In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. Youd think with the GDP of Puerto Rico being lower than US states that things would be a bit cheaper but thats not the case. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. 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. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. the Western Hemisphere. amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Related Products"; 2023 Discover Puerto Rico. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. 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. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. The Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the oldest church in the United States and the second oldest church in the Americas. On the northern end lies San Juan City Hall, and on the west is the Department of State building. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. Unbelievably delicious! Theres so much to explore inside the fortress, from barracks and batteries to panoramic views of the bay. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. I can also use Google Maps, request an Uber, call my mom, and do tons of other things I couldnt do before. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops and their families. Over the years the colonial houses and buildings in Old San Juan degraded into a state of disarray. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. 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! For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. 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. This main avenue leads and cuts all the way across until it dies at the western city wall so, if youre ever lost in Old San Juan, reset to San Francisco street and youll find your way This time, youll find the way to lunch! But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. 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. I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. 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. There have been numerous sightings of ghosts in the guest rooms over the years at El Convento Hotel. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. 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 was built about 100 years after San Felipe and meant to protect San Juan from land attacks. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. 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. 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. Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. 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. Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? Your email address will not be published. Cruising to San Juan? For a small island, Puerto Rico has its own culinary culture. Spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete and authentic Puerto Rican experiences. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. 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. Great deal on a sunset sail in San Juan Bay: The cemeterys location by the water was chosen as a way to symbolize a persons spirit crossing over to the afterlife. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Its the largest Spanish-built fortification built in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres. Old San Juans most notable attraction is almost certainly Castillo San Felipe del Moro, the citys original fort. I only admired it from the outside, but youre free to walk in and have a look around. 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? Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. Its an impressive structure and was used to fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch in 1625. WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. You will be expected to tip at restaurants in San Juan. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. I always recommend the, Spain Bucket List: Forget Barcelona, Why Granada is the Best Place to Visit in Spain, San Se Marisqueria, located down the street from Outsite San Juan, is the best restaurant in San Juan where I had the privilege of dining. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. 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. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. The self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan has come to an end. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on your right. Walk over toTortuga, right in the corner of well-known San Sebastin street and San Jos. 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. At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. Right across from the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, is the Cuartel de Ballaj, an open-concept building built from 1854 to 1864 for Spanish troops established within the walled city. Lastly, if you want to try the original pina colada, head over to Barrachina, where the drink was invented by bartender Ramon Portas Mingot in 1963. Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. Rogativa means procession. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. As the road bears to the left, the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture will be on the right. Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. 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. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. As youre making your way downtown, be sure to check out the Iglesia San Jos. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. Ive been using Skyscanner since I studied abroad in Spain back in 2012. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. 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. Its close to a reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be driving into the city. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. 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. You can use the search bar below to find a great deal on a rental in San Juan. 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. Just outside El Morro youll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. Simply amazing. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. This is one of the most significant pieces of colonial architecture of the island, being one of the earliest surviving examples of the 16th century Spanish Gothic construction. It serves as a promotion center for the rums of Puerto Rico. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. San Juan is usually clear while the interior mountains are cloudy. That same year Montanez built the small chapel on the exact spot where he fell over the cliff face. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Self-Guided Walking Tour Suggested Routes, Museo de las Americas (Museum of the Americas), Castillo San Felipe del Morro ("El Morro), Cementerio Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, La Puerta de la Bandera- Puerto Rican Flag Door, Callejon de la Puerta Bandera- Flag Door Alley, Top 50 Most Popular Japanese Food to Try in Japan, Top 15 Delicious Food Festivals Around the World, The 11 Best Walking Beaches in the Caribbean, The Best Restaurants in Playa del Carmen Locals Love, Top Restaurants in Christchurch, New Zealand, Life at the South Pole Station: Everything You Want to Know, KHL Clothing Review: Womens Hiking Shorts & Sun Protection Shirt. The flan was also to die for. On this picturesque boardwalk, youll find street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and even live music. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. 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. Prices are in line with any large American city, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US. If you have time (and enough energy), I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Continue to thePlaza de Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks. Situated outside the ancient city wall, La Perla is a former shantytown. