San Juan Question

[nycmode]

Hi all, for those of you who visited San Juan, I had a question. Is it worth visiting "New" San Juan or are we better off just using our port day in SJ to focus on the sights in just "Old" San Juan? (Trying to decide between a walking tour of Old San Juan vs a bus tour of both New and Old San Juan). Thanks!

[kyriecat]

I like OSJ and would just spend the day there. I like history and old buildings so there is plenty to see. There are shops featuring everything from upper end designers to touristy souveniers if you get tired of buildings. There are also several plazas with benches to take a break and people watch for a while.

 

I did a tour several years ago that was highlights of San Juan and the rainforest. I wasn't impressed with the highlights. We went by museums, government buildings, and some of the popular resorts/casinos but nothing that I thought was that impressive. The rainforest was interesting but it was raining that day so we got wet. I think we saw the world's largest slug in the rainforest. ICK!

[van-lop]

There is no such thing as new San Juan. In OSJ you can visit El Morro, a spanish fortress, San Cristobal, Cathedral, Parque de las Palomas, Christ Church and many more things to do. Enjoy a Pina Colada, a mayorca and go shopping.

[robtulipe]

I would stick to doing OSJ as there is plenty to do and see there during a port stop. Outside the old part of SJ is mostly hotel/resort and shopping centers things to do.

OSJ is easy to do on your own.

There is a free tourist board trolley bus to both forts (San Cristobal and El Morro) and back that you catch at the stop on J.A. Corretjer St. beside the bus station which is across the road (La Marina St.) from cruise ship pier 4 in OSJ. There is a bar/beverage store with outside tables that faces the trolley stop so you can have a cold beer or other drink while waiting for the trolley. There is also a second trolley bus that stops there that only goes as far as Plaza de Armas and the City Hall (2/3 way to El Morro). If uncertain which trolley it is just asked the driver which route is that trolley doing.

It is better to get the trolley near the pier as most passengers get off there. You walked to the nearest fort, San Cristobal, whereas most tourist take the trolley all the way to further fort, El Morro and get off there. This makes that location as better place to catch the trolley back and it is not a terrible long walk from San Cristobal since the street is fairly level between the two. In fact with the amount of vehicle traffic on the road between the two forts it is probably much faster to walk between them. Also considering that the walk to either fort is uphill, it is much easier to return on foot from either to the cruise pier area since it is downhill most of the way and you can hit the shopping area on the way down.

[jt1120]

There is no such thing as new San Juan. In OSJ you can visit El Morro, a spanish fortress, San Cristobal, Cathedral, Parque de las Palomas, Christ Church and many more things to do. Enjoy a Pina Colada, a mayorca and go shopping.

 

Ditto. For that matter, there is so much that can be done without having to purchase an excursion or a tour. Get a map of the old town and explore on your own. Between your two feet and the free trolley that tours around the old town, it's one of the best places to self-tour that we've ever been to. There's nothing to do in the "city" vs. OSJ.

[suzski]

Agree with all the other posters. OSJ is great for a DIY day.... it's wonderful walking around the old streets paved with ship's ballast, going up to El Morro, picking up some Mallorca's at La Bombonera, stopping by the Coach outlet (okay, sorry, I'm a girl and it's in my DNA:o). Enjoy your day!

[Dave&Robin]

If you search the internet a bit you can find self guided walking tours which give you interesting facts and information about each point of interest. I did this for our group last year when we spent 2 days pre-cruise in OSJ.

There really is so much to do in the area (I think it's something like 8 square blocks) that you really don't need to leave OSJ or book a tour.....unless of course you've been there several times and want something else.

After, at least 3 ports stops and twice staying pre-cruise we still haven't seen everything in OSJ :) Looking forward to spending 3 days there again this coming Feb.

