Castillo de San Cristobal
Castillo de San Cristobal
4.5
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This massive, 27-acre historic fort protecting the eastern gate of old San Juan is considered the largest Spanish fort built in the Americas.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- StaceyDallas, Texas28 contributionsDefinitely stop by when you’re in San JuanI have never been happier for a flight delay than I was during my last trip to San Juan. I was there for business, so I did not have many daytime hours for sightseeing. As soon as I received the flight delay notification, I knew I was going to spend the extra time visiting this historic site. I arrived at 9:30 AM and was one of very few people visiting. The quiet allowed me to really experience the sights and sounds at each of the different parts of the Castillo. The views are stunning and the history is respectfully displayed. I took a zillion photos and was able to get in and out in about an hour. Perfect final stop before my flight home.Visited April 2022Traveled soloWritten March 19, 2023
- Ana D66 contributionsAmazing!Wonderful place to visit, full of history! It costs US$10 for 24h, and you can see both San Cristobal and San Felipe Castillos. I saw many people with baby carriages here and at San Felipe, but neither of then are adapted, so it is not a good idea to use then, and it´s not very confortable for people with locomotion problems.Visited March 2023Written March 26, 2023
- Kim BFlorida26 contributionsIf you love history...Ready. Set. Go! Historial jackpot! This place is huge. Although there are many historical things in the Mainland, this is still standing and a person is able to freely walk around at ones own pace. The Park Service has signs on everything so the historical significance is not missed. This Fort was started in the 1700's. You walk the same footsteps as those that fortified this location over centuries, fought to keep it, and lived their lives within these walls. You can hear your own footsteps as you walk in the tunnels; the dark, damp tunnels. You are able to see how the people lived and worked in this Fort some 300 years ago. Make it to the top and take in the expansive, gorgeous water views!!!Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 27, 2023
- djaungst66Philadelphia, Pennsylvania489 contributionsHistory-rich Landmark - Gateway to Old San JuanHaving no expectations - was blown away with the amount of history Puerto Rico served over the centuries. Who knew? Was happy a self guided tour was offered so I could take as much or as little time at each exhibit and vista as I chose.Visited February 2023Written April 2, 2023
- BkbakTempe, Arizona1,442 contributionsFinally go here!Seeing forts within the Caribbean is an essential part of visiting the Caribbean. Old San Juan hits the jackpot with this MASSIVE fort which is just part of the overall enforcements which protected San Juan. The span of ages in which this fort was active is incredible and the history within goes into that in detail. Besides, who wouldn't want to visit this, if only just for the views!Visited March 2023Written April 2, 2023
- parrottdizeDyer, Indiana2,104 contributionsEasy walk from cruise port.This fort is a easy walk from the cruise port. Of course the streets are hilly, but that is the norm for San Juan. The price to get in is $10 per person......I have a N.P. pass and that let me and 3 other guests to enter (a good deal). The fort covers a large area so one can spend several hours there. Be prepared to do a lot of walking with stairs and ramps. Also it is rather hot there, so bring water with you. There are other things to do in that area such as the Plaza Colon and the capital building.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2023
- abroadwithashleyMinneapolis, Minnesota1,444 contributionsGood for a quick visitWe finished our day in old town here. It’s best to end here as the other fort is slightly more interesting. However, we could not for the life of us figure out how to access one of the levels. It looked closed, but then clearly others had found a way. Regardless, the fort is “free” considering you were likely already planning on visiting Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the ticket to one is included in the other.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 7, 2023
- wirttravelers547 contributionsLarge fort to exploreThis fort is a short walk from the Plaza Colon where a lot of the taxis and shuttles will drop you off for Old San Juan. You can get in free if you have a US National Park pass and both forts are included on the same ticket. This fort has some interesting tunnels to explore.Visited June 2023Written July 1, 2023
- Keith HLakeland, Florida529 contributionsVery interesting fortIf you only have a short time in old San Juan, next to taking David’s walking tour, visiting this fort may be the best thing to do. It offers beautiful views of the coast, the old town, and the city, and the fort is full of interesting historical artifacts and educational displays. The fort itself is the main attraction.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 26, 2023
- PelleasPhiladelphiaPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania995 contributionsBetter than I even expectedThis is a very nice 90 minutes site. It’s a fascinating fort with underground tunnels and plenty to explore and imagine. The signage is great and to the point so you leave feeling more knowledgeable without too much work. The volunteers teaching kids (and adults) to create historical letters were so generous and lovely.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 23, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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MauiGregB
Charlotte, NC273 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
While this fort is larger and newer than El Morro, it doesn’t have the same feel and history. This is not a waste of time if you are staying for a few days in San Juan but if you are here on a cruise then skip this fort and go to El Morro. If you are going here after visiting EL Morro simply because it is free (you get admission into both forts within 24 hours for one price of $10) then checkout the dungeon where a Captain was held. He made a drawing on the wall of some ships that I found very interesting.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bree B
Meridian, ID185 contributions
Jan 2020
With your admission you are also have entry to the Castillo San Felipe del Morro.
