A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. Now that youve had breakfast, step out of the colonial headquarters where youll come upon the majestic castle ofSan Felipe del Morro, simply known asEl Morro, a smashing fortress at the north-west tip of Old San Juan that carries over 500 years of Puerto Rican stories. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Continue walking towards Plaza de Hostos. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. See the section below on Eat Like a Local. 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. Outlet shops, Puerto Rican handcrafts, unique souvenirs, high-quality jewelry, and artwork can be found here. 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. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. 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. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. 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. Experience immersive rum tastings and mixology classes at Casa BACARD. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. 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. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. On Cristo Street, turn right. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. Consult the Discover Puerto Rico website for more information. 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). The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. Probably not. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. Allow at a bare minimum of an hour to visit the fort, but more if you want to walk along the coast along the promenade back to the Puerto de San Juan, the old citys main entrance station. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. Most restaurants are indoors, as the narrow old streets dont allow for much of a patio presence. The different levels, particularly the higher ones, offer incredible views of the Carribean Sea. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. Lots of places for good lunches. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. Completed in 1790, the six-level fortress was strapped with a cannon, and together with another yet smaller fort, Fortn San Juan de la Cruz (El Cauelo), the two structures produced a crossfire that would protect the bays entrance from intruders. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. 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. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. As you keep pacing down the blue cobblestone roads, youll find yourself in Sol street, where Casa Blanca, former residence-now-museum of the descendants of Ponce de Len, is located. 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. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. 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 you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. 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: At the very end of La Forteleza Street, is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. The food, though, is more expensive than at your average Old San Juan restaurant, but I think this place is definitely worth a visit. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. 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. 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. Tip: Keep your receipt! To this day, many of Puerto Ricos most prominent citizens are laid to rest here. Your email address will not be published. The menu also has a few Signature Avocados, with combinations already made for those unsure of what ingredients to put together. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. 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! Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. Next to the chapel on Calle de Tetuan, is Parque las Palomas or Pigeon Park. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They are right next to each other and Its easy to get to the old town from there. 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 city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. 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. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. The buildings are nearly all colonial-era Spanish architecture. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. All rights reserved. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. Your email address will not be published. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. El Morro is a great stop. , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. Since its establishment, it has served a number of purposes in addition to a fortress, including a prison, arsenal, and its current function as the governors residence. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. Simply amazing. 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. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Get a quote from Discover Cars here. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. 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. 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. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. Address: Calle Norzagaray & Route 25R (Avenida Luis Muoz Rivera). If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Doa Ana was its first mother superior, and many say she never left. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; The fort itself is an impressive structure. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. Its not a huge area but it is an extremely popular place for American tourists. Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. 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. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. Lots of places for good lunches. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. 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. 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. They represent the cause of pain for the pilgrim. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Boulevards and Byways is a participant in the Amazon Services, LLC Associates, and Partner Viator Programs. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Your email address will not be published. From the marina head west, the water will be on your left, to Calle Comercio toward Plaza Darsenas. Skyscanner.com is my go-to website to search for flights. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. 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. 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: Puerto Rico is an island between the Dominican Republic and The Virgin Islands and itss about a 2 hour flight to the nearest spot of the mainland US. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. Were you able to explore one of the incredible forts? Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. Easy self guided tour Review of Old San Juan Reviewed February 6, 2019 Do some homework before you go and try to map out a route, or go to the tourist info building to get directions and the lay of the landplenty of historical buildings to see and lots to look at. After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. 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. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. Is there really a better way to get to know a new destination than through its history andfood? The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. For those arriving from the cruise ship port, it may make more sense to walk around the exterior first and then end the day perusing the downtown streets. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? The weather is a bit cooler and drier. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. 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) Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. 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. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. You can see which days have cruises using this link. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. 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. All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. This colorful barrio is where the filming for the pop hit Despacito took place. 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. 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. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. A blessing, at the top of the gate, to all visitors as they pass through: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Its easy to see Old San Juan in one day. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. Numerous attacks, most notably from the Parque Las Palomas Doa Anas death and! Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace see old San Juans historic and! The world been walking on blue stones ( and vice versa ) so! The streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors brilliantly constructed with a totem pole or totem... The walkway as it bears to the right empanadas are fried and scrumptious Fortress ) was in! 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