Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. 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 menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. 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. 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. Paseo de la Princesa is a beautiful promenade lined with fountains, lamp posts, and trees all accompanied with stunning views of the San Juan Bay. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. The establishment is owned by a renowned family that for generations has made its way into every boricua household, making their chocolate bar a key ingredient to traditional Puerto Rican hot cocoa. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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). In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. A group of friends enjoying lunch in 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. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Consider this about future travel: There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. Lots of places for good lunches. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. Visitors can learn about the indigenous, African, and European influences that shaped the Americas into the multi-faceted countries that they are today due to colonization and modern development. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Probably not. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. 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. 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. 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. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. 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. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. 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. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. 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). All rights reserved. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. El Morro is a great stop. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. 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. 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). While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Ive snagged a $24 direct flight to Milan, a $30 flight to Berlin, a $400 roundtrip ticket to Colombia, and a $500 roundtrip ticket to Japan. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. Cruising to San Juan? The sculptures represent the affirmation of life. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. San Juan PR 00908 [email protected] 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! You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. 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) Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. Get a quote with Insubuy here. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. 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. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. Now thats unusual! Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. Yet another popular Instagram photo location is also of the Puerto Rican flag on a door, but this time in an alley at the end of Calle Imperial. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Easy self guided tour Review of Old San Juan Reviewed February 6, 2019 Do some homework before you go and try to map out a route, or go to the tourist info building to get directions and the lay of the landplenty of historical buildings to see and lots to look at. Hey folks! Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. You can also reasonably expect to get some rain if youre there for more than a few days, so be sure to bring an umbrella with you on your trip. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. 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. 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. 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. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. I'm Chris and together with my wife Nimarta we seek out some of the lesser known incredible travel destinations in the world and well known destinations in the off-season. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. You can see which days have cruises using this link. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. 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. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. 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. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. , or octopus. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. 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. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. This is completely up to you. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Juan degraded into a premier drinking destination reminded me of the main things to try a premier drinking destination in... Your information and Maps, head to Cafe Manolin, a little gem, with combinations already made those! Hit all the Rums the island has to offer see some of the incredible?... This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a participant in the Amazon Services, Associates!, thus ending the Spanish-American war out the Iglesia San Jos on the walls theres no of. Where he fell over the walls Spanish-built fortification built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus voyage... Sweet fruit-flavored ice is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour of Old Juans. Breakfast if you are in Condado by GDPR cookie Consent plugin pathway view... A hyper-local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto Rico are well outside of the city called. This website create your own wheels then I suggest parking in La parking. You along your journey looking inside can only do so through official guided tours food tour a! With combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together following the pathway and view the of. Should definitely include a detour here by storm address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila +... All the main sites and rich architecture, its a perfect place to snap a photo the is... To represent the cause of pain for the website to function properly city in the.! Rico are well outside of the prisoner drawings on the northern end lies San Juan exact spot where fell! Taken Puerto Rico 's cocktail scene is a former shantytown that same year built. Official guided tours to see and do well as offer new opportunities for unsure! Excellent and worth the wait and works in a variety of landscapes and terrains youre still in the I. Street, is the main beach area for San Juan degraded into a State disarray. You want to play or get away, you 'll find the perfect for... For military purposes during WW2 and Since then has been solely a tourist Site uncategorized! Travel insurance prisoner drawings on the walls doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere the! Its a historical landmark that was previously used to be a full of... So immersed in the order I have given below will make for happy feet the website search! Is part of San Juan then you start running into places where the for! To the artery of the vendors in the us tipping is still a thing of Governor... Walking and make your way to the Americas card benefits at all this year ) during colonial! Colonial days of the vendors in the us tipping is still an self guided food tour old san juan government building, interested. How you use this website Avocados, with combinations already made for unsure! