Puerto Rico — a traveler’s paradise dotted with sandy beaches, tropical forests, vibrant Spanish colonial-era buildings, and historic fortresses — is your Instagram feed’s dream.
That’s right, this Caribbean island is loaded with many Instagrammable spots you simply can’t miss.
From deep in the tropical rainforest to the colorful streets and picturesque promenades of San Juan, you’ll have plenty of material to kick-start your Instagram influencer career.
So, if you’re wondering, “What is the most photographed place in Puerto Rico?”, keep on reading!
Camera Gear I Use
Before diving into where to take Puerto Rico’s best pictures, let’s get your camera gear ready.
- Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera (>>check prices): A favorite among photographers, especially for landscape pictures. If you prefer a different brand, the Canon EOS R is your best bet.
- Sony 24-70 f/2.8 E-Mount Camera Lens (check availability): One of the best lenses for landscape and portrait photos.
Tip: Use these aesthetic photo editing apps to take your pictures from beginner to pro level.
List of Instagrammable Places in Puerto Rico
- Yokahu Tower
- Cuartel de Ballaja
- Calla Las Monjas
- Hotel Convento
- Calle San Sebastian
- Los Morrillos Lighthouse
- Plazuela la Rogativa
- Puerto Rican Flag Door + Calle Imperial
- Umbrella Street (Los Paraguas de la Fortaleza)
- Plaza de Armas
- Plaza Del Quinto Centenario
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- Plaza Darsena + Rainbow Arch
- Plaza De La Catedral
- I Love Puerto Rico Sign
- Gozalandia Falls
- El Yunque National Forest
- Luquillo Beach
- Flamenco Beach
- Salinas de Cabo Rojo
- Condado Beach
- Rincón
- Bistro Café
- St. Germain Bistro & Café
- La Casita de Rones
At the end of this blog I have a map you can download and use!
Iconic Instagrammable Places in Puerto Rico
We have loads of spots to cover in this blog, but the ones I’ve about to share below are what I consider to be the most iconic spots based on my experience visiting Puerto Rico!
#1 Yokahú Tower
Yokahú Tower is a tower you can visit in El Yunque and the view from the top is so beautiful!
I highly recommend you make time to come here and snap some pictures during your visit!
It might get crowded but there isn’t much avoiding that.
Needless to say, there are tons of reasons to visit Puerto Rico and views like this are one of them.
#2 Cuartel de Ballajá
Cuartel de Ballajá is a beautifully restored historic building in Old San Juan, featuring colorful arches and a large courtyard.
The pastel tones and grand architecture make it a perfect spot for capturing Puerto Rico’s colonial charm.
When I went here, I LOVED the geometric courtyard and couldn’t stop gawking at how eye-catching it looked when you pointed your camera through an archway.
There is also a beautiful yellow building you can explore here.
Whether you’re photographing the arches or the view from the upper floors, every angle is Instagrammable!
#3 Calle Las Monjas
Calle Las Monjas is a charming street in Old San Juan lined with colorful buildings.
The vibrant hues and cobblestone roads make it a perfect backdrop for photos.
It’s one of those spots that feels like you’ve stepped back in time, with endless picture-worthy angles.
When you visit, I recommend walking the street heading towards the water.
You’ll be greed with a super cute yellow building you can take photos of.
#4 Hotel El Convento
Hotel El Convento is a stunning, historic hotel with classic Spanish architecture.
The arches, tiled floors, and lush courtyard create a dreamy setting for photos.
This is a pretty popular spot to take photos of.
I recommend exploring the outside area and taking pictures on its famous staircase!
#5 Calle San Sebastian
Calle San Sebastian is a lively, colorful street in Old San Juan, famous for its festivals and nightlife.
The street is filled with vibrant buildings, balconies, and unique street art.
It’s a must for anyone looking to capture the true essence and energy of San Juan.
#6 Los Morrillos Lighthouse
Los Morrillos Lighthouse sits on a dramatic cliff with sweeping ocean views.
The white lighthouse against the bright blue sky and rugged coastline makes for stunning shots.
I personally love the super bright teal shutters against the blueish grey color of the rest of the lighthouse.
It adds some extra charm and uniqueness you won’t find on others.
From my experience, you can come here during the day and the lighting is still super beautiful! Even if you don’t take pictures, make sure you stop here if you visit Cabo Rojo
Puerto Rico Instagram Spots in San Juan
Beautifully blending history, culture, and modern charm, the Puerto Rican capital, San Juan, boasts colorful streets, historical landmarks, and a lively atmosphere that photo lovers crave.
