Old San Juan Puerto Rico Travel Guide 4K | See the Top Rated Spots

Let us be your travel guide as we spend a day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. We'll take you to some of the top rated spots in historic Old San Juan, including some of best rated bars, restaurants, and coffee shops in all of Puerto Rico. Along the way, we'll also show you a few of Old San Juan's famous landmarks. And if you're on a budget, we'll show you one of Old San Juan's best happy hour and cheap eats spot as well.
____
Thanks so much for watching. We appreciate everyone who watches, likes, comments and shares our content 😊 it really helps support the channel. If you enjoy the content and want to support the channel more with NO additional cost to you check out the options below:
____
Shop on Amazon through our links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase an item using one of our links we may earn a commission at NO additional cost to you. You pay the same price and we may earn a bit from it.
Our Gear:
GoPro 10 w/ 50 piece accessory kit: amzn.to/3FzFY9b
GoPro Max 360: amzn.to/3f3nAXP
Sony ZV1: amzn.to/3tjaBc1
Items for a day of Puerto Rico Adventure:
Waterproof Socks - amzn.to/3HvufZZ
Women's Columbia Long Sleeve Sun Shirt - amzn.to/3fMNIt9
Women's Zip-up Rash Guard - amzn.to/3wQzvB1
32 oz Waterbottle: amzn.to/2xH7uTn
Hat: amzn.to/2ynDX15
Sunscreen: amzn.to/2xvkNqc
Bug Spray: amzn.to/2NJIQqY
___
Subscribe to our blog: www.explor-cation.com
for more adventure travel content :)
___
Follow us on social media:
IG: / explor_cation
Follow us on FB: / explorcation
___
If you enjoy our content and want to show your support but don't need to purchase anything right now, you can buy us a coffee or beer: www.buymeacoffee.com/explorca...
Other Recommended Videos:
*Puerto Rico 2022 Playlist - • Puerto Rico Travel Gui... *Caribbean Beach Playlist - • Caribbean Beach Playli...
*Day 1 in Puerto Rico (Flying from Florida to San Juan) • Flying to Puerto Rico ...
*Day 2 in Puerto Rico (El Yunque Rainforest Travel Guide) - • EL YUNQUE | Puerto Ric...
*Day 3 in Puerto Rico (Culebra's Best Beaches) - • Finding Culebra's BEST...
*Day 4 in Puerto Rico (Hiking in El Yunque) - • El Yunque's Most Chall...
*Best Florida Beaches Playlist - • BEST FLORIDA BEACHES |...
For more Florida travel ideas check out our playlist:
- • Vacation in Florida | ...
___
#oldsanjuan #explorcation #PuertoRIco
Timeline:
00:00 - #1 Intro
01:14 - #2 Some Popular Landmarks
02:15 - #3 The Top Rated Gastropub
04:05 - #4 A Famous Street
04:46 - #5 A Highly Rated Rock Shop
05:20 - #6 The Spot for Pina Colada
06:29 - #7 A Top Rated Coffee Shop
09:39 - #8 A Well Renowned Rum Bar
11:01 - #9 The Top Rated Dessert Spot
12:08 - #10 A Rooftop Happy Hour
13:20 - #11 An Amazing Piano Bar
15:04 - #12 Empanadas and Beer
___
Websites from Video:
Cafe Don Ruiz - www.donruizstore.com
Plaza Del Quinto Centinario - www.discoverpuertorico.com/pr...
La Perla - www.discoverpuertorico.com/ar...
Chocobar - www.chocobarcortes.com/locati...
Caribbean Beads - / caribbean_beads
Pinaloka - / pinalokapr
Cafe Cuatro Sombras - cuatrosombras.com
Plaza Darsenas - www.discoverpuertorico.com/pr...
Scryer Rum - scryerrum.com
Senor Paleta - www.paletashop.com
Restaurante Barrachina - www.barrachina.com
Al Fresco - / alfrescosj
El Batey Bar - elbateytave...
Cannon Club - www.thegalleryinn.com/thecann...
Birra y Empanadas - / deshistoriabirrayempan...
KZbin Audio Library
Island Dream by Chris Haugen
Earthbound by Slynk
Boom de Boom by Aaron Lieberman
Summer Chill Reggaeton | ISLAND by Alex-Productions | onsound.eu/
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License
creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Artist: Ron Gelinas
Track Title: Slinky (original mix)
Link to Track: • Ron Gelinas - Slinky [...
/ ron-gelinas-slinky-no-...
Ch@ntrelle / Kingston / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Sum Wave / Sipping on Martinis / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Like the music in this video? Subscribe to Epidemic Sound at share.epidemicsound.com/4rg9gu
Explorcation consists of Jamie and Skylar, a couple who typically shares their travels and adventures via blogs and travel videos.
____
Explorcation can be contacted at [e-mail]

