How to Spend a Day in Puerto Rico on a Cruise Port Stop

Cruising is a great way to sample new destinations. You unpack once and wake up somewhere new each morning getting a small taste of what different places have to offer. One of my favorite port stops recently was in San Juan, Puerto Rico. If your cruise is docking in San Juan you are in for a treat! Here's how I would suggest spending a day in port.

How to Spend a Day in Puerto Rico on a Cruise Port Stop

Whether you're a first-time visitor or you've been to the island before, there's so much to see and do within walking {or biking!} distance from the cruise port that you can easily fill your day with memorable experiences. From colonial forts to vibrant streets lined with pastel buildings, Puerto Rico offers history, culture, flavor and fun and wrapped up in one beautiful destination!

Know Where You'll Dock

Most cruise ships dock in Old San Juan, which is perfect because it's one of the most walkable and picturesque areas on the island. You'll step right off the ship to cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and centuries of history. 
Since you will only be in port for a day {usually about 6-8 hours}, it's important to maximize your time. This is best done by staying close to Old San Juan so you can enjoy more and stress less. No need to worry about taxis or tight timelines! You can see the best of the city and if you like what you see, you can make plans to come back and explore again!

The Complete Guide to Booking A Cruise from Port Canaveral: Tips, Transfers and Top Picks

Morning: Rent a Bike and Explore the City on Two Wheels

To make the most of your limited time, start your day by renting a bike. There are a few local shops just steps from the cruise terminal where you can rent cruiser bikes or e-bikes for a few hours. I arranged our bike rental before we arrived and met the owner just a few blocks away from port, making it an easy walk with everything arranged before we arrived.
Rental prices are usually around $25-40 for a few hours, with e-bikes being a bit more, but those will allow you the chance to cover more ground without breaking a sweat on an especially hot day!
Once you've got your wheels, head to the Paseo del Morro Trail, a scenic coastal path that hugs the edge of Old San Juan's stone walls. It's flat, breezy, and offers beautiful views of San Juan Bay. You'll pass La Puerta de San Juan {the old city gate} and if you go early enough, you'll beat the crowds and the heat!.
We stopped at several nearby beaches. Many of the beaches offered chair rental, but we were smart and had our travel hammock with us! It saved us so much money and made our time on the beach that much more enjoyable! 

5 Things I'm Glad I Packed for a Caribbean Cruise

The Best Beaches to Stop at Near San Juan Port

La Playita del Condado was probably my favorite beach. It had a lot of shade and a large beach area. We arrived here first, and I could tell that it would get quite crowded later. Stop here first! 
Isla Verde is just a short bike ride away and has a large stretch of beach to enjoy. 
Escambron Beach is an easy walk from the cruise terminal. But because it's the closest, it will also become the most crowded!
We did have several issues with flat bike tires, so make sure you have the phone number of the rental company and that they are easily accessible for any issues. Thankfully, we had our trusty hammock and just spent time on the beach waiting for the repair, but if we weren't prepared it could have put a damper on our trip. 

Mid-Morning: Tour the Forts

Return your bikes before you get on the busy cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Trust me. The sidewalks are very small, and the streets are very busy and lined with cars. Plus, you'll be bumping on those cobblestones and it's no fun!
No trip to Old San Juan is complete without visiting the most famous landmarks. The Spanish forts have protected the city for centuries!

Pro Tip: Bring your National Parks pass! You can use it for free admission into the Spanish forts. If you don't have a National Parks pass, admission is reasonable and works at both locations. 

Castillo San Felipe del Morro, known locally as "El Morro", is a six-level fort that juts out into the sea and offers sweeping ocean views, underground tunnels, historic cannons, and open green spaces that are dotted with kite-flying locals. 
Castillo San Cristobal is a close walk from El Morro. It's the largest fort built by the Spanish in the New World. It's less crowded and gives you a better view of how the fort's defenses worked. If you love history or want those sweeping views for a photo, this stop is worth it. 
Don't forget to bring water, wear sunscreen and bring your tripod so you can get those photos!

