thinking about not doing an excursion

[calico79]

So my fiance and I will be in San Juan in October on our honeymoon and I was thinking rather than being on a schedule that day, that maybe it might be a good idea to not book an excursion or tour and just stick around the city. For those of you who did that, what did you do while in San Juan?

[Roadtripster]

San Juan is a GREAT walking tour. Lots of free walking tour guides online to follow. So many nooks and crannies to explore. Walking, segways etc... are all so great to use. There is the trolly system too.

 

We don't use excursions for SJ. Been there plenty of times and always find something new to see and do.

[SANJOSEGAL]

We too have never booked a excursion in San Juan because as soon as you step foot off the ship you are in Old San Juan lots and lots of shops, restaurants, and culture to take in. It does get hot mid afternoon so take your walk to the Fort early if possible. Our favorite restaurant is Agua Viva http://gopuertorico.about.com/od/dining/gr/Aguaviva.htm. Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials :).

[hpreece]

I didn't enjoy the walking and shopping. The roads are very "uphill"...not to mention the warm weather.

[MDSue]

I love walking around Old San Juan. They have beautiful blue cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, neat forts, and plenty of interesting shops to visit. I've never booked an excursion here, between the free trolley and walking, or taxi's, it is super easy to get around on your own.

 

A good walking map can be purchased at many of the shops that can make it easier to find what interests you.

[hylasgirl]

So my fiance and I will be in San Juan in October on our honeymoon and I was thinking rather than being on a schedule that day, that maybe it might be a good idea to not book an excursion or tour and just stick around the city. For those of you who did that, what did you do while in San Juan?

 

 

If you haven't been there before, you should totally do the Segway tour. It was the highlight of our trip there. You can see all their ratings and info on the Trip Advisor. It was such a great day!

[Sea42]

A good walking map with a self guided tour is available for free at the tourist information center right near the pier.

[Ms411]

Since it's your honeymoon, why not take some sensual, salsa dance lessons w/food at Latin Roots Restaurant? You can google for their website. Nothing improves a relationship like dancing together!

[SANJOSEGAL]

If you haven't been there before, you should totally do the Segway tour. It was the highlight of our trip there. You can see all their ratings and info on the Trip Advisor. It was such a great day!

 

Don't you have to pay in advance with no cancellation?

[Host Faith]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! :)

 

We tend to walk the city on our own when we're there. An absolute must-see is El Morro Fort. Incredible sea views from the fort, great photo-ops.

 

If you are history buffs, I would recommend you hire a taxi for an hour or two, just to give you an overview of the city (do research on prices here on this board and be sure of your price before you get in the cab). Having a guide for even an hour can give you such a great appreciation for the city. Helps you get your bearings and take note of places you want to explore a bit more on your own. It's also beneficial since you can cool off for a bit in the air-conditioned car/van. You can have the driver drop you off at the fort, then walk back through OSJ to the ship on your own.

[rinkyd]

What is San Juan like in the evening and are there any special places to go in the evening? We are docked there from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

[debshomespun]

We have never done a ship excursion in San Juan. We have walked over to the fort, and did the tour on our own. We have toured the inside of the fort once, and last time, we walked through Old San Juan, then over to the Fort, and just walked outside along the exterior perimeter, and took lots of pictures. Very interesting, and great views. It was a very nice walk back to the ship.

 

Also, just across the street from the pier is the Casino, if you like to gamble. Lots of things to see and do in San Juan. We are going on Serenade in Jan/12, and are looking to go 3 days pre-cruise and enjoy the city, and the much needed warmer weather in middle of the winter! :D

[SANJOSEGAL]

What is San Juan like in the evening and are there any special places to go in the evening? We are docked there from 3:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

 

We arrived at that time and quickly jumped on one of the tour busses lined up next to the port. They quickly fill them with cruise passengers and give you a nice short tour of the area. At a few stops you get out for photos. We asked to be let out near a great restaurant we had seen featured on the Rachel Ray Show called Agua Viva. We had a great dinner then walked around the shops and back to the ship. What day of the week will you be there?

[SANJOSEGAL]

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We are going on Serenade in Jan/12, and are looking to go 3 days pre-cruise and enjoy the city, and the much needed warmer weather in middle of the winter! :D

 

Wow January is a very big month in San Juan you should check the schedule of events maybe you will be lucky enough to be there during one of the many festivals.

http://www.topuertorico.com/cgi-bin/eventsM.cgi?categ=January

[sk84fungirl]

So my fiance and I will be in San Juan in October on our honeymoon and I was thinking rather than being on a schedule that day, that maybe it might be a good idea to not book an excursion or tour and just stick around the city. For those of you who did that, what did you do while in San Juan?

 

We did not pre-book an excursion or private tour when visiting San Juan April, 2010. When we exited the ship, we hopped on a local tour for $10 each. There were plenty. We drove around, took photos, and were dropped in OSJ. We walked around and shopped then finished at the Casino.