San Juan Gate (Puerta de San Juan)

The basics

On the other side of the entrance, you'll find plenty of vendors selling snacks and see beautiful old colonial buildings. As with the rest of the Old City, San Juan Gate is a popular stop on walking and Segway tours of historic San Juan, as well as on photography tours. While you can visit the gate independently, going with a guide is a great idea if you want to deepen your understanding of local history.

Things to know before you go

• San Juan Gate is a must-see for architecture fans and photographers.

• Wear comfortable shoes that are good for cobblestones before heading out on a walking tour of Old San Juan.

• The old part of the city may prove challenging for some wheelchair users.

How to get there

The gate is located right off Paseo del Morro, a boardwalk that flanks the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, on the western side of the Old City. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship terminal and a 2-minute walk from the San Juan Cathedral. This area is best navigated on foot, so leave your car at La Puntilla Parking, a 15-minute walk away.

When to get there

The San Juan Gate is accessible year-round, though if you're visiting during the summertime, expect hot temperatures and rainfall. Crowds tend to be at their highest when a cruise ship is in port, which is often, as well as on weekends. Come right at sunrise for the best conditions for photography with the fewest crowds.

San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan Bautista)

Walk through the gate and you'll quickly find yourself at the 16th-century San Juan Cathedral, a local landmark. This whitewashed house of worship is the second-oldest cathedral in the Americas and is the site of the tomb of Ponce de León. The mummified remains of Saint Pius I are also housed here.

Ways to explore

This historically significant gate is a primary access point into Old San Juan, so it makes sense to experience it on a walking or driving tour. While it’s possible (and completely free) to visit the San Juan gate on your own, going with a tour guide will offer unique insight into the history and cultural importance of the site and neighboring Old City. While you won’t need to spend more than a few minutes admiring the Puerta de San Juan and enjoying the view, you can easily spend an entire day in Old San Juan.

Accessibility

The San Juan Gate is wheelchair accessible, but the old cobblestone streets in the area can be difficult to manage.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sunscreen, water bottle, camera

What to wear

Sun hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Touching or marking historic features

Amenities

Security, street parking, trash cans

Address 

The San Juan Gate is accessible by driving (or taxi) and public transit, though note that parking options in this area are limited.

Driving

From the San Juan city center, take PR-1 (Avenida Hostos) west and turn left onto Caleta de San Juan. From there, follow the narrow lane through the Old City until you arrive.

Public transportation

From Old San Juan’s main bus station, take any AMA bus heading toward San Juan Bay and get off at the Caleta de San Juan-Puerta de San Juan stop. From there, the gate is a quick walk away.

Best times to visit

Visit the Puerta de San Juan in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds of tourists and enjoy ideal lighting for photos.

Best days to visit

Consider visiting the San Juan Gate during the weekdays (Monday through Thursday) to avoid weekend chaos.

Best months to visit

The best time to visit San Juan is from mid-December through April for pleasant weather and plenty of cultural events and festivals.

Special events

Align your visit to Puerta de San Juan with a cultural festival like Three Kings Day or the San Sebastián Street Festival in January.