WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. 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 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. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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) El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. 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 There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. 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! 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. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. 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. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. 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. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Lots of places for good lunches. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Items to bring with you Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! 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. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. Disclosure Policy. 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. On Cristo Street, turn right. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. How to use this map: Click on the faded star next to the title to save this map, and click the square in the top left of the map before the title to view location details. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Your email address will not be published. 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. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. 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. 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. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. 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. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Hey folks! 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! This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. 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. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. 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. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. 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. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. A self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: If you want to hit all the locations listed on this free Old San Juan walking tour, I recommend breaking down your route into the two sections like I did and doing one after the other (in any order). Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. We stayed at Aloft San Juan but dont recommend it due to loud music from the mall next door till well after midnight. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. El Morro is a great stop. A National Historic Site, completed in 1589, El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. 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: Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; Each of their four one-of-a-kind culinary tours showcases the flavors, history, and culture of the island and provides insights into unique food samplings. 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. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. Also lots of walking tours. Lots of places for good lunches. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. If you love rum, visiting a distillery gives you the opportunity to learn about this spirits history, how its made, and, of course, to sample a drink or two. If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. Its delicious. Outlet shops, Puerto Rican handcrafts, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and artwork can be found here. For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. 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. 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. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. 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. Probably not. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. Items to bring with you might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. 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. This main avenue leads and cuts all the way across until it dies at the western city wall so, if youre ever lost in Old San Juan, reset to San Francisco street and youll find your way This time, youll find the way to lunch! WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. 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. 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 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! Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Items to bring with you amzn_assoc_region = "US"; It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. How To Experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico (2019), El Morro was one of the original fortifications built by the Spanish to protect San Juan from foreign invaders. If youre into museums, or trying to beat the heat for a bit, pop into Musea de las Americas to learn a little bit about colonial life in Puerto Rico and see some artifacts from those days. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; If you really want to see some amazing sand and water, take a day cruise to Icacos Beach on Cayo Icacos, a small island northwest of mainland Puerto Rico. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. 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. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. 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. Fun fact: the statue is located right in front of the church where he is buried, and it is pointing towardsCaparra, where Mr. Fountain of Youth wanted to establish the city. 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! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. 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. Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. 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. The flan was also to die for. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. 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. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy.
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