Even though I lived in Puerto Rico for a few years we never really explored Old San Juan. We will be there in 2 weeks and wonder if anyone has any suggestions.

The Butterfly factory, the bar where pina coladas were invented, certainly the fort and the gardens. We always loved going down to the port and having lunch and just hanging out.

Actually the Piña Colada was invented at the Barrachina restaurant on Fortelaeza St in Old San Juan in the 60's.
But the Butterfly People make it better. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />

We spent 3 nights at the el Convento two years ago and loved old San juan. We look forward to returning.

We did both forts and did a lot of wandering around on foot, Loki g at the restored homes. We stumbled upon the governors mansion and went on a tour. For some reason, the main house was closed to the public that day so we just saw the gardens and it was lovely.

I'm with Cleobeach. Wandering and discovering in OSJ is lots of fun. Part of it may have been staying at the magic El Convento. There is a walkway by the water that is fun. Museums, public art. Trois Cent Onze for dinner. Fun, fun, fun.

Now you are making me want to go back...

Yes, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at el Convento. We were there with two other couples and our son. Our room had a huge terrace with loungers and a table for four. After a day sight seeing, we hit the pool then the wine and cheese hour, which was very, very good. After that was dinner and night cap after dinner on our terrace. It was a fantastic trip. The el Convento is a unique hotel and if you like historic properties, I think it is worth the cost.

We did it as a stop over on our way to St. John because our friends wanted to see something different. I remember our son seeing a young lady on her way to her 15th birthday celebration (I can't do the Spanish spelling) walking down the cobblestone street and he shouted, "look mommy, there is a princess!"

We look forward to returning.

If you plan on visiting both forts on the same day then buy the pass for both at the first fort. It will save you a little time if there is a line at the second fort for admissions. It may even save you a dollar or 2.

Actually could not think of the name of the bar, but you are right about the Butterfly people making it better. Love just walking around Old San Juan.

We usually just wander around and do a little shopping and bar/restaurant hopping. Of course the forts are worth a visit. And the cematary adjacent to El Morro is interesting if that's your cup of tea - great setting and history. Overall though, I just love the ambiance of Old San Juan in general. We've never stayed in Old San Juan as we have kids who want the beach and a nice pool, but the El Convento seems like a great place to stay. The Puerto Rico area of the Trip Advisor forum is a great place to get information specific to San Juan - there are a lot of active and knowledgable contributors there.

Matt

For a great selection of beers and terrific pizza, try Pirilo Pizza Rustica at the corner of Fortaleza & Tanca. if the place is packed, see if the upstairs is open.

Thanks everyone!

It saves you money but you still have to line up. We learned that the hard way from a grumpy ticket seller <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

We had a great day in Old San Juan. Visited both forts, no lines. We also stopped for a Pina Colada at Barrachina. Tried to find the Butterfly People but it was actually a butterfly display. I walked into the back but it was roped off and said "private area."

Suggest the Old Fort - pretty fascinating history of the fort and the importance it had over the entire Caribbean area from 1700s up to mid 1900s.
The Butterfly People art gallery (yes the back area is off limits as is their private garden, but viewable from within the store) with mid-high end wall art collections for sale. (Pictures prohibited)
The Verde Mesa restaurant for awesome lunch/dinner, reasonably priced with fresh ingredients. A small eclectic place near the cruise ship piers but located in a secluded place 1.5 blocks from the Butterfly store. Limited hours.

The Butterfly People have moved and don't have the bar any longer

Actually....."The Piña Colada was created by Ramon “Monchito” Marrero in 1954 while working as a bartender at the Caribe Hilton."

(Have no idea which account is true, but the Caribe Hilton has the earliest claim I can find!)

http://www.caribehilton.com/pinacolada/

The Barrachina has a very nice central courtyard where you can get a lunch or dinner. We took friends there last April on a 1 day stopover on a cruise. It was very nice.

Well maybe you're right, that was a few years earlier then when I arrived in the Caribbean in 1964 and at the time the only rum drink with a name was the Cuba Libre or Rum Punch.
But in the late 60's the Barrachina claimed they were the originators <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />