The Caribbean - Eight Hour SJU Layover

I've got an upcoming 8 hour layover in SJU (connecting from IAD on UA, switching to AA for a hop to EIS). I land around noon, and leave around 8pm, which gives me plenty of time to explore near the airport. I'm going to check in for my AA flight when I land, so I'll just have to head through security upon re-entry.

I'm not against doing any walking, hiking or getting a cab somewhere. What are some good places I should try to get in during that window? I'm going to look to get a bite to eat, hopefully check out some sights, explore etc.

Anybody have any similar experience? Places to see, avoid, etc. Thanks!

8 hours. You could go to the rainforest if you want (rent a car though, a cab will rip you off going there)... you could go to Old San Juan and hang out.

You could go to the beach.

Hell, you could pretty much go anywhere on the eastern half of the island if you're wiling to drive.

Yeah, I guess 8 hours might be a bit long. My AA flight takes off 8 hours after I land. So.. maybe I have 6 usable then?

Is it possible to get to Old San Juan easily? Is taking a cab there reasonable?

Yeah, I guess 8 hours might be a bit long. My AA flight takes off 8 hours after I land. So.. maybe I have 6 usable then?

Is it possible to get to Old San Juan easily? Is taking a cab there reasonable?A cab to the Hilton is $20 or so. Old San Juan shouldn't be any more than $30 including the tip.

I suggest you visit San Cristabol or El Moro (the two forts), maybe have breakfast or lunch at El Convento, and explore the old city.
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13F

Yeah, I guess 8 hours might be a bit long. My AA flight takes off 8 hours after I land. So.. maybe I have 6 usable then?

Is it possible to get to Old San Juan easily? Is taking a cab there reasonable?
cab to Old San Juan should be about $30... in that time, you could check out both forts, have lunch, and maybe even take the ferry to Bacardi and back.

cab to Old San Juan should be about $30... in that time, you could check out both forts, have lunch, and maybe even take the ferry to Bacardi and back.Great minds...
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13F

Oh... forgot to mention.

3 spots for free rum on the island.

#1- Bacardi... 2 free drinks with your tour
#2- Don Q visitors center in Old San Juan... another 2 free drinks. It's right across the street from where the ferry returning from Bacardi drops you off.
#3- PR tourism office right next door to the Don Q visitors center. 1 or 2 free drinks as well.

Oh... forgot to mention.

3 spots for free rum on the island.

#1- Bacardi... 2 free drinks with your tour
#2- Don Q visitors center in Old San Juan... another 2 free drinks. It's right across the street from where the ferry returning from Bacardi drops you off.
#3- PR tourism office right next door to the Don Q visitors center. 1 or 2 free drinks as well.

Awesome. Thanks!

@Seat13F_AC_CRJ and @mkt, thanks for the suggestions! It sounds like heading to Old San Juan is pretty easy and well worth it. I'll post how it went on my return.

Is driving in PR anything to be concerned with?

Is driving in PR anything to be concerned with?Not if you have ever driven in MIA or NYC. Roads are busy, but the drivers respect most of the rules. I would say SDQ is much worse.
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13F

Not if you have ever driven in MIA or NYC.

Lived in Boston for nearly 9 years... does that qualify me? ;)

Thanks.

Lived in Boston for nearly 9 years... does that qualify me? ;)

Thanks.
You'll be fine ;)

Not if you have ever driven in MIA or NYC. Roads are busy, but the drivers respect most of the rules. I would say SDQ is much worse. -
13F

Are you certain? This must be something new as I havent ever seen it in over 20 years of going to PR.

MisterNice

Are you certain? This must be something new as I havent ever seen it in over 20 years of going to PR.

MisterNiceCompared to my usual destinations in the Caribbean (KIN, POS, BGI, SLU, ANU, SDQ, etc,), drivers in SJU are very well behaved. Compared to the US mainland... better not to go there. ;)
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13F

8 hours in SJU? Go easy on the pina coladas or you'll miss your flight to Beef Island.

8 hours in SJU? Go easy on the pina coladas or you'll miss your flight to Beef Island.

Haha. Yeah, definitely something to be concerned with. I don't want to miss my sailing trip :)

Is driving in PR anything to be concerned with?

LOL LOL LOL .

you will be fine.

for safety reasons, be more careful of the real police vs. the PR police. both dress alike . neither can agree who is in charge / has jurisdiction. i think we need to send the national guard in to restore order there, but , that is another post entirely.

LOL LOL LOL .

you will be fine.

for safety reasons, be more careful of the real police vs. the PR police. both dress alike . neither can agree who is in charge / has jurisdiction. i think we need to send the national guard in to restore order there, but , that is another post entirely.
As ineffective and corrupt as they historically have been, the PR police is the real police on the island, and they do quite a good job patrolling the areas frequented by tourists.

And the National Guard... cute comment. Not needed, but cute comment.