
Visiting San Juan for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
From the food to the flora and fauna and everything in between, here's how to make the most of your first trip to San Juan.
One of the biggest and busiest ports in the Caribbean, the Old San Juan Piers offer proximity to a UNESCO-listed fort, cobblestoned old town, and nearby rain forest, as well as nightlife, historic attractions, and museums. Comprised of four piers (1, 3, 4, and 6) and two terminals, Old San Juan Piers is a perennial favorite with Caribbean cruisers.
Explore San Juan—home to a 16th-century cathedral, city walls, and several historic fortresses—on a guided walking tour of the city, ideal for first timers and history buffs; take open-air salsa lessons and go barhopping in Old San Juan; or take a shore excursion to El Yunque National Forest, the Bacardi rum distillery, or the Utuado Canyon. Many excursions combine city, rain forest, and more, such as water sports, ziplining, and beach trips.
The Old San Juan Piers are located within easy walking distance of the historic Old San Juan downtown. For travelers with limited mobility, trolleys, shuttles, and taxis depart from the dock, as do shore excursions to farther-flung Puerto Rico destinations.
The official languages of San Juan are Spanish and English. The currency is the US dollar. You’ll find plenty of ATMs in Old San Juan.