There’s something about the way the frozen Coco López dances with the Ron del Barrilito. When you try a Piña Colada at Old San Juan’s legendary El Barrachina, you get it. It’s the best piña colada in the world, and if you go by the history of this street, it’s the true birthplace of the cocktail (though the Caribe Hilton makes a competing claim).
This is the sort of of memory you can make if you do your visit to Old San Juan right. Sure, you can do a shore excursion with the cruise line, or you can get off the ship and explore.
This is the way to take a regular port call and turn it into something unforgettable, and our knowledge of the city and its charms means you can find some unique, colorful things to do when you’re visiting the five-hundred-year-old city on a cruise. I’m also sensitive that time goes quickly when you’re on a cruise, so I’ve picked my five favorite things to do with just a few hours in OSJ. Think of it as the perfect day in Old San Juan.
The Original Caribbean Cocktail
So what do we like to do? Well, for starters, it’s Barrachina, where they make their frozen drink with our favorite rum in Puerto Rico, Ron del Barrilito, and the vibe is classic, golden-age Puerto Rico. The food is actually quite good, too, particularly the mofongo (Puerto Rico’s famous mashed-plantain dish).
Old San Juan’s Greatest Souvenir
Just up the street on Calle Fortaleza, you can head to our favorite shop in the town: Olé, the best Panama Hat shop this side of the canal and where you can actually order a bespoke hat:
You can choose the shape and size, the headband and they’ll make it for you in just a few minutes. It’s a very cool experience and a worthy souvenir that isn’t touristy.
Going Gonzo at El Patio de Sam
Loved The Rum Diary? Well, Hunter S. Thompson did actually live in San Juan, and this was his favorite haunt: El Patio de Sam, a greasy, fun bar with spectacular burgers that’s just off the lovely Plaza de San José (and down the block from the world-renowned La Factoria bar). Think of it as a more casual PJ Clarke’s, Puerto Rican style. (We wrote about the full experience here).
Flying a Kite at El Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Traveling with your kids? There’s simply nothing more magical than buying a kite and flying it on the sprawling grass field of the El Morro castle. The kites are abundant and easy to buy, and it will literally be a core memory for everyone involved. Thank us later.
Rooftop Delights at the Palacio Provincial
One of my favorite things to do on a cruise is to retire to a hotel bar — first, you’re enjoying the destination in a different way, far from the crowds. Second, they’re often some of the coolest places in any city, where you know the place will be friendly and welcoming, with attentive service and inspired drinks. If you’re in Old San Juan, there’s nowhere better than the rooftop at the Palacio Provincial hotel, the newest hotel in the city (though it’s actually set in a centuries-old former diplomatic building). It’s called Atelier, and it’s a full-fledged cocktail workshop with stunning views of the colorful streets of Old San Juan.
