Where to Find the Umbrella Street San Juan (Fortaleza Street)

Old San Juan is full of colorful cobblestone streets, each one more photogenic than the last. Wandering through the capital of Puerto Rico, it is easy to find photo-worthy spots. Yet, one street stands out above the rest, the insta-famous Umbrella Street San Juan. For the past few years, this street has been one of the most popular photo spots in Old San Juan

Umbrella Street San Juan - Fortaleza Street

Where to Find the Umbrella Street San Juan

The Umbrella Street in San Juan can be found on Fortaleza Street. There are plenty of vibrant streets within the walled city of Old San Juan. Yet, Fortaleza Street is easily recognizable for its umbrella display, creating a canopy across the street. Calle Fortaleza, or Fortaleza Street, is a main street in Old San Juan that cuts across most of the area. Sadly, the entire length of the street is not covered in umbrellas. To find the portion that is considered the Umbrella Street San Juan, you must walk down toward La Fortaleza, the residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. This portion of the street is closed to traffic, making it the perfect spot to take photos. 

Umbrella Street San Juan - Fortaleza Street

Will There Be Umbrellas When I Visit? 

Depending on when you visit, there may or may not be umbrellas. The display is changed throughout the year, so you may get an entirely unique display on Fortaleza Street when you visit. Sometimes, there are stringed lights, various colored umbrellas, or other decor. However, the umbrellas of Fortaleza Street have been around for years, so chances are high that they will still be there when you visit. The umbrella colors have changed from a rainbow of colorful umbrellas to all pink throughout the year. Before the addition of the umbrellas, La Fortaleza Street had colorful kites. The best way to know if the umbrellas are there is to check the latest Trip Advisor reviews or the location tag on Instagram

Umbrella Street San Juan - Fortaleza Street Umbrella Street San Juan - Fortaleza Street

Importance of Fortaleza Street

Fortaleza Street leads to La Fortaleza, the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. This fortress is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see in San Juan. Visiting Fortaleza Street should be on your Old San Juan itinerary. While the Umbrella Street in San Juan has gained recent popularity, there is more to this street than the umbrellas. Fortaleza Street is one of the most high-trafficked streets in San Juan. After checking out the umbrellas, there are plenty of restaurants and shops. 

Umbrella Street San Juan - Fortaleza Street

San Juan Umbrella Street: Wrap-up

This wraps up the guide to visiting the umbrella street in Old San Juan. If you’re planning a trip to San Juan, definitely wander by Forteleza Street to see if the umbrellas are currently on display. Even if there are no umbrellas when you visit, it is still well worth checking out this beautiful street in San Juan. Calle de la Fortaleza is centrally located and one of the most important streets in San Juan. So you won’t have to go out of your way to get to this spot. 

Originally published June 2019. Has since been updated.

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