The Colors of Old San Juan

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I really wish I had more time to explore Old San Juan in Puerto Rico.  It was one of the places I was most excited about visiting on my Disney Cruise, especially since so many people had compared it to one of my favorites, New Orleans.  I unfortunately did not have too much time to spend wandering here as I got a bit carried away at the Bacardi Distillery, which was totally worth it by the way.  No regrets, now I just have an excuse to come back and see more of San Juan.

I milked every last second out of the time at port in San Juan, PR… and then some.  What are they going to do, leave me?  Probably not, I don’t think Disney wants that kind of publicity, but there are certainly worse places to be stranded so I was willing to chance it.  I still only had about 45 minutes to wander around the streets of Old San Juan and take pictures, so this post will be more of a photo essay than an actual post about activities in San Juan.  The streets were just so beautiful I needed to share.  And don’t worry, a full write up of the amazing Bacardi Distillery is in the works!

So grab a fresh coconut and join me on a tour of the streets of Old San Juan.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Oh, and don’t worry about open container ordinances, they’re not strictly enforced.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The first thing that struck me about old San Juan was the colors.  I was there on a beautiful sunny day that wonderfully illuminated the bright colors of all of the buildings.  I can see where the New Orleans comparison comes from.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Many of the winding streets, colorful buildings with wrought iron balconies, and outdoor cafes are reminiscent of the Big Easy, but the feel of the town is quite different.  Maybe it was just that I wasn’t there long enough to realize it, but it seemed quite a bit cleaner than New Orleans too.  I didn’t step in garbage water once!  I did touch a pretty mangy cat though.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

~

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

I could totally live here.  I would be a way better neighbor than this guy too.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

And just look at that view!

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

I could get used to that.

Old San Juan, Puerto Rico

Was also fortunate enough to find La Rogativa in the limited time I was there.  La Rogativa is a sculpture overlooking San Juan Bay that commemorates at procession of faithful Catholics that took place in 1797 during an invasion by the British.

La Rogativa- San Juan, Puerto Rico

La Rogativa- San Juan, Puerto Rico

Next time I’m in San Juan (and there will be a next time, hopefully soon) I plan on allotting more time to explore Old San Juan and to actually make it to the forts.  Unfortunately the only view I got of them was as I was sailing away.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The view from the ship as we sailed away wasn’t a terrible way to view the island, however.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

I barely scratched the surface of all that San Juan has to offer and it certainly left me wanting more.  I can’t wait to go back!  It may be time for another Disney Cruise!


San Juan Vacation Packages!

13 thoughts on “The Colors of Old San Juan

  1. Whoa, look at those views! I love the colors of the buildings. What a great place to visit, thanks for sharing.
    Leslie recently posted…Retro Repin Party #30My Profile

  2. Your blog is so entertaining and I love all of your pics! Especially the creepy neighbor guy! Lol….

  3. Beautiful colors!
    Tiana recently posted…Snack Spotlight : Reese’s Spreads Crescent RollsMy Profile

  4. I have always wanted to visit San Juan! And your pictures have only made me want to more! WOW!

  5. San Juan looks like an absolutely beautiful place to visit!

  6. San Juan looks amazing! I am going to add it to my bucket list!
    Chelley @ AisForAdelaide recently posted…The Best Mile #52WeeksA4A week 7My Profile

  7. Oh what a beautiful and colorful place. The views are awesome.
    Debbie Denny recently posted…Newly Discovered Dr. Seuss Book To Be Released July 28th! ‪#‎WhatPet‬My Profile

  8. katrina g

    I love those photos. I have always wanted to go there. looks so pretty.

  9. Looks like a blast! I totally want to go on a Disney Cruise and the Bacardi distillery wouldn’t be too bad either!
    Alison recently posted…Weeknight Fun With The Original Harlem GlobetrottersMy Profile

    • Mags

      I can’t recommend the Disney Cruise Line highly enough. It’s a truly amazing experience.

  10. San Juan is a fantastic city to explore around! The forts are interesting, but not where you get the local flavor. The beaches and the parks are where that’s at. I love wandering into the old town squares where old men are sitting around playing chess and you can find goodies in the tiny supermarkets.
    michelle h recently posted…Urban Adventure Quest-in YOUR CityMy Profile

    • Mags

      I can’t wait to go back and explore more of it!

  11. […] 153 birthday in the best place I can think of to celebrate, the Distillery at Casa Bacardi in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  The Distillery was the only thing on my absolutely must see list on this trip.  I was content […]

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