Admin
April 11, 2023
Viejo San Juan is a city that never ceases to amaze visitors, with its stunning colonial-style architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. As the second oldest city in the Americas, Old San Juan is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Don’t know where to start? Below are 5 of Old San Juans hidden gems you don’t want to miss out on.
1. Turquesa
You don’t want to miss taking a look at this crystal and metaphysical shop in Old San Juan. Turquesa offers the largest selection of quartz, minerals, and semi-precious stones in Puerto Rico. Located just a few blocks from El Morro, Turquesa offers an extensive collection of gemstones and metaphysical supplies.
That’s not all, they also have a wide selection of hand-crafted jewelry! Whether you are looking for a unique souvenir to take home or a one-of-a-kind gift, Turquesa has something for everyone.
2. Paseo Del Morro
Paseo Del Morro is a beautiful path that takes you along the base of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. The entrance can be found at La Puerta San Juan, which is a site to see in itself. This path has astonishing views of the ocean and you can see Fuerte Amezquita across the bay. Once you get to the end you can hang out around El Morro or choose to continue on through a mini-hike that takes you to El Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi. If you are a fan of hiking and outdoors this hidden gem is for you. One of the most exciting parts of Paseo Del Morro is the colony of cats that live along the pathway. They aren’t strays, a local rescue Save a Gato feeds and takes care of all the cats in the area.
This beautiful beach is hidden so well that you just might miss it when you pass by. Located right across from the Capitol building this beach isn’t as popular as some of the other ones in the area. As such you can look forward to less of a crowd. This beach is also known for its surplus of sea glass so if you are a collector or looking specifically to find cool items in the sand this is the place for you.
If you’re looking for a unique cultural experience in Old San Juan, then look no further than The Poet’s Passage. It’s a shop and art gallery making it a great location to immerse yourself in local art and literature.
The Poet’s passage is the brainchild of Lady Lee Andrew, a well-known local poet. She’s preserving and promoting Puerto Rican culture and literature through her beautiful shop. One of the attractions is the open-mic nights held for budding poets to showcase their skills and connect with like-minded individuals. They also offer a range of workshops and classes about poetry, writing, and Puerto Rican culture. If you’re just looking to lay back and relax, you can sit down and enjoy all the beautiful artwork.
5. Castillo San Cristóbal
Everyone knows about El Morro, it’s one of the most popular sites to see in Viejo San Juan. There’s another fort often overlooked by people visiting, Castillo San Cristobal. This fort was built by the Spanish during the colonial era, it’s the largest fort built by the Spanish in the New World. The fort spans over 27 acres with lots of things to explore, there are a number of hidden tunnels and secret passageways around the fort. Castillo San Cristobal is the best fort to experience the natural beauty of Puerto Rico. It’s located on a hill overlooking the ocean and it’s surrounded by lush greenery. You can spot a variety of birds, iguanas, and other animals as you explore the fort’s many paths and trails.
Overall Castillo San Cristobal offers a fascinating glimpse at Puerto Rico’s rich culture since it’s the lesser-known fort there’s usually not much of a crowd either. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or just looking for a memorable experience this historic fort is definitely worth a visit. If you want to support the forts, you can become a member of the Friends of San Juan National Historic Site!
