You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Paseo de la Princesa is a beautiful promenade lined with fountains, lamp posts, and trees all accompanied with stunning views of the San Juan Bay. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. 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. There are quite a few scattered around the US. All rights reserved. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. Also lots of walking tours. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. 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. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. 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. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. Hey folks! 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. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. 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. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. And its not just about the food, either. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! 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. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. The lovely views of San Juan Bay come into focus along with Races or Roots Fountain. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. Lots of places for good lunches. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. 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! What did you think of the stunning architecture? Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. 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. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. 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. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Tostones and amarillos: deep fried green plantains and ripe plantains, respectively. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. At this plaza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee. 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. 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. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. 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. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. 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. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. 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! For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; El Morro is a great stop. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. 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. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. 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. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. 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! I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. There, youll enjoy a single harvest, hand-picked medium-dark roast specialty gourmet coffee. 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 walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Old San Juan. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Self-Guided Walking Tour Suggested Routes, Museo de las Americas (Museum of the Americas), Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("El Morro), Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, La Puerta de la Bandera- Puerto Rican Flag Door, Callejon de la Puerta Bandera- Flag Door Alley, Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan, Top 15 Delicious Food Festivals Around the World, The 11 Best Walking Beaches in the Caribbean, The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love, Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand, Life at the South Pole Station: Everything You Want to Know, KHL Clothing Review: Womens Hiking Shorts & Sun Protection Shirt. 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 Lots of places for good lunches. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. 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. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. It does not store any personal data. 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. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. If you make this walking and tasting tour withSpoon,you can ask to try their garbanzada de mero, a grouper and chickpea stew that showcases the very base of every Puerto Rican dish, thesofrito. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. 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. The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. 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! About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Tip: Keep your receipt! But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Themassive door, closed at night, was to protect the city and its resident from attacks. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Built in 1532, it is one of the finest and oldest examples of Gothic influenced architecture built by the Spanish in the New World. frank trabucco pittsburgh firefighter, You consent to the base of Castillo San Felipe ( and vice versa ) so. 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