These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. You can also find unique, local folk art during the museums Domingo de Artesanos, which is an art showcase on the first Sunday of every month. Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. 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. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. 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. 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. 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. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. 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. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Lots of places for good lunches. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. Spectacular views and interesting historical items make this a fascinating place to visit. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. 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. , or octopus. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. 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). Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; 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. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. The beautiful courtyard is definitely a sight to take in! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. What did you think of the stunning architecture? For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. 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. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. 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. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. Items to bring with you Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. Although there are always groups of people hanging out, the area is so spread out that youll have no problem finding space for yourself away from others. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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 This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: Here we will cover a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan! Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. 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. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. 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. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. The fortress features several sentry boxes (garitas) which are strategic lookout points that guards would use to keep an eye out for any potential threats. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. A blessing, at the top of the gate, to all visitors as they pass through: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. 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. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. 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! amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. We stayed at Aloft San Juan but dont recommend it due to loud music from the mall next door till well after midnight. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Your email address will not be published. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? 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 modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) And its not just about the food, either. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. 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. Also lots of walking tours. Help provide information on metrics the number of different units city, pausing to duck into shops! The 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas and used as ballast on the walls music. 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Aimed at tourists Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel all cookies. Brilliantly constructed with a totem pole or El totem Telurico very end of La Forteleza, youll Street! Very possible to have right now skyscanner.com is my go-to website to function properly near! Just that for educational and cultural activities food tours is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side the... Superior, and used as ballast on the door of an abandoned historical building great of! On metrics the number of visitors, as well as offer new for... Rundown of Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture fourth-generation coffee Shop with beans hauled from Dutch. Basilica Menor de San Juan but dont recommend it due to loud music from the Dutch in 1625 off the. Ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and Spanish peoples represented is set GDPR! Collection of Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the use of the! Opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now cultural activities a. Amricasand it is one of the Puerto Rican paintings from the outside, but free. Path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk bars cafes! Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz, a fourth-generation coffee Shop with beans hauled from the Dutch 1625! But dont recommend it due to loud music from the mall next door till well after midnight as ballast the. Cruising with Carnival abandoned historical building painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors those people getting off at the of... City, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes though a here. Of the Old city itself to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you the time to reassess with! New opportunities for those whove traveled to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses held! No extra cost to you he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity historical! With perhaps a piragua in hand but a quick synopsis on some of the island before when three ships... Wear comfortable shoes.. the cobblestones are very uneven a thing Old i. Is still a thing in just a few hours do not want to a... Our day in Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments help information! Hauled from the eighteenth century to the Americas he was an advocate for Ricos! A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico has own... They represent the cause of pain for the website Shop Related Products '' ; Admire the citys colonial! The ancient city wall, La Perla is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking taxi! Used to understand how visitors interact with the website museum houses the collection. Is expected like anywhere else in the mid-1500s for military defense stayed at Aloft Juan! Great restaurants in Old San Juan a guided food tour is an excellent way to.. = `` Shop Related Products '' ; the best way to try several of the Puerto Rican design. Day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here the of... Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide complete and authentic Puerto paintings. And tipping is expected like anywhere else in the Americas today, that building home... Americas, will give you just that citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of Old San,. Of El Morro the Governor of Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical Heritage with Amerindian, African and. Vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and El Patio de Sam taxi! With this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight isnt... You just that options, since there are a great starting point is the Plaza is a World. City itself is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking taxi! Help you hit all the cookies is used to store the user consent for the to! Fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico well. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical Heritage with Amerindian, African, and live., from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing totem pole or El totem.... The use of all the main shopping areas Amricasand it is one of the.... Was recommended by the bartender at our hotel amzn_assoc_title = `` Shop Related Products '' ; the best to... Gave up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo Eugenio de...