For previous legs of the Old San Juan Walking Tour, click on the corresponding links:

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.

We’ve been to many sites, gawked at incredible vistas, witnessed historical architecture and works of art, and ate and drank in some of the city’s best restaurants/bars.  Alas, all good things must come to an end.  But let’s not lament yet, we have a long stroll ahead of us and 9 more stops on our walking tour.  Let’s make the most of it.

Homeward Bound (Leg 4 of 4)

From the northwest corner of Plaza de Armas, walk west on San Francisco St. until we reach Del Cristo St. once again.  If we make a left we will head south towards our next destination.  Storefronts all along the street entice passersby to window shop (or really shop) but we’ll continue walking until we reach Capilla del Cristo (#31).  The legend goes that in 1750, during one of the traditional horse races, a rider was violently thrown from his steed.  A spectator made a plea to the Santo Cristo de la Salud to save the unfortunate jockey, who was stopped - thanks to the structure - from plummeting to a certain death.  Since then, a  picture of the Christ has hung on the wall of the chapel.  Next to the Capilla is el Parque de las Palomas, or pigeon park.  With a fantastic view of the bay as a backdrop, visitors can mingle with and feed the scores of pigeons in and around the park.

31. Capilla del Cristo

Across the street from Parque de las Palomas is el Museo del Libro (#32).  The museum houses an invaluable collection of Old World manuscripts and original documents from the time of Spanish rule on the island.  Though the building is presently under renovation, much of the collection is currently displayed in Museo de las Americas in Ballaja.

32. Museo del Libro

Coming off Del Cristo street, we head east on Calle Tetuan.  Casa Ramón Power y Giralt (#33) will be located to your left.  The Fideicomiso de Conservacion - Puerto Rico’s conservation trust - rescued this historical building - the former home of early 19th century Admiral and politician, Ramón Power y Giralt - from disrepair and now serves as their headquarters.

33. Casa Ramón Power y Giralt

Our next destination is Fortaleza Street, specifically the area commonly referred to as SOFO (#34).  After leaving Casa Power y Giralt we turn north on Calle de la Cruz and then make a quick right into Fortaleza Street.  Shops, bars and restaurants line both sidewalks and crowds gather to party late into the night in these trendy hot spots.  Short for SOuth of FOrtaleza, SOFO also features a bevy of dining options, from classic French cuisine to modern fusion, certain to please any discerning palette.

34. SOFO

Past the alleyway that leads to the famous Nuyorican Cafe, stands Casa del Callejón (#35).  One of San Juan’s oldest buildings, it now houses 2 different museums: Museo de la Farmacia, a collection of  artifacts that would have been found in a 19th century pharmacy; and Museo de la Familia Puertorriqueña, recreating an affluent family home of the 19th century.  You could get caught up in the scene at SOFO, I won’t blame you.  But we still have 4 sites on our walking tour and you don’t want to give up now, so close to the end, do you?  SOFO will stay right where it is and it’s vibrant nightlife will continue to be active until late, so you don’t have you worry about missing a thing.

35. Casa del Callejón

At the end of Fortaleza Street, to your right, stands one of the New World’s oldest active theatres, Teatro Tapia (#36).  The venue is named after famous Puerto Rican playwright Alejandro Tapia y Rivera and still hosts events that range from children’s plays to ballet performances.  The interior, with its marvelous wooden balconies and horse-shoe shape, seats about 700 people.

36. Teatro Tapia

In the middle of Plaza de Colón (#37), directly north of Teatro Tapia, a marble and bronze statue of European explorer Christopher Columbus towers over the city.  The plaza had always been an important meeting place and cultural landmark for San Juan when it was called Plaza Santiago.  During the late 19th century the figure and pedestal were erected thereby rechristening the square as Plaza de Colón.

