San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico is a vibrant and historic city on the Caribbean Sea, and as a cruise port, it's one of the best in the world. The city's main attraction, Old San Juan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with charming, blue-cobblestone streets, colorful Spanish colonial buildings, and two massive fortresses that have guarded the city for centuries. The port is unique because it places you right in the heart of this historic district, making it incredibly easy to explore on foot.
⛵ Port Introduction
The San Juan cruise port has two main terminals: Pier 3/4 and the Pan American Terminal. Both are located on the southern harbor shore. For most cruises, your ship will dock at one of these piers, so no tendering is required. For cruisers, the best part is that Pier 3/4 is located right next to Old San Juan's historic district, making it simple to explore the area on foot. The Pan American Terminal is a bit further away, and you'll need to take a taxi to get to Old San Juan, but it's a very short ride.
⚓ Terminal Information
The San Juan cruise terminals are modern, spacious, and fully accessible. You will walk a short distance from the ship to the terminal building, and from there, you are right at the edge of the city.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The terminals have a number of amenities for your comfort. You'll find air-conditioned waiting areas, clean restrooms, and tourist information desks with helpful staff. There are also local vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. The terminals offer free Wi-Fi, which is a big plus. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminal, with clear signage to guide you.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Spanish, but due to its status as a U.S. territory, English is widely spoken, especially in the main tourist areas. You will have no problem navigating, communicating, or exploring.
A few useful phrases:
Hola (OH-lah) - Hello
Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs) - Thank you
Por favor (por fah-VOR) - Please
¿Dónde está? (DOHN-day ehs-TAH) - Where is...?
¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAHN-toh KWEHS-tah) - How much does it cost?
💰 Money
The currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). There is no need to exchange money. Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, from cafes to major department stores. Cash is also widely used, and ATMs are easy to find at banks, inside grocery stores, and throughout the city.
🚗 Transportation
Old San Juan is a very walkable city, but if you want to venture to other parts of San Juan, you have a few options.
Walking: The best way to explore Old San Juan is on foot. The blue cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings are best experienced by walking.
Trolley: The city of San Juan offers a free trolley service that runs on a loop throughout Old San Juan. It's a great way to see the city's highlights without having to walk.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal and throughout the city. They are regulated, and in designated "tourist zones," the rates are fixed and posted.
Ride-Sharing: Uber is available in San Juan and is a convenient option.
Public Bus: The public bus system, while affordable, is not recommended for tourists as it has limited routes and no set schedule.
♿ Accessibility
San Juan has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the cruise terminals are modern and fully accessible, the historic nature of Old San Juan, with its cobblestone streets, steep hills, and narrow sidewalks, can be very challenging to navigate. The city's famous forts, while part of the U.S. National Parks system and offering some accessibility, have many stairs and uneven surfaces.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
If you dock at Pier 3/4, the best way to get to town is to walk. You are already there! If you dock at the Pan American Terminal, the best way to get to Old San Juan is to take a short taxi ride.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in San Juan, but they are not very common. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the cruise terminals, museums, or restaurants. Some places may charge a small fee.
💊 Drugstore
Walgreens: 100 Calle F. VIZCARRONDO, San Juan, PR 00901.
CVS Pharmacy: 1320 San Alfonso Avenue, San Juan, PR 00921.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk to El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal: For a deep dive into the city's history, walk to the two famous forts, Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. These massive fortresses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer stunning views of the ocean and the city. It's a great way to learn about the city's military past and get a feel for its historical significance.
Dine on Local Mofongo and a Piña Colada: For a classic Puerto Rican culinary experience, find a local restaurant and try a dish of mofongo, a dish made from mashed fried plantains with garlic and pork rinds, often served with a savory broth. And since San Juan is the birthplace of the piña colada, you must try one.
Explore the Backstreets of Old San Juan: While the main streets are bustling with tourists, for a more authentic experience, wander off the main streets and explore the colorful backstreets of Old San Juan. You'll find a variety of small, local shops, art galleries, and cafes that offer a more peaceful and authentic look into the city's culture.