 

Robin

[phoenix_dream]

Definitely Old San Juan. I think the OP was perhaps thinking of areas like the Condado area as 'new San Juan'. Not really much reason to go there. There are some nice resorts, but you can't use their facilities or their beach (except for public venues like restaurants or casinos). There are some stores here and there along the main drag, but nothing to write home about (and for the most part nothing you can't find at home). OSJ or a trip to Bacardi or the rain forest are much more interesting

[Sloop-JohnB]

Hi all, for those of you who visited San Juan, I had a question. Is it worth visiting "New" San Juan or are we better off just using our port day in SJ to focus on the sights in just "Old" San Juan? (Trying to decide between a walking tour of Old San Juan vs a bus tour of both New and Old San Juan). Thanks!

 

Hi NYCMode,

 

As I am preparing for our upcoming Eastern Caribbean Cruise... I too have been reading thru Celebrity's current offerings for Excursions

 

If you read thru the description carefully for the New & Old San Juan Tour... you'll quickly pick up that they use the word "see" liberally... guessing this means that most of what you'll see will be out the window of a tour bus.

 

:(

 

So as the others have said, I wouldn't expect too much from this tour in regards to the NEW Section of town.

 

This will be our FIRST visit to San Juan... so we too are trying to decide where to spend our limited time (cruise ship in our case gets in at 3 PM and leaves by 11 PM)

 

Actually thinking that we'll do something wacky like the Bacardi Tour... and save our San Juan Sightseeing for later dates on our own (when we have more time, and can do it more justice)... as there is a very good chance we'll be back there to take a cruise to the Southern Caribbean in the not to distant future.

 

IMO based on what I've read, San Juan is easy enough to explore on one's own... so if I was in your shoes trying to decide... I'd opt for the Walking Tour of Old San Juan and some self discovery... BUT if time is of the essence to you (like it is for us) then maybe something Quick & Easy is in order... in which case the New & Old Tour might make sense... a down & dirty overview so you know what to come back and check out on your next visit.

 

Hope this is (somewhat) helpful,

 

Cheers!

[kyriecat]

John,

 

If you want "wacky" have you thought about the bio-bay kayaking or boat tour? I don't know if Celebrity offers it, but some of the companies have buses that will pick you up from OSJ. I've wanted to do that for my past two visits, but I seem to book my cruises too close to full moon. :( Maybe I'm a weirdo, but paddling through glowing algae sounds cool to me.:cool:

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

Hi NYCMode,

 

As I am preparing for our upcoming Eastern Caribbean Cruise... I too have been reading thru Celebrity's current offerings for Excursions

 

If you read thru the description carefully for the New & Old San Juan Tour... you'll quickly pick up that they use the word "see" liberally... guessing this means that most of what you'll see will be out the window of a tour bus.

 

:(

 

So as the others have said, I wouldn't expect too much from this tour in regards to the NEW Section of town.

 

This will be our FIRST visit to San Juan... so we too are trying to decide where to spend our limited time (cruise ship in our case gets in at 3 PM and leaves by 11 PM)

 

Actually thinking that we'll do something wacky like the Bacardi Tour... and save our San Juan Sightseeing for later dates on our own (when we have more time, and can do it more justice)... as there is a very good chance we'll be back there to take a cruise to the Southern Caribbean in the not to distant future.

 

IMO based on what I've read, San Juan is easy enough to explore on one's own... so if I was in your shoes trying to decide... I'd opt for the Walking Tour of Old San Juan and some self discovery... BUT if time is of the essence to you (like it is for us) then maybe something Quick & Easy is in order... in which case the New & Old Tour might make sense... a down & dirty overview so you know what to come back and check out on your next visit.

 

Hope this is (somewhat) helpful,

 

Cheers!

 

Sorry, I beg to disagree. There is absolutely no need to take a tour in San Juan. And the other posters are correct--there is no such thing as "new" San Juan.

 

There is so much to see right around the ship you'll be lucky if you get to see it all. You can stroll the path outside the city walls all the way to El Morro. There's El Morro and San Cristobal. And just walking the streets in San Juan.

