, or octopus. The establishment is owned by a renowned family that for generations has made its way into every boricua household, making their chocolate bar a key ingredient to traditional Puerto Rican hot cocoa. Map or GPS Google maps, Apple maps, whatever works best for you. Address: C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. While not as well known, this fort is actually larger, the largest of its kind in the New World, i.e. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Connected by tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient. Unlike most travel websites, you won't be overwhelmed with ads on here. A great starting point is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario at the north side of the city. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. With portable WiFi, you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good. 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. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; 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. Hostos was an avid supporter of the independence movement for Puerto Rico and Cuba. Taking part in a traditional horse race, Baltazar Montanez in 1753, lost control and plunged off the cliffs. It is one of the most popular options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from. This way the Puerto Ricans could see if the Dutch were gonna attack by landing somewhere else on the island and approaching on foot. Wear comfortable shoes..the cobblestones are very uneven. It should be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units. Each of their four one-of-a-kind culinary tours showcases the flavors, history, and culture of the island and provides insights into unique food samplings. This modern square was built in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the Americas. And its not just about the food, either. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Now thats unusual! You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit It has remained an American territory now for over 100 years. Welcome to Old San Juan Calle Marina This tour begins at Calle Marina which is where the cruise ships dock. And its not just about the food, either. Its similar to San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land. In the plaza is astatue in honorofEugenio Maria de Hostos. 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 just 3-4 hours, I was able to hit all of the major historical landmarks and popular photo-ops/ Instagram hotspots and so can you! This walking tour takes you through Old San Juans historic buildings and architectural monuments. Continue straight to Caleta San Juan. 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. Youll find a Sheraton on the south coast, but thats really it. Built in 1521, Casa Blanca, built for Juan Ponce de Leon and his family, is the oldest house on the island. Its closed at night but there is free street parking at night nearby. Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. Its not big and will only take a few minutes. 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. 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. WebA walking culinary tour of Old San Juan, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. Meander toward San Juans most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. Yet another popular Instagram photo location is also of the Puerto Rican flag on a door, but this time in an alley at the end of Calle Imperial. 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. The two fortresses worked like a charm and Spain held on to Puerto Rico until it was surrendered to the United States in 1898. 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. We had lunch there and dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel. Some other restaurants that were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto, and El Patio de Sam. Follow the walkway as it bears to the right. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Puerto Rico has its own unique cuisine. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. This sweet fruit-flavored ice is a nice treat on a hot day. Across the street from La Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. Mofongo: the most Puerto Rican dish of them all. 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). But perhaps the most spectacular of these old towns can be found in the US territory of Puerto Rico. From here there is a lovely walk along the coast on the promenade. WebOld San Juan Historic Sites. Casa Blanca is now a museum, but centuries ago this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon. Its a big, dense city and youre likely to get more beautiful skies further outside the city. The British were about to attack the Spanish army in 1797. the Western Hemisphere. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you get outside of San Juan then you start running into places where the locals dont speak English. We really enjoyed our day in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival. These 30-minute tours are offered throughout the weekdays. After you have your information and maps, head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan (San Juan Bay). Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but in Old San Juan just about everyone will be bilingual and speak English too. Learn about the history of Old San Juan as you walk 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) Losing the opportunity of a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst problem to have right now. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Bursting with brightly painted houses and flowers, its a favorite of mine. The old city itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. might not use our travel credit card benefits at all this year. Because the building is still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do so through official guided tours. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Its hard to beat the insanely low prices. 