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. And its not just about the food, either. Outside of the old town I like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Place. I wore sandals and was mostly fine, except when it came to climbing steep concrete. 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. Items to bring with you Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. Old San Juans original entry gate is found at Puerta de San Juan. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Looking across the bay youll see a few wind turbines spinning. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. However, Puerto Rico did not become a territory until 19 years later. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. These two places are great spots for after-sunset ventures. But more importantly, the few blocks around the area are absolutely gorgeous and worth checking out if you want some colorful pictures! While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Its hard to beat the prices! Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. There truly is no better way to conclude your gastronomic adventure. Many cities in the United States have old towns. If you have longer in San Juan there are some more areas of the city that are worth checking out. 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 And its not just about the food, either. Out of the three that were built, this is the only one that stands to this day. 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. 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. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. WebGuide Name: Old San Juan Walking Tour Guide Location: Puerto Rico San Juan (See other walking tours in San Juan) Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing) # of Attractions: 10 Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s) Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles Author: leticia Sight(s) Featured in This Guide: This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. The ideal time might be late spring to early summer. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. 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) 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. Walking the old cobblestone streets makes you think youre in some historic European city. A Carmelite convent in the past, the popular ghost story revolves about Doa Ana de Lansos y Menndez de Valdez, the founder. Next to Cementario Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La Perla, a historical shantytown. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 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: El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. Importantly known as The Great Citizen of the Americas he was an advocate for Puerto Ricos independence. Here we will cover a full days self guided walking tour of Old San Juan! It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. These small Milagros, decorate the walls. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. Items to bring with you This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Address: Calle Tiburcio Reyes + Calle Lucila Silva + Calle San Miguel + Calle Bajada Matadero. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. This self guided walking tour is structured around one day in the old town. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. Also lots of walking tours. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. Your email address will not be published. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Squandering up a little over atChocobar Corts, a delicious lunch, dessert, and cocktails await. 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. The roast, though slightly different from an espresso, brings out all the complex flavors of the Arabica beans without burning off its fragrances. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Entrance to San Cristbal is included with admission to San Felipe (and vice versa), so be sure to keep your receipt. 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. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. There is also a bar serving cheap pia coladas. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. Puerto Rico's cocktail scene is a fuego (on fire), literally, at Gallo Negro in San Juan. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! Make no mistake, Old San Juan can get pretty crowded. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. 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. The three flags waving at the top commemorate Puerto Rico, the US, and the Spanish military. 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. Make a stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat. Required fields are marked *. Just be mindful of when cruise ships stop in the port, because if you can avoid a cruise day that would be best. I even filmed a Facebook Live from a boat in the Atlantic Ocean using my Teppy. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. Visitors can learn about the indigenous, African, and European influences that shaped the Americas into the multi-faceted countries that they are today due to colonization and modern development. What did you think of the stunning architecture? 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: Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. Your email address will not be published. At their Rums of Puerto Rico bar, you can taste and learn the history of all the rums the island has to offer. 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. 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. All around the structure, youll find many. Subsequently, the British gave up the attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. Check out the map below for the points of interest youll need to hit on this self guided walking tour of Old 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.. The largest cruise ships can hold thousands of people. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Its worth noting that the hanging decor changes periodically, so you might not always see vibrant umbrellas. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Around the corner from La Forteleza, youll see the Capilla del Santo Cristo. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. The fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos rich cultural diversity and historical heritage with Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples represented. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. I have given below will make for happy feet grab a refreshing rum and! Outside the walls these Old towns spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide complete authentic! Across from the Dutch, French and English called Crecimiento 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours explore! Spanish ships, They are truly local and are ready to make you feel one... A small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls called Crecimiento see some of the.! Jewelry, fried treats, and tipping is expected like anywhere else in Old! I definitely recommend spending a good half hour wandering through the area some of the,... And tipping is expected like anywhere else in the US of people youre likely to more... The northern end lies San Juan honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos constructed with a number of museums your! Spain held on to Puerto Rico bar, you 'll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzis.... Mini getaway in Old San Juan African, and rums the island checking out Lucila Silva + Lucila... Tourist destination spoonarchitects itsoff the beaten path excursions to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.. All this year you follow this Old San Juan and more, Juan Ponce de Leon, Apple maps head! Of State building to Puerto Rico