Best places to take pictures in San Juan, Puerto Rico
On the northern coast of the tiny but mighty island of Puerto Rico lies the colourful city of San Juan. 🇵🇷 Walking the cobblestoned 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 vibrant Puerto Rican personality, San Juan is a historic city infused with modern-day character. It’s nearly 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. 📸
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Shannon celebrates their trip with a birthday photoshoot in San Juan.
1. Classic Old San Juan
The streets of Old San Juan are famous for the colonial-style buildings painted in an array of pastel colours, so simply wandering the cobblestoned streets should be in your itinerary. 🎨 The old city was established in 1521, nearly a century before the Mayflower even landed on the coast of the US, but San Juan certainly doesn’t act its age. You’ll go from fortresses and cathedrals to hip cocktail bars and swanky fusion restaurants in just a couple of steps.
Photo: Flytographer in San Juan. Christina celebrates their trip with a family photoshoot in 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 just break out in dance to the salsa music that seems to play here all day long. 💃 It also happens to be nestled along a long stretch of white sand beach, should a relaxing afternoon in the sun call your name.
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Kartina and their partner celebrate their trip with a couple photoshoot in San Juan.
3. Condado
The swaying palms and turquoise waters of Condado Beach are a tropical escape … conveniently just steps from the city! ☀️ This pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood is also home to luxury designer storefronts and a booming nightlife scene waiting for you after you’ve soaked up a few beach hours with your toes in the sand. This upscale area truly has a little bit of everything.
Photo: Flytographer in San Juan. Sernarra and their partner celebrate their trip with an anniversary photoshoot on the beach in San Juan.
4. Santurce Art District
Wherever you find street art, you’ll find artists, and this free-spirited barrio is becoming the epicentre for the arts, music, fashion and tech scenes on the island. It all started with a community of artists who came together in an attempt to breathe life into a forgotten neighbourhood, and through the years, it transformed into a movement proving that the arts can heal both buildings and the community. Vibrant murals, unique boutiques and hip, local eateries make every corner of this artists’ paradise photo-worthy. 👩🎨
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Molly and their friends celebrate their girls trip with a friends photoshoot in San Juan.
5. Castillo de San Cristóbal
Built by the Spanish, Castillo de San Cristóbal was built to protect the city from attacks on land, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re a history buff or not, the views from the vast esplanade of Old San Juan are stunning. 🏰 Don’t miss snapping a photo from one of the picturesque turrets overlooking the water!
Photo: Flytographer in San Juan. Sarah and their partner celebrate their trip with a couple photoshoot in San Juan.
Find the best things to do in San Juan
6. El Morro
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, more commonly known as El Morro, was the second fort built on the islet. 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 walls.
Photo: Jafet in San Juan for Flytographer. Vimala and their family celebrate their trip with a family photoshoot in San Juan.
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7. La Fortaleza
The street leading up to this stunning fortress-turned-residence where the governor lives is worth a visit alone for the 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: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Alexis and their friends celebrate their girls trip with a friends photoshoot in San Juan.
8. Plazuela de Rogativa
Arguably one of the most scenic squares in San Juan, with 180-degree views of the sparkling San Juan Bay, Plazuela de Rogativa is hidden just next to La Fortaleza. 🌊 It’s also a beautiful location 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. Sara and their mother celebrate their trip with a family photoshoot in San Juan.
9. Plaza de Armas
This bustling plaza was designed to serve as the main square for the city, and it still 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 streets of Old San Juan.
Photo: Karlota in San Juan for Flytographer. Lauren and their partner celebrate their anniversary trip with a photoshoot in San Juan.
10. El Yunque National Forest
While not directly in the city of San Juan, we would be remiss to not suggest a day trip to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. 🌿 There are so many beautiful places to explore in El Yunque, including lush hiking trails and waterfalls cascading over pools you can bathe in. Although it’s relatively small in size, it is incredibly diverse, and there is nowhere more pristine to visit on the island.
Photo: Flytographer in San Juan. Sernarra and their partner celebrate their trip with an anniversary photoshoot on the beach in San Juan.
Capture memories in San Juan, Puerto Rico
The cobblestone streets are calling, and a getaway to San Juan is the answer. 📞 Are these photogenic spots on your bucket list? Capture the personality, energy and colours of this historic city with both your camera and a professional Flytographer shoot!
