Evening Port Call in San Juan

[MaryPoppinz]

Any suggestions for a short, sweet, safe, and on-your-own evening in San Juan? This is normally one of the things I'd rely on the ship's tours for because we've never been there and I don't really have a comfort level with this after dark, but as far as I can see neither the ship nor Shoretrips has anything available for the evening.

 

Any suggestions would be welcome!

 

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."

-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[MaryPoppinz]

It's probably in poor form to reply to my own post, but here's some of what I've been able to come up with, in case others are looking for similar information. I'd still love to hear from those of you who have been-there-done-that! Great restaurants, cultural events, theater...I'd love to hear about it!

 

GETTING AROUND

Old San Juan - You can get around on foot or by bus, taxi, and hotel shuttle. In "new" San Juan, you'll need to resort to taxis, buses, públicos (public cars), or a rental car to reach the points of interest.

 

TAXI’S

Taxis painted white and sporting the garita (sentry box) logo and "Taxi Turistico" label charge set rates depending on the destination; they run from the airport or the cruise-ship piers to Isla Verde, Condado/Ocean Park, and Old San Juan, with rates ranging from $6 to $16. City tours start at $30 per hour. Metered cabs authorized by the Public Service Commission start at $1 and charge 10¢ for every additional mi, 50¢ for every suitcase. Waiting time is 10¢ for each 45 seconds. The minimum charge is $3 and there is an extra $1 night charge between 10 PM and 6 AM.

 

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER

La Casita – Here at the Tourist Information Center you can pick up free literature and maps of Puerto Rico for your tour of Old San Juan and all of Puerto Rico. La Casita is located next to Plaza de la Dársena, overlooking San Juan Bay, near Pier 1. Telephones (787) 1709 or (787) 724-4788. Open Mon. through Wed. from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM; Thur. and Fri. until 5:30 PM; Sat. and Sun. from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is an outdoor crafts market around the building that is open Sat. and Sun. from 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM and Mon. and Tues. from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM. The crafts market schedule may vary according to cruise ship itineraries. Tel. (787) 722-1709.

 

MUSEUMS

As far as I could tell, museums, as in most cities, close relatively early. 5-6 pm. Not really do-able for evening touring.

 

CARRIAGE RIDES

The Caribbean Carriage Company (PHONE: 787/797-8063) gives old city tours in horse-drawn carriages. Look for these buggies at Plaza Dársenas near Pier 1; the cost is $30-$60 per couple. Surely, these are available at night -- anyone know??

 

SHOPPING

Doesn't sound like much is available at night. Street shops are open Monday through Saturday 9 to 6 (9-9 during Christmas holidays); mall stores tend to stay open to 9 or so. Count on convenience stores staying open late into the night, seven days a week. Supermarkets are often closed on Sunday, although some remain open 24-hours, seven days a week.

 

NIGHTLIFE

From Thursday through Sunday, it's as if there's a celebration going on nearly everywhere in San Juan. In Old San Juan, Calle San Sebastián is lined with bars and restaurants. Salsa music blaring from jukeboxes in cut-rate pool halls competes with mellow Latin jazz in top-flight night spots. Well-dressed visitors and locals alike often mingle in the lobby bars of large hotels, many of which have bands in the evening. An eclectic crowd heads to the Plaza del Mercado off Avenida Ponce de León at Calle Canals after work to hang out in the plaza or enjoy drinks and food in one of the small establishments skirting the farmers market.

 

GUIDED WALKING NIGHT TOUR OF OLD SAN JUAN

$30/pp – two hours, native guide, in English, available 7 days/week

http://www.*****.com/nighttales.htm

 

ON-YOUR-OWN WALKING TOUR OF OLD SAN JUAN

http://www.gotopuertorico.com/go_cultureHistory.php?language=english&page=55

 

MAPS OF OLD SAN JUAN

http://www.metropr.com/osj.gif

http://data2.itc.nps.gov/parks/saju/ppMaps/SAJUmap1%2Epdf

 

TROLLEY

Old San Juan Trolleys are free. Three routes. Anyone know if these run at night??

