Top 5 Things To Do in El Viejo San Juan

If you've been to Old San Juan before you know that there's lots to do. Of course there's eating and drinking, but San Juan is full of amazing mini adventure opportunities that not everyone may know about. Exploring Puerto Rican history and culture is prime Here are 5 interesting things you could do in the beautiful old, rustic city.

1. The Butterfly People

This store looks like a tiny butterfly museum. Beautiful butterfly arrangements, big and small, cover the walls of the interior. There is also an outside patio where you can observe the beauty of the outdoor garden. The colorful arrangements are a beautiful sight. If you have some time and simply want look at pretty stuff, you will never run out of stuff to look at in San Juan, and this store must definitely go on your list of places to visit. As soon as you walk in you breathe in the peace that the arrangements radiate. The arrangements are for sale and be mindful not to touch anything. This place is extremely peaceful so be sure to come in quietly and observe the beauty of the dead butterflies that cover the walls of this beautiful store.

2. Museo De Las Americas, Cuartel Ballajá

Founded in 1992, this unique museum exposes Puerto Rican history and culture as well as the Americas. Among the museum's exhibits are: The Popular Arts in the Americas and The Indian in America: 22 Ethnicities That Have Survived the European Conquest and Colonization. The museum is located inside an old military barracks called Cuartel Ballajá from when colonizing Spanish troops invaded the island in the 1800's. In the middle of the museum is a beautiful plaza where sometimes cultural activities take place like art festivals and musical concerts. The museum is open everyday except on Mondays and general entrance is $4. Children under the age of 12 can come in for free. Right now there is an exhibit called Catarsis which is about the aftermath of María and the different artists' interpretation of the rebuilding of the island. This museum is a great opportunity to get educated and also enjoy the beautiful interiors of building.

3. Calle San Francisco

One of the busiest streets in San Juan is Calle San Francisco, my favorite. It is filled with tiny shops, cool an innovative restaurants, coffee shops, and everything in between. It has everything. If you are in San Juan, overwhelmed and confused and don't know where to start, go to Calle San Francisco, you will quickly find something. Among some of the stores you can find here are Turquesa, a beautiful crystal shop where you can explore spiritual healing rocks and jewelry, and Valija, a local women's clothing shop. There are so many food choices to choose from but if you're looking for a unique spot, The Avocado Shop is right up there. This place is cool and hip, as the young ones say, and you'll immediately feel that as you step in.

4. Fortaleza Antiques

Here you can find antiquities dating dating back beyond the 1800's. A corky place indeed but be aware of the pricing. This place is more like the Butterfly People space, you can look, but you can't touch. Unless you're willing to pay an absurd amount of money for an antique object. Even if you don't have plans to spend money a visit to this place is a cute date idea combined with a stroll in the streets of this place full of wonder.

5. El Morro

You haven't been to Old San Juan if you haven't prepared a picnic to munch on some snacks, sit on the grass, and simply enjoy. People come to El Morro literally just to sit and people watch. It's so much fun. It is also relaxing to sit and stare at the beautiful ocean that surrounds it. Going inside El Morro is cool too if you're into history, but coming and enjoying a snack, like a piragua or some ice-cream or an entire meal, having a picnic in El Morro is a must.