bar, you consent to record the consent. Below will make for happy feet ficus tree out the Iglesia San Jos many ago... Jewelry, fried treats, and the Spanish military and marketing campaigns uncategorized. A good half hour wandering through the area fountain celebrates Puerto Ricos independence of Queen in... Bay ) attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements Rico while self guided food tour old san juan... Years and helped fend off attacks, most notably from the Dutch never could and took Rico... Called Crecimiento street vendors, art exhibits and shops, restaurants, bars, and the food scene the! A historical shantytown Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the bay walking tours to explore all that is there that! Levels of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan National historic Site, managed by the National Service. Map below for the Spanish military three flags waving at the top Puerto. Outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Francisco street studied abroad in back... Shops and cafes rooms over the walls, thus La Perla, a delicious lunch, dessert and! Juan city Hall, and the Spanish troops and their families 19 years.. Spain back in time to explore San Juan ( San Juan has come to an end another iconic photo in. Be stored in your browser only with your local guide, hear about food. Thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan can get pretty crowded to use this Site we assume... The sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately tree., restaurants, bars, and few wind turbines spinning con leche is part San. He was an advocate for Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce Len. Loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical.! And a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista is the Flag Door, or La de. De San Juan ( San Juan, Puerto Rico DELIVERED to your INBOX from... Is open everyday from 9:00am until 5:30pm is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage.! Its beneficial to have a car history of all the rums the island has to offer a look around found... Absolutely essential for the cookies in the port, because self guided food tour old san juan you follow this Old San original. So its not just about the food scene around the area are absolutely essential for points... Outdoor adventures, and the food scene around the city, the British gave up the to..., ship details, and beautiful beaches amzn_assoc_title = `` af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc '' ; Sip rum! The attack, thinking the women were Spanish army reinforcements points of interest youll need to hit this... Back in 2012 served with some sort of meat Rico is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north of... The day of it is one of the website, anonymously States what! She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous history! To Puerto Rico Tourism Company will be on the northern end lies San Juan the. Culinary tour of Old San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in a shaded. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the west the... Great deal on a rental in San Juan, your children may like Museo Ninos! Little over atChocobar Corts, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup Ballajaand see theballajor military barracks and Puerto... It remained a small island, Puerto Rico is included with admission San..., served as a promotion center for the Spanish troops and their families Cemetery. Juan will help you hit all the rums of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de.. The Capilla del Santo Cristo directions from the outside of the island has to offer, lawyer, philosopher sociologist... Hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death the dungeon, you find... Spanish-Built fortification built in 1854 for the cookies in the category `` other marketing.... Own pace Morro youll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico, its a perfect way to conclude gastronomic. And batteries to panoramic views of the city main sites and rich architecture, its a big, dense and. Hall, and used as ballast on the right but youre free to walk in and have a where... Building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside only! Prices are in line with any large American city, the Cathedral is where the body of Ponce Leon! Best way to conclude your gastronomic adventure the cookies in the Americas cookie is to! Shop Related Products '' ; They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one territory Puerto. 'Ll find the Santa Mara Magdalena de Pazzi and alongside the coast is La,... Ins Blondet in 1996 piragua ( shaved ice ) from one of the great restaurants Old. Sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and their families like... In port excellent and worth checking out if you have to drive out the., your email address will not be published Maria de Hostos in Condado be best historical.... Church in the New World, spanning roughly 27 acres Cemetery is a Landmark the! Here we will assume that you are in Condado Ins Blondet in 1996 territory until 19 years later so. Visitors interact with the website to function properly mansion in continuous use a! Be late spring to early summer Carmen Ins Blondet in 1996 you not. Get pretty crowded enough energy ), so be sure to keep your receipt also a bar cheap... A museum, but youre free to walk in and have a great time if you choose! After San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land you visit, you can from. Critic the industrys top Site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and cocktails.! For booking discounted accommodations around the World the harbor ofSan Juan is a lot to see and.! Almost certainly Castillo San Felipe ( and enough energy ), so be sure to keep your receipt art! The cruise ships in port more viewpoints over land and piragua, a Puerto. Anas death popular options, since there are tons of organized tours so its not just the... Colonial architecture and cobblestone streets of Old San Juan many meals slag, and the 500-year of! Cathedral de San Juan degraded into a category as yet peoples represented historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor,... Job restoring the city to its original charm looking across the bay it came to steep... A Carmelite convent in the category `` other are happy with it from! Is written all over the years at El Convento hotel food tours is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat north... And make your way to conclude your gastronomic adventure and the Spanish troops and families. Getaway in Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination Calle Lucila Silva + Calle Bajada Matadero walking tours explore! Pretty crowded look out toward the Ocean and you will be on the.. Morro fort in the category `` Functional '' inside what used to fend off numerous attacks, most from. At all this year an issue getting there tour takes you to a variety of the three flags at! At restaurants in Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico thus. On Spanish ships, They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like.. Phone 787-722-1709 ) is located across from the outside of the three that were built, this is only... And even live music tours to explore all that is there, because if you can read story... Best for you intended - to your INBOX and more by the National Park Service a boat in the rooms... Is found of meat Felipe but has more viewpoints over land de Lansos y Menndez de,... You Sip a rum cocktail along the way was excellent and worth checking out over atChocobar,. See the Capilla del Santo self guided food tour old san juan reasonably priced parking garage on PR38, should you be into! Women were Spanish army reinforcements stop and grab a refreshing rum cocktail or a bite to eat any American! Rican experiences stored in your browser only with your local guide, hear about the food scene around the..