Hernán’s guidebook
Recommended Restaurants and Bars
Here's a list of restaurants and bars preferred by locals, focusing on best ambiance, quality and value for the money.
Great pizzas, good ambiance, good wine list, tasty appetizers. Go during off hours because it gets crowded a lot.
211 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pirilo Pizza
2000 Av. McLearyGreat pizzas, good ambiance, good wine list, tasty appetizers. Go during off hours because it gets crowded a lot.
Great local food at reasonable prices. Diner style layout with a great variety of breakfast and lunch options.
58 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cafe Manolin
251 C. de San JustoGreat local food at reasonable prices. Diner style layout with a great variety of breakfast and lunch options.
Get a great cup of coffee on Plaza de Armas, where locals sit casually outdoors to exchange the latest gossip.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Café Cuatro Estaciones
151 C. de San FranciscoGet a great cup of coffee on Plaza de Armas, where locals sit casually outdoors to exchange the latest gossip.
Very excellent coffee in a cool and cozy setting. The owner is amazing, as he grows his own premium coffee (up in Ciales) while running the café..!
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Café Finca Cialitos
267 C. de San FranciscoVery excellent coffee in a cool and cozy setting. The owner is amazing, as he grows his own premium coffee (up in Ciales) while running the café..!
Excellent French cuisine in a casual bistro setting, with daily specials and well appointed wine list. Open Thursday through Saturday for dinner, and Sunday for brunch.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bodega Chic
313 C. de la FortalezaExcellent French cuisine in a casual bistro setting, with daily specials and well appointed wine list. Open Thursday through Saturday for dinner, and Sunday for brunch.
Great local food at reasonable prices in a typical setting
125 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Jibarito
280 C. del SolGreat local food at reasonable prices in a typical setting
Han Cream
201 Ca. de la TancaKind of a cheesy place, but they have cheap, tasty and filling Chinese food.
If you like chocolate, this is for you. They also have a great menu with really tasty and fresh food, serving breakfast and dinner.
110 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chocobar Cortés
210 C. de San FranciscoIf you like chocolate, this is for you. They also have a great menu with really tasty and fresh food, serving breakfast and dinner.
Located just down the street from my place. In addition to great pizzas, broad continental menu for lunch and dinner. They also deliver !
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bari Handcrafted Pizza
Located just down the street from my place. In addition to great pizzas, broad continental menu for lunch and dinner. They also deliver !
Great reason to visit La Perla. Very good local food, great service, and spectacular view of the Atlantic ocean.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Garita Yaz
41 C. Lucila SilvaGreat reason to visit La Perla. Very good local food, great service, and spectacular view of the Atlantic ocean.
Best Italian restaurant in San Juan - a premium dining experience.
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Cucina di Ivo
356 C. de la FortalezaBest Italian restaurant in San Juan - a premium dining experience.
Very nice local food where locals go - only two blocks from my studios.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Deaverdura
200 C. del SolVery nice local food where locals go - only two blocks from my studios.
Perhaps the best empanadas in town, served with homemade fresh salsas. The bar is very nice too - close to Plaza de Armas and three blocks from my studios.
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Deshistoria: Birra & Empanadas
150 C. de La CruzPerhaps the best empanadas in town, served with homemade fresh salsas. The bar is very nice too - close to Plaza de Armas and three blocks from my studios.
Lively hang-out with plenty of local (fried) foods and booze..! Great view of La Perla and the Atlantic Ocean.
80 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Verguenza Viejo San Juan
280 Bulevar del ValleLively hang-out with plenty of local (fried) foods and booze..! Great view of La Perla and the Atlantic Ocean.
While considered a little touristy, it's really nice with a broad menu. Besides, it's the only place where I can get black bean soup. People say their Piña Coladas are to die for.
82 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Barrachina
104 C. de la FortalezaWhile considered a little touristy, it's really nice with a broad menu. Besides, it's the only place where I can get black bean soup. People say their Piña Coladas are to die for.
A terrific place to get yummy and reasonably priced Vietnamese food, including salad rolls, spring rolls and, of course, pho. Thursday though Monday.
Anam Spa and Cocktail Lounge
259 C. del CristoA terrific place to get yummy and reasonably priced Vietnamese food, including salad rolls, spring rolls and, of course, pho. Thursday though Monday.
Absolutely wonderful spot to enjoy first class drinks and fine cigars, located just two blocks down the street from my studios.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Casa de Montecristo Puerto Rico
201 C. del CristoAbsolutely wonderful spot to enjoy first class drinks and fine cigars, located just two blocks down the street from my studios.
