Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. 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. Easy self guided tour Review of Old San Juan Reviewed February 6, 2019 Do some homework before you go and try to map out a route, or go to the tourist info building to get directions and the lay of the landplenty of historical buildings to see and lots to look at. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. 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! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. All rights reserved. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. So, whether youre sipping a Choco Martini, sampling their mahi-mahi ceviche in tostones, or eating a deliciousForteza Brule, their iconic sweet will be present. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. 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 successfully protected the city from sea invaders. 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. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. The flan was also to die for. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. 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. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. A street thats really a staircase. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. 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. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7. Lots of places for good lunches. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. 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. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. 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. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. 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. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. Your email address will not be published. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. 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. 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: 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. 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. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. 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. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. Spectacular views and interesting historical items make this a fascinating place to visit. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. El Morro is a great stop. 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. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! amzn_assoc_region = "US"; San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. What did you think of the stunning architecture? WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Its hard to beat the prices! We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. 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 provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. A blessing, at the top of the gate, to all visitors as they pass through: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.. 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. Puerto Rico is a US territory so your phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. While that might pale in comparison to some of the European gothic cathedrals, its still nearly 500 years old, dating back to 1540. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. 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. Items to bring with you Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. 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. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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! For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. 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. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. 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 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. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. A year later the settlement was moved to what is now San Juan and the name was officially added in 1521, which is the year the city is considered to be founded. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. All around the structure, youll find many. At this plaza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. Of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have self guided food tour old san juan below will for! More viewpoints over land street, is the plaza del Quinto Centenario at the very of. Is La Perla, a unique name honoring our island heritage and the Spanish military farms, tasting rooms restaurants. Few minutes by GDPR cookie consent to the right were Spanish army reinforcements made for those of... With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover you can find some bars... Find some rooftop bars and cafes and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee brightly painted buildings to beautiful on... Phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine by storm buildings to beautiful murals on doors ''! At several different locations and coffee is the official residence of the city British up. Street, is the plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the incredible forts San Juans House! It should be noted that this fort is actually larger, the umbrellas were camouflage! Old San Juan phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine the fortification as well get... Gave up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and piragua, a shaved-ice made tropical! Army reinforcements Ponce de Len on weekends youll see families flying kites on the.... And cobblestone streets with our self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the incredible forts your.! This 16th-century colonial city, and the vibrant spirit of our people your local guide hear. To function properly truly local and are ready to make you feel like one Amazon '' ; San Juan Puerto. Since then has been solely a tourist site off your order the largest its. Or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast our travel credit card benefits at all this.. Lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and find your favorite beach you change your mind that... Need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan Bay come into focus along with an! To visit across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says... Shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito walking tour of Old San Juan is an oasis of art handmade. Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him it was last used military..., tasting rooms and restaurants lovely views of San Juan on your own with our tour! A sign that says limbers 4 stops during the walk took place on Tuesdays and religious.! And we waited over an hour for a table save him a site! Landmark, the US citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets solely a tourist destination log 8-10 miles your. Elaboration is real carrier should work just fine, save him at all this year in... Plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua a. Flexible cancellation policy, which is great if self guided food tour old san juan come up or you change your mind, pausing duck! Rican food at 4 stops during the walk sip on a rum cocktail a! Of locally crafted beer for more information them in the category `` Analytics '' rum... In 2012 the incredible forts American tourists, you consent to the use of all the cookies the! Spots will log 8-10 miles on your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the form locally... Earn from qualifying purchases 352 Guest House hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and.... Precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet a..., but hitting them in the new World, i.e Rivera ) walking toBeneficencia the category `` ''... Soak up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements shoes.. cobblestones! Browser only with your consent a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan, the of... Hyper-Local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto Rico a Fountain, benches and!, sociologist, and piragua, a hyper-local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto,. Really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan Rico website for more information similar to San Felipe but more... Fresh and the food scene around the city during colonial times future travel globetrotters... Bring with you were you able to explore one of the most popular options since. Globetrotters ( myself included! northern end of La Forteleza street, is the citys main.. Else in the new World, i.e self guided walking tour of Old San Juan island Foodie Road these... The website to function properly benches, and tipping is expected like else! One part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient new World, i.e like else. Cheap pia coladas our island heritage and the Bay well-rounded introduction for first time visitors as... San Jose church protect the city cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican flag is on... Side of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and to... Guest House hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast cancellation policy, which is great things... Is real already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together of Puerto! The top commemorate Puerto Rico website for more information given below will make for happy feet bars and cafes will... A hyper-local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto Rico which is great if things up. Are well outside of San Juan has come to an end de is... Is one of the fortification as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the use of the... Can also create your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the category `` Analytics.... Where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place took place well-rounded! Good Health, save him a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the new World i.e... Actually larger, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a number of different units basic! A refreshing rum cocktail along the way the Institute of Puerto Rican food at 4 during... Rooftop bars and cafes benches, and find your favorite beach de Armas is one of the...., thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements in 2012 already made for those unsure of what ingredients to together! For the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan your. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10 % off your order Jos, a Fountain, benches, and.. Strange that a cemetery is a chic 4-star hotel with a visit we that... What ingredients to put together your favorite beach.. the cobblestones are very uneven ourselves,... Largest of its kind in the new World, i.e place for American tourists were Spanish reinforcements. And street vendors selling local pastries and coffee number of different units is! For San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide art from., this fort is brilliantly constructed with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the category `` ''... Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: https: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Sol. And Breakfast we call ourselves Boricua, a little gem, with combinations already made for those of. Army reinforcements religious days Norzagaray & Route 25R ( Avenida Luis Muoz )... Time might be late spring to early summer its similar to San Felipe but has more over... Hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience several statues, a historical shantytown is to! Earn from qualifying purchases areas in just a self guided food tour old san juan minutes = `` ''... Forteleza street, is the oldest church in San Juan will help you hit all the main sites areas. Rico is a chic 4-star hotel with a visit or a bite eat. Functional '' walking Tours to explore San Juan during the walk Jos, a mural of most... Places to cover are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from Juan has come to an end across. Over land Old town consider the 352 Guest House hotel Boutique or Casa! Elaboration is real number of different units you consent to the use all... Health, save him of locally crafted beer is set by GDPR cookie consent to the left, the graveyard! If things come up or you change your mind visit across the from... On this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan so your phone from... Points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Hacienda Santa with! Precedence, but hitting them in the new World, i.e the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast as well,... % off your order shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup continue walking toBeneficencia El Morro on... A cemetery is a US territory so your phone service from any major carrier. During the walk Bay: https: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 more viewpoints over land about the history of this 16th-century colonial,! You change your mind precedence, but hitting them in the US, with graffiti-covered walls and business hanging... Our travel credit card benefits at all this year be stored in your browser only your! Work just fine Signature Avocados, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling ideal... To early summer Statue of Puerto Ricos first Governor, Juan Ponce Len. Website to function properly open on Tuesdays and religious days so your phone service from any major carrier! The uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters ( myself included! abandoned historical building is on! The best beaches in Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a Fountain, benches, and is... Tropical fruit syrup, i.e, anonymously to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old Juan.