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. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. 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. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. 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. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. 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. There, youll enjoy a single harvest, hand-picked medium-dark roast specialty gourmet coffee. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. , or octopus. An immense red gate or La Puerta de San Juan, built between 1634 and 1638 turned the city of San Juan into an impregnable fortress with its 15 feet thick walls. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. One block away from Hotel El Convento is the Americas second oldest cathedral, Catedral Baslica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista, also known in English as theMetropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are quite a few scattered around the US. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. El Morro is a great stop. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. 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) Items to bring with you The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. All around the structure, youll find many. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. 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). Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. This walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Old San Juan. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Your email address will not be published. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. 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! Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. 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. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Simply amazing. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. 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: Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. Required fields are marked *. 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) From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. 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. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. It does not store any personal data. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. 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. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. Today, its popular among locals and tourists alike. Lots of places for good lunches. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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! Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! Its on par with smaller US cities in terms of the cost of everything. For those arriving from the cruise ship port, it may make more sense to walk around the exterior first and then end the day perusing the downtown streets. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. 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. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. Its delicious. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. 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. 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! The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. 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. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Now thats unusual! Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. It is a US territory instead, which means that US federal laws still apply, such as federal minimum wage and social security taxes, but citizens who live in Puerto Rico have no representation in the federal government. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. La Perla was first established as the location of a slaughterhouse as both slaughterhouses, cemeteries, and homes of former slaves and non-white servants were required to be outside of the main city center in the late 19th century. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Get a quote from Discover Cars 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. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Next to the chapel on Calle de Tetuan, is Parque las Palomas or Pigeon Park. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. We are here to provide you with all the highly detailed information you need to have the perfect vacation. Here we will cover a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan! The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. 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. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. El Morro is a great stop. 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. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. 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. 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. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. If youre not full just yet, cross the Plaza de Armas, all the way down to the Bastin de las Palmasat San Jos street, where youll findSr. Paleta,a hyper-local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto Rico by storm. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. El Morro is a great stop. 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. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. 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. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. Consider this about future travel: The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. 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. 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. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. 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. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. Learn how your comment data is processed. While that might pale in comparison to some of the European gothic cathedrals, its still nearly 500 years old, dating back to 1540. 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. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. 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. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. 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. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Ive snagged a $24 direct flight to Milan, a $30 flight to Berlin, a $400 roundtrip ticket to Colombia, and a $500 roundtrip ticket to Japan. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Visitors can learn about the indigenous, African, and European influences that shaped the Americas into the multi-faceted countries that they are today due to colonization and modern development. What every traveler needs: Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Your email address will not be published. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. 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 While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. What did you think of the stunning architecture? 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). The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. Themassive door, closed at night, was to protect the city and its resident from attacks. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. 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. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. In the Isla Grande region you will find a lot of new hotels (this is where we stayed) and a huge mall that has DJs every night in a common courtyard. 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). 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. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. In fact, you won't find any! Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. the Western Hemisphere. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president.
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