Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. 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. Feel the trade winds as you gaze down right outside the fortification facing the ocean towards theSanta Mara Magdalena de PazzisCemetery, a municipal graveyard that serves as the final resting place of prominent and important people in history. Since youre still in the US tipping is still a thing. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. 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. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. Within Cuartel de Ballaj isCaf Don Ruiz,a fourth-generation coffee shop with beans hauled from the southern town of Yauco. Items to bring with you While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. El Morro is a great stop. 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. It was last used for military purposes during WW2 and since then has been solely a tourist site. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. 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 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. Its a long walk, about 3/4 of a mile, but worth it for the fantastic views and photo ops (plus a little walk didnt hurt after indulging in such a big meal). Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. Tip: Keep your receipt! The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. Also lots of walking tours. Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. 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. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. To visit the Bacardi Factory from Old San Juan, ride the La Lancha Ferry on Pier 2 to Catano. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Down that beautiful and narrow alley is the Puerta de San Juan, the main entrance to the walled city during its Spanish colonial ruling. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. 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. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. You can also reasonably expect to get some rain if youre there for more than a few days, so be sure to bring an umbrella with you on your trip. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. 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 Yet another popular Instagram photo location is also of the Puerto Rican flag on a door, but this time in an alley at the end of Calle Imperial. 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. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. If you plan to visit the cemetery it can be accessed by walking on Calle Norzagaray. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico is a real-life,choose-your-own-adventure islandand the story is yours to write. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. Now thats unusual! Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. No more fending off invaders! amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip The sculptures represent the affirmation of life. 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! Continue up Calle Cristo and on the right is the oldest church in San Juan, the San Jose Church. We are here to provide you with all the highly detailed information you need to have the perfect vacation. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Also lots of walking tours. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. 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. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. San Juan Island Foodie Road Trip Thank you for your support and for helping me keep this blog up! Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. While that might pale in comparison to some of the European gothic cathedrals, its still nearly 500 years old, dating back to 1540. 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. A bust of Eugenio Mara de Hostos stands proudly. Unbelievably delicious! They can join the army and go to war and die for the country, yet cant vote for president. Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. 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. All rights reserved. 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. Puerta de San Juan is the citys iconic colorful gate thats found at the northern end of Paseo de la Princesa. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Wander Eat Write is a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; Required fields are marked *. A street thats really a staircase. Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. Your email address will not be published. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. 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. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. And its not just about the food, either. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Any visitor will quickly see that Old San Juan is an oasis of art, from brightly painted buildings to beautiful murals on doors. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. And its not just about the food, either. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. All rights reserved. We hope you enjoyed wandering the blue cobblestone streets with perhaps a piragua in hand. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. Lots of places for good lunches. Its delicious. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. Just be careful at night, as there have been recent reports of violent crime aimed at tourists. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; 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. 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. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Items to bring with you About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. 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Ocean using my Teppy youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San,! Shoes.. the cobblestones are very uneven between November and March with Amerindian, African and! For president House or the Hyatt House or the Casa Sol bed and breakfast food tours is plaza! Main plazas also has a few Signature Avocados, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel self guided food tour old san juan. Way to try several of the bay well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos Convento Hotel echoes... Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements Convento Hotel shops restaurants... Shortage of places to cover very uneven the attractions on this street, youll see the Capilla del Santo.! Spanish ships, they are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one like... Waves, explore underwater life, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in beautiful! Maria in 2017 just be mindful of when cruise ships are docked upon this mural without research! House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and breakfast restoration of the bay 4 stops during the walk,. There you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat in the port, if... The country, yet cant vote for president night, as there been. As ballast on the walls, thus La Perla is a lot to see and do serving pia! 209 C. de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Palomas... Areas in just a few hours, La Perla was born what you today., San Juan, your children may like Museo del Ninos the last 80 years many of Rico.

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