Its $10 - if you have the National Park pass bring it to use.
For people that say its over priced, I would assume they didn't take advantage of all the grounds have to offer. While the views alone are amazing, reading how the structure was designed for various purposes is genius & the more recent use of the forts were not known to us.
You can do as much or as little as you'd like there, your trip is what you make it; so if you just want to enjoy the view & the walk or dive into history its all there for the taking.
Its $10 - if you have the National Park pass bring it to use.
For people that say its over priced, I would assume they didn't take advantage of all the grounds have to offer. While the views alone are amazing, reading how the structure was designed for various purposes is genius & the more recent use of the forts were not known to us.
You can do as much or as little as you'd like there, your trip is what you make it; so if you just want to enjoy the view & the walk or dive into history its all there for the taking.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tn5mom
Elizabethton, TN38 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
I’m Not huge into History stuff but this was really neat.. We only seen this Fort & not the other. I think it’s just the way we headed off the ship & this was the one we came too.. If you have issues walking or in the heat you may wanna take a taxi which are all waiting as soon as you walk the port.. Its not a easy walk, nor is it hard. There’s plenty to see & vendors along the way. My children tried the coconut water served right out of the coconut along the way. It was quite funny. I think they thought it would be sweeter.. 11 in our party & some liked it & some didn’t..
We get to the fort & it’s really cool & refreshing in the area that you pay. They made the kids throw the drinks away which would of been fine but they sell their own drinks at a high cost in the souvenir shop. The price was $7 for us to get in but I’m reading those that have went in after 2020 it’s been raised to $10.. I don’t know why anyone would complain about such a cheap admission entrance especially when you can go to both forts!! The views & picture opportunities alone are worth that.. Kids are FREE!! It’s really neat to read the signs as you walk around & can only imagine what all has happened in the very spots you are walking. The only part I didn’t like very much was there was an extremely rude lady in one of the shops. I don’t know if she was having a bad day or really just hated her job..
To me through it’s worth going at least once. Whenever will you have the chance again? It’s a cool culture. A Beautiful Island & for the most part friendly people..
We get to the fort & it’s really cool & refreshing in the area that you pay. They made the kids throw the drinks away which would of been fine but they sell their own drinks at a high cost in the souvenir shop. The price was $7 for us to get in but I’m reading those that have went in after 2020 it’s been raised to $10.. I don’t know why anyone would complain about such a cheap admission entrance especially when you can go to both forts!! The views & picture opportunities alone are worth that.. Kids are FREE!! It’s really neat to read the signs as you walk around & can only imagine what all has happened in the very spots you are walking. The only part I didn’t like very much was there was an extremely rude lady in one of the shops. I don’t know if she was having a bad day or really just hated her job..