Enjoy excellent tapas and cocktails with a rooftop view of Old San Juan.
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Mezzanine
Sol StreetEnjoy excellent tapas and cocktails with a rooftop view of Old San Juan.
Quality dining and brunch with vegan and vegetarian options, in an inviting setting.
69 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
St. Germain
156 Sol StreetQuality dining and brunch with vegan and vegetarian options, in an inviting setting.
Best Mexican food in town in a small yet cozy setting, now with outdoor benches. There also is a bar up the corner called La Grieta, which I highly recommend. Ask for Mario and tell him I sent you.
42 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Madre
351 Calle de San FranciscoBest Mexican food in town in a small yet cozy setting, now with outdoor benches. There also is a bar up the corner called La Grieta, which I highly recommend. Ask for Mario and tell him I sent you.
Creamy, smooth and absolutely delicious gelato, down the street from the studios. It's premium priced, but it's a premium experience.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Anita La Mamma del Gelato
65 C. de la FortalezaCreamy, smooth and absolutely delicious gelato, down the street from the studios. It's premium priced, but it's a premium experience.
Breakfast, brunch and lunch place with reasonably priced meals and generous servings. A favorite among tourists.
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Kaffe Haus Old San Juan
311 C. de TetuánBreakfast, brunch and lunch place with reasonably priced meals and generous servings. A favorite among tourists.
Puerto Rico's oldest and most famous dive bar. Opens at 3:00 p.m. - located a block away from my studios.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Batey
101 C. del CristoPuerto Rico's oldest and most famous dive bar. Opens at 3:00 p.m. - located a block away from my studios.
Serves a variety of breakfast and lunch options, with breakfast served all day, from Greek (ie, gyros) to continental and US cuisine. Delicious and moderately priced.
Carthage Express
201b C. de San JustoServes a variety of breakfast and lunch options, with breakfast served all day, from Greek (ie, gyros) to continental and US cuisine. Delicious and moderately priced.
Excellent breakfast and lunch option in an airy patio setting. Located just a few blocks from my studios - open seven days.
Consular Restaurant & Bar
Excellent breakfast and lunch option in an airy patio setting. Located just a few blocks from my studios - open seven days.
Aliado Bar & Aperitivo
Best vegetarian dining option in a lovely Old San Juan setting.
Great dining option for the vegetarian and vegan palate..
67 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Verde Mesa
Calle San JoséGreat dining option for the vegetarian and vegan palate..
Exquisite Italian dining just down the street from our studios - highly recommended !
17 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Lanterna by Franco Seccarelli
202 C. del CristoExquisite Italian dining just down the street from our studios - highly recommended !
Chilean cuisine specializing in ceviche and other fresh seafood - great spot for lunch - open until 8 pm (closed Monday).
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Café El Punto
105 C. de la FortalezaChilean cuisine specializing in ceviche and other fresh seafood - great spot for lunch - open until 8 pm (closed Monday).
Places to get essential stuff
Here are places close by to purchase groceries, spirits, toiletries, personal care products, medicines, money orders, stamps, post cards, greeting cards, clothes and other essentials.
Get groceries, produce, sundries, personal care, cleaning products and other essentials. Best prices and variety of spirits and cigarettes. Also wire money (Western Union).
415 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SuperMax
114 Avenida José de DiegoGet groceries, produce, sundries, personal care, cleaning products and other essentials. Best prices and variety of spirits and cigarettes. Also wire money (Western Union).
Rx pharmacy and OTC medications, basic groceries, toiletries, personal care products, stamps, money orders, souvenirs and sundries.
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Puerto Rico Drug
157 C. de La CruzRx pharmacy and OTC medications, basic groceries, toiletries, personal care products, stamps, money orders, souvenirs and sundries.
On Plaza de Armas, you can get basically anything, from clothes, shoes, kitchen items, gifts, souvenirs, linens, perfumes to furniture and gourmet snacks.
31 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Marshalls
Carretera 3On Plaza de Armas, you can get basically anything, from clothes, shoes, kitchen items, gifts, souvenirs, linens, perfumes to furniture and gourmet snacks.
Complete hardware store from construction materials, tools, lighting, plumbing to copies of keys.
