After spending a couple hours getting ready to look your best for your session, I say you should take advantage and go out on a date! Lately most of my sessions have been in Old San Juan, which has several options of things to do for any budget. However, most of you who have your session in Old San Juan are vacationing here. Which means you aren’t familiar with the area and don’t know where the best places to eat and drink are, or where to go for a scenic walk. Don’t worry, I’m here for y’all! I put together this blog with different things to do after your photo session in Old San Juan. I didn’t want to overwhelm you with too many options, so I only included my personal favorites for every budget!
Pro Tip #1: Don’t try driving in Old San Juan or getting an Uber from one place to another. It’s best to park in a structure and walk. (I always park in Doña Fela parking structure) Everything is within walking distance so be sure to bring an extra pair of comfortable shoes.
Pro Tip #2: Check google to make sure the place you want to try is Open! Not all places mentioned are open every day of the week and some are not open all day. Most are open either during the morning or evening.
Pro Tip #3: For dining in, I highly recommend making a reservation. Depending on the day of the week and time of day, some places can be very busy and have a long wait to be seated.
That’s it! I tried to organize this blog as simply as possible in order for you to easily find what you like, what you want to try, what you’re craving or what’s within your budget. It’s my hope that this guide helps you get the most out of your visit here in Puerto Rico! If you have any additional recommendations/tips or want to share your favorites from the list, please share in the comments below. ☺️
For My Afternoon Sessions:
Dinner + Drinks
- El Jibarito – Good local Puerto Rican dishes
- Cayo Caribe – Thee best fish tacos
- Pirilo – My favorite pizza place in Puerto Rico
- Buns Burger Shop – Thee best burgers in Puerto Rico + Good Beer options
- Marmalade – Great place for a five course experience + Wine $$$
Drinks + Tapas
- La Factoria – My favorite place for Mixed Drinks.
- La Taberna Lupulo – My favorite place for Beers on Tap in Old San Juan.
For My Morning Sessions:
Coffe + Brunch
- Cuatro Sombras – Having Puerto Rican Coffee is a must!
- Caficultura – BRUNCH
- Café Manolín Old San Juan – Authentic Puerto Rican food with a Diner Vibe
Things to do for FREE:
- Sit outside Hotel El Convento – One of my favorite places in Old San Juan to sit and take a break.
- Walk El Morro – Walk here, take a break and enjoy the creation around you!
- Walk the Streets of Old San Juan – Admire the bright colorful homes and cobble stone streets.
- Walk El Paseo de la Princesa – Take a stroll near the water at the bottom of Old San Juan.
El Jibarito
If haven’t tried authentic Puerto Rican food on your trip yet, this is a good place in Old San Juan to try. I love ordering “Bistec Encebollado con Arroz y Habichuelas” which is steak with sautéed onions with rice and bean. It’s honestly my favorite thing to order at almost every Puerto Rican restaurant; and don’t forget the tostones!!
https://eljibarito.business.site
Cayo Caribe
This place has thee best Fish Tacos in Old San Juan! Alex and I always order the Combo, which is 2 Shrimp and 2 Fish tacos. Absolutely delicious and filling. If sea food is your thing, you’ll love it!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cayocaribe/
Pirilo
Pirilo is my favorite place for pizza in Puerto Rico. They have a couple locations on the island, but I have to admit that the one in Old San Juan is my favorite because of the vibes. Alex and I love ordering their large pizza, Half La Pampa and Half 7 Quesos. However, I honestly feel like you can’t go wrong with any of their pizzas… except for maybe Hawaiian, simply because I’m team “pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza”.