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much for exploring Old San Juan with us 😊❤️ what was your favorite stop in this episode? Let us know in the comments! And if you are interested in seeing more of Puerto Rico be sure to check out this playlist: Puerto Rico 2022: kzbin.info/aero/PLOT_jgQ5dAKybe3bp-2rMwlOlbhRLa-9F

[@amyt2400]

Next time you're in the San Juan metropolitan area, check out "Patisseria Lucia" in the Mirimar area (a short drive from Old San Juan) they have the best pastries...it's a beautiful new store! And already it’s become a destination spot. Hope you’ll return soon! Locally owned! 🇵🇷

[@Explorcation]

@@amyt2400 I just googled your recommendation and it looks so delicious 😍 we love visiting locally owned businesses, we will sure keep this spot in mind, thank you!

[@lacaracomun]

Welcome to PUERTO RICO. Thanks for visiting us! Don't forget to visit Ponce, a city in the south of the island.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much! We'd love to visit Ponce and the south side of Puerto Rico. One of these days we surely will!

[@MattandRachelTravel]

Mmm, the Chocobar sounds amazing. Love how all the buildings are so vibrant and colorful!

[@Explorcation]

It really is so cool just walking through the area to see the colorful buildings and architecture, but then when you add in the food, drinks and shopping, the day turns in to so much more. Thank you so much for watching!

[@edusonoseducation9494]

I am puertorriqueño and live here. Thanks for making this video with such a good taste and profesionalism.!

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure. We're happy so happy to hear that you enjoyed this video!

[@ElZar1]

Thanks for making this video and visiting my island. Lets keep promoting this caribean gem to lure more people to spend their vacations here.

[@Explorcation]

Our pleasure. We had an amazing time and hope to return soon to help promote it more. Thanks so much for watching!

[@thatguywiththe]

Thank you for making this video. I'm from Puerto Rico living in Clearwater (love your videos of the area btw!) It's great to see people visit the island, next time be sure to check out the other coastal counties and the many great beaches / surfing / snorkel spots!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. We can't wait to get back to Puerto Rico and to do some more filming, hopefully within the next few months!

[@felixrivero2568]

Very beautiful place to visit.

[@Explorcation]

We agree, Felix. We can't wait to return to Old San Juan.

[@carloszarate2817]

I went last year and I loved it now I’m going back tomorrow may 5 2024 with my family I can’t wait to show them all the spots

[@Explorcation]

We're glad you had a great experience last year and hope your trip this year is even better. Thanks for watching!

[@melaniedeardorff3460]

Great video! Thank you for sharing the many hidden gems you found along the way. Have a trip planned there for late February, and I am looking forward to checking out some of the spots you visited.

[@Explorcation]

It's our pleasure, Melanie. We really hope our video helps you make the most of your time in Old San Juan! It's such an awesome place.

[@dearmepa1]

The most pleasant narrator’s voice and I love your vlogs❤

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for your support and for the kind comment, Hazel!

[@JaclyTravel]

How beautiful! We are headed there in October, this makes me so excited.

[@Explorcation]

That's awesome! We hope you have a great time in October.

[@firefighter2699]

Excited! First actual vacation in June! I usually just take time off for family stuff. Spending a week. Going to be epic after this winter.

[@Explorcation]

That's awesome. You picked a great place for your first vacation. We hope you have a blast!

[@noracathrine]

LOVE OLD SAN JUAN THE BEST PLACE IN PR AS WELL AS THE GORGEUS BEACHES! THANKS FOR SHOWING!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching. We had such a great time exploring this amazingly beautiful place!

[@BobCarlson]

I had a chance to visit about 10 years ago with an experienced traveler. I sort of regretted passing on the trip until I saw this video. Now I hugely regret staying home. Looks like a must do on the bucket list now.

[@Explorcation]

Thankfully you'll have plenty of opportunities to get there, Bob! Having not yet made it to Europe (hopefully soon!), the look and feel of Old San Juan gets you pretty close to what we imagine a city in Spain or Portugal to feel like. And obviously for a fraction of the cost and travel time.

[@miriamramos506]

I love el Jibarito restaurant in old San Juan, the food is amazing

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for the tip. We'll try to stop by next time we visit!

