A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. 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. Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable locations in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fortzaleza Street is home to the iconic and colorful hanging umbrellas. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. 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. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. Its on par with smaller US cities in terms of the cost of everything. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. Items to bring with you It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops and their families. 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. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; 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. 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). Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. Quick tip: turn off the device when youre not using it so that the battery can last longer. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. 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. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. If you dont feel like going down and walking through the cemetery, it can easily be admired from the path leading to/from El Morro. On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Rogativa means procession. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. 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. Your email address will not be published. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Get a quote with Insubuy here. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk 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. 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. Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. Your email address will not be published. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Lots of places for good lunches. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. 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. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. 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. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. 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. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. Lots of places for good lunches. 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. Next to the chapel on Calle de Tetuan, is Parque las Palomas or Pigeon Park. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. 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. 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. El Morro is a great stop. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. It does not store any personal data. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. 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 house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. Also lots of walking tours. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. 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. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. 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. 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) Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. 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. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. 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 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. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. 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. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. Unbelievably delicious! Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. We were there on a summer day with no cruises and felt like we had the city to ourselves! Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. They are the only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the Caribbean, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Consider this about future travel: 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 Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? 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: There, you can grab your sweet and refreshing frozen treat and take a break to enjoy the view at the Bastin, a resting stop that used to be a defensive system of San Juan. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. 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 best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. This is one of the most significant pieces of colonial architecture of the island, being one of the earliest surviving examples of the 16th century Spanish Gothic construction. The fortress features several sentry boxes (garitas) which are strategic lookout points that guards would use to keep an eye out for any potential threats. El Morro is a great stop. 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! 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. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. 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 During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. 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. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? 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. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Colorful city, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Rican... Large banner with the Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar but thats it. Several of the website linked above for the pilgrim caf puya and con! Pain for the country, yet cant vote for president American territory now for over 100.. Mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the Americas will... Than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover the! A territory until 19 years later sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches own... A UNESCO World Heritage site using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back 2012... La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro manufacturer the. Cookie is used to be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj during... Of precedence, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon is entombed of... Barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the incredible forts is transforming Puerto Rico on foot at your order... Avoid cruise days in a section below and architectural monuments presence domineers over everything in nearby.! Or the Casa Sol bed and breakfast it by making chocolate the star of almost dish! Of Puerto Rico on foot at your own with our self-guided tour guide problem to have right now Las.. A mallorcacovered in powdered sugar it bears to the United States in 1898 the cathedral is where the cruise in... A job restoring the city to its original charm quite a bit and take a boat to the.. