Paseo De La Princesa In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know

Nothing is as iconic as a stroll through Paseo De La Princesa.

A beautiful scenic walkway of royal proportions is open to all and a great first stop on your walk through Old San Juan

Whenever I’m in Old San Juan, I visit the Paseo De La Princesa, and hopefully, after reading, you’ll visit too. 

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about Paseo De La Princesa in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico:

What is Paseo De La Princesa?
What is the history of Paseo De La Princesa?
Where is it located?
Is it worth visiting?
Is there an entrance fee?
Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is Paseo De La Princesa?

Paseo De La Princesa is a 19th-century promenade that has stretched to become a reflection of the city: a center of commerce and cultural exchange. 

Its timeless charm has transformed this walkway into a market and dancefloor during the weekends and a romantic and elegant pathway to enjoy day and night, all week-long. 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Jay Shah Photography (@shutterbug_shah)

Photo credit: @shutterbug_shah

The Paseo De La Princesa is adorned with beautiful trees, benches, lampposts, statues, and the picture-perfect fountain “Raíces” (roots).

In the Paseo De La Princesa, you’ll find a lovely restaurant, La Princesa Gastrobar, the former prison, Antigua Prisión La Princesa (1837), and a kid’s park.

If you would rather explore this area with a guide, check out our article 11 Best Tours In Old San Juan.

 

What is the history of Paseo De La Princesa?

Paseo De La Princesa is a 19th-century promenade that served as the main entrance to Old San Juan (Puerta de San Juan) during Spanish rule over the island. 

image of Paseo
The Paseo was constructed in Old San Juan in the mid-1800’s.

The promenade was constructed during 1852-1854 as a gift to Queen Isabel II of Spain in celebration of her daughter’s third birthday, the late Princess of Asturias María Isabel Borbón y Borbón. 

To learn more about other historical areas of Puerto Rico, read our article 12 Best Museums In Puerto Rico.

 

Where is it located?

Paseo De La Princesa is located in Calle de la Fortaleza.

image of Puerto Rico Tourism Company
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company office is located on the Paseo.

This is only around a 10-minute walk from the cruise Port terminal, making it the best starting point for your trip around this historic center. 

Here’s a Google Map showing the location of Paseo De La Princesa:

 

Is it worth visiting?

No visit to Old San Juan is complete without a stroll through Paseo De La Princesa.

image of Puerta De San Juan
Paseo de la Princesa is the perfect place to spend the day in Old San Juan.

Its priceless historical value and picture-perfect scenery best summarize the island’s spirit.

For more ideas, read our article 40 Best Things To Do In San Juan.

 

Is there an entrance fee?

Paseo De La Princesa is free and open to all. 

The only “entrance fee” is the parking fee.  

image of playground
Paseo de la Princesa has outdoor activities for the whole family.

Old San Juan has three main parking lots: Multipiso Doña Fela, Ballajá Parking Garage, and La Puntilla Parking.

If going to El Paseo De La Princesa, park at La Puntilla Parking, or if starting your trip at the northern part of the zone, choose the Ballajá Parking Garage, and if beginning near the ports, park at Multipiso Doña Fela. 

Here’s a Google Map showing the exact locations of the parking lots: 

image of google map of parking lots

 

 

FAQ section

What is the best way to get to Paseo De La Princesa?

The best way to get to Paseo De La Princesa is by driving. Luckily, La Puntilla Parking resides parallel to the walkway, providing an economical and accesible spot to park your car and start your walk.

Is this a fun activity for kids?

Visiting Paseo De La Princesa is a wholesome and fun activity for the whole family. Kids can enjoy the nearby park and the promenade itself, which provides lots of space to run and play.

 

Final thoughts

Paseo De La Princesa serves as a memento of the past and a place of everblooming culture and community.

This beautiful walkway is the perfect place to visit to stroll, play, and rest.

At whatever time and day, solo, with a special someone, or in a crowd, take a moment to stop at Paseo De La Princesa to discover the timeless beauty of Old San Juan

Are you looking to learn more about Puerto Rico’s capital city? Read our article San Juan – All You Need To Know.

Paseo De La Princesa In Old San Juan, Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know
Article by

Cristina Rosa

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I was born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico. I know all the ins and outs of the island. For 22 years, I’ve tasted, seen, experienced, and explored most of Puerto Rico’s gems. I still have many road trips planned for all of the things that I’ve yet to experience in Puerto Rico.

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