Overview of San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan, Puerto Rico is the second oldest colonial city in the western world and is also one of most important cruise ports in the Caribbean. As a port in many an Eastern and Southern cruise itinerary, San Juan hosts cruisers for one day port stops and as an embarkation port, as well. One of the Caribbean's busiest ports, San Juan is a vibrant city combining the charm and history of Old San Juan with the modern, resort laiden areas of Nuevo San Juan. The colonial city of Old San Juan offers a look into the past and plenty of shopping oppurtunities. Sample the food and drink. Enjoy the music and the rhythm. Experience the culture and its people.

Check out this video, a picture montage set to music about San Juan. Nicely done.

What language is spoken in Puerto Rico? Do they speak English?

Both English and Spanish are spoken. English is widely spoken in the larger cities, but the further you move into the interior, the more you will need some Spanish.

What is the national currency in Puerto Rico?

As a United States territory, the US Dollar is the official currency of Puerto Rico.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Yes.

Where can I get or exchange money?

Since the dollar is the official currency, there is no need to exchange money. However, if you are using another currency (such as the Euro) it can be exchanged at local banks. Exchanges can also be made at the airport, Western Union and the Caribbean Foreign Exchange.

• Banks closest to cruise port: Banco Popular is half a mile west of the port (see map.)
• ATMs closest to cruise port: Are located throughout the tourist section of Condado and Old San Juan. Most will charge $1-5 per withdrawal.

How do I get around San Juan?

Walking

Walking is also a good option, especially once you make it to the center of Old San Juan either by trolley or taxi. Wear comfortable shoes as there are many hills and cobblestones. Avoid walking alone, especially at night, if possible.

Taxis

Taxis can be found at various hotels, the airport and cruise line piers. Most are metered, with fixed fares between the most common sites. There is a fare structure in place for the tourist area. Beware of unmetered taxis and make sure to have the fare quoted before departing.

Buses

Buses are also available and some of the most popular routes are from Condado to Old San Juan, and Isla Verde to Old San Juan via Mirimar. The buses are not the most tourist friendly, and if you only have a day you may want to consider more reliable transportation. If you do decide on a bus, be sure to wave it down at a stop or it will keep on going.

Rental Car

Rental cars can be found at nearby hotels and the airport. All major rental companies, including Hertz and Avis, and many other local companies are represented. The nearest location to the port is at the Sheraton Old San Juan (see map.) Cars can also be rented from the Airport location 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Trolley

Trolleys are also available and will take tourists around the forts, museums and to the center of Old San Juan at no cost.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

You can use your cell phone to call anywhere in the United States with most major carriers without incurring international roaming charges. Check with your carrier to verify roaming charges. Some internet cafes also offer international calling with better rates than you will find onboard.

Where are the Internet cafes?

• Soapy’s Station, located just outside the port, is easily within walking distance and offers computers, phones, fax and other office services.
• Cybernet Café has two locations, one 3 miles west of the port (see map) and the other 6 miles west of the port (see map.) Both are well equipped to service your needs to stay in touch with home and conduct a little business if needed.

What are the cell phone rates?

U.S. based cell phones should work in Puerto Rico at the same rates as in the continental United States. However, check with your provider before leaving to make sure of their roaming policy and rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in San Juan? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• El Castillo de San Felipe del Morro is located in Old San Juan (see map.) and an easy trolley or taxi ride away from the port. This 16th century fort was built by the Spaniards to protect San Juan from attacks by sea. It offers breathtaking ocean views and over 400 years of history.

  Check out this video of El Morro, as the star of the video almost gets locked in.

• El Yunque, which lies 37 miles southeast of the port, is the only rainforest among the U.S. territories (see map.) Known for its natural beauty, El Yunque boasts many waterfalls, vegetation and wildlife, which you can experience following along the marked trails. With kayaking, swimming, and hiking there is a little something for everyone.

  Check out this beautifully produced video of El Yunque.

• The Bacardi Rum Factory is located across the bay from the port, an 11 mile taxi ride from the port (see map.) or take the ferry over from pier #2 to Catano and take the short bus or taxi ride to the factory. The tour takes you through the lusciously landscaped grounds and transports you to 19th century Cuba to the beginnings of Bacardi Rum.
• The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Museum of Art of Puerto Rico) is located 6 miles south of the port (see map.) Housing works of art representative of Puerto Rican art from the 16th century to the present.

Beaches

• With over 270 miles of public beaches available, there is a beach for anything you want to do from snorkeling to swimming to surfing; most charge a small fee for upkeep, but the price is nominal.
• Luquillo Beach, located 31 miles east of the port (see map), is known for its calm waters and family friendly picnic areas.
• Pine Grove Beach is located at the end of Isla Verde, 7 miles east of the port (see map.) It is known for ideal swimming conditions and closeness to area restaurants.

