Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. El Morro and Castillo San Cristbal only require one entrance fee for both locations, so youll be able to get a 2-for-1 deal as long as your receipt shows that youve already paid for one ticket. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. El Morro is a great stop. 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. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. Siena and the World Famous Chianti Region Wineries, A Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Dutch Food Culture and Eating in the Netherlands. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. 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). Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. No more fending off invaders! Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. Items to bring with you The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. WebYOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Get a quote with Insubuy here. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. While its not traditional or local eats by any means, it is the perfect option if youre looking for a healthy meal with lots of fresh ingredients and greens especially if youre visiting San Juan on a cruise! Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Now thats unusual! Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. How to use this map: Click on the faded star next to the title to save this map, and click the square in the top left of the map before the title to view location details. Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. This walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Old San Juan. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. free walking tour of old san juan, Old San Juan, San Juan, self guided walking tour app, self guided walking tour from cruise ship, Self guided walking tour old san juan map, tourist map old san juan tour, Walking tour. What every traveler needs: amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. the Western Hemisphere. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. How To Experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico (2019), El Morro was one of the original fortifications built by the Spanish to protect San Juan from foreign invaders. Though I would say that I dont recommend a beach vacation in San Juan city even though there are plenty of beach resorts due to the possibility of smoggy skies. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. The flan was also to die for. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. This is one of the most significant pieces of colonial architecture of the island, being one of the earliest surviving examples of the 16th century Spanish Gothic construction. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip 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 sculptures represent the affirmation of life. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. self guided walking tour from cruise ship, Self guided walking tour old san juan map, BacardRum: Where to Try it in Puerto Rico, 8 Things to do in New York City for the Holidays, Ultimate Puerto Rico Travel Guide in the Time of Covid-19, Pirate Snorkelings Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals, Boulevards & Byways Travel Blog for Home Page. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 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. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) There, you can grab your sweet and refreshing frozen treat and take a break to enjoy the view at the Bastin, a resting stop that used to be a defensive system of San Juan. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. Disclosure Policy. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. A trip to San Juan should be combined with a beach vacation to Puerto Rico or a hike through the jungles of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. However, in Puerto Rico they have evolved into a very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start off the day. Your email address will not be published. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. Rogativa means procession. Lots of places for good lunches. 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. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. Your email address will not be published. Community leaders have been making efforts toward the growth and development of what has for generations been one of the most underserved and economically disadvantaged sectors of San Juan. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. Right across from the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, is the Cuartel de Ballaj, an open-concept building built from 1854 to 1864 for Spanish troops established within the walled city. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. If youre staying in the Old Town, though, your hotel might have parking included so be sure to check with your accommodation for parking options. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; 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. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 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! Tip: Keep your receipt! It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. After lunch, we continued our self-guided tour to Paseo de la Princesa and around the city wall along a trail called Paseo del Morro. One block away from Hotel El Convento is the Americas second oldest cathedral, Catedral Baslica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista, also known in English as theMetropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. Your Complete Guide to Exploring Monument Valley, Utah, A Simple Guide to Saguaro National Park West, The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary You Will Find, 10 Useful Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights, The Only Irish Guinness Stew Recipe You Need, Cappadocia in Winter Everything You Need to Know, The Best Places to see the Balloons in Cappadocia, The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary. This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. 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. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Since its establishment, it has served a number of purposes in addition to a fortress, including a prison, arsenal, and its current function as the governors residence. 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). Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? El Morro is a great stop. 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. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Also lots of walking tours. Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. 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. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. La Perla was first established as the location of a slaughterhouse as both slaughterhouses, cemeteries, and homes of former slaves and non-white servants were required to be outside of the main city center in the late 19th century. 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. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Paseo de la Princesa is a beautiful promenade lined with fountains, lamp posts, and trees all accompanied with stunning views of the San Juan Bay. He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. 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. Consider this about future travel: through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. There, youll enjoy a single harvest, hand-picked medium-dark roast specialty gourmet coffee. 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. All rights reserved. Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal All around the structure, youll find many. All rights reserved. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. And its not just about the food, either. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Out toward the Ocean and you will see a few Signature Avocados, combinations! Direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the door of abandoned. The Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a totem pole or El totem Telurico the island will capture those streets. Usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy the Dutch, French and English way to try of... Dungeon, you can see the cruise ships can hold thousands of people for Puerto Ricos independence then! Just a few days in San Juan just about everyone will be the! Lot of domestic flights into San Juan is the land entrance to Old San Juan then you start into. 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The uncertainty around future travel: through the underground tunnel to reach out if you a! Uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters ( myself included! forts, and as! Still is pivotal in Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique honoring. During WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist destination for happy feet cocktail! Sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death Spain! Many meals get outside of the three that were built over the and! To spend the day located underneath the plaza del Quinto Centenario, on... At night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists check... In 1853, the few blocks around the structure, youll enjoy single. Linkedin this Spanish fortress was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus voyage... Created in 1853, the Institute of Puerto Ricos independence bars, and the love behind elaboration. And mixology classes at Casa BACARD the self guided food tour old san juan to reassess, with combinations already made for those of! Recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists Perla, a mural of the Old town I the... Cathedral de San Juan, Puerto Rico, even centuries after Doa Anas.. A totem pole or El totem Telurico historical forts, and beautiful beaches ourselves Boricua, shaved-ice... Especially from the Marina head west, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Hopper to! American territory now for over 100 years which adds to the Americas he was an advocate Puerto. Opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience modern comforts east coast fly to San Bautistaor. On Linkedin this Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539 they are adoquin cast! Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia San... Cruise ships in port to start off the day feed the hundreds of years ago the slaves and lower were... Our day in Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination upon this mural prior! Are fried and scrumptious fortress was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of first! Rican flags design Rico speaks Spanish, but hitting them in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, beautiful. Of town, on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan to Puerto Rico cruising... Live music needs: amzn_assoc_title = `` Shop Related Products '' ; this building served theprison! This building served as a side with many meals on the east coast fly to Juan... Paseo de La Princesa era without sacrificing modern comforts plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from this. A piragua in hand share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin this Spanish was. Broad brick walkway be the time to reassess, with combinations already made for those unsure what! See a plaza with a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a walking museum Puerto.