[@WorldWideCynthia]

Goodness, who needs an appetite to eat. How often are you in PR. Eat! Eat! I do love the Marilyn Bar! I’m visiting PR again in two weeks - can’t wait!

[@Explorcation]

Good point, Cynthia! When the food is that good, you just have to keep piling it in 😂 We hope you have a wonderful time in PR in a couple weeks!

[@reemitchell1147]

El Jibarito! The food was amazing and we're going back in December. Can't wait! Great video!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for watching and for the suggestion, I just looked up their menu, and it sounds delicious! We hope you have a great time when you return in Dec!

[@TamiamiParkFlyers]

Excellent video!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dunder2006]

That is the BEST OSJ video tour I have seen on KZbin AND you included pricing info which I love. I can't wait to visit the Cannon Club as it was full last time we stopped by. El Cafetin is a must stop next time but mostly in the nighttime as it gets packed and is the place to be seen! :). I am going to take your advice and visit the other places you mentioned as well. It should be noted you visited food places and gift shops in this video but OSJ has many tourist sites to visit in between. I also like when you see statues you like such as the Giraffe! Nice! Love that you show the little map of where you are as well. GREAT JOB! I have subscribed!!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for the kind comment. We always try to include helpful information in our videos that the other channels usually don't include. We always hope that it makes our videos better than the others, or at least different! We really appreciate the feedback and hope you have an awesome time on your next trip to Puerto Rico!

[@chrispham7064]

Everything looked amazing. Thanks for sharing this video, definitely make me want to visit .look forward to your next video. Have a great weekend you guys.

[@Explorcation]

We hope that you do get a chance to visit, Chris. We're sure you would have a great time. We hope you are having a wonderful weekend too, Chris!

[@TheAverageTourist]

Oh this makes me want to go back to Old San Juan! We were there in 2019 for a few days before our cruise and it was such an amazing city, I wish we had more time there. Too bad the umbrellas weren't up on your visit. I would have enjoyed that rock shop too 😂 The piano bar was really cool - loved al the greenery there. And the pina coladas ealier looked awesome.

[@Explorcation]

We were thinking the same thing... just not nearly enough time to enjoy this amazing area. No matter how long we spend in Puerto Rico, we always wish we could have stayed longer!

[@ScullyPopASMR]

I totally love this episode about old San Juan. You knock it out the park every time.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you, Scully! It's so easy to make a video on a place that's as unique and beautiful as Old San Juan!

[@NurseSuki]

I miss home after watching this video. I’m from Puerto Rico, I live in St Pete now. A lot has changed since the last time I was back at the island.

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much for watching this video and taking the time to comment, Sue. We hope that you get an opportunity to visit Puerto Rico again soon. We're sure things have changed quite a bit!

[@kaikelii]

Scryers Rum is awesome! My wife and I visited old town last November and are going back next year, cant wait.

[@Explorcation]

No arguments here! We only had one drink there, but it was sooo good!

[@billyyandle1947]

Beautiful town, we have always wanted to go there!!!

[@Explorcation]

It really is, Billy. We hope that the two of you get a chance to visit someday!

[@juliexu3689]

Omg，I'm following you from the Clearwater Beach to here. :) Great Video as always!

[@Explorcation]

Thanks so much, Julie!

[@TideKnotTravellers]

I keep seeing these hot drinks with cheese in and still yet to try one, interesting to hear you liked it but I guess it was only a small piece of cheese. I've been to San Juan many times (from working on a cruise liner around 15 years ago) but I mainly spent my time shopping in the outlet stores and grabbing some tasty food/snacks while on land. The streets definitely look cleaner than they used to be, we visited again 5 years ago and noticed the difference but you guys showed even more places for great food and drinks. San Juan at night is so much fun, the Canon club looked beautiful, love the self playing piano!

[@Explorcation]

Yea that was our first encounter with putting cheese in a hot drink. Had the waitress not explained it to us I would have eaten the cheese on the side cold 😆 It would be very interesting to compare what it was like 15 years ago to the present! There were even so many MORE places we wanted to make it to, but just didn't have time (like usual!) Thanks so much for watching guys 😊

[@billyc3757]

Another excellent video! Looks like a fun place. I was surprised the drinks were that pricey!

[@Explorcation]

Yeah, we did see quite a few good happy hours advertised ($1.50 cheap beers and stuff like that), but you definitely have to pay more for the good stuff!

[@LucasWorldTravel]

Omg that chocolate crossiant got my mouth watering. Love all the colorful buidlings and the views from the rooftop bars you saw. You guys really did eat and drink your way through the entire city. I don't know where you guys find the room!

