Vagamundo tunic (c/o) // Helen Kaminski hat and bag (c/o) // Matt Bernson sandals // Luca Earrings // Chloe + Isabel necklace (c/o) // Nashelle custom Brooklyn necklace (c/o) // E.Kammeyer bracelet // Bare Minerals lip color (c/o)
You may have read about my fabulous quick getaway to San Juan, Puerto Rico, but in reality, my 3 day trip was spent mostly in one of my new favorite cities in the world, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. The hubby is still plotting how we can rent our Brooklyn home out and move there, but in the meantime, I’m plotting how I can go back to continue exploring.
Here were some of our favorite things to do while you’re there:
EAT
107 Calle Tetuan Corner with San José Viejo
This hidden gem tucked away at the top of a hill is a charming and unique café that will transport you to somewhere between Puerto Rico, France and dare I say, Brooklyn. The menu is healthy, pescatarian to be exact, which may be the only one of its kind in this country. It’s also the only restaurant in all of Puerto Rico that’s totally farm to table. Guilt free cocktails that double as your health juice for the day/night as well. When the waiter convinces you to get the “Purple Cloud” dessert, just do it.
401 San Francisco
Don’t be fooled by its tourist-centric location, this is worth stopping in for. If you’re a coffee drinker, this is your spot. Just be warned that milk for your coffee is an extra dollar here (and most places), but the coffee is so good that you’re not going to want it anyway. If you do opt for a latte, they’re known for some Instagram-worthy artistic looking milk art. It’s also one of the best spots in the area for brunch, complete with the best fried plantains and the friendliest service around.
407 San Francisco
Mofongo (mashed plantain) is the staple of Puerto Rican meals, and this spot has the best we found. It also happens to be one of the most vegetarian friendly restaurants in the area as well. You can sit al fresco and people watch or opt for upscale dining in the romantic interior. The mojitos were delicious but could have doubled as juice and the prices are definitely geared towards tourists, but overall it was a great experience.
156 Sol
This is the best spot for a delightful lunch that feels like you’re in a European eatery in a stunning colonial building. Be warned, if you’re in a hurry to continue on exploring, we had the rudest and slowest service (45 minutes until our lunch arrived after we ordered it—with no apologies!). It could have been a fluke and I’m an impatient New Yorker, so this is still making my list because it’s a staple in the city and food was memorable enough to remember over its faults.
51 Calle Del Cristo
As they say, don’t judge a book by its cover; don’t judge Bodega Chic by its casual, kitschy decor. This was one of the best meals that that we enjoyed during our time in OSJ, and it happened to also be fairly priced for the quality. The chef studied with Jean Georges, so all of the food is well crafted French fare with a local twist, along with possibly the best mojito in the whole city.
DRINK
148 Calle San Sebastiasn Viejo
For those in the know, or people like me that just happen to be curious, La Factoria will be your favorite spot for night life in Old San Juan. There’s something for everyone at this multiple bar-within-a-bar venue. From the street, it just looks like any other bar, but sneak your way to the 2nd room (out of 4!) and you’ll find a hidden wine bar that was more my speed in between the rowdy bar and club scene. Belly up to the bar and order a Dark & Stormy made with fresh ginger syrup and champagne. They take their mixology seriously here and you will too. If dark, cozy and personal is not your scene, you can hop into another room.
SHOP
255 Cruz Street
Luca is one of those kind of shops that you hope to stumble upon while you’re strolling through any city. It not only features some of the coolest designers from both locally and the mainland, but the owners, Luca and her husband, are designers as well. She is a jewelry designer and I couldn’t resist her on-trend gold filled bar stud earrings at such a great price. He is a woodworker and his designs are scattered throughout the shop as well. As Luca herself said, Old San Juan is having a bit of a renaissance. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few years, you’ll see carbon copies of this pioneering shop filled with cool indie designers.
105 Calle Fortaleza
Skip the cheesy tourist shops in the area and head over to the most unique shop for tourists, Olé Hat Shop. They’re known for their bespoke Panama hats, but there are more treasures to be found in this tiny shop.
257 Calle De La Cruz
I have mixed feelings about this place, because I don’t love the idea of taking the life of living things for the sake of art, but once I looked past that, I appreciated the beauty in this gallery filled with just about every butterfly you can imagine hanging on its walls, framed, and ready for you to take home. The space itself is a gorgeous oasis within the city as well.
EXPLORE
Paseo La Princesa (beautiful walk, among the artisans, cruise ships and ocean front)
La Fortaleza (the governor’s residence)
San Felipe Del Morro Castle & San Cristobal Castle (walk from one fort to the other and explore the history and amazing ocean views)
Blue Cobblestones at night (Watch the shiny blue stones glisten in the moon light…and do NOT wear stiletto heels!)
Fabulous post! You look wonderfully chic, as always 🙂