7 Must-Do Activities in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Put on your walking shoes, as San Juan is a charming and picturesque city that’s perfect for exploring on foot! San Juan was our third stop on the 7-Day Eastern Caribbean Cruise aboard the Dinogo Glory.

Christopher Columbus arrived on this stunning island in 1493 and named it San Juan Bautista. In 1511, Ponce de León renamed the town Puerto Rico and founded San Juan in 1521. San Juan is the oldest city in U.S. territory and serves as the capital of Puerto Rico, often referred to as the Rum Capital of the World! The heart of the island is Old San Juan, which is over 500 years old and took 250 years to complete. The historic area is less than one mile long and connects to the new city via a bridge.

Popular excursions include the Rainforest Horseback Riding Adventure, Deluxe Beach Escape at Vivo Beach Club with Lunch, Window Cave Experience, Rainforest Drive, Xtreme Zipline Adventure & The Beast, and the Old San Juan Walk, Mojito & Mofongo Experience. I had to make mofongo while in Puerto Rico, so I chose the Old San Juan Walk, Mojito & Mofongo Experience. The adventure began with a guided walking tour of Old San Juan, visiting the Museum of Casa Don Q, the San Juan Gate, the Princess Pathway, and more. We then learned to make mofongo with a local chef!

Since the ship arrived early, we jumped on a local bus tour to explore all of San Juan. I highly recommend this if you're eager to learn more about the city and see additional sights beyond the Old San Juan walking tour. Here are the 7 must-do activities in San Juan, Puerto Rico!

7 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

1. DISCOVER OLD SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO

The fortified Old San Juan district features 400 restored buildings that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets lined with Spanish-style townhouses adorned with wrought iron balconies, bustling plazas, museums, and historic sites. The oldest parts of the city are still partially enclosed by towering walls. Among the impressive city forts are San Felipe del Morro, San Cristóbal, and El Palacio de Santa Catalina, commonly known as La Fortaleza. La Fortaleza remains the executive mansion for the Governor of Puerto Rico.

2. THE CAPITOL OF PUERTO RICO

The Capitol of Puerto Rico is situated on the Islet of San Juan, just outside the historic walls of Old San Juan. The Capitol building is hard to miss – it’s an exquisite structure made of white marble with a grand dome, located right across the street from the ocean. The Capitol is breathtaking, constructed from 21 different styles of marble, including 16 from Italy, 4 from the United States, and 1 from Spain.

The Capitol welcomes visitors on weekdays only, and admission is free. It’s an absolute must-visit if you find yourself in Puerto Rico.

3. STROLL PAST LA CASA ESTRECHA

Did you know that the world’s smallest house is located in San Juan on Calle Tetuán? Known as La Casa Estrecha (the Narrow House), it measures just 5 feet in width, extends 36 feet deep, and features two stories.

4. VISIT THE OLD SAN JUAN HISTORIC CEMETERY

While cemeteries may not usually be at the top of the must-see list, the Old San Juan Historic Cemetery (Cementerio de San Juan) is truly remarkable. Also known as Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis, this cemetery ranks among the most stunning in the world. Perched by the ocean and surrounded by city walls next to El Morro, it showcases different shades of blue from the Atlantic, vibrant flowers, white graves, and exquisite marble sculptures.

5. EXPLORE THE CATHEDRAL OF SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

One of the oldest structures in Old San Juan, the magnificent Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is also the second oldest cathedral in the Americas, following the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor. Constructed in 1521, this Roman Catholic cathedral houses the tomb of Ponce de León, the mummy of St. Pio, stunning stained glass windows, beautiful statues, and sacred relics. Be sure to visit this historic gem in the heart of the old city!

6. PREPARE MOFONGO

Our city tour concluded at a local eatery, where a chef treated us to Puerto Rican appetizers and demonstrated how to prepare mofongo while we enjoyed refreshing mojitos. San Juan is brimming with restaurants and cafes that focus on cocina criolla, the local cuisine shaped by Puerto Rico’s rich cultural history. Two of the most iconic dishes you’ll find are bacalaitos (codfish fritters) and mofongo.

We were provided with our own mortar and pestle to mash the crispy green plantains, blending them with olive oil, garlic, and spices. Topped with chicken and drenched in gravy, it was absolutely delicious!

7. EXPERIENCE SHOPPING IN SAN JUAN

The shopping area on Calle de Cristo in Old San Juan boasts shops showcasing both local and international arts and crafts. Here, you can find beautifully hand-carved wooden religious figures, vibrant masks made from coconut husks or papier-mâché, intricately embroidered linens, stylish blouses and dresses, and exquisite Spanish-style jewelry crafted from copper, diamonds, gold, and silver, as well as hammocks, baskets, and ceramics.

Old San Juan buzzes with energy both day and night. In these lively streets, you’ll discover a youthful and diverse mix of culinary delights, shopping experiences, and entertainment that represents the entire island.

DINING AFTER PORT EXCURSIONS

After a long day exploring San Juan, we returned to the ship and made a beeline for the Lido Deck to indulge in some post-port dining. The Dinogo Glory features the Blueiguana Cantina, where you can enjoy freshly prepared tacos and burritos, along with Guy’s Burger Joint by Guy Fieri, serving up hot burgers right off the grill alongside hand-cut fries. I went for a ten-patty burger (you can choose as many patties as you like!), along with a taco salad and some tasty tacos!