Plaza Colón
Vibrant central square in Old San Juan, a key landmark and meeting point with cafes, shops, and the iconic Columbus monument.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vendors setting up, fewer crowds
Plaza Colón
Best Time
Vendors setting up, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant central square in Old San Juan, a key landmark and meeting point with cafes, shops, and the iconic Columbus monument.
"It's like a one stop shop, everything is right there…clothing stores, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, etc. I absolutely love Plaza Colón!"
🎯 Uber/Taxi Drop-off Point
Plaza Colón is a prime spot for ride-shares and taxis, making it easy to start your exploration.
🚶♀️ Mobility Considerations
Sidewalks can be narrow and some streets uphill; plan accordingly if you have mobility challenges.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Christopher Columbus Monument
Center of Plaza Colón
A prominent statue honoring the explorer, serving as a central landmark and photo opportunity.
Roosters of Old San Juan
Wandering the plaza and surrounding areas
Keep an eye out for the colorful, free-roaming roosters that are a quirky and charming sight.
"I Love SJ" Photo Op
Near the plaza
A classic photo spot to capture your visit to San Juan with a fun, iconic sign.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Your Central Hub in Old San Juan
Navigating Old San Juan from the Plaza
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Uber/Taxi Drop-off Point
Plaza Colón is a prime spot for ride-shares and taxis, making it easy to start your exploration.
🚶♀️ Mobility Considerations
Sidewalks can be narrow and some streets uphill; plan accordingly if you have mobility challenges.
🛍️ One-Stop Shop
Find clothing stores, bars, restaurants, and more all within easy reach of the plaza.
📸 Landmark for Meetups
A popular and easy-to-find meeting point for tours and friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Uber/Taxi Drop-off Point
Plaza Colón is a prime spot for ride-shares and taxis, making it easy to start your exploration.
🚶♀️ Mobility Considerations
Sidewalks can be narrow and some streets uphill; plan accordingly if you have mobility challenges.
🛍️ One-Stop Shop
Find clothing stores, bars, restaurants, and more all within easy reach of the plaza.
📸 Landmark for Meetups
A popular and easy-to-find meeting point for tours and friends.
🐓 Roosters Galore!
Don't be surprised by the friendly, colorful roosters strutting around the plaza.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Plaza Colón is consistently praised as a central and convenient hub in Old San Juan, perfect for meeting points, tours, and easy access to transportation. Visitors love its proximity to attractions and the abundance of nearby dining and shopping options. Some note the potential for crowds and the hilly terrain of surrounding streets.
"It was such a beautiful spot. You can see the castle, walls and roosters just walking around not even scared of the people. It has excellent spots here for cabs, lyft and uber meets. The restaurants are all around so you won't be hungry or thirsty."
Zessiah-Stephon Baez
"This place was an area that I was consistently at during my visit. It’s like a one stop shop, everything is right there…clothing stores, liquor stores, bars, restaurants, etc. I absolutely love Plaza Colón!"
Kristopher Chandler
"Busy area. Early in the morning they have individuals selling items. There are little shops and restaurants nearby. It is in walking distance of San Cristolbal Castle. If you are using Uber this is an easy spot to be dropped off and than walking around to places you would like to go."
Lisa m
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Plaza Colón is a short taxi or Uber ride from the cruise port in Old San Juan. You can also walk if you enjoy a stroll, it's about a 15-20 minute walk depending on your pace.
Absolutely! Plaza Colón is a very popular and convenient drop-off and pick-up point for Uber and Lyft drivers in Old San Juan. +1
Yes, Plaza Colón is within walking distance of Castillo San Cristóbal, making it easy to combine visits. It's about a 5-10 minute walk.
The best way to explore Old San Juan from Plaza Colón is on foot. Many attractions are within walking distance, though be mindful of the hilly terrain and narrow sidewalks.
Yes, Plaza Colón is a known hub for taxis, especially for tour groups and as a general meeting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Plaza Colón is a public square and is free to enter and explore.
Plaza Colón is an open public space and is accessible at all hours. However, surrounding shops and cafes will have their own operating times.
The monument to Christopher Columbus is part of the public square and does not have an entrance fee.
While the plaza itself is accessible, some surrounding streets can be uphill with narrow sidewalks. It's a good starting point, but be aware of the terrain.
Yes, Plaza Colón is a very common starting and ending point for many walking tours of Old San Juan.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the Christopher Columbus monument, the charming roosters, and the 'I Love SJ' sign. The surrounding colonial architecture also makes for great shots.
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light for photography around the plaza and its historic buildings.
Yes, the roosters are a common sight and are generally unfazed by people taking photos. Just be respectful of their space.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces like Plaza Colón. However, always be mindful of private businesses and their policies if you're photographing their interiors.
Early mornings, before the main tourist rush and vendor activity, offer the best opportunities for unobstructed photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Plaza Colón is surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes offering a variety of local and international cuisine. +1
You'll find everything from casual eateries and bars to more formal dining options, serving Puerto Rican specialties and international dishes.
Definitely. There are many small shops and cafes around the plaza perfect for a quick snack or a refreshing drink.
Yes, the area around Plaza Colón is known for its lively bar scene, offering a great spot to enjoy a drink.
While not always explicitly advertised, many restaurants in Old San Juan are accommodating. It's best to ask servers about vegetarian or vegan options.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Travelers with Mobility Challenges
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Plaza Colón: The Heart of Old San Juan
The area surrounding Plaza Colón is a vibrant mix of shops, bars, and restaurants, offering a convenient 'one-stop shop' experience. You can find everything from clothing boutiques and souvenir shops to lively bars and diverse dining options. This makes it a perfect place to begin your day, grab a meal, or simply soak in the atmosphere. The presence of roosters freely roaming the area adds a unique and charming touch to the plaza's character, often surprising and delighting visitors.
For travelers concerned about accessibility, Plaza Colón serves as an excellent point for Uber and taxi drop-offs, minimizing the need for extensive walking upon arrival. However, it's worth noting that while the plaza itself is flat, many of the streets leading away from it can be uphill with narrow sidewalks, which might be a consideration for those with mobility challenges. Despite this, its role as a central nexus ensures that most of Old San Juan's attractions are within a manageable reach from this vibrant square.
Navigating Old San Juan: Tips from the Plaza
However, it's crucial to be aware of the terrain. Reddit users point out that Calle de San Francisco can be uphill and features narrow sidewalks, which might pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues.
Beyond the main street, numerous smaller roads and walking paths branch out from Plaza Colón, inviting exploration. The beautiful architecture of Old San Juan is a constant companion as you wander. Whether you're looking for a place to eat, shop, or simply enjoy the ambiance, Plaza Colón and its surrounding streets provide a comprehensive experience. The presence of vendors in the early morning adds to the dynamic feel of the plaza, offering a glimpse into local daily life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit