Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Puerto Rico is a US territory so your phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. Your email address will not be published. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Outlet shops, Puerto Rican handcrafts, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and artwork can be found here. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Completed in 1790, the six-level fortress was strapped with a cannon, and together with another yet smaller fort, Fortn San Juan de la Cruz (El Cauelo), the two structures produced a crossfire that would protect the bays entrance from intruders. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. 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. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. Your email address will not be published. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Disclosure Policy. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. 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. Your email address will not be published. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Get a quote with Insubuy here. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. El Morro is a great stop. 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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 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. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. Now thats unusual! She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. What every traveler needs: Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. 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. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. 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. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. Elevate your experience by tasting theirmallorca. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. 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. 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. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. In fact, you won't find any! I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; 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. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. An immense red gate or La Puerta de San Juan, built between 1634 and 1638 turned the city of San Juan into an impregnable fortress with its 15 feet thick walls. Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. The fort itself is an impressive structure. All rights reserved. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. 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. If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. 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) There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. 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. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Required fields are marked *. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. 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! I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; 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. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. They are the only bean-to-bar manufacturer in the Caribbean, and they celebrate it by making chocolate the star of almost every dish. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. 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. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. 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. Old San Juan Walking Tour | One Day Puerto Rico Itinerary. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. No more fending off invaders! Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. Its on par with smaller US cities in terms of the cost of everything. Just outside El Morro youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; What did you think of the stunning architecture? Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Next to the chapel on Calle de Tetuan, is Parque las Palomas or Pigeon Park. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. 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. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. 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