37. Plaza de Colón

Puerto Rico’s second most famous, yet equally important, fortress covers a large amount of terrain.  Fuerte San Cristóbal (#38) can be seen from the northeast corner of Plaza Colón, stretching along Muñoz Rivera Ave. and Norzagaray St., where the main entrance is located.  Built in the 1600’s as a way of preventing another successful land invasion - as the Dutch had accomplished in 1625 - the expansive fortifications occupy a huge territory on the northern part of the city.  Even if you’ve already seen El Morro, visitors should not pass up the opportunity to explore the lesser known San Cristóbal.  The vantage points towards the Atlantic Ocean and La Perla, and the superior views of the city and bay from El Caballero - the fort’s highest point - give San Cristobal an identity all it’s own.

38. Fuerte San Cristóbal

Our last stop in our Old San Juan Walking Tour lies just a bit beyond the city proper, but still easily accessible.  In fact, El Capitolio de Puerto Rico (#39) is probably one of the first landmarks you’ll see if you enter Old San Juan through Muñoz Rivera Ave.  The building is not yet 100 years old, but still manages to exude a timeless quality through its architecture.  It serves as the home of the Legislative branch of government, the Senate, and House of Representatives and it also contains the original document of the Puerto Rican Constitution.

39. El Capitolio de Puerto Rico

And with this our tour is done.  We’ve traversed through all the major historical sites, museums and places of interest in Old San Juan, but there are still many more waiting to be discovered by you.  Run amok through town; as we’ve said before there is no better way to enjoy this glorious city than to explore it on your own terms.  We hope this walking tour will better prepare you to be your own guide!

For Part 1 of the Old San Juan Walking Tour, click here.

For Part 2 of the Old San Juan Walking Tour, click here.

After experiencing Old San Juan’s beauty through sites such as Paseo De La Princesa, La Rogativa and El Morro, you might ask yourself: “What else is there to see in Old San Juan?”.  But the answer is simple: there’s plenty more for you to discover so keep on reading below!  On this leg of the tour we will continue to explore the northern section of the city and begin our descent through Del Cristo Street.  So, let’s not waste anymore time and continue with part three.

The Third Time’s the Charm (Leg 3 of 4)

After enjoying everything Calle San Sebastián has to offer we retrace our steps a bit, heading north on Del Cristo Street, past Iglesia San José, towards the Convento de los Dominicos (Walking Tour site #19).  Located on Norzagaray Street, the structure dates back to the 1500’s when it served as a convent for Dominican monks.  Through restoration efforts, the building maintains the characteristics of period Spanish architecture and serves as a space for art exhibits and a score of other cultural events.

19. Convento de los Dominicos

Although we’ve seen it from afar and walked alongside it, we still haven’t explored Plaza del Quinto Centenario (#20), located to the west of Convento de los Dominicos.  The different levels of the plaza commemorate the 500 years since European contact with the New World.  The fountain at the lower level not only adorns but also offers passers-by, especially children, a refreshing soak against the daytime heat.  Going up the two flights of stairs we find the Totem Telurico, a 40-foot tall structure that stands at the city’s highest point and looks out towards El Morro and the Atlantic Ocean.

20. Plaza del Quinto Centenario

Continuing Norzagaray Street to the west, directly adjacent to Quincentennial Plaza, is the Cuartel de Ballaja, which contains our next two attractions:  Museo de las Américas (#21) and Museo del Indio (#22).  The three-storied building, which used to serve as barracks for Spanish soldiers,  features an impressive interior plaza - a typical trait of Spanish architecture in the city.  On the first floor of the building we find the Museo de las Américas.  Boasting several exhibits focused on New World art, the museum is also home to a vast collection of “santos” - a Latin American tradition of carving saints out of wood and other materials.  The second floor houses the Museo del Indio, which includes an extensive collection of artifacts pertaining to the Taíno culture and other pre-columbian inhabitants of the island and abroad.

21. Museo de las Américas

22. Museo del Indio

Further west on Norzagaray and across the street from the Plaza is the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña (#23).  Constructed in the late 19th century, the two-storied building now serves as headquarters for the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture (ICP), the main government agency for promoting the arts on the island.

23. Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña

Walking south along Morro Street, with the ICP on the right-hand side, you will reach Parque de la Beneficencia (#24).  A small, breezy plaza, you will normally see groups of local art students taking a break from their classes or skaters honing their skills on the steps and rails of the park.  You may rest here and watch them practice or continue southward towards our next destination.