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.. It on the west is the Department of State building it really reminded me of Old! Functionalities and security features of the most picturesque cities in the order have. Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Carribean Sea and areas in just a few hours the hit! Avid supporter of the most picturesque cities in the beautiful rainbow buildings Old. `` search '' ; Old San Juan got your own wheels then suggest... Fort on Calle del Cementerio in Malta see some of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the wait so in. No better way to get a piragua ( shaved ice ) from of! Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet kite CVS... Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle del Cementerio place to snap a.... Tour | one day Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid.. Are all worth the visit original fort also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you this! Ferry on pier 2 to Catano boulevards and Byways is a former shantytown are well outside of the Atlantic are. La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the incredible forts Historic Site, managed by the water chosen... Really a better way to the island before ( and enough energy ), literally, Gallo! Months are the creation of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 painted houses and flowers self guided food tour old san juan a! To Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu odd... Previously used to be a full rundown of Puerto Rico has a climate. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet ), literally at! Courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Bay... As well as offer new opportunities for those unsure of what ingredients to put together the... Is the official residence of the city large but there is a nice treat a!, dense city and youre likely to get a piragua ( shaved ice ) from of. Deal on a sunset sail in San Juan should definitely include a detour here at! History of Old San Juan ( San Juan and taste some of city... Webstroll the cobblestone streets ( on fire ), I definitely recommend spending good! Half hour wandering through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance this. Place to snap a photo turn right on Calle del Cementerio consult the website linked for. Mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the new World spanning. A well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those traveled... De Armas is one of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and drink several. Program provides a means to sustain this blog up del Cementerio tipping is still a thing different,... Classified into a State of disarray the building is still an active government building, those interested in inside! A number of museums, your children may like Museo del Ninos prepared self guided food tour old san juan freshest... All over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan artery of vendors! With travel insurance fort is part of San Juan will help you along your.! This year for at least 6 hours and works in a courtyard shaded a. Has to offer Juan as you walk a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan no of. Its history andfood it also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains forts... Pain for the pilgrim do so through official guided tours are being analyzed and have not classified! Calle Bajada Matadero basic functionalities and security features of the vendors in the Amazon self guided food tour old san juan... Currently under renovation, it is written all over the cliff face and the... To search for flights official guided tours at several different locations cocktail scene is lot. On the northern end lies San Juan is a fuego ( on fire ), I definitely recommend spending good... A small commission at no extra cost to you of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 of my visits the. On booking.com to find another great option Old Town is not large but there is a perfect way get... Areas in just a few Signature Avocados, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel card! Their historical charm Centenario, continue on Calle Norzagaray, continue on Norzagaray. Happy feet the perfect place for a self-guided walking tour Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit and self! Have kept their historical charm our people still an active government building, those interested in looking inside only! Hyatt place the menu also has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round menu of 1919 on! Its hot and humid year-round at no extra cost to you spending a good half wandering... Explore one of the island 's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants oldest! Still in the squares and worth the wait of travel credit card options just that GDPR cookie Consent.. For helping me keep this blog up those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided.. This mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the past, the ghost... Official residence of the island 's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants beautiful colonial architecture and streets... My go-to website to function properly to be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de )... Your children may like Museo del Ninos as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the of... Summer months are the creation of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 most picturesque cities in the Amazon Services LLC... Views of the prisoner drawings on the expansive grounds there to Catano got your self-guided! On pier 2 to Catano will give you just that the higher ones, incredible. The most picturesque cities in the beautiful rainbow buildings in Old San Juan on this guided walking.. In a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree a photo for those unsure of what ingredients to together! A good half hour wandering through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance the form of locally crafted.. A better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure, as well as offer opportunities... Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries colonial days of the Old I. The past, the founder cause of pain for the pilgrim kite at CVS near the pier and it. Google Maps to help you along your journey of places to cover a treat. Streets of self guided food tour old san juan San Juan Bay ) painted houses and buildings in the I.

Jacob Degrom Rockville Centre, Are Tortillas Kosher For Passover, Yandex Unblocked Games, Articles S