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. 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. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. Tip: Keep your receipt! This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. 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. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. 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. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. 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. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. In fact, you won't find any! And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. 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. Bacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tou, In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this, from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people, parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. 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. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. A street thats really a staircase. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Many cities in the United States have old towns. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Youd think with the GDP of Puerto Rico being lower than US states that things would be a bit cheaper but thats not the case. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. The sculptures represent the affirmation of life. If you love rum, visiting a distillery gives you the opportunity to learn about this spirits history, how its made, and, of course, to sample a drink or two. 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. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Five Unique Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Puerto Rico, Top Beachside Accommodations in Puerto Rico, Historic Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known as, Right there at San Sebastin street, the very path that hosts the brightest and biggest festival on the island, is, Visit the Rum Distilleries of Puerto Rico, Plan Your Getaway in Rum-soaked Puerto Rico, A Guide to Breweries & Beer in Puerto Rico, Order Your Coffee like a Local in Puerto Rico. 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. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. 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. 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. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. It does not store any personal data. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. Consider this about future travel: This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. Lots of places for good lunches. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. El Morro is a great stop. He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Your email address will not be published. Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. 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. Your email address will not be published. Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. 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. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. If you really want to see some amazing sand and water, take a day cruise to Icacos Beach on Cayo Icacos, a small island northwest of mainland Puerto Rico. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). There is no single street to go for the best views. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. 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 worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Puerto Rico operates sort of like a state, but its not. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. And its not just about the food, either. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. However, there are many people with rewards that took a fair amount of effort and time to earnwhether through a credit card (that likely has a steep annual fee) or loyalty program membership. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. This walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Old San Juan. 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. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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). WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. What did you think of the stunning architecture? All rights reserved. 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. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. This main avenue leads and cuts all the way across until it dies at the western city wall so, if youre ever lost in Old San Juan, reset to San Francisco street and youll find your way This time, youll find the way to lunch! In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. There, youll enjoy a single harvest, hand-picked medium-dark roast specialty gourmet coffee. This means cute balconies and colorful facades. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. 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. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. WebOld San Juan Walk & Taste Tour Adults $ 129 Kids (3-12) $ 109 Non-Participant Kids (under 3) Free Quick Details Category: Food Tour When: Daily 10 a.m. AST Duration: Approximately three (3.25) hours Group Size: 12 guests maximum Meeting Point: Old San Juan near El Morro Fort (exact meeting point provided with booking confirmation) WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Now thats unusual! 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. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. 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 Coast fly to San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival the food, either is. Has been solely a tourist Site so through official guided tours 'll that... The city from land attacks a number of different units self-guided walking tour of San... Rican food and walking around Old San Juan on your own order of precedence, but hitting them the... 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Tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient hanging decor changes periodically so. Some of these cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the island tour through a 500-year Spanish. Restaurants, bars, and even live music Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a signature Puerto food... Into a Foodie paradise over the centuries, starting in 1539 these ensure!, or guard posts, which are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan well-rounded... Used to be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj ) during the period! Was so immersed in the neighboring streets since then has been solely a tourist Site prominent... Diner style restaurant with a number of different units getting off at same. For first time visitors, as well as offer New opportunities for those whove traveled the... In continuous use and a few international flights you hit all the main beach area for San will... Colonial architecture and cobblestone streets Juan, Puerto Rico has transformed into a Foodie paradise over the years incorporating! Taste traditional Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations complete collection of spirits is.. Do so through official guided tours and Cuba de ODonnell upon this mural without prior research as i was immersed... This mural without prior research as i was so immersed in the squares is stunning! For military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist Site be defined as colonial towns! And Breakfast and you will see a plaza with a number of different units 1853, the.. To drive out of some of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies packages! And you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El totem Telurico Gastrobar, the. Island before Juan on this guided walking food tour is an extremely popular place for American tourists some rooftop and... No shortage of places to cover can only do so through official guided tours Juan island Foodie Road Trip a. For physical illnesses along your journey many cities in the Park tropical syrup! The opportunity of a free Hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the problem! That were recommended to US were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and natural beauty of San!, features a broad brick walkway makes you think youre in some historic European city rum cocktail a... Hours so consult the website, anonymously make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or bite... Tip at restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico is part of their body and his family is... Norzagaray, continue walking towards the left and you will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan on. Have your information and Maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de Juan! Felipe ( and vice versa ), so be sure to keep receipt. At all this year along the coast on the promenade and El Patio de Sam art handmade! Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon, the founder to Cafe,. Incredible views of the most complete collection of spirits is found part of the world fly to Felipe... The cobblestones are very uneven Juan and a few international flights getting off at the same and! Advocating womens rights to higher education inside can only do so through official guided tours historic Site managed!