San Juan, Puerto Rico: 5 Things to See Near the Cruise Port
If your cruise docks in Old San Juan, you don’t need an excursion to experience Puerto Rico! We explored on foot during and had a nice time. The city’s compact layout makes it easy to see top sights within a few miles of the port.
We visited San Juan aboard the Carnival Celebration. The cruise ships dock right in the heart of old San Juan. Within just a few miles of the cruise port, you can see centuries of history, vibrant culture, and incredible ocean views — no tour needed! Here are 5 things to see and do within walking distance that are good for all ages.
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1. Start your self-guided walk by going straight up Calle Paseo de Colon (Paseo de Colon Street) to the Plaza Colón (Colon Square), home to the Christopher Columbus statue and memorial. Stop on Calle Tetuan and grab a coffee from Starbucks or Brickhaus Coffee to fuel up. Enjoy all the old trees and the many cats and chickens wandering around this area. From there, stroll the charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings, boutiques, and street vendors selling shaved ice and flowers.
3. Walk up to Castillo San Cristóbal (St. Christopher Castle), which you can see from here, which is the largest Spanish fortification in the Caribbean, where tunnels and lookout points tell stories of centuries past. It's a National Historic Site. It does cost a small fee to enter the castillos (El Morro and San Cristóbal), but it’s very reasonable!
As of 2025:
Adults: $10 per person
Children (15 and under): Free
The $10 ticket covers both forts (El Morro and San Cristóbal) for a 24-hour period, so you can visit both in one day. Entry is free if you have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass (including Senior, Annual, Military, or Access passes). You can walk around the grassy areas and outer grounds for free, but to explore inside the forts including the tunnels, dungeons, and exhibits- you’ll need the admission ticket.
4. Follow the coastline west along Calle Norzagaray to the iconic Castillo San Felipe del Morro, often called El Morro. This 16th-century fortress once guarded the city from pirates and invaders, and today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with panoramic ocean views. The vast grassy field in front of the fort is one of San Juan’s most beloved spots for kite flying. Locals and visitors alike fill the skies with colorful kites that dance in the ocean breeze. On the way to the fort, you'll be able to see Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery which is a colonial-era Catholic cemetery. It is the final resting place of many of Puerto Rico's most prominent natives and residents. Construction began in 1863.
5. Inside Castillo San Felipe del Morro, there’s so much more than stone walls and cannons, it feels like stepping back in time. You can wander through old barracks, dungeons, and lookout towers, climb the ramps, and peek through tiny sentry boxes (garitas) that once guarded the coastline. Each level offers a new perspective of San Juan Bay and the ocean below, making it one of the best photo spots in Puerto Rico.
The panoramic views from the top are absolutely worth the small entry fee. El Morro is one of those places that captures everything special about San Juan in one visit. Even in the restrooms, there are little balconies perfect for overlooking the ocean. In the distance you'll see El Yunque rainforest and the mountains.
Tips for Visitors
- Wear comfy shoes: The blue cobblestone streets are beautiful but uneven, so sneakers or supportive sandals are best.
- Stay hydrated: Puerto Rico’s sun can be intense, so bring water or grab a cold drink from a street vendor.
- Take your time: El Morro and San Cristóbal are both worth exploring and your $10 ticket covers both forts
- Bring a kite: You can buy one from a local vendor near El Morro’s grassy lawn for just a few dollars
- Food stop: Try Café El Punto or Raíces for authentic Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo, or Barrachina
- Souvenirs: If you want something quick and easy before reboarding, the Walgreens right near the port surprisingly has great souvenirs like shirts, magnets, hats, postcards, snacks, and cold drinks at local prices.
- Getting back: If you’ve walked all the way to El Morro and don’t feel like trekking back, just take an Uber — rides to the port usually cost only a few dollars and take under 10 minutes.
- San Cristobal to El Morro is 1.2 miles.
- San Juan National Historic Site is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
- Old San Juan is one of those cruise ports that’s best enjoyed at your own pace — full of history, color, and charm just steps from the ship.
*National Parks, Monuments and Historical Sites may be closed due to the Government Shutdown. Please research your destination before your trip.*
Are you interested in visiting Puerto Rico by sea or by air? Let us know you'd like a free price quote anytime for whichever cruise line you're interested in.
