EXplore Old San Juan’s many facets by traversing through its quaint neighborhoods on foot. The narrow cobblestone streets add an old-world feel, and the architecture – featuring intricate iron and wooden railings that adorn the balconies, doorways and windows – is reminiscent of the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Caribbean influence is seen in the brightly colored paint of the buildings where people live, work, dine and gather. Shops and restaurants sprinkled throughout neighborhoods are found only when trekking through side streets away from the bustle of the city’s more common areas.
Visit the Museo de San Juan for a quick history lesson. Or stop by the dozen or so other museums in the area for a glimpse of Puertorican art and other historical influences. While in the museum district, you must EXperience the history and the spectacular views from El Morro, a fortress built in the 1580s that boasts a maze of tunnels, dungeons and barracks. Its accompanying fort, Castillo de San Cristobal, is a massive structure built in 1634 to defend the city of San Juan. It now stands as one of the largest defenses ever built in the Americas.
EXperience the nightlife and get your sEXy self down to some of Viejo San Juan’s lively night clubs and bars for some all-night dancing and a taste of the drink that was invented in Puerto Rico – the Pina Colada. Loosen up those hips and shake what your mama gave ya out on the dance floor at Club Lazer as you groove to a little salsa, Latin rock or house music. Get one of the hip, hot, handsome local hard-bodies at the Lobby Lounge to show you a little one-two salsa stepping or learn some merenge moves. No matter that you missed the lessons back home. In Puerto Rico you just feel the rhythm of the music and let your body do the rest.
With all of that dancing you’re sure to work up an appetite. So head over to Jibralito’s, one of Old San Juan’s neighborhood restaurants, for a national favorite – mofongo. What exactly is mofongo? It is a mound of mashed plaintain (similar to banana) seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic and other seasonings, and often stuffed with shrimp, chicken, pork or beef. Definitely not for the EXplorer who’s watching her weight; but a yummy mound of island comfort food, nonetheless. Or try an order of pinchos, a quick snack similar to chicken kabobs – only without the veggies.
