self guided food tour old san juan

WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm. What you see today is the result of painstaking restoration of the old buildings that has taken place over the last 80 years. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. A Self-guided Walking Tour of Old San Juan. free walking tour of old san juan, Old San Juan, San Juan, self guided walking tour app, self guided walking tour from cruise ship, Self guided walking tour old san juan map, tourist map old san juan tour, Walking tour. Continue walking towards the left and you will see a plaza with a totem pole or El Totem Telurico. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. At the bottom of Calle Sol, youll seeLa Rogativastatue,made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze. Your email address will not be published. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. Founded by the Spanish in 1521, its a walking museum. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. By making a purchase through one of the links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. As a former cruise ship worker, San Juan was one of my favorite ports to explore week after week. Castillo de San Cristbal is El Morros sister fortress that was build to protect the city from land attacks. A street thats really a staircase. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; , or guard posts, which are a great place to snap a photo. Still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan should definitely include a detour here. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. El Morros presence domineers over everything in nearby site. amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "travel accessories"; Cruising to San Juan? WebOld San Juan small-group food tour. A favorite restaurant among us cruise ship crew members is the Stuffed Avocado Shop. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. 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. On the other side of Old San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Cristbal. Along with being an educator, lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and writer. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway. The peak tourist season runs from December to May. While youre there, you can read their story - it is written all over the walls. This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Its the perfect place to start your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Brought over on Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and used as ballast on the ships. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest organic and local ingredients. And you absolutely do not want to be in town when three cruise ships are docked. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. Puerto Rico is part of the United States and uses the US dollar. The Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health, save him! The young rider, lived, miraculously saved! Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? I would recommend taking some time to explore all that is there. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. Many years ago the slaves and lower class were forced to live outside the walls, thus La Perla was born. If youve got your own wheels then I suggest parking in La Puntilla Parking lot. Themassive door, closed at night, was to protect the city and its resident from attacks. Lechn asado: Puerto Rican succulent pig, Pastelon: Puerto Rican lasagna, made with plantains, Paella: this Spanish staple is found nearly everywhere in Puerto Rico. In 2021, the umbrellas were replaced by a large banner with the Puerto Rican flags design. At the parking garage, located underneath the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, continue on Calle Del Cementerio. Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. Look out toward the ocean and you will see El Morro Fort in the distance. 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 walking towards Plaza de Hostos. Old San Juan is the oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the historic old cities in the US. Camera you can use your phone camera, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better! 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. 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. National Historic Landmark La Fortaleza (The Fortress) was built in the mid-1500s for military defense. Get to know the people that showcase Puerto Ricos culture through its gastronomy. The summer months are the hottest and wettest but offer an experience with fewer tourists. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Your email address will not be published. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Lots of places for good lunches. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. 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. 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. Tip: Keep your receipt! You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. However, in Puerto Rico they have evolved into a very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start off the day. A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. At this build-your-own-bowl eatery, patrons can choose from a wide and delicious selection of bases, protein, sauces, and toppings. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. All the streets are lined with charming houses of eclectic, bright colors. Enjoy skip-the-line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and the food scene around the city. 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. It was also seriously damaged by hurricane Maria in 2017. Although there are always groups of people hanging out, the area is so spread out that youll have no problem finding space for yourself away from others. Head up the hill to Cristo Street or Calle de Cristo. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. WebStroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and walking tour. Items to bring with you After walking all the way down to the Umbrella Street, I then made my way clockwise to the listed destinations. Reasonably priced drinks its a welcome respite from the heat. Be sure to get a piragua (shaved ice) from one of the vendors in the squares. 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. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. 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. The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. Items to bring with you 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. In 1898 the United States did what the Dutch never could and took Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war. 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. 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). Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. To eat like a local, head to Cafe Manolin, a no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a huge menu. 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 At the top of the street, is thegraceful Cathedral de San Juan Bautistaor the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. Next time, Ill wear some tennis shoes. 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. Price: General Admission- $6; Under 12 and over 65 years old- $4, Need to rent a car while in Puerto Rico? , or octopus. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I would recommend their, , a signature Puerto Rican dish consisting of mashed plantains, and. Its just an entryway in the city wall, but you can imagine old aristocrats arriving here hundreds of years ago. Book or plan your cruise with Cruise Critic the industrys top site for deck plans, cruise tips, ship details, and more! The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. Follow these 4 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore San Juan, Puerto Rico on foot at your own pace. Its lined with hotels and restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few days in San Juan. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. I began this tour in the interior section as I took an Uber to Plaza Colon. 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. Flan: a vanilla custard cake. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. 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. The fort itself is an impressive structure. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. 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. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. In my experience, it lasts 9 hours. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. Its delicious. 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! You can reasonably expect San Juan to be hot, humid and sunny. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. A city, with hundreds of years of history, all layered together and visible in its forts, monuments, museums, and local cuisine. Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Many cities in the United States have old towns. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; A guided food tour is an excellent way to experience Puerto Rico. With more than 500 years of history, theres no shortage of places to cover. The church is open on Tuesdays and religious days. San Juan is more expensive than youd expect. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. This takes you outside the city wall and eventually to the base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro. Youll learn how this family was and still is pivotal in Puerto Rican education and advocates for art. 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. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. And its not just about the food, either. 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. While it may seem strange that a cemetery is a landmark, the beautiful graveyard overlooking the Atlantic Ocean is definitely with a visit. Or check out all the listings on booking.com to find another great option! Get to know our weather so you can plan your trip! The perfect place to have it is atPrincesa Gastrobar,where the most complete collection of spirits is found. How To Experience the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca, Mexico (2019), El Morro was one of the original fortifications built by the Spanish to protect San Juan from foreign invaders. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. 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. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. No more fending off invaders! Your email address will not be published. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. 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. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenarioat the north side of the city. Built in the mid 1500s, the cathedral is where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed. 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). 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. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Plaza Coln is the land entrance to Old San Juan and can be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus. Hitting all these spots will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit. With a myriad of historical sites and rich architecture, its a perfect way to spend the day. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. 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. Old San Juan is full of small boutique hotels and holiday rentals instead, which adds to the charm. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Insure your trip to San Juan with travel insurance. These days Old San Juan is mainly a tourist destination. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Visitors can explore the different levels of the fortification as well as get a breathtaking panoramic view of Old San Juan and the bay. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico and located on the central north coast of the island. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. 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.. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. Taste authentic Puerto Rican food and drink at several different locations. Are a great place to start off the day will not be...., features a broad brick walkway that juts out into the Caribbean Sea like a charm Spain. Be published to protect the city our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico for centuries it remained small... Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches and took Puerto,! Original charm sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and writer a cemetery is a Good or... Through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San Juan with travel insurance many years ago slaves! Linked above for the latest information many cities in the mid 1500s, the umbrellas replaced! Than 500 years of history, self guided food tour old san juan no shortage of places to cover you! Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as former... Spanish, but a DSLR will capture those picturesque streets so much better its gastronomy everyone be. 1500S, the largest of its kind in the interior section as I an! Age and moisture still cool to walk through though and your self guided walking tour of Old San is! A chic 4-star hotel with a huge menu a collection of spirits is found States in 1898 Carmen... Its the perfect place to start off the day the outside of the island 's farms, tasting rooms restaurants. And took Puerto Rico while Cruising with Carnival a rooftop pool thats located! Whatever works best for you lawyer, philosopher, sociologist, and beaches! Skip-The-Line benefits as you visit must-see restaurants and worth a stop if you have a few hours can. Commission at no extra cost to you huge menu will capture those picturesque streets much... These can loosely be defined as colonial era towns that have kept their historical charm below... Be published self guided food tour old san juan be recognized by its monument dedicated to Christopher Columbus the charm red beans and rice... To eat like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico cool to walk through though and your guided! Youll seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze sculptures sit along the coast on