24. Parque de la Beneficencia

On the southwest corner of Parque de la Beneficencia we find the iron gate leading into Casa Blanca (#25).  This residence would have been Juan Ponce de Leon’s home, but he ended up a casualty - getting shot by an arrow - while searching for the Fountain of Youth in Florida before construction was completed.  Instead, his lineage lived in the mansion for centuries after.  The courtyard and gardens are incredibly well kept and serve as a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life; the foliage casts shadows that cool the area while the trickling harmony of the fountains adds to the serene and otherworldly atmosphere.  Admission to the gardens is free of charge and you only have to pay a small fee if you want to browse around the refurbished mansion.

25. Casa Blanca

With a sense of rejuvenation, we leave Casa Blanca and head east on Calle San Sebastián until we reach Plaza San José once again.  This time we head south, down Del Cristo Street.  To your left you will find bars and restaurants,  including one of our favorite dining places, El Burén.  Further south is a lovely, small plaza with benches, a huge tree providing shade and several strange and unique sculptures.  This plaza, known as Plazuela or Caleta de Las Monjas, is surrounded by our next three sites.

Located at the intersection of Del Cristo with Calle Las Monjas is El Gran Hotel El Convento (#26).  Formerly a Carmelite nun convent, the majestic building is now a first-rate hotel, attracting guests from all over the world.  El Picoteo, located in the hotel, is a fine dining option.

26. Gran Hotel El Convento

Museo del Niño (#27) is situated on a three-story building to the west of Caleta de Las Monjas.  The museum features interactive exhibits presented in a dynamic way, where children can have fun and learn with the very friendly staff.  If a child is participating in this walking tour, the museum is a can’t-miss spot.

27. Museo del Niño

Directly in front of Museo del Niño - it’s kind of hard to miss - stands one of the island’s most significant religious structures, the Catedral de San Juan (#28).  Construction of this imposing building began during the 16th century and some of its original components remain to this day.  The cathedral’s main attraction is the marble tomb of explorer Juan Ponce de Leon.

28. Catedral de San Juan

As you walk down the cathedral steps, head north on Del Cristo St., we’re going to make a quick detour.  Make a right at the first corner and walk towards San José Street.  Right behind the cathedral is the Corralón de San José (#29).  One of Puerto Rico’s oldest theatres, the historic site was recently re-opened after several years in disrepair.  Continue to head south on San José Street to arrive at this leg’s final destination.

29. Corralón de San José

La Plaza de Armas (#30) is the expansive plaza located between San Francisco and Fortaleza Streets.  Adorned with statues, fountains, benches and gazebos, the promenade is an popular meeting place because of its centric orientation in the city.  Lots of pigeons meet here too.  Across the street to the north of the plaza is San Juan’s City Hall, also an important historic building.

30. Plaza de Armas

Wow, 30 sites and still more to go.  There’s a lot of walking left and Part 4 promises to be memorable.  So save up some energy for our final stroll and let’s meet up again for the conclusion to our walking tour of Old San Juan.

On to Part 4 of EyeTour.com’s Old San Juan Walking Tour.

For Part 1 of the Old San Juan Walking Tour, click here.

We’ve already seen Old San Juan’s southwestern quarter and it’s host of plazas and monuments.  As we travel towards the city’s northern coast we will find all sorts of specialized museums, historical buildings, streets lined with bars and restaurants, and, of course, the island’s most visited site.  So let’s continue with the second part of our Walking Tour, shall we?

As Far as Sequels Go (Leg 2 of 4)

By now you’ve soaked up all the spectacular views from Plazuela de La Rogativa and you’re feeling refreshed and energized to continue with your exploration of the city.  Head north on Calle Las Monjas (past La Rogativa to your left and past a white-columned gate) and you will find Casa Rosa (Walking Tour sight #10).  Literally meaning “pink house”, the distinctive building was used as a garrison during the Spanish colonial period but now serves as a daycare center.