Making the Most of a Day in Great Stirrup Cay {Without Spending a Dime!}

Lunch: Taste of Puerto Rico

All that walking, biking and beaching is going to leave you with an appetite! Old San Juan is a food lovers paradise, and since you only have time for one meal, make it count!

One of my favorite ways to explore a new city is by taking a food tour. If you have time, this Old Town Foodie Walking Tour will fill your belly!

Top lunch spots near the cruise port:

Cafe El Punto is a cozy locally-loved spot with fresh mofongo, seafood and cold pina coladas. And yes, you need to try a pina colada because they did indeed originate in Puerto Rico!

Raices is a classic choice for Puerto Rican staples like arroz con grandules, plantains and lechon {roast pork}. 

Cafe Manolin is an old school diner with fast service if you are tight on time!

Pro tip: if you get a chance, try something local like mofongo {mashed plantains with garlic and meat}, a tripleta sandwich or even some tostones with a cold Medalla {local beer}. Don't forget to try a pina colada!

Anita la Mamma del Gelato will inevitably have a line that wraps around the building, but for good reason if you love gelato and need a refreshing treat!

Afternoon: Stroll the Streets of Old San Juan

After you get fueled up with some food, don't miss walking and exploring the streets of Old San Juan. Give yourself some time to pop into shops, galleries and wander the streets.

Don't miss: 

Calle Fortaleza one of the most Instagram-worthy streets in the city. It's often decorated with umbrellas or other seasonal art installations.

Plaza de Armas is a central square with local vendors and street performers.

The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is one of the oldest buildings in the city and the second-oldest cathedral in the Americas. 

Parque de las Palomas is basically just another name for pigeon park. If you like birds {or not!} you can pop in and feed them. It makes for some fun photos and a fun experience. 

Pro tip: If you are a shopper and you want to buy some local items, skip the tourist traps that are located near the terminal. Venture a few blocks deeper into to town to get the best items!

What to Pack for a Day in Puerto Rico

Since you are only in port for a short time, pack light and be strategic. Here's what I recommend bringing off the ship with you. All of it can easily fit in a backpack you can have while biking.

Comfortable shoes or sandals {there are a lot of cobblestones and you don't want to twist an ankle!}

Sunscreen and sunglasses

Reusable water bottle {fill up on the ship before you get off!}

Portable hammock {gives you a place to relax on the beach without taking up too much space!}

Phone and power bank 

Swimsuit and quick dry towel {we usually just pack one towel and share it}

Cash and credit card

National Parks Pass {if you want to stop by the forts!}

Back to the Ship

Cruise ships are notorious for sailing off exactly on time. And they won't hesitate to leave passengers. We've all seen the videos. Don't be that person. Be back at the port at least an hour before your scheduled departure. 

This itinerary will help you make the most of your time and hopefully beat the crowds so you won't be scrambling! But it's always a good idea to make sure you give yourself a buffer just in case.

Pro tip: set an alarm on your phone to remind you what time you need to head back to the ship. That way you won't lose track of time!

Puerto Rico is more than just a pretty port, it's a place where history and modern life collide in the most colorful and welcoming way. Even if you only had one day, you can bike along the ancient walls, explore castles and eat amazing food all while soaking up Caribbean vibes. 

I want to head back again to explore and since no passport is required for US citizens, it's an easy destination to revisit for a longer stay later. I promise you, you are going to want to come back!

I went out of my way to find a cruise that stopped in San Juan and I was not disappointed! Hop off the ship early and make the most of your day! 

Pin this for later:

Want to read more about cruising?

The Pros and Cons of Cruise Ship Ports Private Islands

A Beginners Guide to Cruises

7 First Time Cruise Tips for Your Best Vacation at Sea

Everything You Need to Know Before you Book a Cruise to Alaska

disclaimer: this post may have affiliate links. By clicking on them and purchasing through them, I may receive a small commission. These small purchases help me to continue to keep writing content and creating at Rachel Teodoro. Thank you!