Shopping

• Plaza Las Americas, located in San Juan, 5 miles southeast of the port, has over 300 stores ranging from jewelry to designer clothing to pottery, .
• Don’t miss Old San Juan, which is walking distance from the port (see map), for a unique collection of boutique shops selling everything from handmade hammocks to one of a kind artwork. All of these shops are within walking distance from each.

Golf

• The Trump International Golf Club offers a 36-hole championship course designed by PGA veteran Tom Kite. The club is located 28 miles east of the port (see map) and offers oceanfront views and one of Puerto Rico’s most challenging courses. For information on how to reserve tee times contact the golf shop by email or 787-657-2000 ext 111 or 112.
• Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club located 27 miles east of the port, this 18-hole championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and boasts a beachfront setting, as well as, El Yunque Rain Forest. Click here to book online.
• Dorado Beach Golf Club lies west of the port and is a 21 mile drive from the port (see map.) Consisting of four 18-hole championship courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Dorado offers distinct challenges for the golf enthusiast. Tee times can be booked online by clicking here or you can also call 787-796-8961 for reservations.

Scuba

• Caribe Aquatic Adventures is located in the heart of San Juan, 7 miles southeast of the port (see map) and offers not only access to dive sites, but also lessons, certification and checkout classes.
• Ocean Sports also offers diving opportunities in Puerto Rico. They offer diving from either the shore or a boat - including wall dives, night dives, deep dives and wreck dives. They are located a little over 5 miles east of the port (see map.)

Tours

• La Marquesa Canopy Tour is located in Guaynabo, only 10 miles south of the port (see map.) On this tour you can glide through the tree tops on a zip line tour of La Marquesa Forest Reserve. From here you will be treated to the natural beauty of the forest and sounds of the Coqui, the endemic tropical tree frog of Puerto Rico.
• Flavors of San Juan Tour is located at Plaza de Armas, just half a mile west of the port. This tour offers an interesting and delicious way to get to know Old San Juan. You will stroll through a 16th Century Spanish Colonial city, with stops at several landmark restaurants where you will have the opportunity to taste and learn about the island.

  Check out this video. "Look mom, no breaks!!".

What are the best eats in San Juan?

• Arroz con habichuelas (rice and beans) is a traditional Puerto Rican meal and is a must when visiting the island.
• Mofongo is also a popular dish made of mashed fried plantain, garlic, seasonings, and fillings ranging from chicharones (pork rinds), shrimp, seafood and steak.

Where are the best places to get them?

Ajili Mojili is located in Condado, just a short 2.5 mile taxi ride east from the port. Also try, Café Puerto Rico which is walking distance from the port (see map.)
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What are the must-drinks in San Juan?

Well if you like piña coladas, this is where the drink was invented.

Where is the best place to get them?

The Parrot Club is the best place to get a Piña Colada. They also serve a Parrot Passion with lemon-flavored rum, triple sec, oranges and passion fruit. Located in Old San Juan, The Parrot Club is a short walk from the port (see map.)

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in San Juan? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Hammocks are great souvenirs and/or gifts for friends and family back home. Handmade hammocks can be found at Las Casa de Las Casitas, located on Calle Del Cristo in Old San Juan, this store is less than a mile northwest of the port (see map.)

$25-$75

Panama Hats also make an excellent gift. Ranging from $40 to $1000, many are located at Ole in Old San Juan.

Over $75

Fine Caribbean art can be found at Mi Pequeno San Juan located on Calle Cristo in Old San Juan(see map.)

Which hotels are convenient to get to/from the cruise port?

Good for one night stay

• Hotel Milano located near Old San Juan, less than half a mile away from the cruise port (see map.)
• The San Juan Park Hotel is just one mile east of the cruise port (see map) and many travelers have recommended it as the perfect place to stay for a night or two.

Good for several night stay

• Hotel El Convento is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Old San Juan, less than a mile west of the port (see map), with its own pool and housed in a building that is over 350 years old.
• The Doubletree by Hilton, located in the Condado district of San Juan, is only 3.5 miles east of the port (see map.)

Luxury options for several night stay

• Ritz Carlton San Juan is the place to go if you are looking for luxury. It is located 7 miles east of the port (see map.) and 3.5 miles north of the airport (see map.)
• The Caribe Hilton is one of Puerto Rico’s first luxury hotels and is still at the top of its game. It is located to the 2 miles east of the port (see map) and 6.5 miles west of the Airport (see map)

What is the best way to travel between the cruise port and the airport?

• Taxis are the best way to get to and from the pier and the airport. There is a flat fee for taking a taxi to and from the pier and the airport. The fare is approximately $19.
• Buses are unreliable, but you may be able to get a shuttle to and from your particular cruise line and the airport.

What is the weather like in San Juan?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in San Juan