San Juan de Puerto Rico
San Juan is the capital of the unincorporated territory of the USA, Puerto Rico. We are in the archipelago of the Greater Antilles, between US Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic. Spanish colonialists founded the city in 1521, after Christopher Columbus arrival in 1493. Therefore, it’s the third oldest European capital in the Americas (after Santo Domingo and Panama City).
The Island of Puerto Rico was acquired by United States in 1898, after the Spanish-American war. In this way it became the world oldest colony.
Its architecture is the result of an exotic mix: colonial style together with Latin American and Caribbean influences. Therefore Puerto Ricans are characterized by being cheerful, open and romantic.
The best experience for first timer is to definitely get lost in the old town, discovering Puerto Rico ancient culture.
What to see & what to do
San Juan is unique in its colorful streets and with its welcoming people. The narrow streets of the Old Town and the magnificent fortresses overlook the sea. Beautiful beaches are a prerogative of the island too. But unless you are an expert of Old San Juan, we suggest to dedicate time to walk and discover its urban corners.
Beaches
Condado Beach
10 min car from the cruise port. Condado beach is located quite close to the cruise port, facing north. Due to its exposure, sometimes the water results to be rough, but only during windy days. Being a popular public beach, it's typically busy and sometimes crowded. Lots of bar and restaurant are in the area, other than hotels and residential area for tourists. Sun chairs are for rent with a small charge.
El Escambron Beach
5 min car from the cruise port. "Balneario" El Escambron is the closest beach to the Old Town. It's often uncrowded, while most of the people gather usually at the more popular Condado and Isla Verde. As the other famous beaches of Puerto Rico, there are lifeguards, restrooms, rental stands, bars and a parking lot if you rent your own transportation.
Isla Verde Beach
15 min by car from the cruise port. This large and wide sandy beach is one of the top choices in San Juan. It's equipped with free showers and toilets and constantly assisted by lifeguards. The beach is mostly considered really neat and clean even if it's quite busy. Some seaweeds are sometimes in the water. Restaurants and bar are readily available. If you get by a rented car, for the park is 5$ charge.
Park & Landmarks
El Morro Lighthouse
10 min by car or 20 min walk from the cruise port. If you love sightseeing spots with legendary story and unique landscapes, this is a place not to be missed in San Juan. If you have never been in San Juan before, we strongly suggest to skip the beach day and come here.
History & Culture
Castillo San Cristóbal
5 min by car or 10 min walking. This is the biggest fortification ever built in the new world by the Spanish. Thanks to its dimensions, when it was built it meant to protect the city of San Juan from land based attacks. The city was wrapped by this fort and it was accessible only through the gates of San Cristobal.
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
20 min walk or 10 min by car from the cruise port. Known as "El Morro" it was built between the 16th and 18th century. It's located on the northwestern point of Old San Juan, in a way to originally protect the entrance of San Juan harbor. From 1983 El Morro is a World Heritage Site. It cannot be missed during a visit of Old San Juan. A pleasant walk gives the opportunity to access the old fort and enjoy the view from its majestic walls.
Old San Juan
5 min walking from the cruise port. The Old town San Juan is a contender for one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world. It's definitely a must see. The streets are narrow and the pace slow. Great variety of bar and local restaurants give large food choices. The colorful buildings are the perfect frame for the welcoming people cheering at every corner and characterizing the real spirit of the town.
Walking
Calle de la Fortaleza
3 min walk from the cruise port. Calle de la Fortaleza is an iconic street of San Juan. The umbrella ceiling and the classic old town colorful buildings make this a bustling place. Sometimes umbrellas are replaced by flags, like the Puerto Rican one during winter. Close by there are lots of shops, bar and restaurant. At one end of the street is situated the Governor's House.
Old San Juan
5 min walking from the cruise port. The Old town San Juan is a contender for one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world. It's definitely a must see. The streets are narrow and the pace slow. Great variety of bar and local restaurants give large food choices. The colorful buildings are the perfect frame for the welcoming people cheering at every corner and characterizing the real spirit of the town.
Paseo de la Princesa
10 min by walk from the cruise port. This waterfront promenade goes around the old town walls. The stroll is rich of charme and opens a full view of the bay. The walk can start from the historic Puerta de San Juan, the official gate to guard the city during colonial times.
Shopping
Plaza Las America Shopping Mall
15 min by car from the cruise port. This is a big shopping mall located not far from the Old Town and the cruise port. Of course is full of shops and chain brands of any kind. If you need clothes, shoes or electronics it's a must. Especially useful to crew members. If you want instead a smaller shops closer to the port, there's also a supermarket just at the opposite site of the street in front of Old San Juan cruise piers.
Best cruise deals: (Cruises are still suspended till 2021)
Royal Caribbean
Departing from: San Juan, Miami, Cape Liberty, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, Boston, Baltimore, Montreal.
Carnival Cruise Line
Departing from: San Juan, Miami, Galveston, Ft. Lauderdale, New York, Charleston, Norfolk, Port Canaveral, Barcelona, Barbados.
MSC Crociere
Departing from: Miami
Norwegian Cruise Line
Departing from: San Juan, Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Panama City, New York, Barcelona.
Celebrity Cruises
Departing from: San Juan, Ft. Lauderdale, Boston, Tampa.
Share
