Our Favorite Walkable Cruise Port
There's so much to explore simply by walking around that booking an excursion isn't necessary here. The historic city of San Juan, founded by Spanish colonists in 1521, is located on the northern coast of Puerto Rico and is a frequent stop on many Eastern Caribbean itineraries.
Not to say that you wouldn't enjoy an excursion here, but there's so much to see and do on your own in San Juan. Trust me, you'll want to bring your camera or smartphone—this place is a photographer's dream. Here's how we spent our day:
Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park)
As soon as we got off of the ship, we made our way to the Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park), located next to the historic Capilla del Cristo in Old San Juan. As the name suggests, the park is home to hundreds of pigeons, making it a popular spot for visitors.
I know that some people have a real fear of birds, and while the pigeons here are friendly and non-aggressive, this park may not be for everyone. However, for those who enjoy it, you can even purchase dried corn to feed the birds. Plus, the park offers stunning views of the Bay of San Juan.
Next, we took a break under the cool shade of the trees, which provided a welcome respite from the heat. Pro Tip: Be sure to bring water and stay hydrated! Nearby, several cafés lined the town square, offering a perfect place to relax and enjoy the view of the fountain. This square is one of the original plazas in San Juan, located along San José Street in the historic district. This unique fountain called The Four Seasons, features four statues, each symbolizing one of the four seasons.
After our brief break, we walked over to the Catedral de San Juan Bautista to explore the church. It is the second-oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere and the oldest on U.S. soil, with a history that dates back to 1521, during the early days of Spanish colonization on the island. The current building, completed in 1540, is not the original, as the original structure was destroyed by a hurricane. Admission to the cathedral is free, though donations are welcomed.
Catedral de San Juan Bautista
Our next stop truly took our breath away.
Paseo del Morro is a picturesque boardwalk that stretches along the outer edge of Old San Juan, providing breathtaking views of the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro and sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
We entered through the San Juan Gate, an impressive structure on its own standing 16 feet tall and 20 feet thick. Above the gate, an inscription reads "Benedictus Qui Venit In Nomine Domini," meaning "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." This phrase reflects the island's Catholic heritage. Note that this entrance does not lead directly into the park, so you'll need to turn around and walk back. However, we didn't mind—it was hard to be frustrated with the stunning setting and rich history that surrounded us.
Do you see the kitten? There were cats wandering around the city.
We stumbled upon a small drink stand and bought some Gatorade to sip while we relaxed in the shade. There were plenty of shady spots to sit and take a break. As we soaked in the surroundings, we couldn't help but admire the stunning Spanish architecture and the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, made of blue stones cast from furnace slag, which had been brought over on Spanish ships. It was easy to get lost in the beauty and history of the place, with something captivating around every corner. We wandered further, snapping photos by the historic watchtowers of Castillo San Felipe del Morro, taking in the views of Puerto Rico's rich past.
Tour a historic fortress.
You can buy tickets to tour both Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal, which are easily visible from the city.
All this walking and sightseeing is sure to work up an appetite. Fortunately, the options for authentic cuisine here are abundant, offering everything from traditional Puerto Rican dishes like Mofongo and Chicharrones de Pollo to the savory Lechón.
And let’s not forget about those traditional drinks.
We have to begin, naturally, with Puerto Rico's national drink—the piña colada. And of course, a classic mojito is always perfect on a warm day.
La Casita de Rones
You can’t miss the pink building! We had a great lunch here, enjoying traditional rice and beans with grilled chicken. The atmosphere was enhanced by live music, and we dined on the outdoor patio.
Along with sightseeing and enjoying the local cuisine, we also spent some time browsing the stalls of local vendors. Under tents, there were tables offering a wide range of handmade goods, including hand-rolled cigars and crafts made from coconut shells. Mike picked up a cigar, while I found a beautiful Christmas tree ornament to take home as a souvenir.
Be sure to bring some cash for shopping.
San Juan is renowned for its vibrant culture and rich history, but it is also a key cultural and economic center. As the gateway to Puerto Rico, the city attracts visitors with its captivating heritage, lively festivals, and beautiful beaches.
More reasons to love San Juan
This historic city is known for being safe and easy to explore on foot. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar. If you prefer not to walk, you can also take a golf cart tour to see the sights. And the ships can dock right in port- no tender boat needed.
Is San Juan on your travel bucket list? Let me help you plan your ideal getaway! Click the link below to request a personalized quote and begin planning your dream cruise or island escape. Be sure to watch the YouTube video linked here for more details
