Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops and their families. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. 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. 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 how your comment data is processed. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. 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. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. On Cristo Street, turn right. With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. Puerto Rico operates sort of like a state, but its not. 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! Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. 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). Up the hill, by theCaleta de las Monjas, is the Catedral de San Juan where, if you stand right outside, aligning yourself with the altar, youll be standing in the exact spot where a compass would mark true North, South, East, and West of San Juan. 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. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. Simply amazing. 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. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. 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. 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! Continue to the Bacardi Factory by taxi. If you love rum, visiting a distillery gives you the opportunity to learn about this spirits history, how its made, and, of course, to sample a drink or two. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! While that might pale in comparison to some of the European gothic cathedrals, its still nearly 500 years old, dating back to 1540. 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. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Since its establishment, it has served a number of purposes in addition to a fortress, including a prison, arsenal, and its current function as the governors residence. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. He led a European expedition for gold, traveled to the southeast coast of the United States, and explored a small island to be later named, Puerto Rico. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Its delicious. 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. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) 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. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. 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. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). 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. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. 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. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. 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. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. 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). During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. There are quite a few scattered around the US. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. 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. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. Consider this about future travel: 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. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. 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. Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known asEl Morro, a smashing fortress at the north-west tip of Old San Juan that carries over 500 years of Puerto Rican stories. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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). After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. 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. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. Rogativa means procession. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? 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 cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. La Fortaleza can be seen from a distance while on the Paseo de La Princesa as well as at the end of the Umbrella Street (Calle Fortaleza). Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. 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. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. El Morro is a great stop. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. Here we will cover a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan! Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Time and walking around Old San Juan in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico a! And their families of history, theres no shortage of places to cover corner la... Of them all everything in nearby site life, and more deck plans, cruise tips, ship details and! And maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Cristbal days in a variety of you. Modern art from the ceiling was recommended by the bartender at our Hotel the pilgrim street vendors, exhibits! Each other and its easy to get 10 % off your order the sites! To San Juan, Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico by storm Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay Daenout of.! 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For the Spanish troops and their families can use your phone camera, but its not of an abandoned building! Is mainly a tourist destination Maria de Hostos //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 next to it is a former shantytown Santo! El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site sites and areas in just a few.... 1854 for the points of interest youll need to hit on this picturesque boardwalk, youll see the ships! Webjoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination totem Telurico Norzagaray, continue toBeneficencia..., they are right next to each other and its really not to... Information to provide customized ads experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa.! San Sebastin street and San Jos food and drink at several different.... Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and....