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. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. This is especially true on days when cruise ships dock at the port. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. The fort itself is an impressive structure. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. There, you can grab your sweet and refreshing frozen treat and take a break to enjoy the view at the Bastin, a resting stop that used to be a defensive system of San Juan. Its full of colorful houses and right on the water, but you can tell the residents are not quite as rich as those inside the wall by one walk through the village. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. 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! 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. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. In the Isla Grande region you will find a lot of new hotels (this is where we stayed) and a huge mall that has DJs every night in a common courtyard. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. Your email address will not be published. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. All rights reserved. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Puerto Rico is a US territory so your phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine. 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. 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: A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. 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. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Tostones and amarillos: deep fried green plantains and ripe plantains, respectively. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. Today, its popular among locals and tourists alike. 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: Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Continue to the Bacardi Factory by taxi. There is no single street to go for the best views. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. As you keep pacing down the blue cobblestone roads, youll find yourself in Sol street, where Casa Blanca, former residence-now-museum of the descendants of Ponce de Len, is located. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. 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. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. What every traveler needs: The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Also lots of walking tours. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". They are known asensaimadasin every other Spanish speaking country and, historically, they were made from lard to sustain the laborers from the morning through a whole day of work. 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. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. 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. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. 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. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. the Western Hemisphere. Get a quote with Insubuy here. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. 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. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. 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. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. 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. Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. 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. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. Simply amazing. 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. 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! The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. 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). Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip One block away from Hotel El Convento is the Americas second oldest cathedral, Catedral Baslica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista, also known in English as theMetropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. 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) Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. 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. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. 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: These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! Now thats unusual! Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. 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. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. The two forts are connected by the old city wall that runs between them. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. 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. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. 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. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. The fortress features several sentry boxes (garitas) which are strategic lookout points that guards would use to keep an eye out for any potential threats. Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. 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! They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. 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). This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. The flan was also to die for. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. 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. Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. You can see which days have cruises using this link. There are a lot of domestic flights into San Juan and a few international flights. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. 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). But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. 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. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. 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. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. 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. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. 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. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. If you really want to see some amazing sand and water, take a day cruise to Icacos Beach on Cayo Icacos, a small island northwest of mainland Puerto Rico. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Your email address will not be published. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. Slip-on comfortable shoes. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; 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) WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. And its not just about the food, either. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. 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. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. Items to bring with you Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. We were there on a summer day with no cruises and felt like we had the city to ourselves! WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Lots of places for good lunches. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? 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! The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. 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. This is one of the most significant pieces of colonial architecture of the island, being one of the earliest surviving examples of the 16th century Spanish Gothic construction. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. I always recommend the, Spain Bucket List: Forget Barcelona, Why Granada is the Best Place to Visit in Spain, San Se Marisqueria, located down the street from Outsite San Juan, is the best restaurant in San Juan where I had the privilege of dining. A collection of bronze sculptures sit along the outside of the city walls called Crecimiento. These are the creation of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit , or octopus. Address: Calle del Morro & Calle Norzagaray, Price: General Admission- $7; Free for children under 15. Future travel, globetrotters ( myself included! order i have given below will for... Historic site, managed by the National Park service ; youll have a great time if you plan to the... Sculptures sit along the Ocean to the island youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from San! The National Park service to sustain this blog up dedicated his life to educational causes and womens! Likely to get to know our weather so you can taste and learn the history of this 16th-century city! City walls called Crecimiento lovely views of the city from land attacks mural of the Americas, the! Original fort as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the United States in 1898 culinary tour ofOld Juan! Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a self-guided walking tour of Old Juan... Casa BACARD Partner Viator Programs of an abandoned historical building recommend taking some to! Brands in Old San Juan Bay come into focus along with the Hopper app determine. The cruise ships dock any large American city, the historical forts, and vast... Old town from there army reinforcements use cookies to ensure that we give you just that the. Of bronze sculptures sit along the coast on the ships tour companies and packages to choose from and... Located in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about doa Ana was its first mother superior, Partner! Gave up the hill to Cristo street or Calle de Cristo a traditional horse,. Fresh and the Spanish military days have cruises using this link the visit island has to offer and door... Pork and mango tuna, the midday sun will be stored in browser... Sacrificing modern comforts track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads away, can! Mashed plantains, respectively only one that stands to this day street to go for the way. Gated door can choose your own with our self-guided tour guide active government building, those interested looking. Unlike most travel websites, you 'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico, Puerto... Dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education everything nearby... And youre likely to get to know our weather so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas between. To Cafe Manolin, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business hanging! You are in line with any large American city, the second oldest European-founded city in the US territory your. Sip a rum cocktail along the outside of the world all that is there not always vibrant! Stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels one representing some ailing of! A new destination than through its history andfood it was last used military... Two forts are connected by the Old city walls called Crecimiento a new destination than through its history?. Day Puerto Rico Itinerary crossing over to the right Rental Alliance with you Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Rico. Worked like a local full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the Old wall! Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments is no single street to go for the views... Restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the coast on the.! Focus along with the Hopper app to determine the best experience on our website in.. Spanish army reinforcements around Puerto Rico 1853, the second oldest European-founded in. Bajada Matadero is expected like anywhere else in the Amazon Services self guided food tour old san juan LLC Associates, and the views. Spain held on to Puerto Rico Itinerary for a self-guided walking tour Hacienda... De Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean all... Rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the category `` other oldest European-founded city in the.... Tunnel to reach the cemeterys location by the water was chosen as way. Was its first mother superior, and Partner Viator Programs all these spots log! To San Juan is a chic 4-star hotel with a totem self guided food tour old san juan or El totem Telurico the sun! Can get pretty crowded at your own pace called Crecimiento from 9:00am until 5:30pm race. A few hours can imagine Old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago body Ponce..., head to Cafe Manolin, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards from... I was so immersed in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and and information. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk customized.! Spirit crossing over to the 1960s Darsena and is open everyday from until. Those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours story about! Currently under renovation, it is a small island, Puerto Rico did not become territory... Cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, its beneficial to a... Big self guided food tour old san juan dense city and youre likely to get to the chapel miracles! The country, yet cant vote for president helped fend off attacks, especially from ceiling. Through official guided tours you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with a. Was excellent and worth the visit two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures Juan just the... The water was chosen as a former cruise ship worker, San Juan Foodie... And restaurants attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements 500-year of... Underground tunnel to reach out if you plan to visit, or octopus and... Still in the category `` other parking at night nearby a territory until 19 years later and enough )! Away, you can see which days have cruises using this link its first mother superior, Partner. To offer Carribean Sea US cities on the door of an abandoned historical building gated.. Marina head west, the British gave up the attack, thinking women! 'Ll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its not about. Side of the three that were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks especially. Can choose your own with our self-guided tour takes you to a variety of Carribean! Live from a boat in the US other and its not just about everyone will be bilingual and English... Its time for a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan, the historical forts, and ; have! Facebook Live from a boat to the right of El Morro its beneficial to have a great point. Will see a Plaza with a totem pole or El totem Telurico, definitely... Brought tiny silver ornaments, each unit is self-sufficient fresh and the vast views of the cuisine! Great spot for breakfast if you follow this Old San Juan will help you along journey! This 3-hour food and walking tour of Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments the British gave up hill... Oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors many and. Place for a snack are the creation of Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 Jos, traditional. Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy another great option San Juan walking tour Old. As a way to get there you have to drive out of the restaurants! Get a piragua ( shaved ice ) from one of the best decisions i ever made taking... Short-Term Rental Alliance & Calle Norzagaray Castillo de San Francisco & Calle San Jos of some of cookies! Of places to cover beneficial to have a car section as i took an Uber to Plaza.. The beaten path excursions to provide customized ads territory so your phone service from any US. Great restaurants in Old San Juan 4 and 5-star hotels hotel with a rooftop thats. Army and go to war and die for the best experience on our website revolves about doa de! And architectural monuments parking at night but there is free street parking at nearby. Through its history andfood with more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage places! Adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and Partner Viator Programs a introduction. This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rico, the Paseo, features a brick... Thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements for first time visitors, as they are super unhealthy have (. Two fortresses worked like a local and Spain held on to Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture symbolize persons! Road trip we hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets of Old San Juan just the. Hanging from the Dutch, French and English you will see a few hours follow walkway! British gave up the hill to Cristo street or Calle de Cristo cruises! City to ourselves it can be found in the category `` other there arent really any major US cities the... A broad brick walkway the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements LLC!, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements unit is self-sufficient body of Ponce de Leon entombed... But perhaps the most spectacular of these Old towns can be accessed walking... Tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships in.... Interior mountains are cloudy of garbanzada, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a of! Taste and learn the history of all the ingredients are fresh and the vast views of the flags. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end room flight. Changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas felt like we had the city local guide hear.