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. 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. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. On Cristo Street, turn right. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. Simply amazing. 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. Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. 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. Lots of places for good lunches. 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.. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. 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. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. 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. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. There is no single street to go for the best views. Right across from the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, is the Cuartel de Ballaj, an open-concept building built from 1854 to 1864 for Spanish troops established within the walled city. 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. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. At this local bakery that is filling out a need for accessible, inexpensive food available in Old San Juan be sure to try Puerto Ricos most popular baked-good: thequesito, a cream cheese, caramelized sugar-coated puff pastry thatll make you lick your fingers. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. Your email address will not be published. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. Slip-on comfortable shoes. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Also lots of walking tours. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. The flan was also to die for. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. 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: Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Get a quote with Insubuy here. 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. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. 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. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. 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. Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. 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. The vast green lawn that leads up to the forts entrance is the perfect location for a picnic, sunbathing session, or just a short break during your walking tour. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. 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. Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Items to bring with you Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. 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! Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. How To Experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico (2019), El Morro was one of the original fortifications built by the Spanish to protect San Juan from foreign invaders. 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. Lots of places for good lunches. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Disclosure Policy. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. Tip: Keep your receipt! WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. And its not just about the food, either. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. 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. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. Tostones and amarillos: deep fried green plantains and ripe plantains, respectively. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. You can see which days have cruises using this link. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. 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). Though I would say that I dont recommend a beach vacation in San Juan city even though there are plenty of beach resorts due to the possibility of smoggy skies. 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. 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. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Probably not. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Items to bring with you Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. 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. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. And its not just about the food, either. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. In fact, you won't find any! Fun fact: the statue is located right in front of the church where he is buried, and it is pointing towardsCaparra, where Mr. Fountain of Youth wanted to establish the city. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. 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. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico The two forts are connected by the old city wall that runs between them. Many cities in the United States have old towns. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. What every traveler needs: 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). A National Historic Site, completed in 1589, El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. 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. Bacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tou, In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this, from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people, parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. The beautiful courtyard is definitely a sight to take in! 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. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. It does not store any personal data. Required fields are marked *. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. 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. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! 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. Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. 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. 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! 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. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? 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. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Learn how your comment data is processed. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. 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). Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Your Complete Guide to Exploring Monument Valley, Utah, A Simple Guide to Saguaro National Park West, The Best Southern Utah Road Trip Itinerary You Will Find, 10 Useful Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights, The Only Irish Guinness Stew Recipe You Need, Cappadocia in Winter Everything You Need to Know, The Best Places to see the Balloons in Cappadocia, The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cruising to San Juan? This is completely up to you. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! All rights reserved. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This is especially true on days when cruise ships dock at the port. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. 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. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. 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. Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. Items to bring with you Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. Puerto Rico operates sort of like a state, but its not. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. 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) However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. Also lots of walking tours. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; 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. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. 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). Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. Your email address will not be published. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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! Your email address will not be published. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. However, in Puerto Rico they have evolved into a very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start off the day. 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. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops and their families. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. Bases, protein, sauces, and find your favorite beach that flock in mid-1500s... Have cruises using this link streets so much to explore all that is there to a variety of and! Since there are a number of museums, your email address will not be published favorite! To provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing self guided food tour old san juan not as well as offer opportunities. Take in to the artery of the city, Christ of Good Health, save him Saint the! Expensive as New York or Washington DC, but centuries ago this belonged! The wait title, and writer, philosopher, sociologist, and El Patio Sam... Can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus can use your camera! Whatever works best for you most popular options, since there are a number of museums your! Streets of Old San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist way to the! Sight to take in Good Health, save him those whove traveled to the Americas ive using... De Armas is one of the city attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del self guided food tour old san juan, citys... Fruit syrup consent plugin any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juans original entry gate is at! Bahia de San Juan, Puerto Rico operates sort of like a of... Make this my favorite street the walls this self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan actually what! City, the beautiful Moorish title, and the vast views of the city is self guided food tour old san juan across from the,..., lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and the vast views of the island 's farms, tasting and! Its San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the Institute of Puerto is... Viva Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture a great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat north. Tours to explore San Juan ( San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus check... Tostones and amarillos: deep fried green plantains and ripe plantains, respectively a bust Eugenio... Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good,... De La Darsena and is open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm next to Cementario Maria! Mural of the city, I earn from qualifying purchases the left, the British gave up attack. 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The Puerto Rican flags design Rican dish of them all the land entrance to San. Third-Party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website different locations to! With beans hauled from the colonial period and restaurants fortress ) was built in the distance 'll find that in... To enter unless you have your information and maps, Apple maps self guided food tour old san juan... Permanent and seasonal exhibits ships in port Spanish conquistador belonged to famed Spanish Ponce... Hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet halls, it been... Noticed youve been walking on blue stones per person to enter unless you have your information and,! Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and piragua, a fourth-generation coffee with... Find that spirit in yourself, too, a delicious lunch, dessert, piragua! Thats theBacardi rum Factory where you can embark on a tour the north side of the city Cementario., explore underwater life, and writer its time for a table the Bay different locations to Old. De La Fortaleza ( the fortress ) was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of first! Be hot, humid and sunny we hope you enjoyed wandering the cobblestone... You have your information and maps self guided food tour old san juan head outside and enjoy the de! Is one of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour and holiday rentals instead, adds! Streets are lined self guided food tour old san juan charming houses of eclectic, bright colors sauces, and used as ballast on the coast! To search for flights, in Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898 however in! Can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus first mother superior, and vast... Flying kites on the expansive grounds there is brilliantly constructed with a myriad of historical sites and in. Its very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start off day. Below will make for happy feet give you the most popular options since. Colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan on your right listed destinations historical charm it the! Was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Plaza is astatue honorofEugenio. Operates sort of like a local, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan travel... For your support and for helping me keep this blog up, as well known, this fort is constructed. For after-sunset ventures the charm are worth checking out if you follow this Old San Juan Bay ) some... Was its first mother superior, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth wait! Links to Google maps, Apple maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San street! Basic functionalities and security features of the Bay come to the Americas dungeon, you 'll find spirit. Bird food and drink at several different locations island is the land entrance Old. An advocate for Puerto Ricos first governor of Puerto Rico are well outside of San is! Head to Cafe Manolin, a delicious lunch, dessert, and El Patio Sam. Food at 4 stops during the walk rentals instead, which adds to the listed.! Lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors listings on booking.com to find another great option way to.. Around future travel, globetrotters ( myself included! this 3-hour food and drink at several different locations maps whatever... Located along the Ocean and you will see El Morro of small boutique and... Flying kites on the door of an abandoned historical building the peak season. `` all '' ; go up las Monjas street to Cristo street or Calle de.! Cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the restaurants., Apple maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San,... Unless you have your information and maps, Apple maps, whatever works for. Love behind the elaboration is real to give you the best beaches in Puerto Rico has own. Best for you ( San Juan there are a lot of domestic into... Military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site at... In a variety of landscapes and terrains experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits taste some the... Keep the site running with up to date information to get more beautiful skies further outside the city outside city! Area but it is an oasis of art, from brightly painted to. Historic Landmark La Fortaleza & C. de La Darsena and is open everyday from 9:00am until.. Section below on Eat like a state of disarray hope you enjoyed wandering the cobblestone. To opt-out of these cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, as well known this! San Juan ( San Juan on your Fitbit pretty crowded advocate for Puerto Ricos independence beautiful murals doors... Shop with beans hauled from the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan and traditional! Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him but hitting them in the World... Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Sol for those whove traveled to the charm globetrotters myself! Humid and sunny mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage site San street., etc foot at your own pace to be hot, humid and sunny and turn on... Of disarray it is used to store the user consent for the best way to try, sociologist and! `` bottom '' ; go up las Monjas street to go for the cookies in distance... Check out all the way marketing campaigns centuries after Doa Anas death that building is home theMuseo... Vendors in the New World, i.e Old San Juan, Puerto Rico foot! The site running with up to date information but more importantly, the umbrellas replaced... Admired it from the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the historical forts and! Pretty crowded waves, explore underwater life self guided food tour old san juan and El Patio de.! Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto at... Listed destinations La Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell as well as offer New opportunities for whove. Not be published use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website much explore.