ALSO they have good drinks here. Alex and I are a fan of their Sangria, they add in sesame and almonds. It might sound a little weird but trust us, it’s Bomb.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pirilopizza/
Buns Burger Shop
Ahh Buns! This is my favorite burger place in Puerto Rico… Everything on the menu is delicious! I think my dream order would be one of everything if I could. From their Burgers to their fries, ONION RINGS, hot dogs and shakes…It’s all BOMB! Another bonus for Alex and I are the beer options they have. If you like beer, they have a good selection of local beers to try.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bunsburgershop/
Marmalade
Marmalade is one of the few recommendations I have in this blog that I haven’t personally tried. However, Alex and I plan on checking it out, we’re just waiting for a special occasion. Marmalade is a place to go if you’re wanting to experience a five course meal and maybe add on some wine tasting! It has tons of good reviews on Google. Here I attached their website and instagram for you to check it out.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marmaladerestpr/
La Factoria
If cocktails are your thing, you will love La Factoria. In fact, it was ranked one of the World’s 50 Best Bars. https://www.worlds50bestbars.com/the-list/la-factoria.html
Located on the corner of Calle San Jose and San Sebastian you’ll find the unmarked rustic-chic craft cocktail bar. It’s actually more like six different bars within the building. (I’ve only been able to walk through four of them.) Each with a different ambiance and drink menu. See if you can find all six secret passages! Also they do have tasty options for appetizers. Their fish tacos and manchego almojábanas always hit the spot!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafactoriapr/
La Taberna Lúpulo
La Taberna Lúpulo is a great option if you prefer a beer over a cocktail. They have 50 taps and 150 bottles of Belgian, English, German, and American Craft Beers. And of course you can enjoy some good grub here too.
http://www.latabernalupulo.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latabernalupulo/
Cuatro Sombras
Guys, having Puerto Rican coffee is a MUST when you visit PR. If you haven’t tried the coffee on your trip yet, check out Cuatro Sombras in Old San Juan. Good coffee and they also have pastries, if you haven’t tried “quesitos” either you should order one with your coffee. You’re welcome 😉
It’s always a plus when places have a nice ambiance, which this place has, both inside and outside. I personally love sipping my coffee in their little courtyard.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cafecuatrosombras/
Caficultura
Caficultura is the other spot Alex and I haven’t personally tried YET! We really want to, we just need to make time to go out for brunch. I’m not a big breakfast/brunch person, but after seeing their food and reading their reviews I’m already in love! We can’t wait to check it out.
https://www.facebook.com/Caficultura-301489746674534/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caficultura/
Café Manolín
Café Manolín feels like a Puerto Rican diner. It has authentic Puerto Rican food at great prices! If you haven’t tried a traditional Mofongo Relleno dish, I suggest you try it here.
http://cafemanolinoldsanjuan.com/
Sit Outside Hotel El Convento
This little spot right outside this hotel is just so pretty and peaceful. Its a beautiful shaded spot, and it’s kind of a photographers dream. Perfect to just sit and take a little break from the heat.
http://74 Caleta de San Juan, San Juan, 00901
El Morro
El Morro is one of my favorite places in Puerto Rico…Period. The wind here is amazing, to me it’s one of the best feelings ever. For me, El Morro is a must see in Puerto Rico. It’s so easy to admire the creation around you, from the blue sky, to the lush green grass and deep blue ocean! I’m a sucker for the clouds here, and I love to watch them float by fast because of the wind. Walk around, take pictures and sit down for a break to take it all in.
https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm
Walk the Streets of Old San Juan
You can’t go wrong with any street you chose to walk on in Old San Juan. They are all unique and full of history. Fun Fact: Some streets still have the original Spanish cobblestone bricks, that are over 600 years old! Below are a couple addresses to some of my favorite photo stops.
- La Casa Estrecha, 101 C. de Tetuán, San Juan, 00901
- 127-91 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901
- 60-52 Caleta de las Monjas, San Juan, 00901
Paseo de la Princesa
If you want a nice stroll along the water, you love Paseo de la Princesa. The best way for me to describe it, its like as a walkway at the bottom of Old San Juan. It’s all along the edge, starting from the port for the cruise ships, all the way around El Morro. You’ll find a historical water fountain that people love to take pictures by, and on the weekends you can find local vendors selling handmade goods. A little further down you’ll run into the “Puerta de San Juan” which use to serve as an entrance to anyone traveling into Puerto Rico.
Address: 54 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901
[…] San Juan there are so many options available within walking distance. (Keep an eye out for a future blog with these suggestions) If you’re trying to save money and not spend, then go for a walk and enjoy each others company. […]
[…] to grab a bite to eat or have a drink in Old San Juan after your session. Here I have a list of my favorite things to do in Old San Juan. You’ll find something for any budget. If you’re not already following me on instagram, […]