New Years in OSJ

[Webguy]

Does anyone have any knowledge if the restaurants are open New Years Eve and day?

 

Is anything else open?

 

Thank you

[StCroixCruiser]

I was in Old San Juan last year for New Year's Eve with two of my sons following an 11 night Celebrity cruise. There were some restaurants open, but many were closing early for private parties or so their employees could go to parties of their own. After a little exploration we went the simple route and just went to the Embassy Suites for the evening for dinner at Outback Steakhouse and then hung out in the casino.

 

It turned out to be a great decision as I hit a big jackpot (triple 7's) 15 minutes before midnight (I never play slot machines, but my youngest son was 18 and old enough for the casino there but he wasn't up for learning to play craps that night so we settled down at some slot machines). The machine was still paying out when midnight came and we had been cheering for awhile along with everyone around us. The jackpot didn't completely cover the cost of a 2 week trip island hopping, but it was a nice rebate! LOL

 

There were bands and dancing and cheap drinks and a snack buffet. Not what I would have done if I'd been there with a b/f, but it was safe and easy with my sons.

 

Late nights in Old San Juan can feel a little sketchy walking around some of the darker areas. That kept us from winging it in old town, although we would have liked to find an area where we could have watched fireworks at midnight and that kind of thing. We had done the Segway tour through old town and the fort earlier that afternoon. Most things were slow to open on New Year's Day. The restaurants in the hotels will be sure to open at some point, as will McDonald's and other fast food.

[Webguy]

I was in Old San Juan last year for New Year's Eve with two of my sons following an 11 night Celebrity cruise. There were some restaurants open, but many were closing early for private parties or so their employees could go to parties of their own. After a little exploration we went the simple route and just went to the Embassy Suites for the evening for dinner at Outback Steakhouse and then hung out in the casino.

 

It turned out to be a great decision as I hit a big jackpot (triple 7's) 15 minutes before midnight (I never play slot machines, but my youngest son was 18 and old enough for the casino there but he wasn't up for learning to play craps that night so we settled down at some slot machines). The machine was still paying out when midnight came and we had been cheering for awhile along with everyone around us. The jackpot didn't completely cover the cost of a 2 week trip island hopping, but it was a nice rebate! LOL

 

There were bands and dancing and cheap drinks and a snack buffet. Not what I would have done if I'd been there with a b/f, but it was safe and easy with my sons.

 

Late nights in Old San Juan can feel a little sketchy walking around some of the darker areas. That kept us from winging it in old town, although we would have liked to find an area where we could have watched fireworks at midnight and that kind of thing. We had done the Segway tour through old town and the fort earlier that afternoon. Most things were slow to open on New Year's Day. The restaurants in the hotels will be sure to open at some point, as will McDonald's and other fast food.

 

We appreciate your reply. Happy New Year.

[amapola]

This year there's a NYE celebration in SoFo "New Year's Full Moon Street Party" It will take place along Fortaleza, Tetuan & O'Donell Streets & Plaza Colon. All the restaurants in the area will have specials, there will be live music, fireworks, etc. This is the area right across the street from the public parking garages & up towards the Tapia Theater, where all the restaurants that people always recommend are located. I agree that some of the side streets are dark and daunting, but there will be throngs of people at this event and I think it will be quite safe and fun. Happy New Year!