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First timer to San Juan - what to do?


gkrnjlr

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What do you suggest for two first timers going to San Juan? I enjoy sightseeing, architecture and history.

 

Would you recommend a ship tour or is San Juan a port that we can do on our own? We're in port from 8a-4p.

 

Thanks for your suggestions!

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What do you suggest for two first timers going to San Juan? I enjoy sightseeing, architecture and history.

 

Would you recommend a ship tour or is San Juan a port that we can do on our own? We're in port from 8a-4p.

 

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

I think San Juan is easy to do on your own. Walk to the forts or take a Segway tour. No need to waste money on a ship tour here.

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I second Monicajay's recommendation. There is a great Fodor's self-guided walking tour that we followed that gave is a pretty good overview of Old San Juan. I would suggest beginning as early as possible as it will be cooler, there are some steep streets that will give you a good workout. When you finish it will be time for lunch, do try the authentic Puerto Rican cuisine it's delicious. Just pace yourself and enjoy!

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I second Monicajay's recommendation. There is a great Fodor's self-guided walking tour that we followed that gave is a pretty good overview of Old San Juan. I would suggest beginning as early as possible as it will be cooler, there are some steep streets that will give you a good workout. When you finish it will be time for lunch, do try the authentic Puerto Rican cuisine it's delicious. Just pace yourself and enjoy!

 

Thank you! Do you know where I can find a link to the self-guided tour that you took?

 

What is typical PR cuisine for lunch?

 

Thanks!

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Last time I was in PR, I stumbled upon this free trolley service. It is awesome. It is hop on/hop off with many stops, even some up at the forts. I thought it was great especially considering the amount of hills heading up toward the forts. It was a great way to cover a lot of the city faster!!

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/free-trolley-old-san-juan/

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Last time I was in PR, I stumbled upon this free trolley service. It is awesome. It is hop on/hop off with many stops, even some up at the forts. I thought it was great especially considering the amount of hills heading up toward the forts. It was a great way to cover a lot of the city faster!!

 

http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/free-trolley-old-san-juan/

 

I love this!

Thank you so much!

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What do you suggest for two first timers going to San Juan? I enjoy sightseeing, architecture and history.

 

Would you recommend a ship tour or is San Juan a port that we can do on our own? We're in port from 8a-4p.

 

Thanks for your suggestions!

 

San Juan is awesome for all three things you like. Depending on when you come in and how much the government shutdown lasts your main stop should be the forts on the north side on SJ. Near the forts you will see Ballajá barracks and San Jose Church. You will see a cemetery just to the side and below El Morro were a lot of important politicians, patriots, poets and composers from early PR history are buried. If walking down Cristo street from the forts, just across the street from the El Convento hotel is the San Juan cathedral (second oldest in the Americas, holds the remains of Juan Ponce de Leon) and the Cristo Chapel at the end of the street. At the intersection just before you get to the chapel (it's not open to the public) look to your right and you will see La Fortaleza (where the Governor lives).

 

San Juan is full of history and it's all very discoverable. More than likely you will need multiple trips to see everything there is to see in San Juan.

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San Juan is awesome for all three things you like. Depending on when you come in and how much the government shutdown lasts your main stop should be the forts on the north side on SJ. Near the forts you will see Ballajá barracks and San Jose Church. You will see a cemetery just to the side and below El Morro were a lot of important politicians, patriots, poets and composers from early PR history are buried. If walking down Cristo street from the forts, just across the street from the El Convento hotel is the San Juan cathedral (second oldest in the Americas, holds the remains of Juan Ponce de Leon) and the Cristo Chapel at the end of the street. At the intersection just before you get to the chapel (it's not open to the public) look to your right and you will see La Fortaleza (where the Governor lives).

 

San Juan is full of history and it's all very discoverable. More than likely you will need multiple trips to see everything there is to see in San Juan.

 

Thanks! This helps a lot. I am looking forward to it!

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