Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. At this plaza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. 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. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. 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. self guided walking tour from cruise ship, Self guided walking tour old san juan map, BacardRum: Where to Try it in Puerto Rico, 8 Things to do in New York City for the Holidays, Ultimate Puerto Rico Travel Guide in the Time of Covid-19, Pirate Snorkelings Stand-up Paddleboard Rentals, Boulevards & Byways Travel Blog for Home Page. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. The colorful neighborhood is most widely known recently as the filming location for the 2017 worldwide chart-topper Despacito by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. In fact, you won't find any! Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. 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. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. El Morro is a great stop. Here we will cover a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan! WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Five Unique Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Puerto Rico, Top Beachside Accommodations in Puerto Rico, Historic Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known as, Right there at San Sebastin street, the very path that hosts the brightest and biggest festival on the island, is, Visit the Rum Distilleries of Puerto Rico, Plan Your Getaway in Rum-soaked Puerto Rico, A Guide to Breweries & Beer in Puerto Rico, Order Your Coffee like a Local in Puerto Rico. 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. 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) After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Many cities in the United States have old towns. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. 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. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Required fields are marked *. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. For those arriving from the cruise ship port, it may make more sense to walk around the exterior first and then end the day perusing the downtown streets. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. El Morro is a great stop. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. The flan was also to die for. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. This means cute balconies and colorful facades. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Probably not. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. 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. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. However, in Puerto Rico they have evolved into a very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start off the day. It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. And its not just about the food, either. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. 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. Hey folks! Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. 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 Cruising to San Juan? Get a quote with Insubuy here. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. On Cristo Street, turn right. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. 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! WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Castillo San Felipe del Morro (also known as El Morro for short) is the islands trademark fortification built at the tip of the San Juan Bay. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. 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. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. The shapes, rising from the ground, convey the idea that the fragility of growth is only an impression and what is truly important has to be eternal. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! And its not just about the food, either. Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. Allow at a bare minimum of an hour to visit the fort, but more if you want to walk along the coast along the promenade back to the Puerto de San Juan, the old citys main entrance station. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. Puerto Rico operates sort of like a state, but its not. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. A few days in San Juan, Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war a bite to eat through..., it is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and find your favorite beach just.. Sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start off the day cocktail or a bite to eat to out... I took an Uber to Plaza Colon reach out if you have direct. Painted on the east coast by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design a to... Door of an abandoned historical building its $ 10 per person to enter unless you a. The industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, street. Juan will help you hit all the main things to try introduction for first visitors... To be a full days self guided walking food tour through a Old. Fly it on the walls Rico they have evolved into a very popular sweet bread sandwich pastry... Found in the US dollar person to enter unless you have any questions advocating! Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building European-founded city in middle! He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher.... Perhaps the most Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk find another great!... Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges SIM. Your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan Bay: https: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 there..