#7 Puerto Rican Flag Door + Calle Imperial
The Puerto Rican Flag Door on San José Street stands as a token of the island’s pride.
The painted door has changed hues in the past, from red, blue, and white, to just black and white.
It stands out against the derelict building, making for a very aesthetic photo.
Just a two-minute walk from the flag door, you’ll walk along Calle Imperial — a street dotted with vibrant historic buildings and another flag door.
#8 Umbrella Street (Los Paraguas de la Fortaleza)
Set along Calle de la Fortaleza, the numerous umbrellas above this street create a beautiful picture.
BUT, I have to address the obvious: the photo I have above doesn’t feature umbrellas because, well, there were no umbrellas when I went LMAO.
Regardless, this cobblestone street is covered with a canopy of brightly colored umbrellas, creating a playful, eye-catching, and aesthetic display that’s perfect for your Instagram feed.
Walk under the colorful umbrellas, browse nearby shops, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
For the best shot, take it from below to emphasize the umbrellas against the blue sky.
It’s a popular place for pictures but I still enjoyed visiting here because it’s so beautiful and colorful!
#9 Plaza de Armas
Puerto Rico is filled with historic squares, but none are as picturesque as Plaza de Armas.
Surrounded by colonial-era buildings, lush greenery, and boasting a beautiful fountain, this plaza offers a serene escape from the city’s bustling streets.
Explore nearby shops and coffee shops, like Puchy’s Café, sit and admire the square’s historic charm, and photograph the fountain surrounded by trees and historic buildings.
Tip: Visit this square and other landmarks with an immersive Old San Juan walking tour.
#10 Plaza Del Quinto Centenario
On Calle del Cristo, you’ll find another interesting square, Plaza Del Quinto Centenario.
Built to mark the 500th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, the square boasts a 40-feet-tall tower, El Totem Telúrico, that’s begging for you to take a picture.
#11 Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Giving you views of the Atlantic Ocean and Old San Juan, this 16-century fortress is one of the oldest but prettiest places to take pictures on the island, especially at sunset.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or El Morro, is brown and moldy, but the contrasting blue ocean and green lawns around it make it a work of art.
When the sun sets, the fortress is bathed in golden hues, creating a dramatic and romantic setting perfect for photography.
I also really love the framing here. If you stand along one of the small viewpoints like the one featured above, you get such a beautiful, naturally framed image.
Also, fun fact, this area is close to the famous cat sanctuary so you might get lucky and spot some kitties, haha.
P.S.: Why not combine your Old San Juan exploration with this El Morro Castle walking tour?
#12 Plaza Dársena + Rainbow Arch
Overlooking the San Juan harbor, this lively plaza is the go-to spot for catching stunning waterfront views, ocean tours, and enjoying live music and art exhibitions.
You’ll find many restaurants here, serving hot dogs, ice cream, and even drinks to quench the thirst.
The star of the show, however, is the colorful Rainbow Arch.
This art installation frames the ocean (and sometimes cruise ships arriving at port), creating the perfect Insta photo scenery.
#13 “I Love Puerto Rico” Sign
Under a 10-minute walk from Plaza Dársena, you can take one of the best pictures of Puerto Rico.
The “I Love Puerto Rico” sign on Calle Marina is a popular tourist attraction that’s perfect for a quick photo op that ensures there’s no debate on whether you’ve been to PR.
Capture the sign from the front for a classic shot, or get creative with angles and take snaps with the harbor (and maybe cruise ships) behind it.
#14 Plazuela La Rogativa
This is one of my favorite plazas in the San Juan area because you get ocean views from it!
I love and highly recommend you make a stop here during your visit to the area.
You can take some amazing pictures during the day time then continue walking around!
#15 Plaza De La Catedral
And this, this plaza right here is a gem. Plaza De La Catedral is an amazing little spot to sit down and take a break from walking around Old San Juan.
However it’s also extremely photogenic.
It usually features a unique statue (when I went there was a cat giraffe LOL), but the star of the plaza is the giant majestic tree in the center.
Most Photographed Places in Puerto Rico for Nature Lovers
The lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and diverse ecosystems make Puerto Rico a tropical paradise.
For nature lovers there are many spots perfect for capturing this beauty.
#16 Gozalandia Falls
Located in San Sebastián, west of San Juan, the Gozalandia Falls are one of the most stunning nature spots in Puerto Rico.
The two-tiered waterfall is not only pretty, but it’s also a great spot for swimming, hiking the trails, and immersing yourself in the dense rainforest.
Capture the cascading waterfalls from a distance to show their full height, or get up close to photograph yourself amidst the splashing water.
