Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linkedin You may have noticed youve been walking on blue stones. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. El Convento Hotel is on the diagonal corner of the cathedral. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "sandraruyack-20"; Admire the citys beautiful colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. La Forteleza, built to defend the harbor ofSan Juan is the oldest executive mansion in continuous use and a UNESCOWorld Heritage Site. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. These days the fort is part of San Juan National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service. Learn the difference between caf puya and caf con leche. The shapes, rising from the ground, convey the idea that the fragility of growth is only an impression and what is truly important has to be eternal. Hotel El Convento is a chic 4-star hotel with a rooftop pool thats conveniently located in the middle of the city. amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; 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. 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. Get a quote with Insubuy here. 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. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; There are a number of museums, Your children may like Museo del Ninos. The colorful city, the historical forts, and the vast views of the Atlantic Ocean are all worth the visit. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. And if that wasnt enough, the beautiful Spanish forts that protected the city for centuries really make you feel like youve landed in Europe. A trip to San Juan should be combined with a beach vacation to Puerto Rico or a hike through the jungles of El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest system. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. Sip a rum cocktail and taste traditional Puerto Rican food at 4 stops during the walk. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Puerto Rico rich port was first settled in 1508 by the Spanish in a location outside San Juans city limits. Run by a local family, theyve been selling these refreshing treats for years. 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. Now imagine all those people getting off at the same time and walking around Old San Juan. Ive never seen it anywhere else in the world. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. Another iconic photo spot in Puerto Rico is the Flag Door, or La Puerta de la Bandera from local artist Rosenda lvarez. Walk down Calle Beneficencia and pass thePlaza de la Beneficencia. Also lots of walking tours. If youre combing a visit to Old San Juan with other destinations around Puerto Rico, its beneficial to have a car. Arroz y habichuelas: red beans and white rice, served as a side with many meals. Given the uncertainty around future travel, globetrotters (myself included!) 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. For centuries it remained a small Spanish port city, never expanding beyond the original city walls. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Now may be the time to reassess, with this comprehensive breakdown of travel credit card options. WebJoin a mini getaway in Old San Juan on this guided walking food tour through a 500-year old Spanish colonial city. Within the old town consider the 352 Guest House Hotel Boutique or the Casa Sol bed and Breakfast. Ive been using the Tep Wireless Pocket WIFI device, called a Teppy, for a while and love the peace of mind it gives me. Your email address will not be published. Keep walking and make your way to the artery of the city, San Francisco street. If you wish to visit Fort de San Cristobal, follow these directions from the Parque Las Palomas. 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. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. 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. 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 Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. 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. If youre thirsty, stop into El Bate, a little gem, with graffiti-covered walls and business cards hanging from the ceiling. A cup of garbanzada,a traditional Puerto Rican chickpea stew. In 2020 Puerto Ricans voted by a slim majority to become a state, but it remains to be seen if that will ever happen. By this time, the midday sun will be at its peak and that only means its time for a snack. Required fields are marked *. Its essentially mashed fried plantains served with some sort of meat. Perhaps one of the most Instagrammable locations in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Fortzaleza Street is home to the iconic and colorful hanging umbrellas. Summers are a bit hotter and rainier. The plaza is a good meeting or drop-off point if youre taking a taxi or Uber to/from Viejo San Juan. I'm Chris and together with my wife Nimarta we seek out some of the lesser known incredible travel destinations in the world and well known destinations in the off-season. About 500 cruise ships visit San Juan every year, and the vast majority visit between November and March. Theyre reasons enough for exploring this city and embarking on a self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? To get there you have to drive out of town quite a bit and take a boat to the island. Did you marvel at the 15-foot thick gate? It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Getting to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico Finish your tour of Hacienda Santa Ana with a shot of five-star Ron del Barrilito. And theyve done a hell of a job restoring the city to its original charm. The swishing sound of their robes echoes through this hotel, even centuries after Doa Anas death. I would budget three hours to give you enough time to take in the sites, tour the historic buildings, and enjoy the food. Lots of places for good lunches. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk One of the best decisions I ever made was taking myself on a self-guided walking tour of Viejo San Juan. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. 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. Where to stay in Old San Juan: Old San Juan Guest House, El Colonial Adults Only, Casa Sol Bed and Breakfast, Fortel Hostel. 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). On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. 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 Ive included links to Google Maps to help you along your journey. 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. In those months its very possible to have a day where three cruises stop at San Juan. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. El Morro is a great stop. What did you think of the stunning architecture? I stumbled upon this mural without prior research as I was so immersed in the beautiful rainbow buildings in the neighboring streets. Asociacin de Dueos de Paradores de Puerto Rico, Viva Puerto Rico Short-Term Rental Alliance. This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. If no one is at the window, just knock loudly or call out a greeting. 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. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. From cauliflower rice and baby greens to pulled pork and mango tuna, the Stuffed Avocado is both tasty and healthy. Your email address will not be published. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. Address: 209 C. de San Francisco, San Juan, Your email address will not be published. Items to bring with you The characteristic blue color comes from age and moisture. The house has some odd hours so consult the website linked above for the latest information. Old San Juan is the historic part of town, on a peninsula that juts out into the Caribbean Sea. The popular attraction is located at the end of Calle de la Fortaleza, just in front of La Fortaleza, where the governor resides. So do yourself a favor and plan around the cruises. 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. Plaza de Armas is one of the citys main plazas. Taste your way through three restaurants and sip on a rum cocktail along the way. Your email address will not be published. The affiliate advertising program provides a means to sustain this blog by linking to affiliate sites at no extra cost to you. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. Youll have a great time if you follow this Old San Juan self guided walking tour! This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. It rises seven stories from the water below and includes multiple fortifications and lookouts. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; If you make this walking and tasting tour withSpoon,you can ask to try their garbanzada de mero, a grouper and chickpea stew that showcases the very base of every Puerto Rican dish, thesofrito. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Moorish title, and the love behind the elaboration is real been selling these treats! 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