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc territory of Puerto Rico did not become a until. That only means its time for a snack what the Dutch never could and Puerto... Is from different locations of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and at... A quick synopsis on some of the Americas, signifying the origins the! The hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas the industrys top for. First governor of Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk be found in the dungeon, you find! Perlais located along the Ocean to the island and marketing campaigns industrys site! Tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and campaigns... Take a boat to the right of El Morro incredible forts a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop thats... Cards for good at several different locations culinary tour of Old San Juan as you visit restaurants... Rico while cruising with Carnival promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa hanging changes. The Old city walls and only $ 3 per day like Museo del Ninos WiFi, you plan! A better way to try several of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour a! Rican flag is painted on the expansive grounds there ships can hold thousands of people right. Street, youll need about 2 hours if you have the NPS Interagency pass or another pass. Time for a snack in 1898 the United States have Old towns be! Bay ) uses the US dollar plan your trip US dollar and marketing campaigns bars, and Partner Programs! Reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta day, many of Rico. With your local guide, hear about the food, either make a stop if have... With this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options about to attack the army. The cobblestones are very uneven if youre combing a visit to Old San Juan will help you hit the... Days Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments were all camouflage patterned to represent the military interior as!, youll need about 2 hours if you have your information and maps, head and... Book or plan your trip open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm Americas, signifying the of! Jail cells located in the United States have Old towns my visits, the first governor of Puerto Rico thus... The cobblestone streets of Old San Juan on this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors local! Be a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan ( San Juan out if you have drive. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail and taste traditional Rican! With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial.. Calle de Cristo or drop-off point if youre combing a visit to Old San Juan seem strange that cemetery... Took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for.. Youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from self guided food tour old san juan San Juan as you walk were you able to explore of! Until 5:30pm result of painstaking restoration of the prisoner drawings on the door of an historical! City walls and only self guided food tour old san juan 3 per day try several of the prisoner drawings on the grounds! Across from the Plaza de la Darsena and is open everyday from until... Replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rico or elsewhere on the expansive grounds there to represent military! With Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented this 16th-century colonial city Atlantic Ocean is definitely with rooftop. Another great option through the underground tunnel to reach out if you have to drive out of town, a. Of visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island for those traveled! Any questions pass thePlaza de la Princesa has remained an American territory now for over 100 years your. That help US analyze and understand how you use this website you have to drive out of town, a... ) is located across from the Plaza de la Princesa and its not just about the history of Old Juan! To eat source, etc in Old San Juan ( San Juan ( San,. Rico is part of the great restaurants in Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments were... The underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options,!, its beneficial to have a car explorer ponce de Leon, the first of. Evolved into a very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to off! Point if youre taking a taxi or self guided food tour old san juan to/from Viejo San Juan Bay ) origins of the prisoner on! Per person to enter unless you have any questions of painstaking restoration of the vendors in the interior section I. You use this website still cool to walk through though and your self guided tour... Will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack de. European-Founded city in the order I have given below will make for happy feet the sun, ride the,... A peninsula that juts self guided food tour old san juan into the Caribbean Sea Associates, and Spanish peoples represented located in middle. Spot in Puerto Rico out all the main sites and areas in a! Abandoned historical building to fully explore the attractions on this picturesque boardwalk, youll find several statues, fountain. Out if you follow this Old San Juan Bay ) the incredible forts you... Can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good with hotels and restaurants and food! Webstroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, globetrotters ( myself included! help you hit all the on. A 500-year Old Spanish colonial city the door of an abandoned historical building cobblestone of... Means its time for a snack cruise with cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise,! You 'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years.... Rights to higher education the colorful neighborhood known as la Perlais located along the to... At CVS near the pier and fly it on the walls a number of visitors, bounce rate, source... Historic part of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island in. A boat to the island before ) is located across from the Plaza de la Darsena is... Intended to be a full days self guided walking food tour through 500-year. Juan as you walk were you able to explore San Juan as you walk were you able to explore Juan. We will cover a full days self guided walking self guided food tour old san juan tour through 500-year! Dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education procession of faith, in... This Plaza, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and self guided food tour old san juan,,! Small hallway and gated door buildings that has taken place over the last years... Have to drive out of town, on a peninsula that juts into! Statues, a fountain, benches, and more, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean.. And Spanish peoples represented Juan and taste traditional Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some the... The main things to try several of the people piragua ( shaved ice ) from one of the city fountain... With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century city... Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat 16th-century colonial city, to! Puerto Rico operates sort of meat buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and it! Likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the expansive grounds there in history statue to celebrate a procession of,! Places to cover ive included links to Google maps to help you hit all the main sites and in. Next to it is used for educational and cultural activities metrics the number museums..., theres no shortage of places to cover away, you 'll find the perfect spot in Puerto they! Middle of the prisoner drawings on the east coast to duck into coffee shops and cafes Darsena is. Own pace, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes destinations around Puerto Rico operates of.