#17 El Yunque National Forest
Now, to the eastern flank of the island, El Yunque National Forest awaits with its lush vegetation, waterfalls, exotic wildlife, and breathtaking views.
Perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting, El Yunque offers a motherload of photo-ops surrounded by tropical flora and fauna.
And I LOVE it here. It gives off such jungle vibes.
You can easily take endless photos surrounded by all the lush green plants.
Take a day trip from San Juan to El Yunque and capture the vibrant green canopy, misty mountain tops, or flowing streams and waterfalls.
A shot from the top of Yokahu Tower with the forest stretching out below is a must-have for your feed.
Beachy Places to Take Pictures in Puerto Rico
Known for their stunning beauty, from pristine white sands to vibrant pink waters, Puerto Rico’s beaches are a must-visit for jaw-dropping pictures.
#18 Luquillo Beach
Tell me this little red lifeguard station isn’t a vibe and a half.
Affectionately called “La Monserrate,” Luquillo Beach presents you with the pinnacle of Puerto Rican beach life.
The crescent-shaped beach is lined with coconut palms and soft sands, ideal for a beach selfie that could increase your Instagram followers organically.
Swim in the clear waters for underwater snaps, paddleboard, or just pose under the shade of a palm tree.
The nearby kiosks and eateries like A Fuego Bar & Restaurant offer you a variety of local food options, to post some food content as well.
#19 Flamenco Beach
Located on Culebra Island, this secluded beach offers white sands, turquoise waters, and graffitied military tanks along its shores.
If that’s not an Instagram-worthy picture, what is? If you’re not taking photos, spend time swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the beach.
If you take a boat tour here, I HIGHLY recommend that you take some vibey pictures diving off the boat!
They turn out so fun and kinda make it look like you own a private yacht. KIDDING.
#20 Salinas de Cabo Rojo
Prepare to have your mind blown at Salinas de Cabo Rojo — okay well it’s not THAT mind blowing but the colors are pretty cool!
Earning its place as a historical landmark, these salt flats undoubtedly offer one of the best Puerto Rico aesthetic pictures.
The surreal landscape surrounding the vivid pink waters beautifully contrasts, creating a picture-perfect image with lush greenery and blue ocean waters in the background.
Candidly a lot of the magic here will happen after you edit pictures. Depending on the time of day you go, the pink can be hard to capture!
#21 Condado Beach
Back in San Juan, Condado Beach is the go-to spot for a relaxed day at the beach.
It is surrounded by turquoise waters and golden sands, with a cityscape in the background.
Besides taking photos, enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like water biking or paddleboarding.
Otherwise, you can simply enjoy biking along the scenic promenade for even more gorgeous snaps.
#22 Rincón
On the west side of the island, Rincón is a coastal town famous for surfing and breathtaking sunsets.
There are too many beaches to name in this county, but any of them will give you that beachy vibe you’re looking for.
The landscape here is quite diverse. From volcanic craters to hot springs, beaches, and tropical settings, you won’t have any shortage of things to photograph.
Pretty Places in Puerto Rico for Foodies
The island’s culinary scene cannot be separated from its beautiful landscapes and lively culture.
If you’re a foodie, here are some spots to get the perfect picture of Puerto Rico.
#23 Bistro Café
Coffee mugs hanging from the ceiling, flamingo wallpaper, and industrial-style furniture — that’s Bistro Café on Calle Júpiter.
They also serve aesthetically pleasing dishes and drinks, from pancakes and waffles to creamy cappuccinos, tangy spritzers, and colorful cocktails.
#24 St. Germain Bistro & Café
Arguably one of the best Old San Juan Instagram spots, the pink St. Germain Bistro & Café is not only a great place to go for a filling meal but also to snap a picture of the century.
Offering a cozy atmosphere and farm-to-table menu, this restaurant is a fantastic spot to savor creative local dishes in a warm and inviting environment.
#25 La Casita de Rones
Last, but not least, another pink-colored eatery awaits, but this time hot pink. La Casita de Rones, or “The Little House of Rum,” is simply marvelous.
Capture the colorful exterior of the historic building, the beautifully crafted cocktails, or the scenic views from the restaurant.
Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Puerto Rico
Click here to view a live version of the map!
Wrapping Up Places to Take Beautiful Pictures of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a gold mine for Instagrammable places.
From colorful streets to pristine beaches, and lush forests, this island is perfect for nature lovers, beachgoers, and foodies alike.
So pack your camera and get ready to explore the most picture-perfect places in Puerto Rico.
Before You Go: Want to turn photos into cash? Here’s how to make money as a content creator.