[@Explorcation]

It was sooo good 😀 I also don't know where we find the room some days too! We had several adventures planned for the trip but had to change due to hurricanes, and pretty much ended up eating and drinking delicious food/drinks for a day 😆

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

Tori said great video! She would know! That Pina Colada place looked cool and refreshing! Gotta love the food trucks in PR. They are good here in FL too!

[@Explorcation]

Yes she would! We really wish we would have had an appetite to try one of those food trucks, as I'm sure they were amazing!

[@PrimeTimeTravelers]

@@Explorcation yeah we bet there were some amazing ones.

[@jadeheart911]

I would have spent the entire day looking at all those beads and stones !!! Do you make jewelry yourself ?

[@Explorcation]

I could have spent sooo much more time there too 💗😊I do not make jewelry but I do have a few necklaces that allow me to switch out stones very easily. As always, thanks for watching 😀

[@EmmaTheBartender]

Nice Video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much!

[@BeingBedingfield]

Interesting fact about the despacito music video 😅 what a beautiful location though! Just love how colourful everything is! Oooh, that croissant is just dripping with chocolate 🤤 cheese in coffee is so weird 😅 😂😂😂yay for 7 pina coladas! Craig would have the same reasoning 😅 they do look amazing though ☺️ but can’t believe how misleading their $4 sign was 🙈 That latte at Cuatro Sombras looks huuuge! Love a good rooftop bar with tasty cocktails 😊 😅 trust Jamie to find the best dessert shop in town 😅 that ice cream looked really refreshing! Really like the look of Cannon Club, so unique! Mango sauce!! That sounds delicious! Glad you found something more affordable to end off your day 😅

[@Explorcation]

Right?! I had no idea the music video was filmed there until Skylar told me. There is so much history in Old San Juan and we didn't have near enough time to even begin exploring it. As you could probably tell, we were more focused on delicious food and drinks during our quick day trip to Old San Juan. Chantz, when we eventually meet, you and I will have to go shop while Skylar and Craig find the nearest brewery/bar 😆

[@edwin_art_studio414]

That's awesome

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much, Edwin!

[@AFKDays]

Puerto Rico is very pretty! Now we want to visit. Thank you for sharing. Is it ever too early for a mojito?

[@Explorcation]

We hope you get a chance to someday! And no, definitely never too early for a mojito 😂

[@rhondalyn100]

Loved seeing all the places you visited; my fav was the Cannon Club...how exquisite! I would have been tempted to stay there all evening. Very nice overview of Old San Juan...thank you! Ps...loved the background soundtrack...very nice. 🙂

[@Explorcation]

I think the Cannon Club was our favorite too (although the rooftop happy hour place may have been Skylar's). Our food there was really good, but the atmosphere was what set it apart! That's the one spot that we'll surely re-visit every time we go back to Old San Juan! And thanks so much for the comment on the music. Skylar puts a lot of thought into trying to set the right mood with the background music, but rarely does anyone actually comment on it!

[@rhondalyn100]

@@Explorcation Well, let him know he does a fab job!! 🙂

[@Explorcation]

@@rhondalyn100 will do ♥ thanks again Rhonda!

[@rafaelmangual6478]

The Choco bar is great for tourist, however, you should have gone to LA Mallorca for breakfast. Truly the best place for coffee. You could also get great coffee at La Plaza de Armas (the ciosk),

[@Explorcation]

I appreciate the tip, Rafael. Next time we're in Old San Juan, we'll know where to go!

[@reginathornton7433]

Wow. I know of someone who moved to Puerto Rico & loves it. Maybe I'll visit some year.

[@Explorcation]

We really enjoy visiting. Thanks so much for watching, we hope you get to see the island for yourself some day!

[@reginathornton7433]

@@Explorcation Am sure I will visit Puerto Rico one day. He has his kids there & he's got a good paying job. It's 82 degrees there when it's 72 in St. Petersburg.

[@sameerverma1980]

Is this video shot recently? I have plans to go in Dec and making sure, i can cover these spots.

[@Explorcation]

Hi Sameer. The video was shot in early October (about 5 weeks ago), so I would expect all these spots to still be open in December. Thank you so much for watching!

[@ElRonDeTexas]

Thank you 🎉

[@Explorcation]

Thank you for watching!

[@ramunegaizutis1286]

Never gave any consideration to Puerto Rico in the past but your video left my husband and I intrigued. Looks like a place we would be interested in visiting. The cheese with your coffee looked interesting...wonder what the story is behind that pairing? Funniest part of the video is Skylar going to the rock shop only so he can get a pina colada...or four...next door...priceless!! 😂😂😂 Great video guys!

