Be out on deck as your ship sails into San Juan. Passing the impressive El Morro fortress, the ship will swing to port side, sailing by picture-perfect, colorful Old San Juan.

San Juan has numerous cruise ship docks. The most coveted piers are located right in Old San Juan, with all bars, restaurants, shops and sights at walking distance. If your cruise starts in San Juan, chances are your ship is docked across the bay. The taxi ride into town is usually short and cheap.

The old city is San Juan's main tourist attraction. With its narrow cobblestone streets lined with Spanish colonial buildings, Old San Juan should be discovered on feet. One of the landmarks is La Fortaleza, the Governor's Mansion since the 16th century.  

With the pounding Atlantic Ocean on one side and the mighty El Morro fortress on the other, the cemetery of St. Maria Magdalena de Pazzis is worth a visit. 

Our favorite place to stay in San Juan is The Gallery Inn, a unique boutique hotel in Old San Juan filled to the brim with art. While it may not be the cleanest, it is by far the most original hotel in San Juan!

If your cruise starts in San Juan, be sure to stretch your vacation by adding a couple of days on the island. We rented a car and drove off to the El Yunque rainforest, where we hiked in the jungle along waterfalls. Super! 

Puerto Rico is not just San Juan. The island measures 9,104 sq km (3,514 sq m) and has a population of almost 4 million. It is a US territory and once you get away from the hustle and bustle of San Juan, you will venture into paradise.  

One of the most famous beaches in Puerto Rico is Luquillo Beach. With its tall palm trees, its huge expanse of soft white sand and its relaxed atmosphere, you feel like a million miles from home.  On a weekday, that is! Come on a weekend day and you will see a totally different picture. After all, Luquillo is one of the most popular beaches for the locals!

One of our favorite eateries in Old San Juan is the Amadeus Café in Calle San Sebastian, at walking distance from most cruise ship docks. Perfect for a cool salad or a Puerto Rican lunch.  Good valua for money, easygoing atmosphere, friendly service and a distinct Caribbean rythm all add up to Amadeus' charm.