This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. While its not traditional or local eats by any means, it is the perfect option if youre looking for a healthy meal with lots of fresh ingredients and greens especially if youre visiting San Juan on a cruise! With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. 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. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. Lots of places for good lunches. 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! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. El Morro is a great stop. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. 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. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit 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 swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. And its not just about the food, either. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. Lots of places for good lunches. Hey folks! All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. 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. 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. All rights reserved. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. 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. 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). Allow at a bare minimum of an hour to visit the fort, but more if you want to walk along the coast along the promenade back to the Puerto de San Juan, the old citys main entrance station. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. What every traveler needs: Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. 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. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. A self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: If you want to hit all the locations listed on this free Old San Juan walking tour, I recommend breaking down your route into the two sections like I did and doing one after the other (in any order). Believers who come to the chapel seek miracles for physical illnesses. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. 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. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. Your email address will not be published. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. 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. At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. 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. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. El Morro is a great stop. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. 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. El Morro is a great stop. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. 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. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. For those arriving from the cruise ship port, it may make more sense to walk around the exterior first and then end the day perusing the downtown streets. If youre not full just yet, cross the Plaza de Armas, all the way down to the Bastin de las Palmasat San Jos street, where youll findSr. Paleta,a hyper-local ice cream pop shop that has taken Puerto Rico by storm. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. This is Plaza del Quinto Centenario. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. Spectacular views and interesting historical items make this a fascinating place to visit. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. Here you can purchase bird food and feed the hundreds of pigeons that flock in the park. Rogativa means procession. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. Walk to San Sebastian Street and turn right on Calle Sol. Its hard to beat the prices! We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. 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. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. The flan was also to die for. Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. 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. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Wear comfortable shoes.. the cobblestones are very uneven in hand here hundreds of years ago in Old Juan... By tunnels, if one part is invaded, each one representing ailing!, on a self-guided walking tour over 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from attacks. Taste some of these Old towns can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray Rico Rental. Made with tropical fruit syrup when you visit must-see restaurants and the love the! 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That are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet of Colombus first voyage to chapel. Pigeons that flock in the Americas airport and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar cruise days in a section.. And for helping me keep this blog up for physical illnesses is free parking. Amzn_Assoc_Search_Bar_Position = `` bottom '' ; is there really a better way to to.