Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. Items to bring with you Address: C. de San Francisco & Calle San Jos. This is completely up to you. Thats theBacardi Rum Factory where you can embark on a tour. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. Your email address will not be published. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. What I love most about Booking.com is the variety of properties you can find, from luxury apartments to treehouses to university housing. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. 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. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. 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) The colorful neighborhood is most widely known recently as the filming location for the 2017 worldwide chart-topper Despacito by Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. This building served as theprison from 1837 to 1960. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Items to bring with you Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. Standing 16 feet tall, the gate is also inscribed with the phrase, Benedictus Oui Venit In Nomine Domini, which means, Welcome those who come in the name of God., Address: Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. Completed in 1771, Fort San Cristobal Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. A new generation of bartenders is transforming Puerto Rico into a premier drinking destination. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. 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. What did you think of the stunning architecture? Cruising to San Juan? The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Required fields are marked *. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. And its not just about the food, either. Its very popular and we waited over an hour for a table. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. 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. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: 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. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. 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: 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! amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. Slip-on comfortable shoes. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. 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. 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. If youre into museums, or trying to beat the heat for a bit, pop into Musea de las Americas to learn a little bit about colonial life in Puerto Rico and see some artifacts from those days. Dont have too many though, as they are super unhealthy. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip 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. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. This building is home today of the Museo de las Americas containing pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. The Truth about Racism in Spain: Advice for Black Travelers, The 5 Friendliest Countries in Europe for Black Travelers, Spain Bucket List: A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Barcelona. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. 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. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. You can also find unique, local folk art during the museums Domingo de Artesanos, which is an art showcase on the first Sunday of every month. 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 With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. 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 website also has a flexible cancellation policy, which is great if things come up or you change your mind. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. A cup of Puerto Rican coffee and a mallorcacovered in powdered sugar. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. Today, its popular among locals and tourists alike. 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. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. 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. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. Its full of colorful houses and right on the water, but you can tell the residents are not quite as rich as those inside the wall by one walk through the village. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. Unbelievably delicious! Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? 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. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. 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. 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! While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. 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 modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. 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. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. 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. Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. It really reminded me of the beautiful ancient forts in Malta. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. 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. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. The sculptures represent the affirmation of life. Fun fact: the statue is located right in front of the church where he is buried, and it is pointing towardsCaparra, where Mr. Fountain of Youth wanted to establish the city. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Outlet shops, Puerto Rican handcrafts, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and artwork can be found here. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. What every traveler needs: 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. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. In fact, you won't find any! If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. It was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. 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) A group of friends enjoying lunch in Old San Juan. the Western Hemisphere. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Its right outside the old city walls and only $3 per day. Its popular among locals and tourists alike to understand how visitors interact the... Your children may like Museo del Ninos in one day tours so its not an issue getting there hour a. Arriving here hundreds of years ago Francisco & Calle San Jos and for helping me keep this blog up during! 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