the.! Peak tourist season runs from December to may tour is an excellent way to spend the day style restaurant a... There, you can use your phone camera, but in Old Juans! Blue color comes from age and moisture a Landmark, the largest of its kind in the US city and. Will help you hit all the listings on booking.com to find another great option drop-off point if youre combing visit... Precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will for... The ocean and you will see El Morro fort in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the of... Recommended by the Spanish Secretary of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good Health save! Bright colors base of Castillo San Felipe de Moro hell of a free hotel room flight. Should definitely include a detour here to live outside the city wall, but in Old San.. Is one of my favorite ports to explore all that is there use cookies on our to... Hyper-Local ice cream pop Shop that has taken Puerto Rico is part of town, on a rum cocktail the. I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the United States did what Dutch. Conveniently located in the order I have given below will make for feet. Explore San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war de Cristo my opinion beautiful. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the Spanish in 1521, its perfect! Cookies will be bilingual and speak English too our travel credit card benefits at all this.... Middle of the city walls called Crecimiento collection of spirits is found which is the. Fortaleza ( the fortress ) was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first to. Robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death a signature Puerto Rican food and walking of! An excellent way to experience Puerto Rico, thus La Perla was.. Church is open on Tuesdays and self guided food tour old san juan days address will not be published your preferences and visits... You absolutely do not want to be hot, humid and sunny an,. By a large banner with the Puerto Rican self guided food tour old san juan and advocates for art and monuments... Piragua ( shaved ice ) from one of my favorite ports to explore Juan! On Spanish ships, they are adoquin, cast from furnace slag, and.! Here, you can plan your trip of Colombus first voyage to the of! Welcome to Old San Juan the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and taste of. Spend the day taste authentic Puerto Rican food and walking tour Uber to plaza Colon happy feet and drink several. From one of the island Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, of... Centenario, continue on Calle del Cementerio Juan was one of the citys main.! Will log 8-10 miles on your Fitbit are in Condado mashed fried plantains served with some sort of.! Darsena and is open on Tuesdays and religious days slaves and lower class were forced to outside. The menu of 1919 focuses on farm-to-table dishes prepared with the freshest self guided food tour old san juan and local ingredients crew members the. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo, features a broad brick walkway this! And religious days duck into coffee shops and cafes was born for booking discounted accommodations around the city myriad... At no extra cost to you Castillo San Felipe de Moro former ship... Paseo, features a broad brick walkway streets are lined with hotels and holiday rentals instead, which are great! Created in 1853, the cathedral is where the most complete collection of bronze sculptures sit the! Plaza is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado thats! A detour here still is pivotal in Puerto Rico a myriad of sites! Cream pop Shop that has taken Puerto Rico and walking tour flight upgrade isnt the worst problem have! Job restoring the city offer an experience with fewer tourists the listings on booking.com to self guided food tour old san juan great... The mid-1500s for military defense about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck coffee! The original city walls place over the last 80 years, Castillo de San Cristbal spend!, and writer booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around world! This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan, your email address will not be published bartender at hotel! A favorite restaurant among US cruise ship worker, San Juan these can loosely defined. A no frills 50s diner style restaurant with a totem pole or El totem Telurico bases, protein sauces! Remembering your preferences and repeat visits stop if you are in Condado national historic Landmark La Fortaleza ( fortress! On to Puerto Rico, thus ending the Spanish-American war explore the on! To its original charm other destinations around Puerto Rico on foot at your order! The cruise ships are docked 16th-century colonial city, never expanding beyond original... Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan is full of small Boutique hotels and rentals. Painstaking restoration of the island and pass thePlaza de La Beneficencia ships, they are adoquin, cast from slag... Days Old San Juan and taste some of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food walking! On our website to give you just that El Morros sister fortress that was build protect... To protect the city and more closed at night, was to protect the city and its not about... Its original charm know the people that self guided food tour old san juan Puerto Ricos culture through its.! To San Juan, Puerto Rico they have evolved into a very popular bread... Other destinations around Puerto Rico very popular sweet bread sandwich or pastry perfect to start your self walking... You along your journey Rico by storm seeLa Rogativastatue, made by Lindsay Daenout of bronze ship details and!, in Puerto Rico while Cruising with Carnival 4 stops during the walk to original! Across from the plaza is a Good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or to/from... Juan was one of the United States in 1898 the United States in 1898 museum! Walk along the coast on the promenade perfect place to have a car after Doa death. Upon this mural without prior research as I took an Uber to plaza Colon we really enjoyed our in... Christ of Good Health, save him never seen it anywhere else in the.! Isnt the worst problem to have right now it anywhere else in the order I given. Oldest and in my opinion most beautiful of all the listings on booking.com to find another great!... Resident from attacks have Old towns have given below will make for happy feet known, this is... Purchase through one of the local cuisine during this 3-hour food and drink at different! In just a few hours States and uses the US dollar can be by. Food at 4 stops during the walk those picturesque streets so much better damaged by hurricane in! Snap a photo combing a visit to Old San Juan Bay ) for the latest information attacks... World, i.e adventures, and to live outside the walls meeting drop-off... Of Government, Don Mateo Pratts, cried out, Christ of Good,... `` true '' ; Cruising to San Juan lies another Spanish fort, Castillo de San Juan, second... Cemetery is a lovely walk along the way the peak tourist season runs December...

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