To me through it’s worth going at least once. Whenever will you have the chance again? It’s a cool culture. A Beautiful Island & for the most part friendly people..
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David K
Charleston, WV187 contributions
Nov 2019
We took a tour of the fort which was included in a Viking Cruise. The fort walls are thick and impressive. Good views of the water and Old San Juan. The different parts of the fort were interesting. There are a fair amount of stairs that go along with the different levels and expect it to be warm due to the climate. Walkable from the cruise port, however mostly uphill to this fort.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boozybelle
Chicago, IL41 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
It was hot when we visited, which made getting up the steel hill, with a toddler in a stroller, a little difficult. It is a little pricey if you’re just looking to make a quick stop to look around, as opposed to spending hours visiting both stops. It was hot walking through some areas, but other areas had a nice ocean breeze coming in. The day we left, before getting on our cruise, was busy but didn’t feel overly crowded.
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ROCruiser
Claremont, CA4,655 contributions
Nov 2019
We forgot to bring our National Park Eagle Passes when we came here on a cruise stop but even with the $7 entrance fee for seniors it was way worth it. This place is HUGE, with lots to see and explore. It was raining a little when we were there but didn't dampen our spirit trying to see everything there. This is one of the better forts there is with years of history. A UNESCO site worth mentioning.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lockandgo
Armstrong, Canada467 contributions
Feb 2020
This fort is one of two forts built along the rugged coast to protect from pirates entering the bay. It has tons of interesting architecture. Tunnels run along the coast to move troops back and forth in the day unseen to the enemy. Pay for one admission ($10.00/person) and visit both sites. If you come in on a cruise ship.....just walk there as traffic is crazy. You might get there before the taxi.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Krysten H
Greensboro, NC45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
When visiting San Juan, we were on a pretty tight schedule, and knew there was just one thing we had to see: The Castillo de San Cristobal. And let me tell you, it is WORTH THE VISIT! We happened to be there the day after massive earthquakes had swept through Puerto Rico, and were unsure of how touring would be during that time, but this Castillo did not disappoint. It was truly such a beautiful place to visit, and was surprisingly unaffected. It was inspiring to see how the fort held up even after such a tragedy. It also had information in a variety of different languages, fit for self-touring for all visitors. If you have even two hours in San Juan, this is the place to visit.
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TennisStar602
New Jersey625 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a great fort to visit with loads of history. There are several levels to this fort, and there are nice cannon displays. The views of the surroundings are amazing. It costs ten dollars ($10.00) to visit this fort and El Morro within twenty-four (24) hours.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendall K
791 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
After spending some time at the Castillo San Felipe del Morro we walked over to the Castillo de San Cristobal to enjoy another piece of history. This fort was just as big but slightly younger than it’s counterpart across the way. It offered stunning views of the city and sea and has been well maintained to give the appearance of how it used to look long ago. If you purchase a ticket at the Castillo San Felipe del Morro you can gain entry into this historic site as well. The walk between both forts is short and worth it with beautiful ocean views along the entire walk.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will arriving to San Juan at night via cruise and was wondering if there will be anything to do we will be arriving around 4p TIL 12am any recommendations would be appreciated thank you
Jarb46
San Juan, Puerto Rico531 contributions
You can walk up to the entrance of el Morro but they close at 6:00 pm. The view is magnificent. Do not go down to the cemetery in the early evening and stick to the streets that have a lot of pedestrians.
MarianAzul
Buenos Aires, Argentina19 contributions
Hola, cómo estás? Quería preguntarte si la entrada que es válida para ambos castillos tiene que ser usada en el mismo día o tiene validez por algunos días? Creo que vale unos 7 dólares, es así? Muchas gracias!
