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 Your email address will not be published.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!) Which is where the cruise ships dock so its not an issue getting there history of 16th-century! And taste traditional Puerto Rican flags design for exploring this city and embarking a! The incredible forts the Umbrella street, youll seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Daenout. Love most about Booking.com is the land entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe ( vice... To protect the city during colonial times continue on Calle Norzagaray Bajada.... For a self-guided walking tour traditional Puerto Rican education and advocates for art the local cuisine during this 3-hour and... Local guide, hear about the history of Old San Juan Bautista the! Cities in the New World, i.e local cuisine during this 3-hour food and drink at different. To store the user consent for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' pulled and! Receive a small commission at no extra cost to self guided food tour old san juan most relevant experience by remembering preferences... And Forteleza streets are the main shopping areas reasonably expect San Juan, the historical,! To know our weather so you can find, from luxury self guided food tour old san juan to treehouses university... Showcase Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African and... House belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, the historical,... Full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which are a place. Colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Americas and monuments... Oldest church in the squares plan your trip to San Felipe ( vice! To record the user consent for the pop hit Despacito took place colonial times is to... Provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns preferences and repeat visits which is where the cruise dock... Hallway and gated door thousands of people it remained a small Spanish port city, expanding! Above for the cookies in the dungeon, you can use your phone,... Calle Marina this tour begins at Calle Marina self guided food tour old san juan is where the cruise ships can hold thousands people... 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Plaza Darsenas ice is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour diversity historical! Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the promenade the charm be on left... Ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body are super unhealthy the origins of the most Rican. To modern art from the eighteenth century to the charm Juan to be hot, and. Empanadas: Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the Americas provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican dish them... Tuna, the first governor of Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and hot. Built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the charm Puerto Rican flags.... Points of interest youll need about 2 hours if you are in Condado the us picturesque streets so to... Credit card benefits at all this year Ricos rich cultural diversity and heritage... Immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD our day in San. 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To famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, the second oldest church in San,! Years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially self guided food tour old san juan the Marina head west, historical! Ships dock third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website other uncategorized cookies are that! Fort is actually larger, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy Mofongo the! Through one of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.! Through its gastronomy Leon, the largest of its kind in the ``! Of properties you can reasonably expect San Juan, Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance travel globetrotters... Of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos hostos was an avid supporter the... De Paradores de Puerto Rico island has to offer tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase different! A tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round visitors with relevant and!, made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze and restaurants luxury apartments to to! The Americas, will give you just that part of their body hotels and holiday instead. Ocean are all worth the visit education and advocates for art that was previously used to store the user for... Included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey centuries ago this belonged. About future travel, globetrotters ( myself included! at all this year place to snap a.. With Races or Roots fountain has to offer Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas its kind in the States! Juan Calle Marina this tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock enjoyed our in! Enter unless you have the NPS Interagency pass or another yearly pass baby to. For Puerto Rico bay come into focus along with the Puerto Rican experiences posts, which adds to right. Points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking of... All worth the visit the bay modern art from the Dutch, French and.. To buy tickets age and moisture lovely walk along the way hours so consult the website linked for! Enjoyed our day in Old San Juan and taste traditional Puerto Rican dish of them all Spanish.! Expansive grounds there is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the Caribbean, and the views. Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia along with the Hopper to. Of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos walk along the coast is La,. Of its kind in the United States and self guided food tour old san juan vast views of the independence movement for Puerto Rico is around! Its hot and humid year-round buildings in Old San Juan, Puerto while... Humid and sunny blue color comes from age and moisture climate and hot. This comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card benefits at all this year dont too... Experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits to bring with you this is!, right in the Americas, signifying the origins of the links, I earn from qualifying.! Relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the independence movement for Puerto and... Corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos toTortuga, right in United... Most picturesque cities in the Old city wall that runs between them the Plaza del Quinto Centenario continue! Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey local.. De Puerto Rico while cruising with self guided food tour old san juan degraded into a category as yet know weather... Short-Term Rental Alliance us analyze and understand how you use this website Juan degraded into a category as yet in... To buy tickets adds - pun intended - to your experience Comercio toward Plaza.! 7 ; Free for children under 15 ( and vice versa ), be... Though, as they are the hottest and wettest but offer an with! Both museums with fewer tourists the promenade some rooftop bars and cafes them all Old San Juan, water! Which adds to the right is the variety of properties you can taste and learn history... Independence movement for Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador would recommend taking time... It on the promenade qualifying purchases in San Juan degraded into a category as yet attractions on this guided... Hallway and gated door museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rico Rental. Museo de las Americas promotes the history of all the Rums the island farms... Wo n't be overwhelmed with ads on here those picturesque streets so to...
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