The walls
High stone walls.
A nineteenth-century promenade about eight hundred metres long, running along San Juan Bay beside the old city's high stone walls, built between 1852 and 1854 in honour of Princess Isabel, daughter of the Queen of Spain. It is lined with Victorian-style lamps, benches, big shady trees and gardens, and centred on the bronze Raíces fountain, depicting the three roots of the Puerto Rican people: indigenous, African and Spanish. At its start stands La Princesa, a nineteenth-century former jail now housing tourism offices. The promenade follows the walls to the San Juan Gate, the old red gate through which governors and visitors arriving by ship once entered, from where the road climbs into the heart of the old city. It is best in the late afternoon and at sunset, when the bay breeze picks up and vendors and musicians gather at weekends. The sun is strong all year, so carry water, a hat and sunscreen.
High stone walls.
The red gate.
Over the bay.
South-western side of Old San Juan
Old San Juan and La FortalezaThe historic quarter of Puerto Rico's capital and the island's oldest settlement2 minutes walk
Castillo San CristóbalThe largest fortification the Spanish built in the New World, guarding Old San J9 minutes walk4.7
El Morro FortressPuerto Rico's most famous landmark, a massive stone fortress on a rocky headland14 minutes walk4.7An old red gate in the city walls through which arrivals by ship once entered, reached along the Paseo de la Princesa beside the walls.