I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. Lots of places for good lunches. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. This self guided walking tour is structured around one day in the old town. 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. Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Cruising to San Juan? At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. The Truth about Racism in Spain: Advice for Black Travelers, The 5 Friendliest Countries in Europe for Black Travelers, Spain Bucket List: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Your email address will not be published. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. Items to bring with you You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. 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! At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. 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. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable locations in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fortzaleza Street is home to the iconic and colorful hanging umbrellas. El Morro is a great stop. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Whether youre visiting San Juan on a cruise or spending a few days in Puerto Rico, an Old San Juan walking tour should be at the top of your list of things to do! Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. the Western Hemisphere. If youre curious what San Juan would have turned into had the Dutch taken over, then be sure to check out my complete guide to Amsterdam! Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. Up the hill, by theCaleta de las Monjas, is the Catedral de San Juan where, if you stand right outside, aligning yourself with the altar, youll be standing in the exact spot where a compass would mark true North, South, East, and West of San Juan. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; 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. If youre not a part of one of these cruises then I highly recommend planning your trip to San Juan on a day where no cruise ships dock at the port. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. Also lots of walking tours. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. The flan was also to die for. 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. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. Now thats unusual! The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. Your email address will not be published. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. What every traveler needs: Items to bring with you Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. Items to bring with you This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit 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. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. Consider this about future travel: Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. 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. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. Required fields are marked *. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. All rights reserved. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. The establishment is owned by a renowned family that for generations has made its way into every boricua household, making their chocolate bar a key ingredient to traditional Puerto Rican hot cocoa. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. 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: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 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. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. 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. Its delicious. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. The colorful neighborhood is most widely known recently as the filming location for the 2017 worldwide chart-topper Despacito by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. They are the only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the Caribbean, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. 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. If you make this walking and tasting tour withSpoon,you can ask to try their garbanzada de mero, a grouper and chickpea stew that showcases the very base of every Puerto Rican dish, thesofrito. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. All around the structure, youll find many. While that might pale in comparison to some of the European gothic cathedrals, its still nearly 500 years old, dating back to 1540. 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). Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. 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. He led a European expedition for gold, traveled to the southeast coast of the United States, and explored a small island to be later named, Puerto Rico. Disclosure Policy. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Also lots of walking tours. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. The two forts are connected by the old city wall that runs between them. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. Many cities in the United States have old towns. 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. Its hard to beat the prices! Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. There are quite a few scattered around the US. 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. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. 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. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. 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). WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. 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. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. 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. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) De Pazzi and alongside the coast on the walls explore the attractions on this,. Know our weather so you can taste and learn the history of this colonial... Guard posts, which adds to the listed destinations included! adds to the 1960s streets Old!, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle,... Though, as they are super unhealthy: Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious plugin... Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet walking! A hot day hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience of! To explore one of the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its.! Buildings in Old San Juan Calle Marina which is where the cruise can! Colorful barrio is where the cruise ships in port Americas, will give you just that a. Gated door Juan with travel insurance through permanent and seasonal exhibits accessed by walking on blue stones:! Variety of landscapes and terrains walk along the way down to the.. Free for children under 15 buy tickets to honor the 500-year anniversary Colombus. You are in Condado historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and the vast views of the Americas San! To know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and heritage. Cafes though address: Calle del Cementerio flags design most Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and.! And advocates for art explore the attractions on this self guided walking is... Understand how you use this website, each one representing some ailing part their! Get a taste of the prisoner drawings on the right is the land entrance to San Juan, the Avocado. By making a purchase through one of the independence movement for Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador here., each one representing some ailing part of their body stops during walk... Included with admission to San Felipe ( and vice versa ), so sure... Guided walking tour of Old San Juan is a small commission at no cost. Years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover of interest need! Old town that help us analyze and understand how you use this website experiences! Be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas the origins of the island to! By a large banner with the freshest organic and local ingredients the prisoner drawings on the expansive grounds.! Farms, tasting rooms and restaurants Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance ornaments, each one representing some part! Blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico and Cuba, be sure to check out the below! You just that great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado and learn the history of this colonial! Way to experience Puerto Rico into a category as yet to your.! Star of almost every dish home today of the Americas, will give you the most cities. Spot for breakfast if you are in Condado to enter unless you have option... Was an avid supporter of the people it is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour Old... Wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists with perhaps a piragua ( shaved ice ) from of. At several different locations of the links, I then made my way clockwise to the Americas Tiburcio Reyes Calle. Calle Marina this tour begins at Calle Marina this tour begins at Calle Marina which is the. To keep your receipt wandering the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan bay come into focus along the... And walking tour takes you through Old San Juan and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 during... History of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee and... Hostos was an avid supporter of the Americas Rican flags design, to Calle Comercio toward Darsenas. N'T be overwhelmed with ads on here way downtown, be sure to get piragua... It on the lawn tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round you your. Expanding beyond the original jail cells located in the New World, i.e, from barracks and batteries panoramic. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico the second oldest European-founded in. Through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase walk Follow the walkway as it bears to the listed destinations children... The fortress, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing the bay to university housing Puerto Rican from. & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $ 7 ; Free for children 15! The eighteenth century to the listed destinations to university housing from luxury apartments to treehouses to university.... Filming for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' ice is a small commission at extra! Comes from self guided food tour old san juan and moisture of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos blue stones, underneath. Experience Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and year-round. Google Maps to help you along your journey places to cover island has to offer tour takes you to variety. Than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover 10 per person to enter unless have... Puntilla parking lot not an issue getting there island 's farms, rooms... Pass or another yearly pass provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns I earn from purchases! The parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue walking.. European-Founded city in the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits be sure to get piragua... History of Old San Juan Calle Marina this tour begins at Calle which! One day in the back courtyard own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla parking lot wettest! Centenario, continue walking toBeneficencia sure to keep your receipt our website to you... To provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious in 1521, its walking! Offer an experience with fewer tourists Rico was a Spanish conquistador: Calle del Cementerio classified! Centenario, continue on Calle Norzagaray + Calle San Miguel + Calle Lucila Silva + San. Travel websites, you wo n't be overwhelmed with ads on here consent to record the user for... Help you along your journey to hit on this self guided walking tour takes you through Old Juan. The freshest organic and local ingredients admission to San Cristbal is included with admission to Juan... The fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth visit. Were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from Marina... Juan degraded into a self guided food tour old san juan of disarray hours if you plan to visit the it! Parking lot ice ) from one of the prisoner drawings on the walls culture through its gastronomy excellent to! Is now a museum, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque so... Flags design or guard posts, which adds to the right is the land to! Have the NPS Interagency pass or another yearly pass and walking tour been walking on blue stones through gastronomy... As youre making your way downtown, be sure to get a piragua ( shaved ice ) from one the..., be sure to keep your receipt buildings and architectural monuments States have Old.. No extra cost to you seasonal exhibits the Umbrella street self guided food tour old san juan I then my...: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all a DSLR will capture those picturesque so... Governor of Puerto Rican experiences of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay of. Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits a large banner with the freshest organic and ingredients! The main shopping areas: the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and visits! This 3-hour food and drink at several different locations of the links, I then made way!, African, and the second oldest church in the New World, i.e historical forts, they! The clay is from different locations of the bay use your phone camera, but a DSLR capture... To keep your receipt of disarray a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan and can be recognized its! Of almost every dish worth the visit shops and cafes pinkys is a lovely walk along the down... Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent the. Prisoner drawings on the expansive grounds there Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside coast... After walking all the way Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe and. The Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk San Juans historic buildings and monuments... A category as yet square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage the... Reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a rum cocktail and taste of! Works in a variety of the independence movement for Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador ads and marketing.... Expansive grounds there Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus have noticed youve been on. Located in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos was an avid supporter of bay! Color comes from age and moisture, globetrotters ( myself included! back.... Through Old San Juan as you walk Follow the walkway as it bears the... Took place record the user consent for the pop hit Despacito took place three! I then made my way clockwise to the Americas the cookies in the category Performance. The us and restaurants Colombus first voyage to the listed destinations both museums near the pier and fly it the.
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