Leesaover saw things this way:
Overall
2
Boring, dirty city. Wouldn't go back, May 3, 2012
Reviewer: Leesaover
Pros: Zip Line tour was fun
Cons: There really wasn't anything to do in old town.
The Zip Line Canopy Tour was really fun but after that we didn't have anything to do. They say it's safe in old town but I didn't really feel safe. It was really dirty too.
kjc2011 saw things this way:
Overall
3
Too Americanized!, January 19, 2012
Reviewer: kjc2011
Pros: Views from the forts, charming cobblestone streets
Cons: Harrassing vendors, tour guides - too Americanized
There were parts of Old San Juan that I really liked - the beautifully colored buildings, the narrow cobblestone streets, and, oh, the views from the forts are NOT to be missed. However, it was my least favorite port of the three we went to. It is SO Americanized - with Wendy's and Subway and whatnot. There was definitely a lot of shopping to be had, but that was not at all how I saw my vacation. We did walk around the streets for a while after visiting the forts, but then decided to head back to the ship for some lunch and swimming - which turned out to be a GREAT idea! The lido deck and pool area were fairly empty and we had no trouble at all finding pool-side seats. After a couple hours we decided to head back out to go to Senor Frogs for the experience - and an experience it is! Totally fun! As nice as it was to see and experience, I don't think it's a port I would be excited about going back to. OH - I also should note that upon getting off the ship there are tour guides after tour guides offering to show you around the city. They do NOT leave you alone!!
sfvoyage saw things this way:
Overall
4
Lovely architecture and ambiance, September 13, 2010
Reviewer: sfvoyage
Pros: Old town and fortress
Cons: Very hot in the summer
Old San Juan is charming with European and Latin American characteristics, as well as interesting and colorful architecture. We docked in Old San Juan, which was convenient for a full morning of sightseeing. We walked to San Felipe del Morro Fort ($5 entrance for both forts) and had an informative and fun visit for an hour. Then we walked to the other, Fort San Cristobal, and spent about 30-40 minutes there, not as big or interesting. Then we went to Carnegie Library next door for 30 minutes of free internet (limit per day). Tried to do some shopping in Old San Juan, but the souvenir shops offered only tacky stuff.
saved_angel saw things this way:
Overall
5
Great shopping!, September 11, 2010
Reviewer: saved_angel
Pros: Convenient shopping -- close to historic forts
Cons: Narrow sidewalks
We had so much fun shopping and got amazing deals on jewelry. The salespeople were informative and weren't pushy. The forts are within walking distance and offer some amazing views of the ocean, don't forget your camera! Do your shopping here, go on excursions at a different port.
Todd Todd saw things this way:
Overall
3
Old San Juan is charming, September 2, 2010
Reviewer: Todd Todd
Pros: The historical downtown area is charming
Cons: The beaches aren't great
Depending on the cruise line, either you dock right downtown, or closer to the new downtown and hotel district. The downtown has a free trolley that goes around all the most important sites. The historical forts are impressive. There are plenty of galleries and souvenir shops for every wallet and taste. The cobblestone streets and colonial architecture are well preserved. The Bacardi rum factory tour is slightly informative, if you get a good guide. There's a free drink, but maybe not worth the time if you've only got one day. The best tour is to go out to the El Yunque rain forest. It's about an hour outside of town. The center in the park is an impressive piece of architecture. The jungle is green and wet, it is a rain forest after all. Plan on a low key nature day. The airport is out at the far end of the strip of hotels. From the cruise port it is only about 15 minutes to the airport. From old San Juan, assume about 30 minutes.