April 19, 2024

The Port of San Juan in Puerto Rico is one filled with history and interesting architecture. Situated in the metropolitan area of Old San Juan, this port is a hub rich in culture. While it’s great for the history buffs, and those who want to experience a different culture, and it’s a port that doesn’t require an excursion, if you have kids with you (or folks who are easily bored), you may want to look at other options than doing what many cruisers do here, which is just to explore the town of Old San Juan by foot. While I enjoy history and architecture, my children do not, so they were quite bored at this port of call. If we visit again, I will definitely not just walk around Old San Juan, but purchase an excursion to either El Yunque Rainforest or the Sky High Dining Experience. Those are much more aligned to their interests. Great Things about San Juan So… what makes San Juan stand out? Besides its stunning views, history, and warm vibes, it provides cruisers with convenience and economy due to all the amenities near the ports. There are many things to do and sites to visit, all within a short walking distance from one of the cruise ports, and a short taxi ride from the other, and many of them are free. The city is known for its famous and stunning blue cobblestone streets, but if you’re a cruiser with mobility issues, this may prove a barrier when navigating on your own. Wondering why the cobblestones of San Juan are blue? The slag turns blue over time from exposure to moisture. Terminals at Port of San Juan There are two cruise piers at San Juan: Old San Juan Terminal and the Pan American Terminal, that combined can accommodate up to nine cruise ships. Cruisers calling on the Old San Juan Terminal are in luck because they disembark right in the middle of all of the city’s best sites. If you dock at Pan American Terminal, however, don’t despair as it’s only about a 10-minute taxi ride to the city center. It’s good to check your cruise documents in advance to determine which terminal location you’ll port to plan your day properly. Free Things to Do at the San Juan Cruise Port Cruise excursions can get expensive, especially if you’re traveling with a family, so I always value ports where there are lots of free things to do, and it’s a bonus if those activities are close to the port without requiring the cost of transportation. San Juan delivers on both of these fronts. If you do want to immerse yourself in learning, you can always purchase a guided walking tour like this that provides expert guidance and information at a low cost. Or, you can go out on your own and at your own pace for no cost. Old San Juan Old San Juan is a city located within metro San Juan (think of it as Brooklyn is to New York City), and once you step foot off your cruise ship, you’re basically already there (assuming you’re docked at Old San Juan terminal). Just meandering around is an experience in and of itself, as this historic district gives vibes of a bygone era, and you almost feel immersed in another time. It’s fun to stroll down the cobblestone streets, admire the vibrant buildings and beautiful architecture, and appreciate the remnants of city walls that trace back to the 16th century. Many shops, restaurants, and even buskers and musicians provide some local flavor. San Juan National Historic Site Perhaps this port city’s most iconic landmark is its San Juan National Historic Site, which is comprised of two historic structures, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, or “El Morro” for short, and San Cristóbal. The site is only about a 10-minute walk from the cruise port, is free(ish), and definitely worth the visit because once you traverse the steep hill up to the site, you’re rewarded with stunning ocean views. Castillo San Felipe del Morro stands as the highlight and the most frequented attraction within the San Juan National Historic Site. Positioned at the farthest northwest point of the Islet of San Juan, it was constructed atop a promontory, earning it its nickname El Morro. Accessing El Morro to enjoy the scenic ocean views is free, and cruisers can peruse the exterior of the stunning stone structure at no cost, but admission to the San Juan National Historic Site does come with a fee. A standard entrance pass is affordable at just $10, and this includes admission to both forts — El Morro and San Cristóbal. Bastión de las Palmas de San José Puerto Rico is the oldest European construction in the territory of the United States, and it served as a strategic military position for the US, so it’s no surprise that many of its famous historic sites involve military installations, including forts and bastions. Hang a left immediately out of port, and within a short 15-minute walk, you’ll encounter two great attractions, one of which being a military site. The first is the Bastión de las Palmas de San José (or “Bastion of the Palms”), a National Historic Site, which served as an artillery platform against enemy naval units in the San Juan Bay, allowing soldiers to defend against land attacks from the Puntilla Area and serving. History and military buffs will love this, but for many kids and those who are perhaps more easily bored, this site is likely best visited as a location for gorgeous scenic views and photo ops, given its high position on the island. While it might not be the most interesting site for some folks, it’s a free one and worth a visit, especially given its close proximity to the port as well as another unique San Juan landmark, La Casa Estrecha. La Casa Estrecha If you love quirky stops when traveling, and want fun and colorful photos, a stop