San Juan Photo Spots
On the northern coast of the tiny but mighty island of Puerto Rico lies the colourful city of San Juan. 🇵🇷 Walking the cobblestone streets, you’re not just welcomed as a visitor but as a friend. With Instagrammable photo locations across the city, a laid-back Caribbean flair and a vibrant Puerto Rican personality, San Juan is a historic city infused with modern-day personality. It’s almost impossible to play favourites here, but we’ve rounded up 10 of the best places to take photos in San Juan for your next trip. 📸
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TLDR
- Celebrate the pastel colours and culture in Classic Old San Juan.
- Try some local eats in Piñones.
- Dip your toes in the sand at Condado.
- Marvel at the artistic sites in the Santurce Art District.
- Experience a historical tour at Castillo de San Cristóbal.
- Explore the World Heritage Site El Morro.
- Visit the pink kites at La Fortaleza.
- Take in the sunset views at Plazuela de Rogativa.
- People watch at Plaza de Armas.
- Plan a day trip to El Yunque National Forest.
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Davida captures memories in San Juan with a vacation photoshoot in Classic Old San Juan.
1. Classic Old San Juan
The streets of Old San Juan are famous for colonial-style buildings painted in an array of pastel colours, so simply wandering the cobblestone streets should be in your itinerary. 🎨 The old city was established in 1521, nearly a century before the Mayflower landed on the coast of the US, but San Juan certainly doesn’t act its age. You’ll find some of the most Instagrammable places, from fortresses and cathedrals to hip cocktail bars and swanky fusion restaurants, within just a couple of steps of each other in Old San Juan.
Looking for a day trip adventure from Old San Juan to Isla Culebra? Just an hour east of Old San Juan, you can take a 45-minute ferry to explore more beautiful places to take photos in San Juan, Puerto Rico, including the famous Flamenco Beach!
Photo: Raul in San Juan for Flytographer. Melanie and family capture memories in San Juan with a family photoshoot in Classic Old San Juan.
2. Piñones
The salty ocean breeze mixes with the smell of the many authentic street-food vendors found in the traditional neighbourhood of Piñones. Wear comfortable shoes not just for comfort but because you may break out in dance to the salsa music that seems to play here all day long. 💃 It’s also nestled along a long stretch of white-sand beach, should kayaking, watching surfers or a relaxing afternoon in the sun call your name.
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Katrina and partner capture memories in San Juan with a vacation photoshoot at Piñones.
3. Condado
Swaying palms and turquoise Caribbean waters of Condado Beach are a tropical getaway… conveniently just steps from the city! ☀️ This pedestrian-friendly Puerto Rican neighbourhood is also home to luxury designer storefronts and a booming nightlife waiting for you after a few hours of having your toes in the white sand. This upscale area truly has a little bit of everything.
Want to do a photoshoot at Condado? Check out our favourite flattering beach poses! 🏝️
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Robert and partner capture memories in San Juan with a proposal photoshoot at Condado.
4. Santurce Art District
Where you find street art, you find artists, and this free-spirited barrio is becoming the epicentre for the arts, music, fashion and tech scene on the island. It all started with a community of artists who came together to breathe life into a forgotten Puerto Rican neighbourhood, and through the years, it transformed into a movement proving that the arts can heal both buildings and communities. Vibrant murals, unique boutiques and hip, local eateries make every corner of Santurce Art District photo-worthy. 👩🎨
Want to make even more photo-worthy?! Check out our outfit tips so you know exactly what to wear your your photoshoot.
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Aaron and partner capture memories in San Juan with a proposal photoshoot.
5. Castillo de San Cristóbal
Castillo de San Cristóbal was built by the Spanish to protect the city from attacks on land and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re a history buff or not, the views from the vast esplanade of Old San Juan are more than Instagrammable. 🏰 Don’t miss some of the best places to take photos in San Juan, especially near the picturesque turrets overlooking the water!
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Samantha and partner capture memories in San Juan with a proposal photoshoot at Castillo de San Cristóbal.
