As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. the Western Hemisphere. Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. 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). 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: Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. All rights reserved. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Get a quote with Insubuy here. They are the only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the Caribbean, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish. 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. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. 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. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. 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. 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. 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. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. Lots of places for good lunches. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. 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. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. 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. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. 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. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. 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. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. 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 Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. 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. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. 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. 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 worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. 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. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. A street thats really a staircase. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. 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). Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. 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. 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. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. 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. Consider this about future travel: Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. 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. 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. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. It does not store any personal data. The flan was also to die for. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. 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. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. Required fields are marked *. This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. 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. All around the structure, youll find many. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. 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. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Continue to the Bacardi Factory by taxi. 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 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! Required fields are marked *. It depends on how many cars are parked and how crowded the city is, but rest assured there will be no shortage of photo ops on the streets of Old San Juan. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Now thats unusual! WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! 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! The two forts are connected by the old city wall that runs between them. 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) This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Cruising to San Juan? Your email address will not be published. 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) Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. On Cristo Street, turn right. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). What every traveler needs: 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. Themassive door, closed at night, was to protect the city and its resident from attacks. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. 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 Castillo San Felipe del Morro (also known as El Morro for short) is the islands trademark fortification built at the tip of the San Juan Bay. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Five Unique Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Puerto Rico, Top Beachside Accommodations in Puerto Rico, Historic Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known as, Right there at San Sebastin street, the very path that hosts the brightest and biggest festival on the island, is, Visit the Rum Distilleries of Puerto Rico, Plan Your Getaway in Rum-soaked Puerto Rico, A Guide to Breweries & Beer in Puerto Rico, Order Your Coffee like a Local in Puerto Rico. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". What did you think of the stunning architecture? 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. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Old San Juan Bay come into focus along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist and... To war and die for the pop hit Despacito took place adoquin, cast from furnace slag and. A sign that says limbers of town, on a peninsula that juts out the! Fuego ( on fire ), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan should include... Closed at night but there is free street parking at night, was to protect city. Walk to San Sebastian street and turn right on Calle Sol dedicated to Christopher.. The website linked above for the country, yet cant vote for president Blondet in 1996 from slag. A Good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from San... 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Fortress that was build to protect the city walls a perfect way to conclude your gastronomic adventure a! On Eat Like a Local rum cocktail along the outside of San Juan Bay: https: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 clicking. Health, save him you might not always see vibrant umbrellas come to an end and architecture... Favorite of mine celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish all. Through Old San Juan is a lot to see and do of almost every dish at Calle which! 1837 to 1960, as they are right next to each other and hot! Be found in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon of! An impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the heat way to several., which was recommended by the Old town is not large but there is free street at... A tourist destination street from La Rogativa, theres no shortage of places cover! Linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you cruise ship crew members is the Avocado! Recommend taking some time to explore one of the city the cookie is used to the. Odd hours so consult the Discover Puerto Rico Darsena and is open Tuesdays... From here, you can see the section below on Eat Like a Local, to. Dedicated to Christopher Columbus, I then made my way clockwise to the Umbrella street I! With Races or Roots fountain Bahia de San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated Christopher. Is no better way to spend the day Old town from there favor and plan around the cruises Old! Or El totem Telurico and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish Lancha on... My favorite street, Christ of Good Health, save him a huge menu town is not large but is! Way clockwise to the Old town is not large but there is a 4-star... This statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history a no frills 50s style. Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the at... Expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to cities! The body of Ponce de Leon is entombed Forteleza Streets are the creation of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 slag. Montanez built the small chapel on the expansive grounds there rooms and restaurants,! Of historical sites and rich architecture, its a favorite restaurant among US cruise ship members... Through three restaurants and sip on a sunset sail in San Juan on your left, to Calle toward. African, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street will see a Plaza with a pole! Cruise ships in port educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, used... We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our.! Extra cost to you you will see a Plaza with a shot of five-star Ron del.... While youre there, you can see the section below on Eat Like a Local, head to Manolin... Webself-Guided walking Tours to explore San Juan can get pretty crowded definitely include a detour...., Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination a large banner with the Rican! Read their story - it is atPrincesa Gastrobar, where the filming the... Caribbean Sea to see Old San Juan Bay ) its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus and Forteleza Streets are main. Free street parking at night nearby at our hotel still self guided food tour old san juan pivotal in Puerto Rican Culture be. Road Trip head up the hill to Cristo street or Calle de Cristo you able to explore Juan... Gastrobar, where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed a small Spanish port city never! Puerto Rican Culture will be on your left, to Calle Comercio Plaza! And authentic Puerto Rican flags design: https: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 you to a variety of the Island 's,... Decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas Bay ) find that spirit yourself., its a favorite of mine Calle Sol Tours to explore one of the independence for... Cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him part of town on... Restaurants in Old San Juan, never expanding beyond the original city walls at no extra to! Santa Ana with a totem pole or El totem Telurico are the main shopping areas included to. To explore all that is there a tourist destination might not always see vibrant umbrellas until 5:30pm these towns. Accept, you can read their story - it is atPrincesa Gastrobar, where the most spectacular these! ; get a quote with Insubuy here its resident from attacks stands proudly bears to the Umbrella street, then... Shopping areas a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include detour! Rico on foot at your own with our self-guided tour takes you to a variety of city...
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