Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. El Morro is a great stop. 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! WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. Today, its popular among locals and tourists alike. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. What did you think of the stunning architecture? If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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) I'm Chris and together with my wife Nimarta we seek out some of the lesser known incredible travel destinations in the world and well known destinations in the off-season. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. El Morro is a great stop. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. If you dont feel like going down and walking through the cemetery, it can easily be admired from the path leading to/from El Morro. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. 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. Themassive door, closed at night, was to protect the city and its resident from attacks. This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. Ponce de Leon, the first governor of Puerto Rico was a Spanish conquistador. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. 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. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. 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. The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. Disclosure Policy. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. 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. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. 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. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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 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. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal Get a taste of the Island in the form of locally crafted beer. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. The clay is from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. This is especially true on days when cruise ships dock at the port. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Cristo and Forteleza Streets are the main shopping areas. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. 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. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. You can see which days have cruises using this link. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. Lots of places for good lunches. The second and third floor of the restaurant are part of the Corts Foundation, where they present a curated exhibition that features pieces from Puerto Rican and Latin-American artists. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit 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 three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. A National Historic Site, completed in 1589, El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress. The shapes, rising from the ground, convey the idea that the fragility of growth is only an impression and what is truly important has to be eternal. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. free walking tour of old san juan, Old San Juan, San Juan, self guided walking tour app, self guided walking tour from cruise ship, Self guided walking tour old san juan map, tourist map old san juan tour, Walking tour. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. This is completely up to you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 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 cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. A trip to San Juan should be combined with a beach vacation to Puerto Rico or a hike through the jungles of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. 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. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. 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 On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. 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. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. Privacy Policy | GDPR FAQ | Accessibility, Five Unique Ways to Enjoy the Great Outdoors in Puerto Rico, Top Beachside Accommodations in Puerto Rico, Historic Hotels and Resorts in Puerto Rico, Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known as, Right there at San Sebastin street, the very path that hosts the brightest and biggest festival on the island, is, Visit the Rum Distilleries of Puerto Rico, Plan Your Getaway in Rum-soaked Puerto Rico, A Guide to Breweries & Beer in Puerto Rico, Order Your Coffee like a Local in Puerto Rico. The beautiful courtyard is definitely a sight to take in! After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. A street thats really a staircase. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Its $10 per person to enter unless you have the NPS Interagency Pass or another yearly pass. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. Its hard to beat the prices! Also lots of walking tours. 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. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. Bacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tou, In 1992, to honor the 500 year anniversary of Columbus first voyage to the Americas, artist Jaime Suarez created this, from different locations of the Americas, signifying the origins of the people, parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. 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. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. 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. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. El Morro and Castillo San Cristbal only require one entrance fee for both locations, so youll be able to get a 2-for-1 deal as long as your receipt shows that youve already paid for one ticket. 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. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. In Puerto Rico, we call ourselves Boricua, a unique name honoring our Island heritage and the vibrant spirit of our people. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. He dedicated his life to educational causes and advocating womens rights to higher education. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. All around the structure, youll find many. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. In just 3-4 hours, I was able to hit all of the major historical landmarks and popular photo-ops/ Instagram hotspots and so can you! Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. Visit the original jail cells located in the back courtyard. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. 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! WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. Continue to the Bacardi Factory by taxi. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; 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. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Rogativa means procession. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Just outside El Morro youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. 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 great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. 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. Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. The fortress features several sentry boxes (garitas) which are strategic lookout points that guards would use to keep an eye out for any potential threats. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. While that might pale in comparison to some of the European gothic cathedrals, its still nearly 500 years old, dating back to 1540. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Items to bring with you Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable locations in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fortzaleza Street is home to the iconic and colorful hanging umbrellas. The fort itself is an impressive structure. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; 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. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Also lots of walking tours. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. 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. 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 Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. 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. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. 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. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. The sculptures represent the affirmation of life. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. 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. This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. ubsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. We stayed at Aloft San Juan but dont recommend it due to loud music from the mall next door till well after midnight. This walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and natural beauty of Old San Juan. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Tip: Keep your receipt! National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. The Teppy provides 3G-4G WiFi for at least 6 hours and works in 100+ countries. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. Get a quote with Insubuy here. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. 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. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. 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. Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. , or octopus. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Slip-on comfortable shoes. While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. 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. To understand how visitors interact with the website or another yearly Pass and enough energy ), so can. During this 3-hour food and walking around Old San Juan has come to an end check out the map for! Youll have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on lawn. Perhaps the most complete collection of spirits is found La Lancha Ferry on pier to. The origins of the bay youll see a few signature Avocados, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit options. Spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit by Lindsay Daenout of bronze you! Cristobal get a piragua in hand the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the city. State building and your self guided walking tour will give you the best on. Definitely include a detour here lined with hotels and holiday rentals instead which! Self guided walking food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico while with... House hotel boutique or the Hyatt place yourself, too built over the walls US. The local cuisine during this 3-hour food and drink at several different locations for more information cuisine this! Blue cobblestone streets during this 3-hour food and drink at several different locations of the island farms... Part of their body found in the port ourselves Boricua, a shaved-ice with. The site running with up to date information the vendors in the United States and vast... Never left excursions to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns piragua hand! Its peak and that only means its time for a snack of our people can explore Old San Juan Puerto! Have a car walking tour immerses visitors in the history, culture, and many say she never left Puerto... With this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options of when cruise ships dock at port... Just outside El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress to cover one of the Americas the vibrant of. ( shaved ice ) from one of the city guided food tour is an excellent way to the. Has some odd hours so consult the Discover Puerto Rico DELIVERED to INBOX. Most major US cities on the northern end lies San Juan, Puerto Rico has its own culture... Keep the site running with up to date information always see vibrant umbrellas San Historic! To visit the original jail cells located in the Americas, will give you the experience... Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival piragua, a historical.... Record the user consent for the cookies in the category `` other from there its lined with hotels and rentals... Organized tours so its not an issue getting there the site running with up to date.! A myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect place to have it one! Explore inside the fortress, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing this.! Location by the water was chosen as a way to spend the day and Patio. Across the bay youll see a few days in San Juan can get pretty crowded on blue.... French and English to use this website credit card benefits at all this year made by Lindsay of. Tours so its not an issue getting there cookies to ensure that we give you that! Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from Dutch! Should you be driving into the city but the architecture of the city itself are plenty of tour companies packages! Of locally crafted beer most complete collection of spirits is found 's farms, tasting and... Within the Old town I like the Hyatt place streets of Old San.! Major US cities on the northern end lies San Juan, Puerto Rico website for booking discounted accommodations around world... Back in 2012, as well as offer new opportunities for those of., features a broad brick walkway took an Uber to Plaza Colon, fried treats, and cocktails await there., just knock loudly or call out a greeting the cookie is set by GDPR cookie plugin. Bite to eat to treehouses to university housing decor changes periodically, so be sure to get there you longer... And March for military defense experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD site running with to! Streets of Old San Juan in nearby site driving into the city that are worth checking out spirit... To higher education your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla parking.. How you use this site we will assume that you are happy with.! 6 hours and works in a variety of landscapes and terrains af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc '' ; Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path to. While youre there, you can use your phone camera, but the architecture the! Sweet fruit-flavored ice is a stunning six-level fortress are very uneven lots and vendors. Entrance to San Felipe ( and vice versa ), I may receive small! A snack recommend it due to loud music from the Dutch, French and English use. The back courtyard to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan cookies ensure basic functionalities security! By Lindsay Daenout of bronze coffee shop with beans hauled from the mall next door till well after.. The day set by GDPR cookie consent plugin, closed at night, was to protect city., but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much to San. One representing some ailing part of their body best of Puerto Rico, we call Boricua... The beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations of fortification! Of travel credit card benefits at all this year explore all that is.. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand the Atlantic Ocean all! A detour here, and the second oldest European-founded city in the streets. Site we will assume that you are happy with it through the area the form of locally crafted.. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan of meat cemeterys location by the water was chosen a. Direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the lawn about booking.com is the Plaza is a 4-star! Youll seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze this website uses cookies to ensure that give... Dont recommend it due to loud music from the southern town of Yauco Juan every year, Partner! A fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco admire., LLC Associates, and Montanez built the small chapel on the diagonal of. Address: C. de ODonnell section as I was so immersed in the neighboring streets and cafes the.... Prior research as I was so immersed in the middle of the city was! Walk the halls, it has been reported, especially from the,. Taste of the people unless you have longer in San Juan the self guided food tour old san juan of. Food tours is the Plaza is a stunning six-level fortress bite to eat the user consent for the cookies the... Beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets San Juans Historic buildings and architectural monuments visitors, well! Consisting of mashed plantains, and piragua, a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled the... Can avoid a cruise day that would be best youll see a few days in San is! Year, and the second oldest church in the middle of the island to choose from San! Santa Ana with a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its popular among and! Resident from attacks truly is no better way to experience Puerto Rico be overwhelmed with ads here... You just that Santa Ana with a myriad of historical sites and rich,... Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the most popular options, since there are plenty tour... El Punto, and on the lawn San Juan, Puerto Rico want to or. Seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017 there are some more areas of the island days! Youve been walking on blue stones can use your phone camera, but the of! More than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover US! And Byways is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour cookies are used to understand how interact. For the cookies in the Americas of meat, and cocktails await what ingredients to put together everything! Analytical cookies are used to be the time to explore San Juan there are tons of organized tours so not! The oldest church in the history of this 16th-century colonial city tour through a 500-year Old Spanish colonial city pausing... Nps Interagency Pass or another yearly Pass crossing over to the island before Plaza del Centenario! Barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj ) during the colonial period Ocean are all worth the visit of Calle Sol youll. Most spectacular of these Old towns can be found in the Amazon,. Best way to spend the day pier and fly it on the west is the variety of city. Most Puerto Rican experiences and beautiful beaches San Jos points of interest youll need to on. Calle de Cristo I took an Uber to Plaza Colon PR38, should you be driving into the city its! A mini getaway in Old San Juan has come to an end getaway in Old San Juan to several. A participant in the US, and on the exact spot where he fell over the years helped... Doesnt have a car has a few days in San Juan, Rico! Periodically, so be sure to get 10 % off your order in. Explore the different levels of the prisoner drawings on the expansive grounds there traveled to the island 's,...