El Viejo San Juan

Photographed by Angel Rodriguez

 

Let's continue from where we last left off about what are the logistics of touring Old San Juan. While you allow me to share my experiences so you may avoid some of bumbling i did!

 

 Getting there: it was pretty convenient. from my Hotel, it was just a 20 minute drive for my friend Angel to get us to Old San Juan, and taxis and public transport are a good option, too. If you drive, there are several parking lots on different sides of the historic center that have reasonable parking rates ($2 an hour) I know right $2 can you believe it i will never see that rate compared with the highway robbery that is New York City parking.

The colorful houses and streets just makes me want to dance, it's like hearing salsa and the tropical instruments of conga's and timbales in my head.

The heat: Puerto Rico is HOT! everyday was rainy when I arrived but once I visit Old San Juan the day at high noon was extremely hottttt. after my second shoot I demanded to hide out in an air conditioned cafe to regain sanity drink some cold water and continue my journey. Happily, there were many to be found, and I soon felt well enough to venture out again and complete my other photo shoots.

Timing: Given the heat, I’d suggest you do what i did the second day of our touring, and arrive in Old San Juan around 4pm. Then you have time to wander around in less oppressive heat, grab dinner, and catch the sunset over the water. I also liked going to Old San Juan on two different days so we didn’t feel rushed, but you could probably be content with just one day if you were in a rush.

 

Activities: My favorite activity in Old San Juan was just wandering the beautiful streets and taking photos, then periodically and repeatedly eating in the many cafes and restaurants. Love fascinating statues commemorating history? There are plenty in Old San Juan. There are also two extremely famous forts. And if shopping is your thing, there are more than enough shops, from small souvenirs to high-end clothes. It’s rather funny to see stores like Foot Locker and Radio Shack housed in these beautifully colored historic buildings and one of my favorite designers boutique like Custo Barcelona..

 

Food: You can find all sorts of cuisine in Old San Juan.

 

Beware of all of the One Way streets in Old San Juan.

 

The upkeep on most of the buildings in Old San Juan is exceptional.

 

Crowds: There is a constant stream of tourists in Old San Juan, in particular from the hulking cruise ships which toot-toot into port each day. Happily, however, if you wander just one street away from the main thoroughfares, there are virtually no other tourists anymore. How convenient!

A warning about driving: Do whatever you can to NOT drive into the heart of Old San Juan. because at a certain hour you could end up in a endless loop of One Way streets, tiny alleyways, and hairpin turns. Oh, and smartphone GPS apps do not know the correct direction of the One Way streets!

Preservation: Keeping Old San Juan stunning is a never-ending job, but the results are worth it. Respect and thanks to the workers, government, and island that makes this possible!

 

My Look.

Dress by an Australian Boutique SWF

Shoes Tamar Collection by Tamar Braxton.

Make-Up by Angel Rodriguez

So there you have a glimpse of beautiful Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. If you’ve been, what were your impressions? If you haven’t, does it entice you? Do share your comments with me.

 

See the blue cobblestones and the upward swoop of the street?

 

Thanks for Reading.

XO MDollNYC