This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Right there at San Sebastin street, the very path that hosts the brightest and biggest festival on the island, isLa Factoraone of the worlds Top 50 bars andTaberna Lpulo,the market makers that brought craft beer to the island. Its a long walk, about 3/4 of a mile, but worth it for the fantastic views and photo ops (plus a little walk didnt hurt after indulging in such a big meal). On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. WebThe Visitors Center (phone 787-722-1709) is located across from the Plaza de la Darsena and is open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm. Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. , or octopus. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. 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The second and third floor of the restaurant are part of the Corts Foundation, where they present a curated exhibition that features pieces from Puerto Rican and Latin-American artists. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. Your email address will not be published. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. I always recommend the, Spain Bucket List: Forget Barcelona, Why Granada is the Best Place to Visit in Spain, San Se Marisqueria, located down the street from Outsite San Juan, is the best restaurant in San Juan where I had the privilege of dining. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. As you keep pacing down the blue cobblestone roads, youll find yourself in Sol street, where Casa Blanca, former residence-now-museum of the descendants of Ponce de Len, is located. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. They are known asensaimadasin every other Spanish speaking country and, historically, they were made from lard to sustain the laborers from the morning through a whole day of work. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. If you dont feel like going down and walking through the cemetery, it can easily be admired from the path leading to/from El Morro. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You can also reasonably expect to get some rain if youre there for more than a few days, so be sure to bring an umbrella with you on your trip. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Tucked on the southwest end of Calle Beneficencia and San Sebastian Street, visitors can tour the gardens, mansion living spaces, a display of artifacts, and historic information. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. In just 3-4 hours, I was able to hit all of the major historical landmarks and popular photo-ops/ Instagram hotspots and so can you! Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. Continue to the Bacardi Factory by taxi. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. Spectacular views and interesting historical items make this a fascinating place to visit. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. They wont be that much more expensive than staying outside the Old Town in one of the major brand hotels, but there are definitely more options and larger hotels outside. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Now thats unusual! Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; If youre not full just yet, cross the Plaza de Armas, all the way down to the Bastin de las Palmasat San Jos street, where youll findSr. Paleta,a hyper-local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto Rico by storm. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. Also lots of walking tours. Your email address will not be published. Ive snagged a $24 direct flight to Milan, a $30 flight to Berlin, a $400 roundtrip ticket to Colombia, and a $500 roundtrip ticket to Japan. He led a European expedition for gold, traveled to the southeast coast of the United States, and explored a small island to be later named, Puerto Rico. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Next to the chapel on Calle de Tetuan, is Parque las Palomas or Pigeon Park. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. What every traveler needs: A self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: If you want to hit all the locations listed on this free Old San Juan walking tour, I recommend breaking down your route into the two sections like I did and doing one after the other (in any order). WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. Allow at a bare minimum of an hour to visit the fort, but more if you want to walk along the coast along the promenade back to the Puerto de San Juan, the old citys main entrance station. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. It depends on how many cars are parked and how crowded the city is, but rest assured there will be no shortage of photo ops on the streets of Old San Juan. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. For those arriving from the cruise ship port, it may make more sense to walk around the exterior first and then end the day perusing the downtown streets. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. Old San Juan is a compact area so this tour would take you less than 45 minutes if you simply walked to each location without stopping. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Probably not. Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! Items to bring with you There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. If youre curious what San Juan would have turned into had the Dutch taken over, then be sure to check out my complete guide to Amsterdam! As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. There are quite a few scattered around the US. WebThe Visitors Center (phone 787-722-1709) is located across from the Plaza de la Darsena and is open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Standing 16 feet tall, the gate is also inscribed with the phrase, Benedictus Oui Venit In Nomine Domini, which means, Welcome those who come in the name of God., Address: Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. A National Historic Site, completed in 1589, El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress. With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. Comfortable shoes some of the streets are hilly so its a great idea to wear running shoes or something that wont kill your feet after three hours of walking and climbing fortresses. On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. This means cute balconies and colorful facades. