Chris

We will be in San Juan for about 5 hours. Where is a good place to hang out for a few hours (close to the airport) possibly have lunch and not have to worry about traffic getting back? Any other suggestions? Is this enough time to see Old San Juan?

peg

Sure, you have time to do OSJ, and IMHO that's just about the perfect amount of time. Take a cab, can't recall cost, but I'd think at least $10 if not a bit more. Maybe someone here has more precise info? We spent maybe 3 hours exploring (tho you could certainly spend more). We started at the cruise dock. Walked along the lower fort wall and then up into OSJ proper via a walkway off the fort walkway... There is a tourist office in an small old renovated building just before the gate, they have maps. The architecture is great, and it really is interesting. Know it is hilly with brick streets, so wear comfy shoes. I'm embarrassed to say that the name of that very famous fort escapes me right now, but the walk is well worth the time--great vistas, very pleasant. <BR> <BR>We quite by accident found a wonderful deli/cafe in OSJ for lunch. Ask someone directions to the Butterfly People building. They should know what you mean. The cafe was on the second floor, with tables on a sunny atrium. There are some shops there, all catering to butterflies. A salesperson in one shop told us that the building was the very first government building in SJ. Quite interesting and a beautiful building. If you can, get the Shari Belafonte travel series video covering Puerto Rico at a library. She has lunch at this place, and oddly enough, sat at the same table we did! Cost only about $18 for two, including tip. Quite reasonable. <BR> <BR>You also could spend a few hours on the beach, but if you're sailing to points more "caribbean," I'd do OSJ instead. You would also have time to go to El Junque rainforest. It's not too far from SJ. <BR> <BR>Hope that helps. Have a great time.

Gail

If you don't want to go too far from the airport, go to Isla Verde. The El San Juan Hotel and Casino is there plus some other hotels and a great beach.

Mariarosa

Chris - At what time does your flight arrive into San Juan and at what time does it depart? <BR> <BR>You do have enough time to go from the airport to Old San Juan (about 15 minute drive - about $16). Old San Juan is a lovely place to have lunch - many restaurants, many shops, tons of stuff to see - get a guide book and do one of the walking tours. I think it is more charming for a short stop than Isla Verde, although Isla Verde is VERY close to the airport. <BR> <BR>How long you can spend in San Juan depends at what time your flight back is. If it's around 5:00-6:30 PM you will find more traffic getting back to the airport. I suggest allowing at least 30 minutes to make it back from Old San Juan to the airport.

Gail

I was just in San Juan and it took us a lot more than 15 minutes to get from Old San Juan to the Airport. Traffic can be VERY bad in San Juan. It took us at least 30 minutes and on other visits up to 45 minutes. I'd hate to see you miss your plan. Five hours will give you plenty time to visit Old San Juan, just leave plenty time to get to the airport.

Karen

Hi Chris: Old san Juan is beautiful, so full of history and beautiful buildings ect. Take a walk to visit the fort El Morro the walk to get there is very nice. There is a nice patio restaurant at the Wyndham San Juan which overlooks the water, there is a casino there also. Karen

Eva

I will join the chorus of those encouraging you to visit Old San Juan. I had long layovers both southbound and northbound on my December Grenada trip, and we went into OSJ both times, budgeting plenty of time for traffic. Also, there is a luggage service office in a corridor off the main terminal of the airport, where you can leave your carry-ons for $3/bag -- sure beats lugging them around. <BR> <BR>We had great lunches at La Mallorquina (linen tablecloth kind of atmosphere) one day, and La Bombonera the other day (diner type atmosphere). Both were excellent. Better yet, ask your cab driver for a recommendation, depending on the type of cuisine your prefer and budget you have. <BR> <BR>I found OSJ to be lovely, and am sorry it took me this many years to leave the airport when passing through SJU.