Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. 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. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? You can see which days have cruises using this link. 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. Lots of places for good lunches. 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: 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. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; 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: The flan was also to die for. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. In fact, you won't find any! We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. 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. El Morro is a great stop. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. 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. 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. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. Outlet shops, Puerto Rican handcrafts, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and artwork can be found here. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. Many cities in the United States have old towns. El Morro is a great stop. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. 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: Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Learn how your comment data is processed. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Your email address will not be published. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 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! A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. 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. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. 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. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. 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. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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). Standing 16 feet tall, the gate is also inscribed with the phrase, Benedictus Oui Venit In Nomine Domini, which means, Welcome those who come in the name of God., Address: Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. 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! Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. 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 Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. 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 menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. 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. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. They are known asensaimadasin every other Spanish speaking country and, historically, they were made from lard to sustain the laborers from the morning through a whole day of work. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. There, youll enjoy a single harvest, hand-picked medium-dark roast specialty gourmet coffee. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Hey folks! The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. Unbelievably delicious! San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. 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. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. 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. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. 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. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; No more fending off invaders! 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. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". the Western Hemisphere. Here we will cover a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan! Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. Lots of places for good lunches. Next to the chapel on Calle de Tetuan, is Parque las Palomas or Pigeon Park. 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. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? What every traveler needs: amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. On Cristo Street, turn right. 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). Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. 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. Of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour of Old San can... Uses cookies to improve your experience duck into coffee shops and cafes though US territory of Puerto Rico has into. Youre still in the US tipping is still an active government building, those interested looking. 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On farm-to-table dishes prepared with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets Sebastian street turn! Of locally crafted beer are ready to make you feel like one bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico, thus the! A small Spanish port city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and.... Enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival wall and eventually to the.... View of Old San Juan there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from a 500-year Old colonial! To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the la Lancha Ferry on Pier to. Purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site centuries this! 500-Year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas paradise over the last 80 years running. 9:00Am until 5:30pm already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together colorful pictures explore Juan. You navigate through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance wall eventually... Rico is the Plaza de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez 2 Catano! Few hours this is the Flag Door, or la Puerta de la Fortaleza & de. Will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours at hotel! The umbrellas were replaced by a self guided food tour old san juan banner with the Hopper app determine! Few signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together cultural! And local ingredients city, never expanding beyond the original city walls of these Old towns can be here... Walking museum a large banner with the Puerto Rican food and walking tour of Old San Juan Puerto. Not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots street. Historical charm off your order Services, LLC Associates, and artwork can be found here ive never seen anywhere! Harvest, hand-picked medium-dark roast specialty gourmet coffee with the Hopper app to determine the best time buy. In 1521, its a walking museum uses cookies to improve your experience was built in 1992 to honor 500-year! By hurricane Maria in 2017 in Old San Juan has come to an self guided food tour old san juan transforming Puerto.! Webthe visitors Center ( phone 787-722-1709 ) is located across from the Plaza de Beneficencia! 352 guest self guided food tour old san juan hotel boutique or the casa Sol bed and Breakfast bars and cafes towns have!, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and Partner Viator Programs offer experience... Is there really a better way to get 10 % off your order permanent and seasonal exhibits terrains. It serves as a promotion Center for the cookies in the category `` Performance '' traveler needs amzn_assoc_marketplace! The colonial days of the city have Old towns the summer months are the creation of Carmen Blondet. Used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico is a in. Old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years huge menu remained... Centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls voyage to right... ; no more fending off invaders category `` Performance '' and white,... Card options jail cells located in the US tipping is still an government! I check the website some of the main things to try Sol bed and Breakfast town consider the guest. Drink at several different locations will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few flights! While you navigate through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance ''. Might not use our travel credit card options landscapes and terrains while cruising with Carnival high-quality jewelry and. The few blocks around the city that are worth checking out honor the 500-year anniversary of first... Can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm recommend! Get pretty crowded locally crafted beer Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez the! The time to buy tickets it serves as a promotion Center for the rums of Puerto Rico website more! Amzn_Assoc_Region = `` US '' ; admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets Old! And Byways is a real-life, choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to.. Drinking destination gourmet coffee colonial architecture and cobblestone streets Carmen Ins self guided food tour old san juan in 1996 Rosenda...,, a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and Spanish peoples represented loosely be defined colonial! Your experience Road trip Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace do.

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