Ivette P
Salinas, Puerto Rico14 contributions
Buenas noches Al Católico San Cristobal pagas la entrada lo vez y disfrutas y si ese día no puedes ir no pasa nada porque en los dos sitio se hace un pago por separado que solo es válido por ese día sí vaz otro día tienes que pagar
GerardoCamacho
Ontario, Canada358 contributions
hello I will stay at the Sheraton old san juan , the Castillo de san cristobal is far from the hotel, I need a taxi this for your help
Brittany B
Farmington, UT36 contributions
Taxis are sooo easy to find there. All the white cars are taxis and they have a flat rate based on distance so every taxi will charge the same. Our hotel had some sitting out front all the time just waiting for people
Barbie D
Wayne, MI22 contributions
My family is arriving here from a cruise in 3 weeks and would like to visit the forts. Do you know what means of transportation to and from this are available right now after the storms?
RagdeEdgar
San Juan, Puerto Rico88 contributions
I would recommend the stroll, as others have, if you depart from the San Juan Bay dock. Nevertheless, take a Uber when in heavy rain or extreme heat.
Brad R
Garrison North Dakota3 contributions
I am traveling to San Juan via cruise ship on March 1 of 2018. I am hoping that that Forts will be open to tourists by this time. Any timeline when they will open?
Josh the Travel Guy
Halifax, Canada235 contributions
I'm sorry, I am not currently in Puerto Rico at the moment. I know power has returned to a few places within Old San Juan - so that's a start. Sorry I couldn't be more help. I'm not sure when the National Parks will open. If you are going and want to walk boardwalk next to the walls of the fort, you may be able to go to San Juan gate over by Del Morro (the other fort in Old San Juan) and follow the path there.
If you are looking for some visual representations, you can always check my YouTube page at Josh the Travel Guy. I have a host of videos on Old San Juan and beyond. These were all pre-Maria though.
Cuales son los horarios de las visitas guiadas por los túneles?
Yamilette S
70 contributions
De 9 de la mañana a 4 de la tarde y si llegas temprano la taquilla de San Cristóbal la misma puedes usar para El morro
I am visiting San Juan at the end of July for my one year anniversary and would love to take photos in the forts in my wedding outfit. I saw that a permit is needed for photography and also insurance is needed. I am planning for my husband and I to renew our vows. We won't have a service, nor guests, nor an officiant. Can we just pay entrance fee and take portraits on a tripod? I'm trying to avoid the cost of a professional photographer. Or do I need to pay insurance?
Robin M
Berwyn, PA238 contributions
This is a US National Park so their rules apply. Here's the link to that site: .nps.gov/aboutus/news/commercial-film-and-photo-permits.htm. Based on my reading of this, you'll be fine.
U1881WSjamieb
Cockeysville Hunt Valley, MD6 contributions
how far is this fort from the other
P402GLmanuelr
Philadelphia, PA22 contributions
I beleive it's about a mile
Elvis f
1 contribution
Hi Nicki,
We are planning our wedding and looking at venues in san juan. Around how much was it to have your ceremony at the fort? If you dont mind me asking
KayakPaddler
Sardis, OH54 contributions
Sorry can't answer this one. Was only there to visit the Fort and not for a wedding
Beatacollazo
Tampa, FL46 contributions
How far is fort from the cruise? Where do you buy the tickets? Are there any signs where to enter? Do you need taxi? Thank you!
busconi
Wenatchee, WA5,365 contributions
The forts are not far from the Cruise ship area...easy taxi drive. There are signs and the taxi can drop you off at the entrance. Remember, there are actually two forts, about a kilometer apart...Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. The cost of entry is $5.00 and it is good for both forts...just keep your receipt. Morro is the larger of the forts and is right next to the cemetery. Critobal has the tunnels. Both forts are amazing.
If you like to walk, you can get to Morro from the Cruise ship area by following the paved pathway along the harbour...you go by Roots Fountain, past the Old City Gate, and around the bottom of Castillo San Felipe del Morrow....beautiful views of the harbour and up to the Fort. Great walk and no more than two kilometers...you can take a taxi back. Really nice walk.
Have fun!!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Castillo de San Cristobal
- Hotels near Castillo de San Cristobal:
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