How Would You Describe San Juan, Puerto Rico?
Before our visit in 2017, I pictured San Juan as a beach city with Caribbean colors and luxury resorts. Well, I was correct but it is more! It is a beautiful city with a lot of history and cultures. We found colorful Spanish colonial buildings and iconic forts in Old San Juan and the palm-lined beach of Condado Beach.
We spent a weekend in San Juan before a Disney Cruise Line Southern Caribbean cruise and we left the city wanting more time!
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2017 was also the year Puerto Rico was devastated by Hurricane Maria. The hurricane was the strongest storm to impact the island in nearly 90 years. The hurricane completely destroyed the island’s power grid, leaving all 3.4 million residents without electricity. The official death toll is unclear, but the last reported estimate is 2,975. The hotel we stayed in, the Caribe Hilton, was closed until May 2019, following a US$100 million renovation.
Our San Juan Journey
We had 2 ½ days in San Juan before our cruise. We arrived around noon and took a taxi from the airport to the Caribe Hilton. If we had planned to be there longer, we probably would have rented a car to explore more of the island. I have read that GPS is not always reliable in Puerto Rico so be sure to have a good map if you decide to rent a car.
A taxi was our best choice for a short visit, and it was easy to do. Outside of baggage claim, there was a line for a taxi and a taxi guide (not sure what to call him 😊) took all our information and got us a taxi. Rates from the airport to hotels are set fares. I have heard that other taxi trips around the city may not follow the posted fares and possibly not even use the meter, so keep that in mind.
We spent the rest of the first day hanging out at our magnificent hotel and recovering from a really early flight. As I mentioned earlier, the hotel was refurbished with post-Maria renovations but when we were there, we thought it was beautiful!
The Caribe Hilton opened on December 9, 1949. It was Hilton’s first hotel outside the continental United States and made Hilton the first international hotel company. The hotel was the first in Puerto Rico to offer radios in every room and individually controlled air conditioners. At the opening and throughout time since then, the Caribe Hilton has hosted many famous people and has been used in several films and TV shows.
The hotel claims to be the birthplace of the Piña Colada. In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero spent three months creating a mix of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The drink was first served on August 15, 1954.
Safety When You Visit San Juan
Needing some snacks, we decided to make a Walmart run. To get there we used an Uber driver. It was a good idea. Walmart is not in the best part of town and it was dark. Our Uber driver made sure we understood the possible danger of the area. In fact, she told us not to leave the building but instead, she gave us her cell phone number and told us to call her when we were ready to go and she would pick us up. She was so sweet!
Puerto Rico is one of the safest Caribbean islands but as in most mainland US cities, there is a fair amount of gun violence and drug-related crimes. Pickpocketing is possible as it is in many high tourist areas so keep your money safe. Use common sense and check with your hotel before roaming around and stay near your hotel at night.
Here’s a few other common sense safety ideas:
- Don’t leave your belongings unattended, especially at the beach.
- Get a money belt or infinity scarf with a hidden pocket.
- Learn some basic Spanish.
- As at any beach, observe and follow beach warning signs.
- Watch for weather warnings.
- Travel in pairs or small groups
Castillo San Felipe del Morro
An Intimidating Fortress
On our first full day in San Juan, we spent a beautiful sunny day seeing some sights. Speaking of sunny – be sure you have sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, the sun can be brutal. We again got an Uber to go from our hotel to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, commonly known as El Morro.
“El Morro” means promontory which is “a point of high land that juts out into a large body of water”. The fortress sits on the northwestern-most point of Old San Juan and would certainly have been intimidating to enemy ships.
Rising 140 feet above the sea, its 18-foot-thick wall proved a formidable defense. El Morro is studded with small, circular sentry boxes called garitas that have become a national symbol. The views of San Juan Bay from El Morro are spectacular.