 

LELOLAI FESTIVAL OLD SAN JUAN

Tuesday - “Alegría, Ritmo y Color†with Ballet Nacional Areyto from 6:00 pm- 6:45 pm at Fort San Cristóbal (until May 25, 2004). Fort entrance: $3.00

Wednesday - Gíbaro de Puerto Rico at La Arcada (PR Tourism Company), from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free admission.

Thursday - "Grupo Caobaná" at Mayaguez Resort & Casino, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free admission.

Saturday - "Rumba Brava" Juvenille Group and "Sabor Latino" at the Ponce Hilton, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free admission, 15% discount at La Terraza Restaurant and a Free Drink.

Sunday - â€Guateque Group†at the Inter-Continental San Juan Resort from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Free admission, 15% discount at La Terraza Restaurant and a Free Drink.

 

 

FORTS

Doesn’t look like any offer night touring, but I’ll throw this in for those who might be interested in the infromation for day touring:

 

Casa Blanca -The city's oldest fort (built in 1521), this charming building is best known as the home of Juan Ponce de León's family. Today it is a museum that features artifacts from the Indians that lived on the island as well as examples of 16th- and 17th-century colonial family life. Open Tues.-Sat. 9 a.m.-noon, 1-4:30 p.m. Admission is $1 for adults, 50¢ for children and seniors. 1 San Sebastián St., Old San Juan; 724-4102.

El Morro - Owned by the National Park Service, this six-level fortress was begun in 1539 and helped protect San Juan's coastline throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. You can learn more about the fortress at the on-site museum. Tours by park rangers can be arranged for educational groups; please call in advance. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except Christmas. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 13-17 and seniors over 62, and free for children 12 and under. Located at the western tip of Old San Juan, 729-6960.

La Fortaleza - Also known as the Santa Catalina Palace, La Fortaleza is the oldest governor's residence in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. Originally a fortress circa 1533, free tours of the gardens and public areas are available in both English and Spanish. Open Mon.-Fri. (except during state functions) 9 a.m.-4 p.m., free to the public. Groups of 30 or more are required to make reservations, it's best to call ahead and schedule a time for your tour. Located at the western end of Fortaleza St., Old San Juan, 721-7000, ext. 2211, 2323 and 2358.

San Cristobal - Built in 1634 and even larger than its sister fort El Morro, this World Heritage Site protected San Juan's land approaches for centuries. Be sure not to miss the restored 18th-century Spanish troop quarters. Tours by park rangers can be arranged for educational groups; please call in advance. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. except Christmas. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for children ages 13-17 and seniors over 62 and free for children 12 and under. Located on the hill overlooking Plaza Colón, just west of the capitol building, Old San Juan; 729-6960.

 

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."

-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

 

[This message was edited by MaryPoppinz on 05-10-04 at 01:05 AM.]

[LindaKE]

Thanks Mary. You've found out more than I have been able to do. We, too, will be there for one evening. Most attractions seem to close at 4:00 or 4:30 with a few closing at 5:00. Since we don't get there until 4:00, I'm wondering what we should try to do.

 

LindaKE

 

Sun Princess(Alaska)

Carnival Inspiration

[patrickc]

Stay on the ship! I just got back from fabulous cruise on Galaxy. Unfortunately, PR was the low-light. Took tour of Bacardi, city & fort--- the tour guide bad mouthed America for 4 straight hours. The Bacardi folks were equally rude- and the tour consists of a video & a bar demonstration- such a waste of time. The tour concluded w/ our tour guide detouring our bus through a public demonstration AGAINST tourism. We sat in a 2 hr traffic jam & were not allowed to leave the bus. VERY BAD. I had been to PR 5 years ago & had a very bad experience that time- figured I'd give it another try- much to our dismay.. I will never go back to PR-- if I'm cruising & ship goes there, I WILL NOT GET OFF THE SHIP.

[MaryPoppinz]

Another night-time possibility:

http://www.biobay.com/cd/webhtml/right.htm

 

I'm not interested in the bars or casino, but I'd love to hear local music, eat local food and see some local art/dance/theater...

 

"I'm gonna book myself on that Princess Cruise."

-- Fox Mulder, X-Files 'Three Words'

[TaznBugs]

Thanks for the posting we are going in july 10 on the century and it doesn't get in to port until 4:30 p.m. so theres not much youcan do but the buggy ride sounds like fun.

