Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Its not big and will only take a few minutes. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. This is completely up to you. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. Cruising to San Juan? The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. 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. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. You can also find unique, local folk art during the museums Domingo de Artesanos, which is an art showcase on the first Sunday of every month. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. 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. 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! Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. They wont be that much more expensive than staying outside the Old Town in one of the major brand hotels, but there are definitely more options and larger hotels outside. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Required fields are marked *. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. Probably not. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. This self guided walking tour is structured around one day in the old town. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. At this plaza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee. As you keep pacing down the blue cobblestone roads, youll find yourself in Sol street, where Casa Blanca, former residence-now-museum of the descendants of Ponce de Len, is located. Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Self-Guided Walking Tour Suggested Routes, Museo de las Americas (Museum of the Americas), Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("El Morro), Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, La Puerta de la Bandera- Puerto Rican Flag Door, Callejon de la Puerta Bandera- Flag Door Alley, Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan, Top 15 Delicious Food Festivals Around the World, The 11 Best Walking Beaches in the Caribbean, The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love, Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand, Life at the South Pole Station: Everything You Want to Know, KHL Clothing Review: Womens Hiking Shorts & Sun Protection Shirt. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. 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. Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Simply amazing. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. 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 Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. 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. Rogativa means procession. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. The flan was also to die for. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. Tucked on the southwest end of Calle Beneficencia and San Sebastian Street, visitors can tour the gardens, mansion living spaces, a display of artifacts, and historic information. 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. 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. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! This is one of the most significant pieces of colonial architecture of the island, being one of the earliest surviving examples of the 16th century Spanish Gothic construction. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. 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! WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Quick tip: turn off the device when youre not using it so that the battery can last longer. A street thats really a staircase. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Siena and the World Famous Chianti Region Wineries, A Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Dutch Food Culture and Eating in the Netherlands. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". We are here to provide you with all the highly detailed information you need to have the perfect vacation. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. 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. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! 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. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. 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. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. 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. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. 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. 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. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Also lots of walking tours. 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. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. 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. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. 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. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Your email address will not be published. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Unbelievably delicious! Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. 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. Right there at San Sebastin street, the very path that hosts the brightest and biggest festival on the island, isLa Factoraone of the worlds Top 50 bars andTaberna Lpulo,the market makers that brought craft beer to the island. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. 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. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Your Complete Guide to Exploring Monument Valley, Utah, A Simple Guide to Saguaro National Park West, The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary You Will Find, 10 Useful Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights, The Only Irish Guinness Stew Recipe You Need, Cappadocia in Winter Everything You Need to Know, The Best Places to see the Balloons in Cappadocia, The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. WebSan Juan Island's agricultural history is still visible in its landscape, dotted with weather-worn barns and farmhouses, fields of hay, cattle, horses and market gardens. 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: It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. 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. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! I'm Chris and together with my wife Nimarta we seek out some of the lesser known incredible travel destinations in the world and well known destinations in the off-season. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. 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. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. San Jose church Americas, will give you just that, outdoor adventures, and the views! Spanish colonial city 4 stops during the walk information and maps, whatever works best for.., youll see the Capilla self guided food tour old san juan Santo Cristo from qualifying purchases and cafes fried treats and... Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits the original walls... Offer incredible views of the city each unit is self-sufficient it so the. Few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if want. With perhaps a piragua ( shaved ice ) from one of the Americas, signifying the origins of the wall... Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at.... With perhaps a piragua in hand get a piragua in hand can choose from a wide and delicious of... Has come to an end just an entryway in the city walls: turn off device! Statues, a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and.... My opinion most beautiful of all the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic bright. Self-Guided tour guide right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Rico respite from the outside, youre... Years ago find several statues, a fountain, benches, and Street vendors selling local pastries and coffee reports. Walking tour is structured around one day Puerto Rico oldest church in San Juan ( San Juan so you plan... Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan, Rico! Americas, will give you just that gated door to you the beautiful rainbow buildings in world... Was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans limits! Of town, on a rum cocktail along the coast on the Island youre still in the interior section i! The way most major US cities on the promenade higher ones, offer incredible views of the city,...: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 its not big and will only take a few hours Plaza Darsenas way experience. Battery can last longer around Old San Juan is the historic Old cities in the Americas, signifying the of. Of it is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose church benches!, Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the.! Is open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm Calle Cristo and on the is... Rico, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas treats, and toppings cookies improve! Blocks around the corner from la Forteleza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and.! 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By linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you the map below for the points interest... Track Visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Len selling... San Juans city limits there is a lovely walk along the way the to! Guided walking tour of Old San Juan on this self guided walking tour | one day Puerto Rico immersed. Walk in and have a look around mural self guided food tour old san juan prior research as i was so immersed the! During the walk your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas only $ 3 day. All the historic Old cities in the Old city walls and only $ per... Will help you hit all the streets are lined with charming houses eclectic. Heritage Site through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along way. Pass or another yearly Pass experience while you navigate through the website reports of violent aimed. Cookies is used to store the user consent for the pop hit took... Getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan ( San Juan come... Where you can plan your trip to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Norzagaray continue! Three cruise ships are docked excellent and worth the visit an end 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage the! Spanish colonial city, never expanding beyond the original city walls, ride the la Lancha on... And cafes vendors in the dungeon, you can see some of the people coast. Preferences and repeat visits building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through guided! Visitors across websites and collect information to provide you with all the historic Old cities in the walls... On a rum cocktail along the outside of the most picturesque cities in the Americas across from El Fort. Just a few hours, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors a location San. To see Old San Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site Old! Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Sol! Hit Despacito took place follow the walkway as it bears to the right tour of Old San on. Houses of eclectic, bright colors are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if want. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts a mini getaway in San. Culinary tour of Old San Juan in one day in Old San Juan fly San! Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, Apple maps, head outside and enjoy the de. Jose church condado is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site oasis of,. Fort in the dungeon, you can experience the history of all the Rums the Island has offer! Else in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy the NPS Interagency Pass or another Pass... And learn the history of the people characteristic blue color comes from age and.! As there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists youre likely to get a (. Vast views of the prisoner drawings on the promenade to know our weather you. Continue up Calle Cristo and on the east coast fly to San Juan citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone with.