True Value
208 C. de San FranciscoComplete hardware store from construction materials, tools, lighting, plumbing to copies of keys.
Open Saturday mornings until 1:00 p.m., visitors and residents love going there for fresh bread, produce, herbs, plants, juices and meals (all organic) and sold in an open air colonial setting..
San Juan Farmers Market
150 Bulevar del ValleOpen Saturday mornings until 1:00 p.m., visitors and residents love going there for fresh bread, produce, herbs, plants, juices and meals (all organic) and sold in an open air colonial setting..
A conveniently located place to do your laundry, only two blocks from my studios. They even have a clean, dry and fold service that is very reasonably priced for any traveler's budget.
14 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Laundromat Sol
201 C. del SolA conveniently located place to do your laundry, only two blocks from my studios. They even have a clean, dry and fold service that is very reasonably priced for any traveler's budget.
A co-working space providing virtual offices, shared workspace, private offices and suites, soft landing packages, staffing services and more..
Piloto 151 Old San Juan
151 C. de San FranciscoA co-working space providing virtual offices, shared workspace, private offices and suites, soft landing packages, staffing services and more..
Foto One
304 C. de San FranciscoGreat place to print documents, get photocopies and frame artwork..
Parking Facilities
Street parking is only available to Old San Juan residents with permits. Following is a list of parking facilities varying in price and location.
Not listed are two of the best parking facilities for guests, including La Puntilla Parking (only $3 per day), and Ballajá Parking, located a couple blocks away (about $1 per hour).
Valet, hourly and daily parking available across from the hotel. It's $25 per day, which allows you to come in and out without having to renew your ticket (very convenient).
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hotel El Convento
100 C. del CristoValet, hourly and daily parking available across from the hotel. It's $25 per day, which allows you to come in and out without having to renew your ticket (very convenient).
Another parking facility, located four blocks south of my studios. They have a special of $40 for two days, unlimited access.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
La Cochera
205 C. de San FranciscoAnother parking facility, located four blocks south of my studios. They have a special of $40 for two days, unlimited access.
Competitively priced parking facility located about six blocks south from my studios.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Estacionamiento Covadonga
Puerto Rico 38Competitively priced parking facility located about six blocks south from my studios.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
Only $3 per day - 10 min. walk from Posada Amparo.
Lowest priced ($3 per day) parking option in Old San Juan - highly recommended
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Germany
Lowest priced ($3 per day) parking option in Old San Juan - highly recommended
Sightseeing
Small but pretty beach located in front of our Capitol building. Just walk 15 minutes east from my studio and look for a stairway leading down to the beach. You can swim, sunbathe and even snorkel along the small reef protecting the beach.
Playa del Capitolio
Avenida Luis Muñoz RiveraSmall but pretty beach located in front of our Capitol building. Just walk 15 minutes east from my studio and look for a stairway leading down to the beach. You can swim, sunbathe and even snorkel along the small reef protecting the beach.
Sold from the window of a home facing La Rogativa and San Juan Harbor, Limbers are delicious icy cups available in various fruit flavors. They are only 75¢ and have been enjoyed by locals for many decades..!
Limbers
9 Caleta de las MonjasSold from the window of a home facing La Rogativa and San Juan Harbor, Limbers are delicious icy cups available in various fruit flavors. They are only 75¢ and have been enjoyed by locals for many decades..!
Paseo del Morro
Paseo del MorroLovely bayside walk along the outside of El Morro's wall.
Located in south west corner of Old San Juan, with a pleasant walk along tree-lined promenade outside the town's wall, and a view of the bay.
162 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Paseo de la Princesa
54 C. de la FortalezaLocated in south west corner of Old San Juan, with a pleasant walk along tree-lined promenade outside the town's wall, and a view of the bay.
Famous world heritage site where one can tour the fortification that protected Old San Juan during the age of conquest.
492 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
El Morro
Calle BeneficenciaFamous world heritage site where one can tour the fortification that protected Old San Juan during the age of conquest.
Home of San Juan's most loved mayor, beautifully preserved and an example of a classic Old San Juan residence..
Casa Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier
51 Caleta de San JuanHome of San Juan's most loved mayor, beautifully preserved and an example of a classic Old San Juan residence..
Taxi Service
Astro Taxi is a reliable taxi service available around the clock. Their telephone numbers are 787-727-8888 and 787-727-8889.
ASTRO TAXI CARIBE, CORP.
427 Calle TapiaAstro Taxi is a reliable taxi service available around the clock. Their telephone numbers are 787-727-8888 and 787-727-8889.