neviboy

Our cruise has an odd stay at San Juan. 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. No excursion plans for the evening. Any ideas of what to do for an evening of good dining and entertainment ?

abram

I'd spend the afternoon sightseeing in San Juan, and the evening on the ship. I'm cheap, and I figure I already paid for the meals and shows.

neviboy

One of the pleasures of visiting towns and countries is to mingle with 'locals' and enjoy their foods and drinks and way of living.
In a large city I usually wind up at locally popular places where it's fun to mingle. But with short time, this is the reason for my question.

Golfergal

With the limited time you have the best area for sightseeing is Old San Juan. Then go for a fantastic dinner at any number of restaurants. My choice would Parrot Club or Dragonfly, great eclectic food and very trendy. Both open at 6pm, don't accept advance reservations, and get packed so an early dinner after sightseeing is perfect. There is also a great tapas restaurant at the El Convento hotel, the name escapes me at this point.

While your timing doesn't allow you to see the rel beauty of Puerto Rico, which is outside of San Juan, it still allows for a way to learn the history and experience the cuisine.

neviboy

Thanks golfergal. Too bad my clubs stay home on all cruises. S.W.M.B.O. sees to that !!. A friend advised going to El San Juan Hotel. An alternative to your suggestions ?
We had a full day sightseeing, last year, with lunch at El Convento. I would like to spend a week there !!

jacketwatch

Have you seen the Spanish forts, El Morro or San Cristobal? Pretty cool sights.

neviboy

I was told that a casino/hotel is situated close to the docks. Is this correct and what is the name of it ?

Pinson

There are two. The Sheraton and Wyndham. Both nice. Have a pina colada at marias bar. Best in the world!!!
I believe it is on cristo street.

Golfergal

Neviboy,
El San Juan Hotel is another great option for your limited time. The beach is OK, the casino is nice, and there are a lot of dining options (and shopping too). Depending on when you are going, you might be advised to make dinner reservations in advance. I have not been to it, but I think there is a restaurant at the top with a view.

As jacketwatch said, if you have not been to the forts, they are interesting. The Sheraton Old San Juan (used to be a Wyndham) is near the older port in OSJ and a good casino near the port. Not sure your type of entertainment, but there is now a Senior Frogs around the corner from the Sheraton. Very commercial for those of us who remember the original "rustic" ones, but still can be a lot of fun.

As you can tell, I'm one of the few fans of San Juan. People just forget it is a city and expect a quaint island town.

Have fun and let us know what you do. As for the golf, the island courses (with several very notable exceptions) are not my preference. Bermuda, now you have to golf there!