Old San Juan is Worth the Uber
If you have a layover in San Juan -- or you are overnighting before an early departure -- Old San Juan is 20-25 minutes from SJU by Uber and one of the most rewarding city experiences in the Caribbean. The 500-year-old Spanish colonial quarter, with its cobblestone streets, colorful painted buildings, and massive 16th-century fortresses, is genuinely unlike anywhere else in the U.S. island territories.
What You Can Do in 2-3 Hours
- Walk the walls of El Morro: Castillo San Felipe del Morro sits at the northwestern tip of Old San Juan overlooking the Atlantic. The walk from the city gate takes about 15 minutes and the fort grounds are worth an hour.
- Calle del Cristo and Calle Fortaleza: The two main shopping and restaurant streets. Walk the length of both for a feel of the old city.
- La Bombonera: One of Old San Juan's oldest cafes, open since 1902. Mallorcas (sweet pastries) and cafe con leche. A must.
- Plaza de Armas: The historic main square with the City Hall facade, street food vendors, and a good place to sit and absorb the neighborhood.
What You Can Do with a Full Day
Add Castillo San Cristobal (the larger fort on the other end of the city), the Museo de las Americas, a proper lunch at one of the serious restaurants on Calle Fortaleza, the free ferry to Catano for Bacardi rum factory tours, and an evening at one of the rooftop bars overlooking the harbor. Old San Juan rewards slow exploration.
Getting There from SJU
Uber from SJU to Old San Juan runs $20-30 depending on time of day. The ride is about 20-25 minutes via the expressway. Do not rent a car for Old San Juan -- parking is almost nonexistent and the streets are one-way cobblestone. Uber in, walk around, Uber back. Easy.
Timing Your Return to SJU
Give yourself at least 90 minutes before your departure to get back to SJU from Old San Juan. Traffic on the expressway can back up, especially in the late afternoon. For early morning flights, Old San Juan is best visited the evening before -- not the morning of a 6 AM departure.
Restaurants Worth Planning Around
Old San Juan has some of the best restaurants in Puerto Rico. Marmalade on Calle Fortaleza is worth a reservation for serious dining. La Factoria is one of the best craft cocktail bars in the Caribbean. El Jibarito on Calle Sol is the classic Puerto Rican comfort food spot loved by locals and visitors alike.