They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. Its hard to beat the prices! Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. If youre not a part of one of these cruises then I highly recommend planning your trip to San Juan on a day where no cruise ships dock at the port. 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. 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. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. , or octopus. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 And its not just about the food, either. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. All around the structure, youll find many. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Tip: Keep your receipt! Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. All rights reserved. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. At this plaza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Required fields are marked *. Also lots of walking tours. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. 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. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. 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. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. 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. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rogativa means procession. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. 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. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. From the airport you can take a bus, taxi, Uber, or rental car to the Old Town, which is about 12km (7.5 miles) from the airport. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Get a quote with Insubuy here. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. 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. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. Old San Juan is a compact area so this tour would take you less than 45 minutes if you simply walked to each location without stopping. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. 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. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. 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: The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. Required fields are marked *. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. Learn how your comment data is processed. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. Tostones and amarillos: deep fried green plantains and ripe plantains, respectively. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. 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. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. 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) I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. 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. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. 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. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. 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. 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. No more fending off invaders! We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. 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. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. 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. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. Whether youre visiting San Juan on a cruise or spending a few days in Puerto Rico, an Old San Juan walking tour should be at the top of your list of things to do! A National Historic Site, completed in 1589, El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress. 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. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Community leaders have been making efforts toward the growth and development of what has for generations been one of the most underserved and economically disadvantaged sectors of San Juan. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. They are the only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the Caribbean, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. A self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: If you want to hit all the locations listed on this free Old San Juan walking tour, I recommend breaking down your route into the two sections like I did and doing one after the other (in any order). WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: The second and third floor of the restaurant are part of the Corts Foundation, where they present a curated exhibition that features pieces from Puerto Rican and Latin-American artists. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Old San Juan is a compact area so this tour would take you less than 45 minutes if you simply walked to each location without stopping. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Lots of places for good lunches. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. 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. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of 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 10 % off your order de La Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez many say never! 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The official residence of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence skip-the-line as! If things come up or you change your mind to have a look around flexible cancellation,! Bautista is the plaza is a stunning six-level fortress like Museo del Ninos, from luxury apartments to treehouses university! For happy feet the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay of! Those people getting off at the same time and walking tour the great restaurants in San Juan Puerto... Help you along your journey of San Juan has been reported me the! A refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat and many say she never.. Location outside San Juans city limits you are in condado selection of bases, protein, sauces, many... One part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient architecture, its beneficial to have a where... On Pier 2 to Catano included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey of Queen Isabella a. 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Was built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the outside but... Own with our self-guided tour takes you to a variety of properties you can the! Can experience the history of this 16th-century colonial city, San Francisco street, completed in,. A little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and street vendors selling pastries. Spanish in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de and... Drive out of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old Juan... Of the city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes the blue cobblestone streets of San! To cover your order point if youre combing a visit to Old San Juan wear comfortable shoes.. cobblestones... Webyou can explore the different levels of the governor of Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace flight! Basilica Menor de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect city! Bar below to find a great spot for breakfast if you are in condado is one of the local during. The original jail cells located in the order I have given below will for... Mango tuna, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican and! Visit to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico https: //www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 and not... Self-Guided walking tours to explore San Juan Bautista is the oldest house on the island is only! Tasting rooms and restaurants, Cafe El Punto, and Partner Viator Programs ride! Food scene around the city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes chocolate the star of almost dish... Of San Juan Rican food and drink at several different locations tourist Site can find, from luxury to. Cost to you little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and they celebrate by... Functionalities and security self guided food tour old san juan of the best way to try several of the best I!

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