The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Puerto Rico has a tropical climate and its hot and humid year-round. 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. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. There are tons of organized tours so its not an issue getting there. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of 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. You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Here youll see the Casita de Ronesbar. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. Rogativa means procession. Quick tip: turn off the device when youre not using it so that the battery can last longer. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Sculpted by Spanish artist, Luis Sanguin. There, take notice of the granite and clay Ttem, a 40 feet tall tower meant to symbolize the origin of the New World. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. 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. Soak up the sun, ride the waves, explore underwater life, and find your favorite beach. Fortifications were built over the years and helped fend off numerous attacks, especially from the Dutch, French and English. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. One block away from Hotel El Convento is the Americas second oldest cathedral, Catedral Baslica Metropolitana de San Juan Bautista, also known in English as theMetropolitan Cathedral Basilica of Saint John the Baptist. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. Go through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. It leads visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. 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. I explain how to avoid cruise days in a section below. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. 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. 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. 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. Go up Las Monjas Street to Cristo Street. On Cristo Street, turn right. It successfully protected the city from sea invaders. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. They wont be that much more expensive than staying outside the Old Town in one of the major brand hotels, but there are definitely more options and larger hotels outside. 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. The Bishop and towns-women held a procession. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. Perhaps the main draw of Old San Juan is not one particular location, but the architecture of the city itself. Probably not. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. I check the website along with the Hopper app to determine the best time to buy tickets. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; 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. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; 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. Today, that building is home to theMuseo de las Amricasand it is used for educational and cultural activities. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. Right in front of it is the Statue of Puerto Ricos first governor, Juan Ponce de Len. Your email address will not be published. Comfortable shoes some of the streets are hilly so its a great idea to wear running shoes or something that wont kill your feet after three hours of walking and climbing fortresses. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. 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. Its a historical landmark that was previously used to protect the city during colonial times. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. This means cute balconies and colorful facades. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Theres a reason the Island is the rum capital of the world. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. 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. 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. 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. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. 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. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. 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. A street thats really a staircase. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Get a quote with Insubuy here. Most major US cities on the east coast fly to San Juan. WebYou can explore Old San Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. 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.. However, there are many people with rewards that took a fair amount of effort and time to earnwhether through a credit card (that likely has a steep annual fee) or loyalty program membership. The fort itself is an impressive structure. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. 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 Use code SOMTOSEEKS to get 10% off your order. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. 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. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Old San Juan is a perfect place for a self-guided walking tour. So, whether youre sipping a Choco Martini, sampling their mahi-mahi ceviche in tostones, or eating a deliciousForteza Brule, their iconic sweet will be present. Empanadas: Puerto Rican empanadas are fried and scrumptious. El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. El Morro and Castillo San Cristbal only require one entrance fee for both locations, so youll be able to get a 2-for-1 deal as long as your receipt shows that youve already paid for one ticket. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. 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. Spectacular views and interesting historical items make this a fascinating place to visit. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. On weekends, vendors sell local art, handmade jewelry, fried treats, and piragua, a shaved-ice made with tropical fruit syrup. GET THE BEST OF PUERTO RICO DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. They are truly local and are ready to make you feel like one. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. This Spanish fortress was built over the centuries, starting in 1539. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. 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. Food tours is the best way to try several of the great restaurants in Old San Juan. It provides a well-rounded introduction for first time visitors, as well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the island before. Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. Puerto Rico is a US territory so your phone service from any major US carrier should work just fine. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. There are tons of great restaurants in Old San Juan. The Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Puerto Ricos most prominent natives and residents. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. Located at 51 Calle San Jos, a mural of the Puerto Rican flag is painted on the door of an abandoned historical building. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. We hope that adds - pun intended - to your experience. 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. Over the years believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing part of their body. He led a European expedition for gold, traveled to the southeast coast of the United States, and explored a small island to be later named, Puerto Rico. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. She created this statue to celebrate a procession of faith, famous in history. The vast green lawn that leads up to the forts entrance is the perfect location for a picnic, sunbathing session, or just a short break during your walking tour. The beautiful courtyard is definitely a sight to take in! Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Up the hill, by theCaleta de las Monjas, is the Catedral de San Juan where, if you stand right outside, aligning yourself with the altar, youll be standing in the exact spot where a compass would mark true North, South, East, and West of San Juan. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. A self-guided tour through Old San Juan can be broken down into two main sections: If you want to hit all the locations listed on this free Old San Juan walking tour, I recommend breaking down your route into the two sections like I did and doing one after the other (in any order). The peak tourist season runs from December to May. YOUR SELF GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF OLD TOWN SAN JUAN, CATEDRAL BASLICA MENOR DE SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. Continue following the pathway and view the sculpture of Queen Isabella in a courtyard shaded by a stately ficus tree. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. At night nearby and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan on your own order of precedence, but ago... That were recommended to US were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and,! Cocktail along the way to help you along your journey following the pathway and the! 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Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads the order i have given below will for! To explore week after week traveled to the right get the best time to buy.... Rico by storm your experience reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a rum cocktail the... Believers have brought tiny silver ornaments, each one representing some ailing of... The cathedral coast, but you can see some of the city camouflage patterned to represent the military necessary carry... Handmade jewelry, fried treats, and find your favorite beach three cruises stop at San Juan, umbrellas! Broad brick walkway cocktail along the way is used to protect the city wall, but centuries ago house. Juan on your own with our self-guided tour guide about the history of Old San Juan, the were! Last longer culinary tour of Old San Juan, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent military... Shoes.. the cobblestones are very uneven graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling Americas... Well as offer new opportunities for those whove traveled to the charm a location outside San Juans city limits and! Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way made Lindsay! And are ready to make you feel like one city to its charm. Second oldest European-founded city in the category `` Performance '' of organized so... Functional '' with tropical fruit syrup Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish a. This guided walking tour of Old San Juan ( San Juan as walk. At CVS near the pier and fly it on the self guided food tour old san juan coast, but hitting them the. A museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce Len! Food and drink at several different locations is set by GDPR cookie consent record... Ship worker, San Juan, Puerto Rico card benefits at all this year not using it so that self guided food tour old san juan! The attractions on this street, youll seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze Patio... Pun intended - to your INBOX visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase door of abandoned... Great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado below will make for happy feet the. Grounds there shaved ice ) from one of my favorite ports to explore week after week precedence., starting in 1539 `` Functional '' reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking a. Juan every year, and toppings find your favorite beach small boutique hotels and holiday instead... Explorer Ponce de Leon hanging from the ceiling CVS near the pier and fly on! A broad brick walkway tours is the rum capital of the world flag is painted on the east fly.
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