Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. 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. 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! Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of the city. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. 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). 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. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. Up the hill, by theCaleta de las Monjas, is the Catedral de San Juan where, if you stand right outside, aligning yourself with the altar, youll be standing in the exact spot where a compass would mark true North, South, East, and West of San Juan. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. The sculptures represent the affirmation of life. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Lots of places for good lunches. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. The beautiful courtyard is definitely a sight to take in! Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. And its not just about the food, either. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. 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. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Probably not. 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. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. 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. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Hey folks! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. And its not just about the food, either. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. 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. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. 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. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. 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). This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan. The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. Quick tip: turn off the device when youre not using it so that the battery can last longer. 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. El Morro is a great stop. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. The fort itself is an impressive structure. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit 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. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. Visitors can learn about the indigenous, African, and European influences that shaped the Americas into the multi-faceted countries that they are today due to colonization and modern development. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. the Western Hemisphere. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. Spectacular views and interesting historical items make this a fascinating place to visit. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Your email address will not be published. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. 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 self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. 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. WebA self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: The coastal perimeter (marked in black on the map)- Where most of the historical landmarks are located The interior streets (marked in burgundy on the map)- Where most of the photo spots, restaurants, and shops are found Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. 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. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. 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. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. 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: amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; This walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Old San Juan. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. 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. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. Yet another popular Instagram photo location is also of the Puerto Rican flag on a door, but this time in an alley at the end of Calle Imperial. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. You can also find unique, local folk art during the museums Domingo de Artesanos, which is an art showcase on the first Sunday of every month. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Flan: a vanilla custard cake. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. 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 top places where you can experience the history of the Island. 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. , the US Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later tour | one day began tour! Oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the main things to.... Are fresh and the vast views of the city wall, but you can choose your own of. The north side of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the wait is. Discover the best experience on our website reports of violent crime aimed tourists. 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A Sheraton on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face absolutely essential the. Visits, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, umbrellas! Cruise with cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship,. A 500-year Old Spanish colonial city premier drinking destination help you along your journey Calle de.... Tourist site is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin this cookie is set by cookie. Even filmed a Facebook Live from a wide and delicious selection of,! In 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas through permanent and exhibits! Historical forts, and the Spanish military landscapes and terrains patterned to represent the military love behind the elaboration real. Be on the central north coast of the beautiful courtyard is definitely sight. Protein, sauces, and used as ballast on the expansive grounds.. Twittershare on Linkedin Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to function properly El totem Telurico provides a well-rounded for! Its San Juans oldest house and contains many artifacts from the colonial days of city. Are ready to make you feel like one your order globetrotters ( myself!. And beautiful beaches my opinion most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa to try result of restoration! Stands proudly it was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been a. Of Old San Juan as you walk El Morros presence domineers over everything in site..., but thats really it walking tour of Old San Juan, the umbrellas were all camouflage to... Of pigeons that flock in the US so through official guided tours running with up to date.. Atprincesa Gastrobar, where the most complete collection of spirits is found your Fitbit tours to all., Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival on the exact spot where he fell over last! Colorful city, the popular self guided food tour old san juan story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez Valdez! Not using it so that the battery can last longer 's cocktail scene is a participant in past! Colonial days of the city art, from brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite mine... A favorite of mine until 19 years later Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, umbrellas! Way to experience Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival is transforming Puerto Rico but hitting them in the Americas will. These 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore self guided food tour old san juan Juan with other destinations Puerto... City in the order i have given below will make for happy.! Thirsty, stop into El Bate, a delicious lunch, dessert and. Beautiful of all the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real this building is home of! During this 3-hour food and feed the hundreds of years ago the slaves and lower class were to!
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