 

Jim

SEA BREEZE 98

OCEAN BREEZE 99

MAJESTY 2000

SENSATION 2001

CENTURY JULY 2003

CENTURY JULY 10 2004

[gambler]

Thanks for the info. We are in the same "boat", we are there from 4p, to 10pm. We were just going to leave the 9 yr old on board with mom and maybe go for gambling and drinks but our son might really enjoy this biobay thing, thanks.

 

Monarch of the Seas 09/92

Majesty of the Seas 11/93,11/95

Sovereign of the Seas 09/94

Grandeur of the Seas 11/99,11/00,06/01,02/02,05/04

Navigator of the Seas 12/02,11/04

Rhapsody of the Seas 06/03

Radiance of the Seas 11/03

 

 

[brad07]

I have used Jesus Falcon in San Juan twice and both times were great. Jesus is very nice, bilingual (English and Spanish) and just a joy to be around. He will taylor your experience for you and take you where you want to go and when you want. I will give you an example. Eight of us were going to the Rain Forest (Awesome) and the women on the way said, "Were Hungry", he stopped and took us to get breakfast and it in itself was a really neat experience. You just can't get that from a Cruise Line and he is less expensive too.

 

Horseback, City Tour, Bicardi Tour, Rainforest Tour, Jesus does it all.

 

His Phone numbers are:

 

Home 787-797-1936

Mobile 787-593-0120

 

Pete Taylor is the man in Jamaica, Jesus Falcon is the man in San Juan!!

 

 

Brad

Bafiremed@yahoo.com

 

Explorer of the seas 10-11-2002

Navigator of the seas 10-12-2003

Adventure of the seas 10-17-2004

[mrrick747]

If you look a little further down on the San Juan boards you will see "Night Tales" It is a tour that starts at 6 and ends at 8 pm. Deb is the tourguide and very knowledgable and it makes for a fun adventure at night. Check it out! It may be listed in other threads about what to do at night. I think the link is there also to her website, if not it can be found easy enough in a Search looking for "Night Tales San Juan". It is a walking tour and very interesting, educational and entertaining. Rick

[crsshiplover]

· FREE TROLLEY

· Originating terminal at Old San Juan is Covadonga which is right in front of the piers (Gilberto Concepción de García St.)

· 2 routes - one to Plaza de Armas (center of town), the other along Norzagary St., which comes down Cristo St. near Convento Los Dominicos, to Plaza San José - not far from El Morro.

· Most popular / most frequent route - Tanca St. up to San Francisco St. (Plaza de Armas), down San José St. to Fortaleza St., and then down San Justo St. From there it goes along Piers 1, 2 (for the ferry to Cataño), and 3, then back to the terminal.

 

I can't remember, but I think I read where they run until 10pm.

[merela]

Although crsshiplover's description of the trolley route is very detailed, I would feel better with a map and schedule in our hand. If we take the trolley out into town, will the trolley make its way back?

 

Has anyone every done the trolley ride?

 

TIA.

[les1431]

We'll be in SJ next week from 4 - midnight. We are booked with legends for the night tales tour. Debbie has already been extremely helpful. I asked about dining...she replied right away with advice on dress and said that she often takes people to restaurants that have local cuisine. Based on the posts...II would recommend booking as well. When I return, I'll post my review of the tour as well.

[Clubber]

Get off the ship and have some fun. Old San Juan is very interesting and has great restaurants and bars. We have never been treated bad there.

[WahooNKS]

What about the Juan Carlos Rumba Show? No one has mentioned that. We thought we'd get off the ship (5:00'ish'), stroll abit, have a nice dinner somewhere and then head to the InterContinental for the Juan Carlos Rumba Show. Definitely a bit of Puerto Rico flavor. Anyone have information on the show? We have heard from others that it is very good.

[gramshup]

When we were there we had a late port stay like 4:30 to midnight and still had a great time. Once we were off the ship and headed toward town there were lots of tour guides there offering tours for $ 10-15. We had a tour of new San Juan, a beach for a photo stop, El Morro and then he dropped us off in Old San Juan to shop. He came back in an hour for those who wanted a ride back to the ship. We just walked back because it wasn't that far.El Morro was closed so we didn't see inside but it was still nice to see it up close and take pictures. I loved Old San Juan and I'm not a shopper,the churches and buildings are interesting to see. We'll be there again same time frame in port this April and intend to do the same thing as we'll have first timers with us. I would say don't miss seeing San Juan !!!