10. Casa Rosa

Continuing the tree-laden path north leads to the open expanse of El Morro’s field.  But before we reach the fortress, you’ll find another point of interest to our right: la Escuela de Artes Plasticas (#11).  Formerly an insane asylum, this historic building, a prime location for inspiration and beauty, currently houses the premiere school for arts in Puerto Rico.

11. Escuela de Artes Plásticas

After meandering around the school (you never know if you might witness some sort of divine inspiration going on) we’re ready to tackle the big one - Fuerte San Felipe del Morro (#12).  To reach El Morro just  follow the quarter mile path that runs through the open grass field where you might find families enjoying a picnic out in the breezy, sun-drenched space.  Kite flying is immensely popular here; the trade winds blasting from the Atlantic and the vastness of the open sky are a perfect medium for this time-honored tradition.

12. Fuerte San Felipe del Morro

The fort of El Morro is without a doubt the most popular destination for visitors to the island, and for good reason.  The imposing structure was begun in 1540 but didn’t achieve it’s completed state until several centuries later.  As San Juan’s principal defense against attacks by sea, El Morro has served on several occasions as repellent to invasion forces - from the English (1595, 1598 & 1797) and the Dutch (1625) to the Americans (1898).   Take your time while exploring the area, history is seeped into the walls of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and the views of the bay and surrounding ocean are a marvel to look at.

Adjacent to El Morro is another much-photographed spot in the city, el Cementerio de San Juan (#13).  To get there, walk the length of El Morro’s grounds heading east towards Plaza del Quinto Centenario.  A road leads down into the surreal atmosphere of the cemetery where ghostly statues and elaborate decorations adorn some of the tombs.  Many important Puerto Ricans are buried here:  nationalist leader Pedro Albizu Campos, pro-statehood movement founder Jose Celso Barbosa, and poet and politician Jose de Diego.  After you’ve taken in the views from the cemetery go up to the street once again.  We’ve still have some ground to cover and much more to see.

13. Cementerio de San Juan

Norzagaray Street, due east, lands us on our next stop, Museo de San Juan (#14).  Dedicated to the preservation of the city’s  history, the museum is the ideal place to learn all about your surroundings during your stay in Old San Juan.  Included in the displays are works from Puerto Rican masters Jose Campeche and Francisco Oller.

14. Museo de San Juan

After you’ve caught up a bit with the culture, it’s time to discover another aspect of it first-hand.  To the south of Museo de San Juan we enter Calle San Sebastian (#15), a favorite hangout spot for locals and tourists.  The street is famous for the festival held every January, when hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to San Juan to experience the festivities first-hand.  But San Sebastián St. is active year-round with plenty of restaurants and bars inviting patrons to take a load off, if only for a little while.  Have a drink or order up some food if you like, but we still have 3 more spots to go on this leg of the tour.  You’ll have more time to explore the street and have as many drinks as you want afterward - promise!

15. Calle San Sebastián

If we go west on San Sebastian Street, we’ll reach it’s intersection with Del Cristo Street.  At this juncture we find Plaza San Jose (#16).  The plaza is easily recognizable thanks to the statue of Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de Leon, and to the centuries-old church that gives the square it’s name.  The shaded benches offer a welcome respite for those in need of it.  Fortunately for us, the last 2 spots surround Plaza San Jose.

16. Plaza de San José & Iglesia de San José

To the right of the statue - perpendicular to the church - is Museo de Casals (#17), dedicated to the life and work of world-famous cellist and composer Pablo Casals.  Though born in Spain, Casals has been adopted as an important figure in the development of the fine arts in Puerto Rico.

17. Museo de Casals

Next to Museo Casals is Museo de Nuestras Raices Africanas (#18).  The museum chronicles the rich cultural heritage of West Africa that has contributed to Puerto Rican society.  Apart from the fascinating exhibits, the building that houses the museum is also an architecturally significant piece of history.

18. Casa de los Contrafuertes/Museo de Nuestras Raíces Africanas

This concludes the second leg of our Walking Tour.  Head back to Calle San Sebastian for more cocktails and a proper meal or join us for Part 3, where we’ll explore more historical buildings before heading down Del Cristo Street.

