What to do in the Old Town?

First of all, how far is it to get to the old town from the pier? And is it walkable?

Anything specific one would recommend to do/see in the old town?

Thx for your recommendation.

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This is our first time going, but from what I have heard, it depends on which pier you are at. If you are leaving from SJ then I don't believe it is close to OSJ, but if you are stopping there on a stop, you will be right there and able to walk. You can also take a taxi to the Forts, some people walk it. Here is a link https://sanjuanpuertorico.com/old-san-juan/

Thanks for the link.

We will stop there as one port if call on the Oasis on Royal Caribbean.

So I assume it’s walkable then?

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It sounds like it. We will be there on the Anthem end of Jan.

Enjoy your cruise!

It sounds like it. We will be there on the Anthem end of Jan.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Many thanks.

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We are in our 60s and have walked to both forts during cruise stops.

We are in our 60s and have walked to both forts during cruise stops.

Are the forts worth visiting with small children? We won’t have much time in SJU as we have to be back on the ship by 2 pm. Thinking of rather walking around the old town I.e. shopping and lunch instead? Thanks.

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We just walk. We even walk completely around the lower level of the fort. It’s a beautiful walk along the water. Don’t know if the NPS shuttle is up and working. But it’s a nice walk.

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We just went last week - we took a cab from the port for $12 for 4 ppl to El Morro. After we walked through it we walked to the other fort, then found a restaurant for lunch in old town and did some shopping. Then walked back to the ship. The way we did this prevented the up hill walk. The weather was about 80-85 degrees and humid - we are from the dry desert so the humidity isn't our friend. We were thankful for the downhill walk rather than uphill. The $12 cab ride was well worth it to start the day.

We just went last week - we took a cab from the port for $12 for 4 ppl to El Morro. After we walked through it we walked to the other fort, then found a restaurant for lunch in old town and did some shopping. Then walked back to the ship. The way we did this prevented the up hill walk. The weather was about 80-85 degrees and humid - we are from the dry desert so the humidity isn't our friend. We were thankful for the downhill walk rather than uphill. The $12 cab ride was well worth it to start the day.

Were the free trolleys not running?

Were the free trolleys not running?

No they were not. Not sure when they will be back up.

There's plenty to see within walking distance of the main ports. In addition to touring the Old Town, we were able to visit both forts on foot.

Another option is to catch the hop-on hop-off bus, if walking is a problem for you.

https://cruiseports.ca/caribbean/san-juan.html

No they were not. Not sure when they will be back up.

Been seeing so may contradictory statements on the trolleys. I guess we'll find out when we get there. :)

Is 3 hrs enough time to see both forts? We will have kids with us.

Is 3 hrs enough time to see both forts? We will have kids with us.

3 hours will be enough time, with children, to see the forts. We were there in July, very hot, the kids tired quickly. Are you planning to walk between forts or take a cab if the trolleys are not running?

Also if you have a National Parks pass bring it with you- free entry to both forts as they are part of OUR National Parks system!

We love to walk through Old Town- make sure you are on deck as we sail into the harbor- El Moro towers beside the ship and offers beautiful photos. After you exit the ship, turn left and follow the sea wall an

long the water- you will pass through the big Red Gate you will also see as we sail into port. You will pass gardens and fountains as you walk to El Moro. After the fort, walk into the heart of Old San Juan. Enjoy an original Pina Colada. We will head for Taverna Lupula for a craft beer! Spend some money at the craft stands to help the local economy. Enjoy!

3 hours will be enough time, with children, to see the forts. We were there in July, very hot, the kids tired quickly. Are you planning to walk between forts or take a cab if the trolleys are not running?

Also if you have a National Parks pass bring it with you- free entry to both forts as they are part of OUR National Parks system!

thanks! we plan on using the trolley if its running and if not then we will take a cab to go to the forts and then walk back to the ship.

We love to walk through Old Town- make sure you are on deck as we sail into the harbor- El Moro towers beside the ship and offers beautiful photos. After you exit the ship, turn left and follow the sea wall an

long the water- you will pass through the big Red Gate you will also see as we sail into port. You will pass gardens and fountains as you walk to El Moro. After the fort, walk into the heart of Old San Juan. Enjoy an original Pina Colada. We will head for Taverna Lupula for a craft beer! Spend some money at the craft stands to help the local economy. Enjoy!

Where are the craft stands?