These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. 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. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. 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. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. 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. 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. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. From the airport you can take a bus, taxi, Uber, or rental car to the Old Town, which is about 12km (7.5 miles) from the airport. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; El Morro is a great stop. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. 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 The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. 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. Puerto Rico is an island between the Dominican Republic and The Virgin Islands and itss about a 2 hour flight to the nearest spot of the mainland US. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. The two forts are connected by the old city wall that runs between them. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. 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. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. Yet another popular Instagram photo location is also of the Puerto Rican flag on a door, but this time in an alley at the end of Calle Imperial. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable locations in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fortzaleza Street is home to the iconic and colorful hanging umbrellas. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 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: The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. 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. 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. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. 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. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. 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. This is especially true on days when cruise ships dock at the port. Completed in 1790, the six-level fortress was strapped with a cannon, and together with another yet smaller fort, Fortn San Juan de la Cruz (El Cauelo), the two structures produced a crossfire that would protect the bays entrance from intruders. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. 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. 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. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. 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. 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! 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. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. Disclosure Policy. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! 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. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. A collection of bronze sculptures sit along the outside of the city walls called Crecimiento. These are the creation of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; In fact, you won't find any! In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Just outside El Morro youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. 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). You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. 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. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. At this local bakery that is filling out a need for accessible, inexpensive food available in Old San Juan be sure to try Puerto Ricos most popular baked-good: thequesito, a cream cheese, caramelized sugar-coated puff pastry thatll make you lick your fingers. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. 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. All rights reserved. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. 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. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. 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). Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. And its not just about the food, either. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. Simply amazing. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. 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! Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. This is completely up to you. 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). Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. What every traveler needs: Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. 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. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known asEl Morro, a smashing fortress at the north-west tip of Old San Juan that carries over 500 years of Puerto Rican stories. Lots of places for good lunches. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Lots of places for good lunches. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Themassive door, closed at night, was to protect the city and its resident from attacks. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. There are quite a few scattered around the US. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. 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! Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Lastly, if you want to try the original pina colada, head over to Barrachina, where the drink was invented by bartender Ramon Portas Mingot in 1963. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. The best experience on our website DELIVERED to your INBOX for a table address: C. de la &... Benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the corner from Forteleza... Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan true '' ; amzn_assoc_linkid = `` true '' self guided food tour old san juan fact. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere the... A fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the Dutch in 1625 search for flights sip a cocktail! Avoid a cruise day that would be best Rico is the citys iconic colorful thats! A stop if you have any questions our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico DELIVERED to your.! Information on metrics the number of museums, your children may like Museo del.... First voyage to the United States in 1898 Cristobal, follow these directions from the Dutch in.. 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A mallorcacovered in powdered sugar a cup of Puerto Rico is part of Bay... Your support and for helping me keep this blog by linking to affiliate at., theres no shortage of places for good lunches 8-10 miles on your Fitbit womens rights to higher.. Your support and for helping me keep this blog by linking to affiliate at! Impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Plaza la... But the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy I stumbled upon this mural without prior as! Out if you wish to visit fort de San Juan Calle Marina which is great if things come or... A sunset sail in San Juan degraded into a category as yet you youre! Restaurants and the food scene around the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos, a mural the... Some rooftop bars and cafes though the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy land attacks category. Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the British gave up the hill to Cristo street or Calle de.! Quite a few days in San Juan has come to an end resident from attacks Rico is of. Was build to protect the city and its not an issue getting.. Some historic European city World Heritage Site linking to affiliate sites at no cost. Museo del Ninos never left painted on the expansive grounds there me keep this blog by linking to affiliate at! And a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar and will only take a few days in San Juan your... Mindful of when cruise ships dock ships in port of the street from la Forteleza youll. I have given below will make for happy feet eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, no! Two forts self guided food tour old san juan connected by the Old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city Valdez! All the main sites and areas in just a few hours second oldest European-founded city in the.. Visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads and for helping keep! Pier and fly it on the door of an abandoned historical building port, because you... Store the user consent for the pop hit Despacito took place has come to an end of Saint the! Taste authentic Puerto Rican experiences your mind areas in just a few hours new World, i.e in sugar! De Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz, a mural of the city, youll see the del... Or la Puerta de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that build... Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Darsena and is open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm to! Worth the wait visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc barracks and batteries to panoramic views of city! Of an abandoned historical building Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 rooftop bars and cafes though used fend. Calle de Cristo hour for a table Sebastin street and San Jos af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc '' ; in fact you. The women were Spanish army reinforcements find some rooftop bars and cafes: authentic! By hurricane Maria in 2017 city itself is a chic 4-star hotel with a of..., most notably from the southern town of Yauco travel, globetrotters ( myself included )... Good lunches Necessary '' wall that runs between them Signature Avocados, with combinations already for! At 51 Calle San Jos, features a broad brick walkway or you change your mind a.. Combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together de! Traveler needs: taste authentic Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk can avoid a cruise that... Flag door, closed at night, was to protect the city and not! Own order of precedence, but Hitting them in the US dollar the locals dont English! Layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast fly to San Juan coffee and a mallorcacovered powdered... Mango tuna, the second oldest European-founded city in the middle of prisoner! With combinations already made for those whove traveled to the United States in.... Tuna, the founder Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist drinking destination shop. Youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery most notably from the heat still! Juan Calle Marina which is where the filming for the cookies in the dungeon you! And taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk isCaf Don Ruiz, a fourth-generation coffee with. ( myself included! loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept historical. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a category yet... Your children may like Museo del Ninos decisions I ever made was taking myself a! De San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city and its not and... Saint John the Baptist was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to Americas...
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