There’s a certain mystique to Old San Juan - the historic sector of Puerto Rico’s capital - a timeless aura difficult to describe to people who’ve never experienced the Caribbean’s bona fide international city first-hand.  Cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture mix with the trade winds that blow from the Atlantic, the hustle and bustle of city life, Puerto Rico’s central government, the island’s liveliest nightlife, and some of its best cuisine, making the city a very special place to wander around in.  The true charm of Old San Juan lies in exploring every nook and cranny, every oddity, be it by yourself or with love ones.  You can find relaxing spots from which to gaze out at the horizon, enjoy the sunset or watch the stars twinkling in the moonlight with ease.  Opportunities to discover and take in the history at the heart of Old San Juan open up with every step.  Every visit is a chance to explore something new, or rediscover old things and see them in a new light.  It happens to everybody, be they residents, visiting locals, expatriates or tourists; the city is magical that way.

No matter where you stand, sculptures, plazas, churches, museums and many other places of interest are just around the corner.  But where should you start? What exactly do you want to see?  “Gosh, I sure hope I don’t miss anything worthwhile” - says the lonely traveler desperate for some, any, direction.  Worry not!  To make your exploration of the Old City a more organized and informative proposition, we gladly present the first installment of EyeTour.com’s Old San Juan Walking Tour.

In the Beginning (Leg 1 of 4)

Let us assume, for the purposes of this exercise, that you’re starting off at the Marina (Walking Tour sight #1) in the southern area of Old San Juan.  Cruise ships dock at the piers year-round, bringing with them millions of visitors eager to explore the city.  The first building you might see just across the street is the Sheraton at Old San Juan and its two restaurants - Chicago Burger Co. and Palio.  Several other shops, restaurants and bars are lining the avenue so feel free to explore the area to suit your needs but don’t wander off too far, we’re gonna head west to continue with our (eye)tour.

1. La Marina

As we continue west towards our second sight, Plaza de la Darsena and La Casita (#2), you might want to make a stop at the corner of Marina and Tanca streets where you will find Casa Don Q.  Besides being a museum dedicated to the history of rum production on the island, it also has rum products available for purchase - not to mention the complimentary cocktail at the bar.  The same building that houses the Casa Don Q, known as the Edificio Ochoa or Ochoa Building, is the current site for the Puerto Rico Tourist Information Center and the Rums of Puerto Rico Tasting Bar, where you can have another cocktail if you’re so inclined (And no, Puerto Rico is not trying to get you drunk! We just like to share our rum, being the Rum Capital of the world and all…).  Across the street from this building you will find the Plaza de la Darsena, a picturesque plaza overlooking San Juan Bay where gently blowing breezes refresh weary travelers (not you, though, we’ve only just begun!).  The main structure here is La Casita, which has served time and again as a tourist information center.  This plaza is often host to artisans and local vendors, as well as a horse carriage service that takes visitors around the city.

2. Plaza de la Darsena

Directly to the north of Plaza Darsena is another small plaza - Plaza de Hostos (#3) - named in honor of one of the most important figures in Puerto Rican history, Eugenio Maria de Hostos.  The plaza is also oftentimes host to artisans as well as vendors selling fried treats, sandwiches, and refreshments.  Particularly popular is the piragua - a perfect way to cool off from the sun’s scorching heat.

3. Plaza de Hostos

El Arsenal (#4) is located south of Plaza de Hostos, going down La Puntilla Street, at the southern most tip of Old San Juan.  Though previously used for weapons’ storage and as a naval station, El Arsenal is now used for more peaceful purposes, mainly artist showcases and other cultural events.  We’re now almost halfway through our first leg of the walking tour.  Let’s go back north the same way we came so we can stroll through the most picturesque promenade in all the island - the Paseo de la Princesa!

