If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. Now thats unusual! La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. 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. Puerto Rico operates sort of like a state, but its not. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. And its not just about the food, either. 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 lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. 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. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. We stayed at Aloft San Juan but dont recommend it due to loud music from the mall next door till well after midnight. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. A year later the settlement was moved to what is now San Juan and the name was officially added in 1521, which is the year the city is considered to be founded. El Morro is a great stop. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. Items to bring with you This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. No more fending off invaders! National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. Tostones and amarillos: deep fried green plantains and ripe plantains, respectively. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? Since its establishment, it has served a number of purposes in addition to a fortress, including a prison, arsenal, and its current function as the governors residence. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. How to use this map: Click on the faded star next to the title to save this map, and click the square in the top left of the map before the title to view location details. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. 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. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. Just outside El Morro youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. Tucked on the southwest end of Calle Beneficencia and San Sebastian Street, visitors can tour the gardens, mansion living spaces, a display of artifacts, and historic information. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. Also lots of walking tours. 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. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. We are here to provide you with all the highly detailed information you need to have the perfect vacation. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Also lots of walking tours. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. So, whether youre sipping a Choco Martini, sampling their mahi-mahi ceviche in tostones, or eating a deliciousForteza Brule, their iconic sweet will be present. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. 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. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. 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. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! There is no single street to go for the best views. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Lots of places for good lunches. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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! In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Lastly, if you want to try the original pina colada, head over to Barrachina, where the drink was invented by bartender Ramon Portas Mingot in 1963. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. 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. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. All around the structure, youll find many. In fact, you won't find any! 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. 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. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. 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) The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. 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. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. free walking tour of old san juan, Old San Juan, San Juan, self guided walking tour app, self guided walking tour from cruise ship, Self guided walking tour old san juan map, tourist map old san juan tour, Walking tour. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Lots of places for good lunches. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. Your email address will not be published. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. the Western Hemisphere. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. A blessing, at the top of the gate, to all visitors as they pass through: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. 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. Standing 16 feet tall, the gate is also inscribed with the phrase, Benedictus Oui Venit In Nomine Domini, which means, Welcome those who come in the name of God., Address: Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. They are the only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the Caribbean, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Its on par with smaller US cities in terms of the cost of everything. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. He led a European expedition for gold, traveled to the southeast coast of the United States, and explored a small island to be later named, Puerto Rico.