A Day in Port: San Juan, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico:

Puerto Rico is a large Caribbean island of roughly 3,500 square miles located in the West Indies. It’s the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles chain, which also includes Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola (divided into Haiti and the Dominican Republic). Puerto Rico was ceded to the US as a result of the Spanish-American War. Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship in 1917.  The city of San Juan, Puerto Rico is a great place to spend a day in port.

San Juan: A Day in Port

San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico. It is the largest city on the island. Puerto Rico’s name comes from the Spanish meaning ‘rich port’. It is an anchor cruise port, serving both Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries. Puerto Rico is a very popular cruise port, and as a result has about 500 cruise calls per year.

Cruise ships usually dock in the heart of Old San Juan, which dates back to the 16th century. There is much to explore here. For example, there are sprawling forts, antique shops, and art galleries, all surrounded by quant, if uneven cobblestone streets.

The currency is the U.S. dollar and the official language is both Spanish and English.

San Juan has two cruise ports:

1. Pan American Terminal, which is located near the airport. This port can host 2 ships at a time and Celebrity Cruises usually sale from here.
2. San Juan Cruise Port, which is located in Old San Juan. This is the however main port and can host up to 7 ships at a time.

MAP:

1. For a map of Puerto Rico, click here.
2. And for a detailed map of Old San Juan, click here.

THINGS TO DO WHILE IN SAN JUAN:

1. El Morro Fort, also called the Castillo San Felipe del Morro: This is a must-see while in Old San Juan. It dates back to 1539 and has breath-taking views of the ocean. This fort is a complex structure consisting of barracks, lookouts, cannon-firing positions, dungeons, garitas (guard towers), vaults, and finally ramps. There is a modest entrance fee, which also includes entrance to San Cristobal Fort. The walk from the cruise port is doable but it is rather steep and some of the streets are cobblestone and uneven. What a great way to walk off some of those extra calories consumed on your cruise!
2. Castillo San Cristobal: Built-in 1771, the fortress served as a means of defense for the city of San Juan in the event of land attacks from the east. For example, notable features of the fort include a dungeon, moat, plaza, rooms for canons, various tunnels, and a bunker. Two observation posts were added during World War II.
3.  San Juan Cathedral (Cathedral de San Juan Bauhttp): This is a Roman Catholic cathedral and is one of the oldest buildings in San Juan. It is also one of the oldest cathedrals in The Americas. It is is an architectural treasure worth seeing, dating back to the 1540s. Ponce de Leon is buried here.
4. Museo Pablo Casals: If you are a fan of classical music, you will above all want to visit this museum, located in Old San Juan. It is dedicated to Spanish cellist Pablo Casals. Open Tues. – Sat. 9:30 am – 4:45 pm.
5. Barcardi Rum Factory: Visit this either on a ship tour or on your own. If on your own, take the ferry (next to cruise dock) on Pier 2, it leaves every 1/2 hour and costs $1.00 roundtrip. It is a 6-minute ride to Catano. Then take a bus or Uber for a 10-minute ride to the factory. The factory is lovely. Gift shop and tour available.
6. El Yunque: The only rainforest designated as a U.S. National Forest. It is 1 hour south of San Juan. During your visit there you will see waterfalls, ferns, wildflowers, along marked trails. Certainly pack a raincoat.

FOR GOLFERS:

Bahia Beach: This is a hidden treasure. You will need to rent a car to get there. It is an 18-hole public course that fronts the sea. Golf clubs available to rent.

PLACES TO EAT:

LOCAL BEER = MEDALLA LIGHT

RUM = BACARDI, BUT LOCALS PREFER DON Q

Barrachina – 104 Fortaleza St. This iconic restaurant is said to be the birthplace of the Pina Colada. They are open for lunch and dinner. Its central location in Old San Juan, its lovely courtyard, and also their good food all add up to a nice experience.  They take reservations (OpenTable) but are they not always necessary. It is an easy 10 – 15 walk from the cruise pier.

Cafe Manolin – 251 Calle San Justo. This 1050’s type diner has been popular with tourists and locals since they opened in 1942. They serve breakfast and lunch, offering authentic Puerto Rican food without any fuss. It is a popular place so be prepared for a wait.

Chocobar Cortes – 210 Calle de San Francisco. They are open from 8 am – 8 pm. The Cortés family has been making chocolate for more than 80 years. As a result, they are the largest chocolate-maker in the Caribbean. The owner says “Our mission is to delight your palate with our passion for chocolate.” USA Today has named it the Best Restaurant in the Caribbean Readers Choice for 2017!

Rivera Hermanas Cafe & Teatro – 157 Calle de San Sebastian. We stumbled across this place after half a day touring the forts in Old San Juan. We were thirsty and a little hungry. The sliding doors were wide open. It was quaint, but it was the wood swings, hanging from the ceiling in the bar area that drew us in. We made a great choice. The rum drinks were delicious, the appetizers were tasty and in addition, our waitress could not have been better. This is a low-key, no-frills place and yes, we will go back next time we are on Old San Juan. They do not have a web site but are open 10 am – midnight, 7 days a week. 

Marmalade Restaurant and Wine Bar – Calle Fortaleza 317. Marmalade is an upscale restaurant offering a tasting menu consisting of 4, 5, or 6 courses. However, each tasting menu may be different. Dinner will take a minimum of two hours. Children under the age of 7 are not welcome. Reservations can be made through OpenTable.

SHOPPING:

San Juan is not a duty-free port but there is no sales tax!

Artisan Corner. 312 Calle San Francisco. Offers unique, affordable souvenirs made by local artists.

The Butterfly People. 257 Calle De La Cruz. Artistic gallery and shop.T

The Cigar Shop. 257 Calle Fortaleza. Best place for good cigars.

Piraña Joe. 259 Calle Fortaleza. One of the Piraña Joe’s franchises that sells island clothing and accessories.

Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts. 204 Calle Fortaleza. Sells beautiful local artwork.

Spicy Caribbee. 154 Calle del Cristo. Wonderful spices, coffees, and seasonings

GETTING AROUND:

1. Walking: very doable but the hills are steep and there are many cobblestone streets.
2. Taxis: Available at the dock.
3. Trolleys: Free trolly around Old San Juan and to the ports. Also, an information booth is between Piers 3 and 4.
4. Car Rental: Hertz in Old San Juan but be aware that parking is very limited.
5. Rideshare: Uber but not Lyft. In addition, it might be hard to find a ride back.

• Visiting Princess Cays? If so, be sure to read my post called A Day in Port: Princess Cays.