Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Morning Walk
Around Old San Juan
Early Morning
After a hearty breakfast,
head to
Plaza del
Inmigrante
. Admire the
buildings surrounding
the square and then
walk west along
Paseo
de la Princesa
, pausing
to photograph the
Raíces
Fountain
. If it's a week-
end, then browse the arts
and crafts stalls set up
here. Passing through the
Puerta de San Juan
, the
old city gate, turn left for
Plazuela de la Rogativa
,
and admire the fine view
toward the harbor. Follow
Calle Las Monjas east
one block to view the
Catedral de San Juan
Baútista
(see p9)
before
following cobbled Calle
del Cristo uphill to
Plaza
de San José
. Just around
the corner is the
Museo
Pablo Casals
(see p62)
,
dedicated to the world-
famous cellist. Stop to
take a coffee break at one
of the plaza's many cafés
and indulge in some
leisurely people-watching.
The blue-tiled Calle del Cristo
outside.
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Calle del Cristo
The pretty Calle del Cristo
is paved with blue-tiled cobble-
stones and lined with charming
two-story townhouses graced by
wooden balustrades that today
double as art galleries, boutiques,
and cafés. The Catedral de San
Juan Bautista
(see p9)
, the city's
ecclesiastical 1852 masterpiece,
presents a striking facade. The
street ends at the tiny Capilla del
Cristo (Christ Chapel).
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Map U5-6
)
Plaza de San José
Mid-Morning
Refreshed, trace your
steps back to
Parque
de Beneficencia
and
turn left. The huge Neo-
Classical building ahead
houses the
Instituto de
Cultura Puertorriqueña
(see p9)
. Call in to see
its eclectic exhibits,
including fascinating
pre-Columbian artifacts,
before continuing north
across the wide open
Calle del Morro to the
Fortaleza San Felipe
del Morro
. This massive
fortress will take the
better part of an hour
to explore before the
airy stroll back to the
Plaza de San José
area for lunch.
With its neatly clipped trees
and quaint colonial buildings, this
ancient plaza is one of Old San
Juan's most delightful areas. At
its center stands a life-size statue
of Ponce de León. Other sights
in the vicinity include the Museo
Pablo Casals
(see p62)
and the
Iglesia San José (currently closed
for renovation), famous for
its muraled ceiling. Calle San
Sebastián's bars and restaurants
have a great atmosphere,
especially at night
(see p9)
.
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