[sailing lady]

Will be going to the Juan Carlos Rhumba Show on 2/8 through ship excursion. Will let you know how it is. I've also heard positive feedback.

[Janice621]

We were on the Caribbean Princess in November and had a 4PM -10PM stop in San Juan. (Substituted from Princess Cays) I had not been in San Juan in several years and I was impressed on how nice the old city looked. We walked to Calle de Cristo where you can find the Coach, Dooney and Bourke and Lauren outlets. Had a lot of fun shopping and there were some good deals. However, the stores do close at 6 PM.

[karen2cruz]

Just got back and wanted to give a big "thumbs up" to the Night Tales tour. Deb is enthusiastic and knowledgable. You will have a great time.

[boo968]

Les1431 or Karen2Cruz -

 

If you would please, could you please tell more about the Night tour with Debbie. We are looking at this and haven't been able to make our final decision. Any input would help. Where did you go? I know there is a lot of walking. Did you pay her when you got there and how many people were in your group? We are two 30 something couple and would this be interesting to us?

[karen2cruz]

Well, she starts at the Tourism office where they give you a free rum punch. Then she walks through the city pointing out the cathedrals, the city gates that immigrants entered into upon arrival (different ones for the poor or rich) and tours some of the historical buildings. I couldn't give it justice. She spices it up with stories of those that lived and ruled there. The stories are fascinating. She will answer any of your questions,and recommend stores and restaurants. The city blocks are small and she gives rest stops. When we go back, we will take the day tour for sure! She has lots of repeat customers. The other two couples with us were on their second tour with Debbie.

[boo968]

Thank you for the description. We are having a hard time finding something so I think we will probably go with her. I am glad you had a great time and hope we will as well. With Rum Punch all is fun right!

[les1431]

Well....I'm back unfortunately!!!!! Leaving the Caribbean is always a hard thing for me and as with others....I'm in denial that it's over!

 

For anyone wondering what to do in SJ for the evening...without a doubt, you have to take the Night Tales tour with Debbie. She is beyond awesome. In regards to being in your 30's and finding it interesting...YES! I'm 35 and loved it. We were actually 15 minutes late for the tour due to arriving at the port late. The tourism office contacted her while she was already guiding a tour and she arranged a meeting place for us! The information was spectacular, the places she showed us were spectacular. We wouldn't have seen what we saw if it hadn't been for this tour. She told stories with such passion and always was sure to not only point out the great photo ops, but also to take pictures of us as well. I could have toured all night! Additionally, we wanted to eat somewhere where the locals would eat. We don't like tourist type places and always want to experience the local food. She took us to Mojito's which was also spectacular! We let our waiter pick our dishes for us and he did a fantastic job! And if you like drinking Mojitos...the best can be found here.

 

Based on Debbie's tour alone, this was a huge highlight of our trip and has truly made me want to return to San Juan to actually vacation, not just port. When we returned to the ship and compared tours with the people that went through the ship, they were quite jealous of our adventures with Debbie. Like I said, anyone going to SJ should take this tour! Thanks again Debbie for everything!

[boo968]

OK - another vote for Debbie. I did write to her and ask for information and wasn't too impressed by her answer and had put it on the back burner. I put a vote out to the people I am traveling with and will wait and see. Your comments are playing a big factor though. I hope if we go we have a great time like you.

 

Another question though if you don't mind. What time was the start of the tour, and if you would have gotten there in time, or if you did (for other readers) would we have time to tour one of the forts before the tour started. Did you need a taxi to get to the start of the tour or did you walk, and either way could you please mention which ship you were on and where you docked.

[eljaydj]

I missed it somewhere. Can you tell me how to sign up for her night tour? Is there a number or email to make advanced reservations? We are staying at the Sheraton Old San Juan on 2/10-2/12 pre-cruise and would love to do this.

Thanks, Larry.

http://www.Castaway-Cruises.com

[karen2cruz]

Here is the website where you book directly-

 

http://www.*****.com/