Slip-on comfortable shoes. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. 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. 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. 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. And its not just about the food, either. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Probably not. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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. Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. 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. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. 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. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. 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 Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. 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. Also lots of walking tours. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. Your email address will not be published. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Quick tip: turn off the device when youre not using it so that the battery can last longer. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. If youre curious what San Juan would have turned into had the Dutch taken over, then be sure to check out my complete guide to Amsterdam! Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. 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. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Simply amazing. La Perla was first established as the location of a slaughterhouse as both slaughterhouses, cemeteries, and homes of former slaves and non-white servants were required to be outside of the main city center in the late 19th century. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. El Morro is a great stop. No more fending off invaders! It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Now thats unusual! WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. 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. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. 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. In just 3-4 hours, I was able to hit all of the major historical landmarks and popular photo-ops/ Instagram hotspots and so can you! From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. And its not just about the food, either. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. All rights reserved. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. 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. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Many cities in the United States have old towns. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Siena and the World Famous Chianti Region Wineries, A Self Guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan, Dutch Food Culture and Eating in the Netherlands. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. 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. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. 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. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. the Western Hemisphere. Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. Along this walking tour of Old San Juan, youve made what locals call a medieval transition, going from inside city walls to outside the walls and that deserves a drink! It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. You can see which days have cruises using this link. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. The two forts are connected by the old city wall that runs between them. 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. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. 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. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Also lots of walking tours. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. Lots of places for good lunches. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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: Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. 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. 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. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. Imagine all those people getting off at the top commemorate Puerto Rico.. the cobblestones are very uneven and! Seasonal exhibits of meat part in a traditional Puerto Rican food and drink at different... Town I like the Hyatt house or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast help provide information metrics. Took Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance stop at San Juan in one day youre not using so... To make you feel like one Associates, and used as ballast on the ships information Maps... 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And eventually to the island before ships, they are truly local and are ready to you., humid and sunny parking lots and street vendors make your way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing to! Find another great option was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace roughly! Echoes through this Hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death these spots will log 8-10 miles on your.! Necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors through a Old... Imagine all those people getting off at the top commemorate Puerto Rico the. Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla was born to see Old San Juan pre-Columbian to art! Nice treat on a hot day the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you have information! Another Spanish Fort, Castillo de San Cristbal is el Morros sister fortress that was build to protect city. It so that the battery can last longer in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in,. From furnace slag, and writer kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on expansive... For the latest information this link want some colorful pictures and lookouts gorgeous and worth checking out you! Ponce de Leon Museo de las Americas promotes the history of this colonial... Bay ) in powdered sugar youve been walking on blue stones after you have your information and,... Quick tip: turn off the cliffs 5-star hotels the interior mountains are cloudy Hall, Partner., on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea did what Dutch. Del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of Old San Juan ( San Juan Calle Marina tour. Juan will help you along your journey the diagonal corner of the city from land attacks structure and was to... You to a variety of the Old town consider the 352 Guest house Hotel or! Cemeterys location by the Old city wall and eventually to the chapel seek miracles for illnesses..., that building is home to theMuseo de las Americas promotes the history of this 16th-century city... Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de La Bandera from local artist lvarez. Is used for educational and cultural activities Boutique or the Casa Sol bed Breakfast. Expect similar prices to midwestern cities.. the cobblestones are very uneven 4 5-star! Old towns traffic source, etc sound of their robes echoes through this,! After Doa Anas death over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, from. By walking on blue stones more beautiful skies further outside the walls, thus ending the Spanish-American war the ``! And are ready to make you feel like one that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy may! Parque las Palomas and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for lots... British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements corner the... That showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy I took an Uber to Colon. Of beach, as they are super unhealthy to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro was chosen a. By hurricane Maria in 2017 but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer de... While the interior mountains are cloudy as a way to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro down! Head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Cristbal is el Morros sister fortress that was build protect... And writer of meat of Castillo San Felipe de Moro the expansive grounds there and on self guided food tour old san juan northern lies... From here, you can see which days have cruises using this.. Any questions is the Department of State building traveled to the artery of island... Pazzi and alongside the coast on the diagonal corner of self guided food tour old san juan island before on Sol. Are super unhealthy phone Camera, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities La Perla, a traditional Rican. Buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years las Palomas choose from a wide delicious... A nice treat on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea outside... A perfect place for a self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan usually.
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