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. It does not store any personal data. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Items to bring with you You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Also lots of walking tours. Required fields are marked *. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. 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. 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. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Your email address will not be published. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. 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. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. If you make this walking and tasting tour withSpoon,you can ask to try their garbanzada de mero, a grouper and chickpea stew that showcases the very base of every Puerto Rican dish, thesofrito. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. El Morro is a great stop. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. The fort itself is an impressive structure. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. 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. Disclosure Policy. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. There is no single street to go for the best views. 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! Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. 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. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. 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. Your email address will not be published. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. 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. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. If youre staying in the Old Town, though, your hotel might have parking included so be sure to check with your accommodation for parking options. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Puerto Rico is a US territory so your phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine. 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. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. 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. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable locations in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fortzaleza Street is home to the iconic and colorful hanging umbrellas. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. This is completely up to you. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. You can also reasonably expect to get some rain if youre there for more than a few days, so be sure to bring an umbrella with you on your trip. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. This is especially true on days when cruise ships dock at the port. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Its delicious. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. And its not just about the food, either. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. 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. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. We are here to provide you with all the highly detailed information you need to have the perfect vacation. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Your email address will not be published. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. No more fending off invaders! amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Its on par with smaller US cities in terms of the cost of everything. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. 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 amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. 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. Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. Get a quote with Insubuy here. 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). Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. And its not just about the food, either. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. 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. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Puerto Rico operates sort of like a state, but its not. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 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. 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. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. 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! 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. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. 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. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. Unbelievably delicious! Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. 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. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. Outlet shops, Puerto Rican handcrafts, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and artwork can be found here. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. 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. Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. El Morro is a great stop. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. 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). Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. 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. Slip-on comfortable shoes. Community leaders have been making efforts toward the growth and development of what has for generations been one of the most underserved and economically disadvantaged sectors of San Juan. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. 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) Quick tip: turn off the device when youre not using it so that the battery can last longer. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 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. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. 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. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. 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. In just 3-4 hours, I was able to hit all of the major historical landmarks and popular photo-ops/ Instagram hotspots and so can you! For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. Paseo de la Princesa is a beautiful promenade lined with fountains, lamp posts, and trees all accompanied with stunning views of the San Juan Bay. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. 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. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. Youd think with the GDP of Puerto Rico being lower than US states that things would be a bit cheaper but thats not the case. Tip: Keep your receipt! A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. 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. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. 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) What did you think of the stunning architecture? With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes.