The United States is a young country – and as a result, its architecture skews towards the modern and functional rather than the historic and elegant.
The U.S.’s best architectural eye candy actually lies about 1,000 miles offshore of Florida: Old San Juan, Puerto Rico at the edge of the Caribbean sea.
With its odd legal status somewhere between colonial territory and statehood, Puerto Rico is easy for Americans to travel to – no passport needed.
With beautiful colonial architecture painted in vibrant colors, some of the most Instagrammable places in Puerto Rico, and gorgeous beaches within the city limits…. what are you waiting for?
Photos of Old San Juan
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Walking along Calle Norzagaray, watching kids play basketball overlooking a turquoise sea
Further down Calle Norzagaray, some buildings seem abandoned, from another time; others are proudly kept up
At the end of the street: San Cristobal, a beautiful historic site on the cusp of the sea
Across the street – colorful studies in contrast
There is charm even in disarray
As I took this, I thought to myself: maybe I’d actually run if this was my backdrop. But who am I kidding?
Contrast is king in Old San Juan
It’s hard to stop yourself from documenting every street, every corner
Beautiful colors juxtapose everywhere, bringing centuries-old colonial architecture to life
A modest old building tucked away from the street, echoing another time
Street art on Calle San Jose, steps from the wild nightlife scene on Calle San Sebastian
A cat keeping to the shade on a sunny day. Later, my sunburnt knees wished I was as smart as him.
Endless colors
Every corner has its own charm
Watching ships pass in the sun at Castillo El Morro
Marveling at the ocean’s many colors
The best thing is you’ve never far from a turquoise sea view, even in the Old Town.
Women taking Saturday stroll at the El Morro grounds in Old San Juan.
The old waterfront of Old San Juan is eerily abandoned, visible from the periphery of Calle Norzagaray
Walking through the cemetery, I couldn’t help but think: I guess being dead wouldn’t be so bad if it meant being buried here.
Recommended Accommodations: Olive Boutique Hotel in nearby Condado
Further Reading: Lonely Planet Puerto Rico
Useful Tips: Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory and uses the US dollar. You do not need a passport if you are American. The best time to visit is between December and May to avoid hurricane season. JetBlue often has great sales to Puerto Rico!
Allison is a full-time freelancer and travel blogger, exploring the world solo in pursuit of new and exciting adventures. She’s happiest when climbing things, snuggling any animal who will let her, and eating improbably large amounts of food.
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