 

There's an information booth in a park to the left of where you will dock and you can pick up a walking map there if you can't find one online. Then just go for it! San Juan is a great town!

[Sloop-JohnB]

John,

 

If you want "wacky" have you thought about the bio-bay kayaking or boat tour? I don't know if Celebrity offers it, but some of the companies have buses that will pick you up from OSJ. I've wanted to do that for my past two visits, but I seem to book my cruises too close to full moon. :( Maybe I'm a weirdo, but paddling through glowing algae sounds cool to me.:cool:

 

Hi Kyriecat,

 

Lol... Wacky indeed.

 

No unfortunately haven't heard of that particular outing... does sound interesting.

 

Unfortunately... as I said our time in SJ is very very limited on this particular trip... and the ship is only offering a very few Excursions... most seem to fill up the hours between 3 and 6 PM

 

Which allows for plenty of self-discovery of OSJ as I stated above (sorry HAPPY CRUISER if I wasn't clear on that)... Self Touring here would be a GOOD THING !!

 

The ONLY reason that I can see anyone doing any sort of an Organized Tour is IF they have similar time constraints as we do... and looking for something down & dirty (quick and easy) that would give an overview.

 

As Mr Sloop and I have other plans that evening back on the ship... we've decided to just make SJ a short venture for us (hence the Bacardi visit... and from what I've read, we can easily enough even do this on our own without the Celebrity Excursion... although I am still doing research on that... seems they close fairly early... and as those with Celebrity Excursions get off the ship first... it may be our only option in order to make the location before closing)

 

As I said we'll save our more extensive explorations for a return trip... guess you could say we'll be like many other cruisers who frequently comment "Cruising is great... it gives us an idea of which places we'd like to return to for longer visits"

 

Cheers!

[sailandcruise]

An inexpensive way to see "new" San Juan -- the main parts of the city where locals live, work, socialize, shop, eat, etc. -- is to take a municipal bus for $0.75 each way from the bus terminal across from the cruise dock. A map of the bus routes is here: http://www.popular.com/compromiso/pdf/ama/mapas_ama.pdf and you can find additional information here: http://www.***********.com/transit_bus.htm

 

In October 2006 I took the A5 bus to the end of the route at Iturregui through the neighborhoods of Puerta de Tierra, Miramar, Santurce, Isla Verde and past the airport. I then took the same bus back and got off just as it turns away from the shore at the beginning of Condado and walked back as far as the Caribe Hilton from where I caught the bus again to return to Old San Juan. I got to see more of the city than most cruisers ever do at less cost than perhaps anyone else.

 

I'd highly recommend trying this -- identify an area such as Condado or Ocean Park or Santurce that you'd like to see more off, take the bus there, and walk around. Santurce is the main area with two art museums, the Plaze del Mercado (farmers market), performing arts center, several educational institutions, churches and synagogues, etc. Condado is home to many hotels and is a primary tourist destination. Ocean Park is a more resudential upscale beachfront community.

[DeePee]

We have been to San Juan twice before and one of our favorite excursions was to the Barcardi Rum Facory. Also we loved the forts. That is history. Have a nice trip. DP

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

and as those with Celebrity Excursions get off the ship first... i

 

This is not a tender port. You may leave the ship as soon as it clears.

[fleckle]

For what to see in Old San Juan, here are some suggestions to get started:

 

Old San Juan Walking Tour

 

Another Walking Tour of Old San Juan

 

Hop Aboard the Free Trolley in Old San Juan

[tuggers]

No need for an excursion to do the Bacardi tour. It's free and comes with a couple of drinks. Their souvenir shop is one of the most reasonably priced I've ever seen. They also have a great sipping rum that is only sold at the SJ factory (is it a factory???).

For two or three people take a taxi. If you meet up with people onboard who want to go you can find a van and maybe save a few bucks.

While walking through OSJ be sure to watch where you are walking! The sidewalks have holes! Someone usually comes back to the ship with a sprained or broken ankle! Be careful!

