La Fortaleza

The tour was quite basic; we were only allowed access to the exteriors of the fortress. We were disappointed because we thought we would see the interiors, but apparently that's a luxury reserved only for influencers or public figures.

Called the Fort and did a free 45 minute tour with a guide Francesca, who was very helpful and kind. Just call in advance to get your name on the list and bring your ID. Also, bring an umbrella for rain and water to drink, as it is scorching. The Fort is the Governor's residence for hundreds of years, and it's definitely neat to check out most of the exterior and some older parts of the interior. I got lost getting to the "main entrance" but it's a block away from the bell towel near a bunch of restaurants and people where there is an orange blockage and 2-4 police, who will let you in if you tell them you signed up for the tour.

Also known as the Palace of St. Catherine, in honor of St. Catherine of Alexandria. The Executive Mansion is the oldest in continuous use in the New World. It is part of the World Heritage and National Historic Site of San Juan. Without a doubt, a place to visit and visit. With high walls, huge gardens and beautiful views that delight its great splendor as a fortress. Visiting its interior, knowing its history is super interesting.

Visited this popular street during our vacation in San Juan. There was security all around and we could not enter the street during the daytime. 2 days later, we visited in the evening and they let us enter for about 10 mins for a light show. The street looks beautiful with the lights. Area is super crowded and difficult to find street parking. We wish it could be decorated with umbrellas like in the past.

I didn’t go in but looks really cool from the outside. You can take pics at the top of the hill and then walk down around it for free.

Do not stress if you don't get to so this, it's fairly basic and superficial since it's a functioning executive mansion. That said if you can, it's pretty cool and doesn't take much time. Call head to go, very easy to figure out and the staff coordinating it was really quite pleasant to deal with. English and Spanish tours alternating on the half hour (1:30 Spanish, 2:30 English por ejemplo)

This is so worth the effort to make a reservation (also make sure to bring something to cover shoulders or short skirts)! My guide, Sabrina (I think), was stellar. She knew everything I could think of to ask and more. I could tell she genuinely enjoyed her work, and she was very kind allowing for my note taking and pictures! Not only is this the third (and oldest) of the major forts in San Juan, but after you visit you can also visit the active religious hospice care facility run by a group of nuns that is otherwise inaccessible from the street. Not only is their chapel lovely and their cause worthy to donate to, but they may also take you to their balcony for one of the best views on the island and of the full side of La Fortaleza from above!

The official residence of the Governor or Puerto Rico. Built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the harbor of San Juan. It is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in the New World. Listed by UNESCO in 1983 as part of the World Heritage Site. La Fortaleza was captured in 1598 by George Clifford, Earl of Cumberland and in 1625 by General Boudenwijn Hendrick of the Netherlands. In 1898, just before the US invaded Puerto Rico during the Spanish-American War, the last Spanish governor of the island, Ricardo De Ortega, struck a long case clock with his sword, stopping the clock and marking the time at which Spain lost control over Puerto Rico.

We did the tour and our Guide Francheska was fantastic. We had the opportunity to walk around the gardens, the chapel, visit the Dungeon... and furthermore learn the history of this historical building. LinK: https://www.fortaleza.pr.gov/recorridos

La Fortaleza is the residence of the Puerto Rican Governor but unfortunately it's closed to the public. The block on Calle Fortaleza is also closed, so you can't walk down anywhere near it. You can see it from a distance but that's it. Disappointing. Apparently they had problems with protests and such which has resulted in closure.

This was the perfect area in Old San Juan to spend your day in, lots of shops and restaurants to walk around and shop.