The Top 3 Things to Do in Enchanting San Juan

The US's oldest city is celebrating a big milestone. San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, is honoring its 500th birthday with a celebration that stretches through 2022.

Known as a fantastic beach destination, the beautiful Spanish colonial city's history, architecture, and gastronomy are equally compelling reasons to plan a visit or add a day to your cruise itinerary.

The Castillo San Felipe del Morro is one of San Juan's many beautiful and historic sights.

In honor of the celebration, here are XX things you should make time for when you visit San Juan:

Step Back In Time at Castillo San Felipe del Morro

El Morro safeguarded San Juan from invaders for hundreds of years.

For hundreds of years, this 16th-century fort protected the island from invaders entering San Juan Bay. Spanish engineers designed and built the UNESCO World Heritage site, which took over 250 years to complete.

Known locally as El Morro, Castillo San Felipe del Morro has a long history. Its foundation was laid in 1539, and the strategically located fort played a critical role in defending the city through both World Wars. In 1961, the US Army turned it over to the US National Parks Service. Today, Park Rangers help visitors fully experience the impressive landmark.

At over six levels high, the fort perches over the northwestern edge of the island, offering panoramic views of San Juan Bay to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the north. From the top, visitors can peer out towards where the bay meets the mighty Atlantic Ocean.

Explore Old San Juan

Colorful colonial buildings line cobblestone streets in Old San Juan.

Colorful and captivating Old San Juan lend a magical quality to the capital city. Though conceived as a military stronghold nearly 500 years ago, the seven square blocks area has evolved into a vibrant neighborhood.

Old San Juan sits on an islet, connected to the main island by three bridges. Over 400 Spanish colonial buildings, carefully restored and liberally splashed with bright colors, line cobblestone streets.

A private guide can help you skip the lines and enjoy architectural highlights including the Governor's Palace, San Juan Cathedral, tiny Cristo Chapel, and the impressive San Cristobal Fort. Make sure to stop in at a local restaurant to try Mofongo, a traditional dish made of green plantains mashed with garlic, salt, and olive oil.

Visit the Oldest Church in the US

The Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista is the US's oldest church.

The Catedral Basílica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista, first constructed in 1521, is the oldest church in the US and the second oldest in the Americas.

The original wooden structure was destroyed by a storm and rebuilt in 1529. Though its architecture is simple, the beautiful cathedral is rich with history. It houses the tomb of explorer and conqueror Juan Ponce de León, Puerto Rico's first governor who searched for the fountain of youth.

The church also contains a shrine to shrine to Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican and the first layperson in the history of the US to be beatified.

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