Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shops are there too. San Francisco and Fortaleza are the two main arteries in and out of the
old city, and both are packed cheek-by-jowl with shops. Running perpendicular at the west
end of the town, Calle del Cristo is home to many of the old city's chicest establishments.
Worth looking out for are the jewelry shop and gallery of
Bóveda ( 200 Calle del
Cristo; 10am-6pm)
and
Butterfly People ( 257 Cruz; 11am-6pm Sat-Thu)
,
where you'll find unusual art incorporating insects. Cigar fans interested in the craft should
stop by the open storefront of
Cigarros Antillas ( 9am-5pm)
to see workers roll by
hand.
Artisans Fair
MARKET
(PlazadeLaDársena)
Head here for more traditional arts and crafts offerings. It's gener-
ally open whenever there's a cruise ship in port.
Mercado de Río Piedras
MARKET
(Paseo de Diego, Río Piedras)
Of course, there's also the market for produce, meats and
bargain clothing;
Click here
.
Plaza Las Américas
MALL
( 9am-9pmMon-Sat,11am-7pmSun)
The Caribbean's largest shopping mall has 300
stores and is situated in Hato Rey.
Plaza Carolina
MALL
(off Hwy 26; 9am-9pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun)
Offers US standards such as JC
Penney and Sears among its 240 shops; it's east of the city off Hwy 26 (Expreso Baldorioty
de Castro) in Carolina.
Borders
BOOKS
( 787-777-0916; Plaza Las Américas, 525 Av FD Roosevelt, Hato Rey)
A large se-
lection of mostly English-language books, plus a cafe.
Information
Dangers & Annoyances
Safety-wise, San Juan is comparable with any other big city in the mainland US. Though
you'll hear stories of robberies, drugs and carjackings, the worst most visitors will face is
tripping up over an uneven paving stone on the way back from the local bar. Take all the
usual precautions and you'll minimize any risk of trouble.
