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Escalinata de las Monjas

Escalinata de las Monjas gives access to the Monjas Street. It was restored "with the combined effort of Colegio Decoradores of Puerto Rico and the Municipality of San Juan on February 25, 1961.

Liga de Arte

Liga de Arte is an art school for children to learn how to draw and paint. It has been offering classes for more than 40 years.

Escuela de Artes Plásticas

Escuela de Artes Plásticas was founded in 1966 and is currently as institution for the learning of visual arts. It includes activities such as Design, Digital Art, Art Education, Painting, Sculpture, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, and Graphic Art.

Hotel El Convento

Hotel El Convento was formerly an old monastery adjoined to the San Jose Cathedral. It has been renovated time and time again and renamed time and time again until the 1990's when it was converted into a 4-star hotel with amazing views of Old San Juan.

Pablo Casals Museum

This was the former Pablo Casals museum before it was moved to another location by the Liga de Arte. Pablo Casals was a famous Spanish conductor and cellist who was regarded one of the greatest cello players and composers of the 20th century.

Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier

Felisa Rincon de Gautier was the first woman elected as mayor of a major capital city in the Western Hemisphere.  She fought for women' rights, established  children’s preschool educational daycare programs, and established the first public legal medical support centers for the poor. This museum was her house before she died on September 6, 1994 and was later converted into a museum.

Monumento a Juan de Amezquita

Juan de Amezquita was a brave military captain who defended San Juan from a Dutch attack in 1625.  He injured Captain Balduino Enrico, the one in charge of capturing Puerto Rico for the Dutch. This monument was built in his honor for his bravery and sacrifice.

Museo del Niño

Museo del Niño was built to provide fun and education to children. It includes many activities, including one about the history of Old San Juan. It is a must if you have children and are staying for a couple of days in Puerto Rico. 

Department of State

The Department of State of Puerto Rico is in charge of political, cultural, and economic relations with  foreign countries. During the 18th century, it was the San Carlos Artillery Barracks prison. In 1850, it became the Royal Administration building created by the Spanish crown. After a restoration in 1984, it became today's Department of State. 

Garita del Diablo

La Garita del Diablo was a sentry box with a mysterious legend of a guard taken away by a demon into the sea. Actually it was that he eloped with his girlfriend due to the discontent of his girlfriend's stepmother. It is said you can still hear the soldier's(Sanchez) beautiful guitar playing and her sweet laughter. It is not currently possible for civilians to get near the sentry box, but there are many vantage points from which you could view the "garita". 

Cuerpo de Guardia del Bastion de Santa Elena

The Cuerpo de Guardia del Bastion de Santa Elena was constructed in 1787 for the housing of soldiers and weaponry. It lies on the outskirts of El Morro. It is currently in the process of renovation thanks to the National Park Service.

La Mallorquina

 La Mallorquina is one of the oldest restaurants on the island, founded in 1848. They specialized in Puerto Rican and Spanish foods. Luis Muñoz Marin, the first elected governor of Puerto Rico, has been one of the many famous people who have visited the restaurant.

Take a look at the huge menu La Malloquina offers!

El Hamburger

 El Hamburger is an old-fashioned famous dining spot for the locals and tourists. El Hamburger has been open for more than 30 years! They serve a big variety of delicious burgers and fries, onion rings, hot dogs, nuggets, and even more!

Fuerte San Geronimo

 The Fuerte San Geronimo was built in 1609 to defend the bay from smaller vessels wishing to enter through the shallow, eastern entrance. This fort played an important role in the defense against the British attack of 1797. Entering the fort today is not possible due to the neglect the fort has received. Many plans have been proposed to restore the fort to its original beauty.

Galeria Nacional & Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña

The "Galeria Nacional" (National Gallery) is the largest collector of Puerto Rican paintings starting from the early 1700s to the 1960s. The Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (Institute of Puerto Rican Culture) is a government institution whose sole goal is to study, share, enrich, and preserve the Puerto Rican culture.

San Juan City Hall

The City Hall was built from 1604 to 1789. This is where the mayor of San Juan works and it is in from top the Plaza de Armas.

 

San Juan Bautista Cathedral

Alonso Manso, a bishop in San Juan, was responsible for the construction of the San Juan Cathedral in 1521. It features the waxed coated mummified remains of Saint Pious and the grave of Juan Ponce de León who was the island's first governor. It is often the sight of many weddings and is known for its beautiful architecture.