In the year 1508, the celebrated Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon established the town of Caparra near a natural harbor on the north coast of Puerto Rico. In 1521 the settlement was vacated and resited to the present location of Old San Juan. During the early 16th century, San Juan was the origin of Spanish expeditions to unknown areas of the Caribbean.
Today the old part of San Juan maintains an authentic Old World atmosphere with nearly 400 restored Spanish 17th-century villas. It also is home to many shops, casinos and restaurants for cruise passengers to enjoy.
Today the old part of San Juan maintains an authentic Old World atmosphere with nearly 400 restored Spanish 17th-century villas. It also is home to many shops, casinos and restaurants for cruise passengers to enjoy.
San Juan Port
There are three main pier areas in San Juan port. Old San Juan piers 1 thru 6, the Navy Frontier pier, and the Pan American pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Ships starting from San Juan will dock at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from the center of Old San Juan). For a calendar of cruise departures from San Juan, see San Juan cruises.
There are three main pier areas in San Juan port. Old San Juan piers 1 thru 6, the Navy Frontier pier, and the Pan American pier. Normally ships dayporting at San Juan berth at the Old San Juan Piers, so passengers can walk into Old San Juan. Ships starting from San Juan will dock at Old San Juan pier 4, or the Pan American Pier (about 15 mins by cab from the center of Old San Juan). For a calendar of cruise departures from San Juan, see San Juan cruises.
San Juan Shore Excursions
El Morro Fort
El Morro, an enormous fort dating from 1539, defends San Juan from sea pirates. Its full name is Castillo San Felipe del Morro, taken from the favored saint of King Philip . You can walk around six levels of gun platforms and thick stone walls that tower over San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
La Fortaleza
Another must-see is La Fortaleza, San Juan's most ancient fortification, constructed in 1540. Later it was to become the governor's official residence. Guided tours take you on a walk through the luxurious building, with gilded banquet hall, high galleries, and rooms decorated in period style.
Cathedral de San Juan
This beautiful cathedral was built in 1592, on the site of the previous cathedral which was smashed by a storm. Situated along Calle Cristo, this neoclassical structure holds the crypt of Ponce de Leon, a famous Spanish seaman, and the 1st governor of Puerto Rico.
Escambron Beach
Every beach in San Juan is public, and Escambrion beach, on the northern coastline, must be amongst the most beautiful in the city. It's quick to reach, and offers wonderful views back along the coastline to El Morro. Condado beach, just further along the coast, is another beautiful beach.
Shopping
The hub of the shopping in Old San Juan is centered on the many shops along San Francisco, Cristo and Fortaleza streets. Also go to the two craft markets to find a big choice of fashions, art, souvenirs and jewelry. One of the markets is located at the Plaza de la Darsena, by pier 1, the second on the Paseo de la Princesa, just west of pier 1.
Information and Resources
Currency USD
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time
For San Juan port website see Port website
Currency USD
Timezone Atlantic Standard Time
For San Juan port website see Port website