Old San Juan has the ambiance, historic and interesting venues a tourist would enjoy on their first visit to Puerto Rico without the beach. The cobbled stones, narrow streets allows a visitor to explore and enjoy the culture, good food, entertainment while feeling safe and secure. All the cruise ships use the Old San Juan hotels to house thousands of passengers who sail from there each week. All the hotels near the cruise terminal area are excellent and some have casinos attached. Also, they are within walking distance of each other. In fact, OSJ operates a trolley system that's free and has at least 25 stops of significant interest like the U.S. Parks System's Fort Castillo de San Cristóbal -- the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. When it was finished in 1783, it covered about 27 acres of land and basically wrapped around the city of San Juan. The restoration is one of the best I have ever seen. The city wall is another marvel that protects OSJ from the sea and you walk around it along the sea. There is an abundance of public squares inside the historic city with all kinds of street vendors selling handmade items, food and libations. Get a Google Map of Old San Juan and look at all the historic venues available and the closeness. There's no need to rent a car inside OSJ, but a taxi cab outside is somewhat pricey, but worth it if you want to go to the beach casinos like the Ritz Carlton.

Nice waterfront hotel where Princess and Carnival Passengers stay...has an attached casino.

City wall surrounds Old San Juan and a pathway offers a pleasant walk around the city.

Catacomb under Cathedral Of Old San Juan built in 1520s houses city founder Juan de Leon.

Colorful Buildings offer a refreshing vista as you walk the San Juan citadel.

Historic Fort Cristobal best restored Spanish Fort offers view of important structure

Cannons line the fortress defending Old San Juan. Park operated by U.S. Park Service

Use a trolley to access the fort, get off and walk and remount for more sightseeing.