Cruise Port Guide · Eastern Caribbean
Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan’s cruise piers sit right beside Old San Juan, a colourful, walkable historic city with blue cobblestone streets and centuries-old forts. It’s also a departure port for many Southern Caribbean cruises, with beaches, food and El Yunque rainforest all close by.
San Juan at a glance
“Sand is the new snow. For Canadians in March, so true!”
Top Things to Do in San Juan
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Walk Old San Juan
The cruise pier is right by Old San Juan, so it’s easy to get out and explore on foot. Amy and her sons had to get their photo with the colourful I love PR sign! The old city is full of pastel buildings, blue cobblestone streets, shops and cafés.
- Distance
- Steps from the pier
- Cost
- Free to wander
- Photo op
- The I love PR sign
- Wear
- Comfy shoes, it’s hilly
Walk to the forts
You don’t need a tour to see San Juan’s famous forts, you can walk to both! Castillo San Cristóbal is a short walk uphill from the cruise piers, and El Morro sits at the other end of Old San Juan, guarding the entrance to the bay. One pass gets you into both forts, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Cost
- $10 USD, both forts
- Kids
- 15 and under free
- Pass
- Good for 24 hours
- Pay
- Card only, no cash
A night out at La Placita
Arriving the day before your cruise? Spend the evening at La Placita de Santurce. By day it’s a market that’s been running for over a century, and after dark the square fills with bars, restaurants, salsa and live music spilling into the street. Amy spent a fun Saturday night here before her Norwegian Viva cruise: great food, drinks and dancing!
- Where
- Santurce, about 10 min from Old San Juan
- Busiest
- Thursday to Saturday nights
- Try
- Mofongo and fritters
- Get there
- Taxi or Uber, parking is tough
Book a private island tour
Want to see more of Puerto Rico than the old city? Amy did a private island tour on one of her stops: a beach, local food and the rainforest, all in one day. A private tour lets your group set the pace, and your driver gets you back to the ship on time.
- Who
- Just your group
- Amy’s tour
- Beach, food, rainforest
- Pickup
- At the cruise pier
- Book
- Ask us, we’ll arrange it
Visit El Yunque rainforest
El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System, full of waterfalls, lookout towers and hiking trails. It’s about 45 minutes to an hour east of San Juan, so on a port day it’s best done with a tour that gets you back to the ship on time.
- Entry
- Free, no reservation
- El Portal centre
- $8 USD, 16+
- Open
- Until 5 pm
- Bring
- Rain jacket, good shoes
Explore Piñones
Been to Old San Juan before? Piñones is a laid-back stretch of coast just east of the city, past the airport. Amy spent the day here after her Norwegian Viva cruise: beaches, palm trees, colourful roadside kiosks and local food. It’s a great way to see a more local side of Puerto Rico without going too far.
- Where
- Loíza, just east of San Juan
- Get there
- Taxi or rideshare
- Eat
- Kiosk fritters and pinchos
- Also
- A boardwalk and bike path
Read Amy’s Carnival Mardi Gras review: a March Break family cruise from Port Canaveral with her two sons, with San Juan, Amber Cove and Grand Turk.
More Things to Do in San Juan
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Stay before or after your cruiseSan Juan is a great place to add a night or two. Amy stayed before and after her Norwegian Viva cruise, and it was so easy to get to the ship.
Try local food and drinksPuerto Rico is known for mofongo (mashed plantain) and fresh piña coladas, said to have been created in San Juan. Old San Juan and Santurce are full of great spots to try them.
Climb a rainforest towerEl Yunque’s stone lookout towers rise above the treetops for views to the coast. A great add-on if you’re visiting the rainforest.
Free Things to Do in San Juan
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
- Walk the Paseo de la Princesa: This shaded promenade runs just outside Old San Juan’s city walls toward El Morro, an easy walk from the cruise piers with lovely harbour views.
- Fly a kite at El Morro: Even without touring the fort, you can relax on El Morro’s huge grassy lawn, where locals fly kites in the steady ocean breeze.
- Relax at Parque de las Palomas: Rest on benches overlooking the water in this little Old San Juan park, famous for its friendly resident pigeons.
Know Before You Go in San Juan
- US dollars: Puerto Rico is a US territory, so there’s no need to change money.
- Wear comfy shoes: Old San Juan is hilly with cobblestones.
- Bring a card: The forts don’t take cash.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
San Juan FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
Can you walk from the cruise port to Old San Juan?
Yes! The cruise pier is right by Old San Juan, so it’s easy to explore on foot.
What are some free things to do in San Juan?
Some of our favourite free things to do in San Juan are walk the Paseo de la Princesa, fly a kite at El Morro and relax at Parque de las Palomas. This shaded promenade runs just outside Old San Juan’s city walls toward El Morro, an easy walk from the cruise piers with lovely harbour views.
Can you walk to El Morro from the cruise port?
Yes. Castillo San Cristóbal is a short walk from the piers, and El Morro is at the far end of Old San Juan. One $10 USD pass covers both forts for 24 hours, and kids 15 and under are free.
Can you visit El Yunque rainforest on a cruise stop?
Yes, with a tour or a private driver. It’s about 45 minutes to an hour from San Juan, so a tour that gets you back to the ship on time is the safest way to go.
What is there to do in San Juan before a cruise?
Walk Old San Juan and the forts during the day, then head to La Placita de Santurce for dinner, drinks and music at night. It’s busiest Thursday to Saturday.
What currency is used in San Juan?
The US dollar. Puerto Rico is a US territory.
Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with tours, pre-cruise hotels and transfers.
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