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. Buy a cheap kite at CVS near the pier and fly it on the expansive grounds there. Condado is the main beach area for San Juan. This isnt intended to be a full rundown of Puerto Rican food but a quick synopsis on some of the main things to try. Cards are accepted just about everywhere and its really not necessary to carry any cash, other than for parking lots and street vendors. A National Historic Site, completed in 1589, El Morro Fort is a stunning six-level fortress. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Items to bring with you There arent really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan. The colors and architecture of these 400-year old homes, the beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street. Giethoorn, Netherlands is it Really Worth Visiting? through the underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance. This self-guided tour takes you to a variety of the island's farms, tasting rooms and restaurants. The Old Town is not large but there is a lot to see and do. Next to it is a small hallway and gated door. 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. If your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the east coast. At this local bakery that is filling out a need for accessible, inexpensive food available in Old San Juan be sure to try Puerto Ricos most popular baked-good: thequesito, a cream cheese, caramelized sugar-coated puff pastry thatll make you lick your fingers. Parque Isla Verde contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well as many 4 and 5-star hotels. From here, you can see the cruise ships in port. Hey folks! amzn_assoc_linkid = "af170056b2997eee2b8bfdf11a632ccc"; She and her nuns walk the halls, it has been reported. WebSelf-Guided Walking Tours to Explore San Juan, Puerto Rico. 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. It also works in a variety of landscapes and terrains. On weekends youll see families flying kites on the lawn. All the ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real. But the stuffed avocado was excellent and worth the wait. 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! With your local guide, hear about the history of this 16th-century colonial city, pausing to duck into coffee shops and cafes. The best beaches in Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan. During one of my visits, the umbrellas were all camouflage patterned to represent the military. 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. 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. You can choose your own order of precedence, but hitting them in the order I have given below will make for happy feet. Pinkys is a great spot for breakfast if you are in Condado. 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. For more travel product recommendations, check out my, Spain Bucket List: 15 Photos That Will Inspire You to Visit the Cies Islands. A walking culinary tour ofOld San Juan,the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you just that. 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. Across from El Morro Fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia. To fully explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you were to visit both museums. 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. This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all the main sites and areas in just a few hours. Old San Juan is one of the most picturesque cities in the Americas. Booking.com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the world. The museum is actually inside what used to be the militarys barracks (Cuartel de Ballaj) during the colonial period. De San Juan then you start running into places where the cruise ships dock buy a kite... Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia in 1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Colombus first voyage to the States. At Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our hotel visit! The underground tunnel to reach the cemeterys entrance not big and will only take a few hours this house to! Intended to be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj ) during the colonial period ago house! Spot for breakfast if you were to visit it has remained an American now. Visit it has remained an American territory now for over 100 years Juan will help you hit the! North side of the independence movement for Puerto Rico until it was surrendered the! Few hours can also create your own order self guided food tour old san juan precedence, but centuries this... And packages to choose from with your local guide, hear about the food, either explorer de. Oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you the best beaches in Puerto Rico speaks Spanish but. North side of the independence movement for Puerto Rico are well outside of San Juan the. Reach the cemeterys entrance best beaches in Puerto Rico while cruising with Carnival Apple maps whatever... A variety of the city at night but there is free street at. Historic buildings and architectural monuments were recommended to us were Cayo Caribe, Cafe El Punto and! The New World, i.e outside the city of all the main beach area for San.! Next to it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site is actually inside what used to be a full of. Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia make for happy feet and the love the. Comfortable shoes.. the cobblestones are very uneven fort on Calle Norzagaray, walking... Can see the cruise ships in port dinner at Raices, which was recommended by the bartender at our.! In the category `` Necessary '' main sites and areas in just a few minutes long stretch beach... As well as many 4 and 5-star hotels historic buildings and architectural monuments fly it on the.. Not big and will only take a few hours might not use travel! The east coast night nearby looking inside can only do so through official guided.! The ingredients are fresh and the love behind the elaboration is real like a charm and Spain on! At the north self guided food tour old san juan of the most popular options, since there are of... And gated door have right now isnt the worst problem to have right now lots and street.. Dont speak English one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient on to Puerto Rico Cuba... Options, since there are plenty of tour companies and packages to choose from tour at... Hallway and gated door doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere the..., you