Instagram Spots in San Juan
We all know that in this day and age of social media, if you don’t get a good photo, were you really even there? Because of this, I like to research the places I will be traveling to, whether it be through Google, or through hashtags on Instagram. I took a short unexpected trip to San Juan last year, so I wanted to make sure to get some good content while I was there. While I thought two and a half days was not enough, it turns out that because the city is quite small, if you know where you want to go, you can get there quickly. I found some cool spots to get some good Instagram photos in the Old San Juan, which I want to share with you all if you’re thinking about planning a trip there. This’ll also be perfect for anyone stopping here briefly on a cruise, as you can still get some good photos on a time crunch.
#1 — Paseo de las Sombrillas (Umbrella Street)
Located on Calle Fortaleza, this is perhaps one of the most popular tourist attractions and Instagram spots in Old San Juan. These colorful umbrellas make for the perfect backdrop in photos, and the best part about this spot is that this part of the street is blocked off to vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about them in your photos. Of course, if you visit on a day where a cruise ship is docked, there will be a higher chance people will come out in your photo. If you’re visiting but not on a cruise, I suggest going on a day when a cruise ship is not docked, as it’ll be nearly empty (I found that Old San Juan itself is actually a very quiet city). Also, after you’re done with your mini photoshoot, you can hang around on Calle Fortaleza, which is lined with lots of shops and yummy restaurants!
#2 — Puerta de la Bandera (Door of the Flag)
Another popular photo spot, this mural has been a San Juan landmark for years. Located on the side of an abandoned building on Calle San José, the mural has the Puerto Rican flag (now painted black) in the center, making for a perfect photo op. This wall is also across from a Mexican restaurant, so you’ll get some Selena playing in the background too, if you’re lucky!
Tip to stand out more: wear a bright red dress! You’ll pop against the black and white flag and brick wall!
#3 — Puerto Rican Flag on Calle Imperial (corner of Calle Virtud)
Another Puerto Rican flag, this one is actually colorful. Tucked away in a corner, you won’t have to worry about too many people waiting to get a photo here.
#4 — Calle McArthur (between Calle Virtud and Calle Norzagaray)
If you’re walking from El Morro to San Cristobal, or vice versa, you will likely find yourself on Calle Norzagaray, which connects the two together. On the way there, stop by this cute little street with colorful homes/ doorways. The good thing about this spot is that it’s not really an attraction, so you won’t find people here. You will have the whole spot to yourself! Also, this is right around the corner from the flag on Calle Imperial, so you’ll kill two birds with one stone here!
#5 — Jardin Botanico de Universidad de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico University Botanical Garden)
Okay, well, for this location, don’t expect the NY Botanical Garden in the Bronx. As a matter of fact, this is not a botanical garden in the way you might think. To me, it was more like a forest/park. You will see lots of palm trees and other plants along the trails, but this is more of a place to go to if you want to have a relaxing, nature walk kind of day (it even opens before 7am). It’s basically a place where you can appreciate the greenery around you. Nonetheless, I think it makes a great spot for some good photos. It’s not really that well known by tourists, so you have lots of space here to get as many photos as you need.
#6 — Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Probably the most visited tourist attraction in San Juan, this place speaks for itself. It’s beautiful and rich in history, and it’s many levels give many opportunities for photos. You get to explore a castle, with a view of the Atlantic Ocean — what more can you ask for? Tip: Go again during sunset. We arrived around 11am and had plenty of time to explore, but I’ve seen so many beautiful photos at sunset from this area.
#7 — Hotel El Convento
This hotel can be quite pricey, and while from photos, it seems very beautiful inside (I read they had a rooftop pool), if you can’t afford to stay here you can still get a photo here! The back alleyway behind the hotel makes for a perfect quiet spot for a quick photo!
#8 — Pretty much any street in Old San Juan
Haha, this is an easy one. I mean, as soon as you drive into the Old San Juan, you already start seeing colorful houses everywhere. Usually, when visiting touristy spots, you have to wait in line to get your photo in, but with this city, every single street is lined with colorful houses and doorways, making each one the perfect instagram spot in San Juan. You just have to pick one!
If there are any other spots throughout San Juan I’ve missed, feel free to let me know in the comments! I do want to go back one day, and would love to know of more spots for photos!
If you’re looking for more “instagrammable” spots in other cities around the world: check out some of my other posts below!
https://mybucketlistjourneys.blog/category/photography/instagram-spots/