6. El Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, more commonly known as El Morro, was the second fort built on the small island. It’s now a museum, and both El Morro and the walled city of Old San Juan were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re arriving or leaving San Juan by boat, 🚢 you’ll see the fort sitting regally on the coastline. It’s easy for history to come alive here as you imagine soldiers centuries ago in their uniforms standing watch from the city walls.
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Sajjad and partner capture memories in San Juan with a proposal photoshoot.
7. La Fortaleza
The street leading up to this stunning fortress-turned-residence where the governor lives is worth a visit if only to see the Spanish art hanging above the street. Previously, multicoloured umbrellas hung overhead, as well as a giant Puerto Rican flag. ☂️ At the time of this post, bright pink kites now hang above the street. It’s one of the most Instagrammable places in the city, and after snapping a few photos, take a guided tour through the building and grounds of Palacio de Santa Catalina, also known as La Fortaleza.
Photo: Raul in San Juan for Flytographer. Jada and partner capture memories in San Juan with an anniversary photoshoot.
8. Plazuela de Rogativa
Arguably one of the most scenic squares in San Juan, Puerto Rico with 180-degree views of the sparkling San Juan Bay, Plazuela de Rogativa is hidden just next to La Fortaleza. 🌊 It’s also one of the most beautiful places in San Juan to catch the sunset over the water. At the centre of the plaza lies a bronze statue that, according to legend, represents the women of San Juan who held a religious procession in 1797 holding torches, ringing bells and singing hymns, which scared off the British soldiers who thought reinforcements had arrived. 🔥
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Kerri and family capture memories in San Juan with a family photoshoot.
9. Plaza de Armas
This bustling plaza was designed to serve as the main square for the city, and it remains the heart of Old San Juan today. ❤️ There are plenty of benches to relax on as you people-watch, listen to the gurgling fountain and enjoy the sunshine. You’ll often find street performers entertaining locals and visitors alike, and it’s the perfect spot to orient yourself as you explore the pastel streets of Old San Juan.
Photo: Raul in San Juan for Flytographer. Lisbeth and family capture memories in San Juan with a family photoshoot.
10. El Yunque National Forest
While not directly in the city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System is definitely worth a day trip. 🌿 There are so many beautiful places to explore in El Yunque National Forest, including hiking trails and natural pools below waterfalls you can bathe in, or you can simply take in the stunning scenery. Although it’s relatively small, it is incredibly diverse and lush, and there is nowhere more pristine to visit on the small island.
Looking for another forest getaway? Gozalandia Waterfall is another hidden gem west of San Juan! Perfect for a day trip.
Photo: Jafet and Zulem in San Juan for Flytographer. Anna and family capture memories in San Juan with a family photoshoot.
Capture memories in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Caribbean cobblestone streets are calling, and a getaway to San Juan, Puerto Rico is the answer. 📞 Are these photogenic spots on your bucket list? Capture the personality, energy and colours of this historic city with your camera or, of course, a Flytographer shoot!
30,000+ 5 Star reviews from across the globe!
“We so enjoyed our experience with Karlota! She began communicating with us a couple of days before the shoot and was genuinely interested in learning about our group and what we were celebrating. She made great location recommendations and welcomed suggestions from the group. The shoot was lively and fun, and she even shared some local history as we walked through various areas of Old San Juan. The pictures were amazing, and she was such a pleasure to work with.”
Tanya
Classic Old San Juan
“Raul is Professional, Personable. We chatted as we walked around Old San Juan to the different locations. Raúl made us feel comfortable the entire time. He guided us with our poses and never once did we feel awkward. I am in love with my pictures. I told him what I wanted and he nailed it. I highly recommend booking your photoshoot with Raul in San Juan.”
Rebecca
Classic Old San Juan
“I am so glad Jafet was our photographer. I can’t say enough about how professional Jafet is and the quality of work that he provides. He is an extremely personable individual, with an artistic eye, he will make your experience memorable!! I was so pleased with my session and final photographs that I hope to use him again in the future. I cannot recommend him enough!”
Jeanette
Classic Old San Juan
