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 A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. The Museo de las Americas promotes the history and culture of the Americas through permanent and seasonal exhibits. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: All rights reserved. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. The website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". At this plaza, youll find several statues, a fountain, benches, and street vendors selling local pastries and coffee. 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. 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. 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. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. 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! You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Today, its popular among locals and tourists alike. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. The colorful neighborhood known as La Perlais located along the ocean to the right of El Morro. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. El Morro is a great stop. , or octopus. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops and their families. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit This self guided walking tour is structured around one day in the old town. Unbelievably delicious! These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. Currently under renovation, it is closed to visitors. Items to bring with you 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. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; The vast green lawn that leads up to the forts entrance is the perfect location for a picnic, sunbathing session, or just a short break during your walking tour. A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. https://www.partner.viator.com/en/75397/tours/San-Juan/Old-San-Juan-Harbor-sails/d903-6013P7 Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. 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. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. If you love rum, visiting a distillery gives you the opportunity to learn about this spirits history, how its made, and, of course, to sample a drink or two. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. 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) This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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! If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. 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. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. Its not as expensive as New York or Washington DC, but expect similar prices to midwestern cities. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Slip-on comfortable shoes. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions! The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. the Western Hemisphere. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. 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: This museum houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. 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). As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. Also lots of walking tours. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Community leaders have been making efforts toward the growth and development of what has for generations been one of the most underserved and economically disadvantaged sectors of San Juan. 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. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. 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. Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. There are quite a few scattered around the US. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this totem with clay. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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