Plaza de Armas — Attraction in San Juan

🇵🇷 Some of Viejo San Juan’s longest existing businesses still remain in operation in this plaza.

The “Puerto Rico Drug Store” stands on the corner in its light-blue colored building, the site of a retail establishment for 170 years. And “Joyeria Catalá”/“Catalá Jewelers”, stands in the same site where it began doing business in 1930. Both are still owned and managed by local families.

😇 Another icon of business never had a shop. He held his inventory in his pockets. He did hold steady business hours as he helped feed the birds, selling bags of birdseed to passers by. He was Plaza de Armas’ original “Bird Whisperer”, Señor Manolo. He brought incredible joy and laughter to local Puerto Rican families and numerous travelers! He was a kind-hearted soul who offered assurance to many young children, uncertain if they should befriend his wild feathered flock of Pigeons in Plaza de Armas. He was simply, the best. I miss all the giggles that he and his “feathered family” generated in this wonderful place! RIP Siempre! 💕

Señor Manolo’s image...

Every time I visit the side of the island I enjoy coming to the plaza, especially in the evening. There’s usually live music and people roaming about the square. The plaza is beautiful in the evening when it’s all lit up, it’s typically filled with couples, families and adventure seekers! There are plenty of restaurants, bars, sweet treats and there’s even a hookah bar around the plaza.; The Plaza offers a variety of things.

I highly recommend visiting the plaza when you’re in town there’s a parking garage nearby relatively inexpensive. I believe I paid under seven dollars for three hours of parking time.

-Ciao and Happy...

The Plaza de Armas of San Juan is one of the main squares in San Juan, which was designed to serve as the original main square for the city. it dates back to Spanish colonial times, One side of the plaza, you'll find San Juan's official town hall building, and on another the Puerto Rico Department of State.

like any famous square, street performances, local food stalls, everything is here.

To better enjoy the Plaza de Armas, grab a coffee and a Puerto Rican pastry from any of the local spots and grab a sit in any of the public benches. also, you won't find wendy in the new avatar...