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. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. 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. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. A trip to San Juan should be combined with a beach vacation to Puerto Rico or a hike through the jungles of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. 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. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. 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. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; And its not just about the food, either. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. 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. It is a US territory instead, which means that US federal laws still apply, such as federal minimum wage and social security taxes, but citizens who live in Puerto Rico have no representation in the federal government. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. If youre staying in the Old Town, though, your hotel might have parking included so be sure to check with your accommodation for parking options. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan. Your email address will not be published. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. You can find some rooftop bars and cafes though. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk 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. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. This self guided walking tour is structured around one day in the old town. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Also lots of walking tours. 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. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. 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! Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. 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! San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. 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. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. 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. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. 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). Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. 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. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. There are quite a few scattered around the US. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. Also lots of walking tours. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. 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. Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! 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. A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You can see which days have cruises using this link. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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: You can also find unique, local folk art during the museums Domingo de Artesanos, which is an art showcase on the first Sunday of every month. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. If youre into museums, or trying to beat the heat for a bit, pop into Musea de las Americas to learn a little bit about colonial life in Puerto Rico and see some artifacts from those days. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. Items to bring with you Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. 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