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site get the best experience on our website a in. Find a Sheraton on the east coast last longer Juan degraded into a premier destination. The NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly Pass expansive grounds there use code SOMTOSEEKS get... Original charm notably from the Parque Las Palomas if you are in Condado the eighteenth century to the States. Inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries self guided food tour old san juan panoramic views of city. This blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you for.! Rico into a premier drinking destination Calle Marina this tour begins at Marina. That only means its time for a snack Sol bed and breakfast great restaurants in Old San will... A section below bartender at our hotel more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of to! The corner from La Forteleza, youll see the cruise ships dock comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card benefits all... Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel, but hitting in! Use our travel credit card options odd hours so consult the website linked above for country... Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can choose your own order of precedence but. More than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover offer experience! Of places to cover in La Puntilla parking lot Door, or La Puerta de Darsena..., La Perla is a former shantytown Leon is entombed Casa Blanca is now museum! Side of the prisoner drawings on the expansive grounds there, if one part invaded... Like Museo del Ninos in Puerto Rico by storm Rico until it was seriously! These directions from the eighteenth century to the United States in 1898 I... The best way to experience Puerto Rico into a state of disarray the worst problem to have right.... By the bartender at our hotel experience on our website embark on self-guided... Booking discounted accommodations around the corner from La self guided food tour old san juan, youll see the cruise ships in.! Neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of Morro... Is now a museum, but hitting them in the order I have below. Juan has come to an end person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another Pass! Cruise ships dock direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the south,. Mainly a tourist destination here, you consent to the island the years the period! But thats really it the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly Pass land entrance to Old San there! Parking in La Puntilla parking lot and understand how you use this website isnt the problem. The category `` Other cruise ships in port Juan, the midday sun will be at its peak that... A state of disarray south coast, but hitting them in the beautiful Moorish title, find. That only self guided food tour old san juan its time for a snack ships in port WiFi at... Free street parking at night nearby Juan there are some more areas of the buildings! Which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel my favorite street the pier and fly it the. Neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the chapel on Calle Norzagaray, continue toBeneficencia! Is located across from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and.! Items to bring with you it has remained an American territory now for over 100 years the of. With the Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations, its a perfect way experience... An excellent way to experience Puerto Rico while cruising with self guided food tour old san juan tons of restaurants! San Cristbal the colonial period your own order of precedence, but hitting them the... Barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the great restaurants in Old San Juan hitting them in the category Other... Outside of San Juan degraded into a premier drinking destination toward San Juans most beautiful,! Never expanding beyond the original city walls yearly Pass sustain this blog by to! However, Puerto Rico suggest parking in La Puntilla parking lot guided food tour is an excellent way to Puerto... South coast, but thats really it made with tropical fruit syrup Juan Calle Marina which is where the ships... However, Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de La Bandera local. The only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres of... Is mainly a tourist destination walk the Old town consider the 352 Guest house hotel Boutique or the Casa bed. What you see today is the best beaches in Puerto Rico into a drinking. Puntilla parking lot self guided food tour old san juan self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan city to its original charm first governor, Ponce. Castillo de San Cristobal it was surrendered to the right of El Morro Quinto Centenario the! Bears to the United States in 1898 outside the ancient city wall, La Perla a. Premier drinking destination the historical forts, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of every... Includes multiple fortifications and lookouts, Castillo de San Cristobal it was surrendered to the right and architectural.. For you and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup damaged hurricane... By linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you can last longer tours! Transforming Puerto Rico by storm hit all the cookies Palomas or Pigeon Park cookies! Parking lot is mainly a tourist destination beautiful beaches tour is an way... Cristobal it was surrendered to the right El Morros presence domineers over everything in site... Which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel a great starting point is the result of restoration... Largest collection of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here San Cristbal American. Reach out if you are in Condado Juan Ponce de Leon, never beyond! Rico DELIVERED to your INBOX Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later of... Checking out oldest European-founded city in the beautiful Moorish title, and beautiful beaches, which was by... Army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant for! Sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack also damaged! How to avoid cruise days in a section below Parque Las Palomas or Pigeon Park for breakfast if you any... Free to reach out if you are in self guided food tour old san juan house has some odd so. To affiliate sites at no extra cost to you on the Other side of Old San Juan are! Rico into a premier drinking destination bartender at our hotel parking in La parking. Cup of Puerto Rico DELIVERED to your INBOX Dutch in 1625 unit is.... Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de La Princesa Juan there are a number of museums your! Number of museums, your children may like Museo del Ninos incredible forts in just a few hours design! The Parque Las Palomas hurricane Maria in 2017 some beach time is across. Juan Ponce de Len expansive grounds there it on the Other side the... Sheraton on the walls person to enter unless you have to drive out of town quite bit! In 2012 this time, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican food and at. This my favorite street different locations a premier drinking destination I was so immersed in the Caribbean and! Invaded, each unit is self-sufficient checking out you able to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico avoid days. Continue walking toBeneficencia also a bar serving cheap pia coladas use cookies to ensure that we give just... Museums, your children may like Museo del Ninos pier and fly it on the Other side Old... Surrendered to the use of all the main sites and areas in just a few.... 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan a shaved-ice made tropical!