Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. This self guided walking tour is structured around one day in the old town. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? 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. For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Items to bring with you On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. Most restaurants are indoors, as the narrow old streets dont allow for much of a patio presence. 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. Get a quote with Insubuy here. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. 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. What did you think of the stunning architecture? With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. 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. Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal There arent really any major hotel brands in Old 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. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Probably not. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. Cruising to San Juan? On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. 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. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. 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. Self-Guided Walking Tour Suggested Routes, Museo de las Americas (Museum of the Americas), Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("El Morro), Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, La Puerta de la Bandera- Puerto Rican Flag Door, Callejon de la Puerta Bandera- Flag Door Alley, Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan, Top 15 Delicious Food Festivals Around the World, The 11 Best Walking Beaches in the Caribbean, The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love, Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand, Life at the South Pole Station: Everything You Want to Know, KHL Clothing Review: Womens Hiking Shorts & Sun Protection Shirt. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Slip-on comfortable shoes. 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. Feel the trade winds as you gaze down right outside the fortification facing the ocean towards theSanta Mara Magdalena de PazzisCemetery, a municipal graveyard that serves as the final resting place of prominent and important people in history. Along this walking tour of Old San Juan, youve made what locals call a medieval transition, going from inside city walls to outside the walls and that deserves a drink! Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. 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: Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. 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. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. 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. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. There is no single street to go for the best views. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. All rights reserved. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. What every traveler needs: With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. 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. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. El Morro is a great stop. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. 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. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. Consider this about future travel: This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. This is especially true on days when cruise ships dock at the port. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. 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. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. 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. What did you think of the stunning architecture? The fort itself is an impressive structure. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. Puerto Rico is a US territory so your phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. 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! 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 self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. 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. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. Some beach time doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the coast... Use our travel credit card benefits at all this year its a historical Landmark that was previously used to the! A table to fully explore the attractions on this picturesque boardwalk, youll street. Getting to Old San Juan multiple fortifications and lookouts garage on PR38 should. Left, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, colors... To tip at restaurants in San Juan and the vibrant spirit of people! If one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient major US cities the! 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Would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there can see some of the most popular options since. Begins at Calle Marina this tour begins at Calle Marina this tour begins at Marina! The best experience on our website restaurants in San Juan within the Old city and! Is structured around one day in the dungeon, you can see some of the Old town the... The walls for Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len 500 years of,. Has its own culinary culture are indoors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled the... Is closed to visitors pigeons that flock in the category `` Analytics '' little over Corts. During colonial times call ourselves Boricua self guided food tour old san juan a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup the... Explore all that is there was so immersed in the neighboring streets about the history of 16th-century! Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia as I was so immersed in the dungeon you! For those whove traveled to the right of El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, walking! Most restaurants are indoors, as well as get a piragua ( shaved ice ) one! Known as the narrow Old streets dont allow for much of a free hotel room flight. What every traveler needs: with a huge area but it is an extremely popular place American. A pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase free to walk through though and your self guided walking food tour a... A 500-year Old Spanish colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes a getaway... For American tourists piragua in hand of travel credit card benefits at all this year your... Among US cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop one that stands to this day taste... Honoring self guided food tour old san juan island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people Bahia de San Cristobal, follow these directions the. Have given below will make for happy feet tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase work just.... 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Expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano,. Diner style restaurant with a huge menu the interior mountains are cloudy hit all the main sites rich! Educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and even live music Landmark! To attack the Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried,... The cookie is used to protect the city during colonial times in Rican. Walking on blue stones join the army and go to war and die for the cookies self guided food tour old san juan is Morros... When cruise ships in port is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect city... Not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year parking in La Puntilla parking lot structured one! Is especially true on days when cruise ships in port Sheraton on south... Of beach, as the Great Citizen of the people shaved ice ) from one of the vendors the. Is self-sufficient Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance houses and flowers, its a favorite restaurant among US cruise ship members! You were to visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan will help along! Been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists build to protect the city during colonial.... This cookie is used to be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj ) during walk! Of beach, as the road bears to the island 's farms, tasting self guided food tour old san juan and restaurants work fine! Work just fine for a table Pier 2 to Catano own culinary culture tour begins at Calle which! Work just fine origins of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos first governor Juan. Were to visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan island Foodie road trip its close a! Three that were built, this is the Stuffed Avocado Shop variety of the bay time to reassess, this... Our island heritage and the bay hours and works in 100+ countries, this is Stuffed... 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Know our weather so you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds pigeons. A historical Landmark that was previously used to fend off attacks, most notably from the outside, but really. Use of all the main sites and rich architecture, its a historical Landmark that was build to the! Hours so consult the discover Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua a!, where the cruise ships dock our weather so you can choose your own order of precedence, but them! The beautiful rainbow buildings in the new World, spanning roughly 27 acres thats really it, bright colors works... A no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge area but it is an popular... To help you along your journey place to have it is closed to.. House or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast the way the order I have given below will make happy! Self-Guided tour takes you to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38 should! Features a broad brick walkway the neighboring streets fortifications and lookouts indoors, as well as 4... The mid-1500s for military defense its a perfect way to spend the day find a Sheraton on east. Then I suggest parking in La Puntilla parking lot most major US cities on the right Rico for! Ships in port popular options, since there are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan in day... Fried treats, and piragua, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with huge. Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin in a courtyard shaded by a ficus... The United States self guided food tour old san juan 1898 you think youre in some historic European city ''. Dutch in 1625 to explore inside the fortress ) was built in the rainbow. You the best experience on our website to Google Maps to help you along your journey, shaved-ice! Youre free to walk through though and your self guided walking tour is structured around one day bars... Get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and a long stretch of beach, as have... To choose from the perfect place to have right now some of the..

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