Review Highlights
“We had stumbled upon Parque de las Paloma's "pigeon park" while walking in old San Juan.” in 5 reviews
“Right next door is Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud which also should not be missed.” in 2 reviews
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22 reviews
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- Feb 5, 2024
We had stumbled upon Parque de las Paloma's "pigeon park" while walking in old San Juan. Pigeon park offers a chance to feed the friendly birds in the city. The cost of pigeon food is $2 per bag including taxes.
As you can see from the video I posted if you have a fear of birds definitely stay away as they can get a little intense trying to get some snacks.
At the end of the park they have a picturesque coffee shop/cafe. I would definitely recommend stoping by for a cheap and fun activity in San Juan.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Tony S.South Corning, NY22139May 1, 2024
At night a pack of cats hunt the park where the birds hang out during the day. Luckily the birds have a safe sleeping area near the pier. Really enjoyed my visit to the birds.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Dec 10, 2022
This is a crazy little pigeon park where you can literally feed the birds!
Located in Old San Juan, this place is just so much fun! During the day the park is open and it is nice to stroll through and take in the beautiful views of the bay. There is also a vendor stand where you can purchase some bird feed. The pigeons go nuts when you feed them and are super friendly. I had to get past the fact that a hundred birds were flying at your face and body and get over the poop scare. The experience is so worth it. Hold out your arms and hands and they will land on you (even your back, chest, head, etc). You can toss the feed up in the air, or away from you, if you are not a pigeon fan and still watch them go for it.
Jokingly, my partner said he felt like Tippi Hedren (actress) in The Birds. No birds are harmed at this pigeon park and they get plenty of food. It is a cute park with beatufiful view and is just a good feeling feeding the pigeons in the cobblestone park, underneath this old tree, while looking out over the bay. We stopped back at night and even with the park closed and the birds away and asleep it is a quiet, and still beautiful, park that gives off a nice feeling of tranquility.Helpful 16Thanks 0Love this 11Oh no 0 - 2955498748Dec 7, 2022
This is one of your classic spots in Old San Juan. It's usually a kid favorite, but lots of adults get in on the action too. It's definitely not for everyone. Not everybody likes pigeons flying around and on them, but for those who don't mind it, it's fun. Tip - If you want them to leave you alone, don't feed them. It's that easy. If you do want to feed them, you can buy some food at the entrance.
In addition to the pigeons, the view of the bay is very nice, especially around sunset. At the end of the park is a small café called Café del Niño. They have lots of snacks for the kids and a play area... btw, the pigeons don't roam around here; they stick to the entrance of the park.
The park is also adjacent to the Capilla del Cristo, which is another classic landmark in Old San Juan, and near La Fortaleza (the Governor's mansion).Helpful 11Thanks 0Love this 10Oh no 0 - Mar 17, 2023
Omg this park is so fun and crazy. There are SO many pigeons. Be prepared to be slightly attacked if you do buy the food. Luckily I didn't get pooped on, but this was an awesome time and the food is only $2. You don't need it though, just put your arms out and they will come land on you.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Sep 6, 2022
We walked all the way up to see Fortaleza and this park was at the top right before heading to Fortaleza. We happened to come across it by mistake. It is a small park by the Capilla de Santo Cristo. As you walk in the park has many pigeons which are waiting to be fed. They literally fly up onto your hands and arms. All you have to do is stretch your arms. It is a very peaceful and tranquil place with plenty of shade if you need a rest from the sun.
Helpful 9Thanks 0Love this 11Oh no 0 - 1424892729Aug 2, 2021
My kid loves this park. Sometimes he loves the pigeons, other times he fears them, but either way, it is always a must stop for him when we visit Old San Juan.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Darrel F.Washington Heights, Manhattan, NY2251116Feb 23, 2019
Check Out Our Full Video: https://youtu.be/Hyb4A1juBes
On a walk up a corridor, leading to a subway, exposed to the elements, yet, still sheltered by a glass dome - it's a massive train station in New York City - we come across a pigeon resting on a hand rail [I should really say Jay when referring to we]. The pigeon is closest to me as Jay's on my left side; we are holding hands, and she notices it [the pigeon] before I can acknowledge its presence. Under normal circumstances, any human being would ignore it as it doesn't harm anyone whether disturbed or not, but Jay is beyond normal (which is why I love her).
Pigeon are remarkable animals - they're intelligent to an extent. During World War's, and even prior, they were used as carriers in the transport of secretive messages - very much like Game of Thrones and its ravens. In New York City, they're considered pest. Not many New Yorkers enjoy their company, but they're tolerated. On the other hand, Jay doesn't have a tolerate/hate relationship; she has a hate/hate relationship.
In that corridor, in Coney Island, New York City, I experience something I didn't think was possible - anticipation of the world coming to an end based on someone's [Jay's] facial expression.
What face is synonymous with surprised - outrage? It's a slow-motion facial expression. The brain is an amazing tool; when faced with danger, it slows an incident to the millisecond. So, you may ask, where am I going with this? Jay reacts with shock when she comes across birds, insects (especially, or weird looking animals (opossum), and the individuals that suffer are the ones in her company. You'd think she just encountered a wild tiger based on her reaction.
That day, in that corridor, I thought I was going to die. Jay reacted with what I can only describe (for lack of a better term) an O face while also hitting my shoulder. I have no idea why she's reacting this way, although, I'm anticipating death. I turn to my right to face the catalyst of the end of my life; it was a chilled-out pigeon.
Fast Forward to Old San Juan. Puerto Rico and Parque de Las Palomas - Pigeon Park.
If you suffer from Ornithophobia (a fear of birds), then Parque de las Palomas in Old San Juan is not for you.
For those who are okay with being near Pigeons then Parque de las Palomas makes for a great stop during your walking tour of Old San Juan.
The park is located next to Capilla del Cristo at the end of Cristo Street. It is only a small park but offers a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Old San Juan and provides the pigeons of the area a great place to find shelter and food. As is typical in cities around the world, where there is a large gathering of birds, there will be someone selling bird food. For $1 you can continue this worldwide tradition.
To my surprise, Jay agreed to visit Parque de Las Palomas. The following video is a what happened.
Our inspiration of for the title was Alfred Hitchcock, "The Birds". In additional credit goes to Home Alone 2 (pigeon lady), and Snow White.
Instagram: @SomeWhereFarFarHelpful 1Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0