History of El Morro
Construction started in 1539 and was completed in 1790. The fort is huge! It has 6 levels with dungeons, barracks, kitchens, tunnels, storage rooms, and hallways. Cannons still face the ocean and give you a bird’s eye view of what soldiers must have seen during naval attacks.
Today, the El Morro Fortress is run by the National Park Service and serves as a museum. It is open to the public daily from 9 am to 6 pm except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Passing through the fort entrance with flags blowing in the Atlantic Ocean breeze, transports you to another time.
The area was designated a National Historic Site in February 1949 with 74 total acres. In 1992, in honor of the 500th anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus, the fortress was restored to its historical architectural grace and beauty. The grounds surrounding the fort are used for relaxing, flying kits, and great photos!
ship
Old San Juan
After spending several hours at El Morro we were hungry and thirsty! We walked around the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and came across El Patio De Sam. It is an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant with great food, drink, and atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the amazing colors, smells, and architecture of Old San Juan.
A visit to Puerto Rico is not complete until you take a walk in Old San Juan. Everywhere you walk, there’s something beautiful and interesting to see. Bring comfortable walking shoes so you can explore all the attractions, you may find yourself wanting to do it all over again, only to find new interesting things to do and see. Architecture is part of the attraction of Old San Juan, where you will be captivated by the balconies, elegant doors, and Colonial details.
After a bit more walking, shopping, and admiring, we were hungry again 😊 We went to The Parrot Club in Old San Juan. Again, we were amazed at the food and service. Sadly, as I write this I see that the restaurant has closed.
Other San Juan Sights
Just the facts, Ma’am
- On March 2, 1917, the United States granted Puerto Ricans U.S. statutory citizenship.
- San Juan is the capital as well as the most populous city of Puerto Rico.
- Christopher Columbus arrived in Puerto Rico in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World. Initially, Columbus christened the Island as San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist).
- Puerto Rico means “Rich Port City”.
- San Juan is the oldest city in U.S. territory, but St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565, claims the status of the oldest city in the continental United States.
- Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth within the United States so no passport needed.
- San Juan is a tropical city with summer daytime highs near 90 degrees and summer nights in the high 70s.
- The 2019 population of San Juan was 335,468 and Puerto Rico around 2,860,853 people.
- San Juan is the largest home-based cruise port in the world.
- The official languages are Spanish and English.
What to Pack for a Topical Vacation
- Daypack: I take a lightweight backpack on every trip we take. The pack comes in handy to drag around all the things I “might” need when we are out and about.
- Sundresses (for the ladies :-)): Lightweight breezy dresses are often cooler than shorts.
- Lightweight loose-fitting tops and bottoms.
- Moisture-wicking tee shirt: Caribbean locations are hot and humid all year. A temperature-regulating tee shirt really comes in handy.
- Good fitting, comfortable shoes: In Old San Juan and many other Caribbean towns, the best way to see it is by walking. Believe me, you must have comfortable shoes and socks.
- Insect Repellent: Any warm climate will probably have irritating insects.
- Money belt or secret pocket scarf. Since poverty is high, pickpocketing is prevalent in many Caribbean cities. The secret pocket scarves are cute and functional.
- Beachwear: Swimsuit(s), coverup, hat, sunglasses, water shoes, and sunscreen.
- Sandals: Look for some that are both cute and comfortable.
- Waterproof phone case.
- Refillable water bottle.
- Chapstick. The sun and wind are harsh on your lips.
- Rain poncho that can be folded up and put in your daypack.
- First aid kit: Just a small kit of basic first aid.
- Copy of your passport and credit cards stored away from the originals.
- Of course, you will need normal packing things such as toiletries, underwear, sleepwear, electronics, and medications.
The answer to “Should You Visit San Juan?” is a resounding Yes! Remember that most of their economy depends on tourism, so visit and have fun!
Great post! I had no idea San Juan was so awesome!! Definitely adding it to my bucket list now. Thanks!
Thank you Sarah! Yes, it is a wonderful place to visit. I want to go back when we can stay a week.