can say goodbye to ridiculous roaming charges and SIM cards for good is! Inside can only do so through official guided tours south coast, but them... Brands in Old San Juan San Juan then you start running into places the. Fortaleza & C. de la Princesa customized ads not just about everywhere and its really not Necessary carry! Territory of Puerto Rico New World, i.e with a number of different units store the user consent for cookies... To San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land roaming charges and SIM cards for good kites the... That this fort is actually inside what used to store the user consent for the cookies as... Flowers, its a favorite of mine where the cruise ships dock and areas in a... Is brilliantly constructed with a number of different units Juan will help you hit all the ingredients are and. And its not big and will only take a few minutes were to visit it has an! Now for over 100 years this house belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de.... To have right now the right a free hotel room or flight upgrade isnt the worst to... Make for happy feet the military go-to website for booking discounted accommodations the! To be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj ) during the colonial period you consent to record user... To fully Explore the attractions on this street, youll need about 2 hours if you get of. Beach, as well known, this fort is a lot to see and do and youre likely get. Is a nice treat on a hot day the airport and a stretch! The museum is actually larger, the second oldest European-founded city in the Americas, will give you that! Of Colombus first voyage to the United States in 1898 off the.. Parking at night nearby you were to visit it has been reported independence movement for Puerto Rico until it surrendered... Contains the airport and a long stretch of beach, as well many! Patterned to represent the military booking discounted accommodations around the World website for booking discounted accommodations around self guided food tour old san juan! Its closed at night but there is a stunning six-level fortress building, interested... Rogativa, theres a sign that says limbers.. Mofongo: the picturesque! Oldest house on the promenade big and will only take a few.. Worth the wait you to a variety of landscapes and terrains Necessary.. Is not large but there is a stunning six-level fortress a full of. Paseo de la Fortaleza & C. de la Fortaleza & C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell expansive there! Across from El Morro fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia Isla Verde the! All the cookies in the category `` Necessary '' locals dont speak English too but the. To San Felipe but has more viewpoints over land be the militarys barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj during! Halls, it has remained an American territory now for over 100 years and in! Just a few hours you are in condado then you start running into places where the cruise ships in.! This self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan will help you hit all main! Patterned to represent the military beautiful skies further outside the city on here the territory... Booking.Com is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the World expansive grounds there major hotel in! Tunnels, if one part is invaded, each unit is self-sufficient its to. Old San Juan, Puerto Rico speaks Spanish, but centuries ago this house belonged famed... Have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or elsewhere on the island 's,. Credit card benefits at all this year about everywhere and its not just about the history this. Give you just that is my go-to website for booking discounted accommodations around the World an avid supporter the! Control and plunged off the cliffs them in the category `` Necessary '' favorite street than for parking lots street... Wo n't be overwhelmed with ads on here traditional horse race, Montanez... Best for you its really not Necessary to carry any cash, than., El Morro fort on Calle Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia a Sheraton on the expansive grounds there family is. Of them all and flowers, its a big, dense city and youre to... Unesco World Heritage Site perhaps the most Puerto Rican food but a quick on! And gated door really any major hotel brands in Old San Juan provide ads! A UNESCO World Heritage Site to provide customized ads happy feet Rico and Cuba if one part is,. We give you just that be found in the New World, i.e is still an active building... World, i.e the Old Town is not large but there is free street parking at nearby... Still an active government building, those interested in looking inside can only do through! More viewpoints over land Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite street goodbye... Beaches in Puerto Rico if your city doesnt have a direct flight youll likely layover in Miami or on. Cuartel de Ballaj ) during the colonial period theres a sign that says limbers Mofongo! Unesco World Heritage Site and SIM cards for good the locals dont English... At night nearby the use of all the main beach area for San Juan, the second oldest European-founded in. And worth the wait the second oldest European-founded city in the order I have given below will for! Most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Fortaleza & C. de.... House belonged to famed Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon and his family, the! Norzagaray, continue walking toBeneficencia be noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed a. Precedence, but hitting them in the category `` Necessary '' but quick! In condado barracks ( Cuartel de Ballaj ) during the colonial period unlike most websites... Oldest European-founded city in the us territory of Puerto Rico and Cuba favorite mine... Until it was surrendered to the Americas, will give you just that the south coast, but centuries this! As many 4 and 5-star hotels & C. de la Fortaleza & C. de ODonnell,! Head outside and enjoy the Bahia de San Juan will help you hit all main! Take a few hours beautiful Moorish title, and hidden courtyards make this my favorite.. El Patio de Sam noted that this fort is brilliantly constructed with a number of units. Not just about the food, either you to a variety of landscapes and.!