Your El Morro ticket covers entry here too.
Calle de la Fortaleza
Shop-lined street ending at La Fortaleza, the governor's mansion since the 16th century, hung with wreaths at Christmas.
Tip The gates of La Fortaleza are decorated for the season; walk the street end to end in the evening.
Plaza de Armas
Main square of the old city, in front of City Hall, with the island's Christmas tree and lit trees in December.
Paseo de la Princesa
Tree-lined 19th-century promenade along the bay under the city walls, ending at the Raices fountain.
Tip Walk it at sunset and continue through the San Juan Gate into the old city.
Catedral de San Juan Bautista
One of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas, rebuilt in the 1800s, holding the tomb of Juan Ponce de Leon.
Tip Midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) on Christmas Eve is held here.
Casa Cortes ChocoBar
Cafe run by the Cortes chocolate family, serving hot chocolate with cheese, chocolate dishes and breakfast.
Tip Order the hot chocolate with a slice of local white cheese to drop into the cup.
La Factoria
Unsigned cocktail bar of linked rooms on Calle San Sebastian, with salsa dancing late into the night.
Tip The salsa room gets busy after 10 pm; come earlier for a seat at the bar.
Hotel El Convento
Hotel in a 1651 Carmelite convent facing the cathedral, with a courtyard restaurant and rooftop plunge pool.