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. The shapes, rising from the ground, convey the idea that the fragility of growth is only an impression and what is truly important has to be eternal. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. The fort itself is an impressive structure. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. This is completely up to you. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. A year later the settlement was moved to what is now San Juan and the name was officially added in 1521, which is the year the city is considered to be founded. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. And its not just about the food, either. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Easy self guided tour Review of Old San Juan Reviewed February 6, 2019 Do some homework before you go and try to map out a route, or go to the tourist info building to get directions and the lay of the landplenty of historical buildings to see and lots to look at. El Morro is a great stop. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. All rights reserved. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. Exploring Old San Juan with a Guide You may also book a number of walking tours, the tour guides do an excellent job, and you will visit places, and hear stories with historical details you would miss with a self-guided tour. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. Along this walking tour of Old San Juan, youve made what locals call a medieval transition, going from inside city walls to outside the walls and that deserves a drink! Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. San Juan PR 00908 sanjuan@flavorsfoodtours.com Phone Number: 787-964-2447 Quick links Home About Tours Flavors of San Juan Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour Boozy Bites Food Tour Old San Juan El Morro Fort Tour Walking History Tour Express Old San Juan Food Tour Private Tour Gift Cards FAQ Blog Contact Join our free newsletter! The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Consider this about future travel: Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Its full of colorful houses and right on the water, but you can tell the residents are not quite as rich as those inside the wall by one walk through the village. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. the Western Hemisphere. Just outside El Morro youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. Its a long walk, about 3/4 of a mile, but worth it for the fantastic views and photo ops (plus a little walk didnt hurt after indulging in such a big meal). In fact, you won't find any! The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. Fun fact: the statue is located right in front of the church where he is buried, and it is pointing towardsCaparra, where Mr. Fountain of Youth wanted to establish the city. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin Castillo San Felipe del Morro (also known as El Morro for short) is the islands trademark fortification built at the tip of the San Juan Bay. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. WebSan Juan Island's agricultural history is still visible in its landscape, dotted with weather-worn barns and farmhouses, fields of hay, cattle, horses and market gardens. The vast green lawn that leads up to the forts entrance is the perfect location for a picnic, sunbathing session, or just a short break during your walking tour. Required fields are marked *. Old San Juan is a compact area so this tour would take you less than 45 minutes if you simply walked to each location without stopping. WebGuide Name: Old San Juan Walking Tour Guide Location: Puerto Rico San Juan (See other walking tours in San Juan) Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing) # of Attractions: 10 Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s) Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles Author: leticia Sight(s) Featured in This Guide: Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Its hard to beat the prices! Rogativa means procession. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. El Morro is a great stop. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. And its not just about the food, either. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Also lots of walking tours. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. You can see which days have cruises using this link. Self-Guided Walking Tour Suggested Routes, Museo de las Americas (Museum of the Americas), Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("El Morro), Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, La Puerta de la Bandera- Puerto Rican Flag Door, Callejon de la Puerta Bandera- Flag Door Alley, Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan, Top 15 Delicious Food Festivals Around the World, The 11 Best Walking Beaches in the Caribbean, The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love, Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand, Life at the South Pole Station: Everything You Want to Know, KHL Clothing Review: Womens Hiking Shorts & Sun Protection Shirt. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. Each of their four one-of-a-kind culinary tours showcases the flavors, history, and culture of the island and provides insights into unique food samplings. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Get a quote with Insubuy here. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. La Fortaleza can be seen from a distance while on the Paseo de La Princesa as well as at the end of the Umbrella Street (Calle Fortaleza). You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. WebA self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: The coastal perimeter (marked in black on the map)- Where most of the historical landmarks are located The interior streets (marked in burgundy on the map)- Where most of the photo spots, restaurants, and shops are found Feel the trade winds as you gaze down right outside the fortification facing the ocean towards theSanta Mara Magdalena de PazzisCemetery, a municipal graveyard that serves as the final resting place of prominent and important people in history. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7. WebA self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: The coastal perimeter (marked in black on the map)- Where most of the historical landmarks are located The interior streets (marked in burgundy on the map)- Where most of the photo spots, restaurants, and shops are found If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area.