[@Explorcation]

It really is such a quick and easy trip for those of us here in Florida. We hope you 2 do get a chance to experience it some day. The cheese in the coffee was definitely weird, but surprisingly not bad! Thankfully Skylar's didn't follow through on drinking 7 pina coladas, I don't think he would have made it through the rest of the day😂

[@thatguywiththe]

The cheese being dipped into the chocolate is a very common thing to do by everyone in the island, it adds a savory flavor to the drink. Some people dip it into the chocolate right before taking a bite, others let it sit at the bottom and melt then they scoop it out with crackers or a spoon.

[@Explorcation]

@@thatguywiththe thanks for sharing. We'll definitely be looking forward to trying this again next time we visit Puerto Rico!

[@willielee5253]

@God bless you on your journey!!!

[@Explorcation]

Thank you so much 💗

[@BransonFamVlog]

Beautiful! Sorry that your trip was shortened by a couple days 😢What was your favorite part of the trip overall?

[@Explorcation]

Thanks, guys! On this thrip we just spent one day in San Juan before heading to the Dominican Republic for a few days. We'll post the DR series sometime down the road. As far as San Juan goes, our favorite spots was probably the Cannon Club. But we also just loved walking around and taking in the beauty of the buildings and old brick streets!

[@TheDMTLover]

Pricy is the Key word. Noted also, no one or very little people on the streets.

[@Explorcation]

Yes, we learned that Old San Juan typically isn't that very busy during the day on Sundays, but it picks up a lot at night, which we did experience during our visit.

[@elektrrartesano3050]

9:01 I did the installation of those fixtures 🤣🤣 in that store in front of the hotel mil an0

[@Explorcation]

They look great. Nice work!

[@elektrrartesano3050]

These are the best rooftop bars in San Juan: 1 la vergüenza 2 bar catedral 3 Al fresco 4scryer rum 5 the mezzanine

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for the info... we'll have some new spots to check out next time we visit San Juan!

[@airplanes7204]

Esquina = corner 😊

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for sharing!

[@unicornswildworld2694]

Do you make the necklaces you wear?

[@Explorcation]

No I don't make them, but I do really like to buy necklaces that allow you to change out the stones. Thank you so much for watching!

[@peytonwilcock5028]

Was there any COVID travel restrictions?

[@Explorcation]

No, we did not observe any during our visit.

[@Wavemasterx3_]

Where is a good spot to stay ? (Air bnb)

[@Explorcation]

The last time we visited Old San Juan we stayed in the AirBNB in Carolina which I'll provide a link for below. It was called "Comfortable Apartment Close to Airport/Beach". air.tl/ljRx6h5w

[@Penguin-ch2fr]

Penguin

[@Explorcation]

Thanks for watching, Penguin.

[@NancyEgger]

Sam's patio

[@phatboom]

any keto or carnivore friendly food places?

[@Explorcation]

Great question that unfortunately we do not know the answer too. Next time we are in Old San Juan, we'll keep an eye out for them!

[@atarazi06]

Get ready to be scammed. I had a bad experience last Dec in San Juan. Every over priced drink was watered down. Service was bad in general. Sadly this island seems to be heading in the wrong direction at least for tourists. I used to be a fan and now have no desire to go back. Perhaps Covid was a factor.

[@Explorcation]

We do wonder if COVID was a factor as well, as overall the quality of our food, drinks, and service was quite good. Of course we also only visited highly rated places, so that could have had a lot to do with it. There was definitely a period not long ago when service and food quality here around St. Pete seemed to be worse than normal, but thankfully, it has improved. We hope you give Old San Juan another shot someday!

[@judithdejesus7326]

Extreme Covid Mandates definitely affected tourism in Puerto Rico.

[@Explorcation]

@@judithdejesus7326 we do hope the situation in PR improves with the relaxing of mandates, thanks for watching!

[@CarmenGarcia-bu3so]

Long dress..

[@isaacgardner9307]

I was so bored watching this.

[@Explorcation]

Bummer

[@amgooder]

Maybe your a boring person🤷‍♂️

[@How2Beach]

Are you here? I'm here?

[@Explorcation]

We wish we were still there, but we've been back for a few weeks. What are you guys getting yourselves into?

[@How2Beach]

@@Explorcation We are putting a pool in our house and came to check on things.

[@Explorcation]

@@How2Beach ahh we hope the process is going well!