Sighteeing in San Juan -- Places not to be missed !

NY Cruisin Mama · #1 (**permalink**) October 24th, 2009, 12:49 AM

We will be spending two days in San Juan next Jan. 2010 with the Solstice.
Actually doing a B2B - with each cruise stopping in San Juan for the day.
My DH has walking issues and I have read the streets of Old San Juan
are rather difficult to navigate (cobblestones). Should I find a private
tour guide?? Is the walking really that difficult ?? Could a motorized scooter
be useful ?? Thanks. 8)

Donna · #2 (**permalink**) October 24th, 2009, 05:46 AM

I would suggest not walking if there are difficulties with that, its true the sidewalks are cobblestone and very narrow. There is also a lot of traffic on the streets. One stop that is always something worth seeing is El Morro, what a view and a lot of history. I'm sure you can find some kind of tour that doesn't require too much walking.

Trip · #3 (**permalink**) October 26th, 2009, 08:35 PM

We were just there a few weeks ago.....Walking can be difficult. It is the
streets that are cobblestoned, and, the sidewalks are narrow and high,so even in a scooter, mobilty is an issue.

We took a tour, as walking for extended lengths of time for me, is an issue..We walked off the ship and purchased a private tour, for $20.00 a person, vs the 29.00 pp on the ship.....the tour was for two hours. I will add, this was the first time I took a tour here, that was bilingual, and it made everybody happy

It took us to the State House, San Cristobal Fort,& around and about...it dropped us off at Forteleza Street, the shopping area.... it also goes right back to the ship...Just a note...the walk from here is a distance, so consider that as well..we walked it, and were ever so glad to get back onboard...It was extremely hot and humid, as it usually is here, and we felt it, bigtime...

jeph · #4 (**permalink**) October 27th, 2009, 03:54 PM

If you take a short cab ride uphill so you can start from the top, (Norzagaray, which runs along the north edge of Old San Juan) you can do your own walking tour that's pretty much all downhill from that point, hitting anything that interests you along the way. I think Frommer's and/or Fodor's probably have maps of the old town online that you can print out for this purpose. The whole old town is less than half a mile from north to south.
If possible, I'd suggest you check out The Gallery Inn, (on Norzagaray) which is a magical spot unto itself. Midway down through the old city, diagonally across from the cathedral, the famed El Convento hotel has a nice cafe on the upper level of its interior courtyard which is a lovely moderately-priced spot to stop for lunch.

tour46 · #5 (**permalink**) November 24th, 2009, 02:24 AM

we took a walking tour with tour guide Melani. It was a private tour at our own space. She was great. Fluent English and very informative. Eventhough it was hot but Melani always got us in the shaded area and we feel we saw much more . check her out at melani.worldwide@yahoo.com

LisaK · #6 (**permalink**) November 25th, 2009, 10:11 AM

a great option would be a guided tour thru the El Yungee rainforest, its gorgeous

lfgaynor · #7 (**permalink**) December 28th, 2009, 12:14 PM

The probem of mobility/navigation in San Juan also applies to families with little ones in strollers. Check out this article to give you more practical advice regarding suggestions re navigating San Juan with little ones:
Family Cruises; CruiseMates Guide

Smooth sailing,
Luisa Frey
Family Cruise Editor

tour46 · #8 (**permalink**) October 3rd, 2010, 05:32 AM

Countryside Tours made the celebration of my wife's birthday in Puerto Rico everything we could have hoped for, and more! Tony's expert knowledge, his attentiveness to all of our needs and requests, as well as the "side trips" in addition to our planned itinerary, exceeded our expectations. It was the "best birthday celebration ever" for my wife, and a true "Boricuan" experience for me. We will definitely recommend Countryside Tours to any of our friends who plan to visit Puerto Rico.
check them at countrysidetourspr@yahoo.com

johnthed0g · #9 (**permalink**) October 3rd, 2010, 07:45 AM

Thanks for the info...we are also stopping here on our cruise & intend to just wander around, after all you can't do trips everwhere can you!!

SigLO · #10 (**permalink**) October 12th, 2010, 08:41 PM

Thanks Everyone! I'll meet my 1st cruisemate onboard Celebrity Summit, San Juan. After our 7 night S.Caribbean cruise, we'll meet my 2nd cruisemate and hopefully all share a hotel for an afternoon and 1 over-night, including a little group sight-seeing. Glad to have your info. Have read there's a free trolley. Anyone know more about that?
Barb and I will then board RCI Adventure for another 7 night S. Caribbean cruise. I'll be repeating 4 out of 5 other ports, but they're all great ports.