If you want to find crew members in OSJ just go to Marshall's which is about 1/2 mile from the ship. You can get there by trolley. Used to be everyone went to the Walgreen's (near Marshall's) for anything they forgot but now they've built a CVS across the street and down a few blocks from the ship. :)

[phoenix_dream]

I agree in general with the comment about no need for a tour for Bacardi. That said, when arriving so late time is a concern. Last time we were there the last tour was at 4:00. If you leave the ship right away and take a taxi you can likely make that tour but it may be cutting it close. Don't even attempt to take the ferry - which is a good and cheap option if you have more time.

 

I would also check the time of the forts. If you walk, it will take at least half an hour or so. Not sure what time they close but you can check it out. The stores tend to close between 5 and 6 if I remember correctly, but a few hours is enough time to check them out. Obviously restaurants and bars stay open later.

 

If you want to get an overall flavor of the area ( old and 'new') then perhaps renting a taxi for a couple hours is an idea. Yes, you can walk around OSJ without the need for a taxi, but for someone who has never been there, a drive around with a tourguide might be worthwhile. I think taxis in San Juan tend to run on the high side, but probably less than a ship excursion. I agree with posters who say you can enjoy OSJ without a taxi and have a nice time. But if you have never been to an island, I understand wanting to check it out a little more broadly. Depends what you want to do with your time.

[63galaxie]

An inexpensive way to see "new" San Juan -- the main parts of the city where locals live, work, socialize, shop, eat, etc. -- is to take a municipal bus for $0.75 each way from the bus terminal across from the cruise dock. A map of the bus routes is here: http://www.popular.com/compromiso/pdf/ama/mapas_ama.pdf and you can find additional information here: http://www.***********.com/transit_bus.htm

 

In October 2006 I took the A5 bus to the end of the route at Iturregui through the neighborhoods of Puerta de Tierra, Miramar, Santurce, Isla Verde and past the airport. I then took the same bus back and got off just as it turns away from the shore at the beginning of Condado and walked back as far as the Caribe Hilton from where I caught the bus again to return to Old San Juan. I got to see more of the city than most cruisers ever do at less cost than perhaps anyone else.

 

I'd highly recommend trying this -- identify an area such as Condado or Ocean Park or Santurce that you'd like to see more off, take the bus there, and walk around. Santurce is the main area with two art museums, the Plaze del Mercado (farmers market), performing arts center, several educational institutions, churches and synagogues, etc. Condado is home to many hotels and is a primary tourist destination. Ocean Park is a more resudential upscale beachfront community.

We took the public bus from OSJ to the mall (one night on a lark). It was at night, so we weren't able to see much, but we met some very nice local folks, one of whom had lived in the States. He took us through the mall to the music shop we were looking for, visited with us, and hailed us a cab back to the Caribe Hilton. Must say, the buses had many quick stops, and the driving was a bit "wild" We had to hold on tightly around some of the curves. Yet, all-in-all, we enjoyed our adventure and would do it again just for something different. Not sure I'd do it if I had limited time, however. Just my two cents, but I'd skip the Barcardi tour, get off the ship and walk around Old San Juan or take the segway tour to the forts. At least you'll get to spend an hour or two in a beautiful and fascinating old city.

[MartinsCruise]

Old San Juan is a great place to just get out and walk. There is a free trolley you can get off and on as you like. There is also an information center where you can get maps and ask questions. The Bacardi tour is a good way to spend some time at the end of a cruise before going to the airport. We have done it twice to pass time and to get to the airport but I wouldn't do it if I was only there for a day.

[fleckle]

The link for the Free Trolley in post #16 does include the trolley routes and a list of the trolley stops as well as the map. Just click on the map to enlarge it.

 

The trolley goes to both forts. You can stay on and ride it right up to the entrance of El Morrow if you want to avoid the long walk.

 

To request info from Puerto Rico Tourism, here is a link to their

 

Info Request Form