4. El Arsenal

Paseo de la Princesa (#5) is without a doubt one of the signature sights of Old San Juan and the entire island.  If we walk west from Plaza de Hostos we’ll be able to enjoy the whole brick boardwalk in all it’s glory.  The wide-open space of the promenade lends itself to picture taking or just a pleasant stroll.  A cafe/restaurant is shaded by huge trees and palms that line the sidewalk.  Further ahead is the headquarters for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, a refurbished building that was once a prison during the Spanish Colonial era.  After walking the length of Paseo La Princesa you will find the Raices fountain, a breathtaking homage to the roots of Puerto Rican culture.  Photo ops abound, either of the beautiful fountain sculptures, the surrounding city walls or the unobstructed view of the opening to San Juan harbor.  And if you thought the fountain was beautiful during the day, be sure to check it out at night if time permits, when the whole paseo is illuminated by streetlight.

5. Paseo de la Princesa, Antigua Cárcel, and Raíces Fountain

Continuing the path northward along the shore we reach La Puerta de San Juan (#6).  A relic of the time when the city used to be closed off at night to keep attackers at bay, this entrance is the only one (out of three) left standing.  It’s still an imposing sight and it serves as our tour’s gateway into the city proper.

6. Puerta de San Juan

At this point, you have two options.  Before passing through La Puerta de San Juan, you can continue the trail to the left and walk along La Muralla de la Ciudad (#7) with spectacular views of the bay and the coast on the other side.  The path leads directly to the northwestern tip of San Juan, directly below El Morro (even though there is no access to the fort through that path, the unique view of the surroundings is worth the extra effort).

7. La Muralla de la Ciudad

If you prefer to bypass the path along the old city walls you can pass through La Puerta de San Juan and cross the street to Museo Felisa Rincon de Gautier (#8).  This 300 year-old structure was the original residence of Doña Fela, the first female mayor of a capital city in the Americas.  It now displays personal effects and memorabilia pertaining to the life of this beloved politician.

8. Museo Felisa Rincón de Gautier

Our last stop in the first leg of EyeTour.com’s Old San Juan Walking Tour just happens to be my personal favorite.  Across from Doña Fela’s Museum and up a flight of steps is the Plazuela de la Rogativa (#9).  Featuring a jaw-dropping view of the surrounding ocean and coast, the 12-foot tall bronze statue is one of the most photographed sculptures in Puerto Rico.  As with the Paseo de la Princesa, the awesome view is only magnified when the sun goes down and streetlamps iluminate the area.  It is then that the twinkling lights of ships at sea join the stars up above to create an almost ethereal atmosphere.

9. Plazuela de la Rogativa

So, you’ve made it this far.  Might as well stick around for Part 2 where we’ll visit other places of interest like El Morro, San Cristobal and Capilla del Cristo. What are you waiting for? Continue your exploration of the historic city of Old San Juan by clicking here!

The iPhone finally arrives at our shores on October 17th, 2008 - a week from today! Puerto Ricans have been anxious to get their hands on the highly coveted phone for more than a year now, and EyeTour will be one of the firsts in line to get a couple of Apple’s iPhones.

EyeTour’s Company Vision states our commitment to technological innovation within the Tourism Industry. The company was founded on the promise of developing easy-to-use tools that anticipate the needs of our visitors, tourists, and fellow Puerto Ricans - and in keeping with that promise, we are proud to announce the release of EyeTour’s first Web Application developed specifically for the iPhone.

What is EyeTour’s Web Application for iPhone?

EyeTour has developed a mobile version of its Old San Juan Video Guide - including 40 of the historic city’s attractions - specifically for the iPhone and iPod touch. By visiting www.eyetour.com from your iPhone or iPod touch, users will be able to view the entire Old San Juan EyeTour on their phones without having to register or download anything. Videos can be viewed by using the interactive OLD SAN JUAN MAP - just tap the screen on your desired destination! You can also move the map around with a quick flick of your finger or pinch the screen to zoom in and out. Videos are also easily accessed from the AVAILABLE VIDEOS list option on the application’s home menu.

Limited Time - FREE IPHONE WALLPAPERS!

As a bonus gift to our visitors and as a way of celebrating Puerto Rico’s Official Oct.17 iPhone Launch, EyeTour has designed 16 Free iPhone Wallpapers for users to download directly to their iPhones and decorate their equipment with some of the island’s most amazing sights! Visit www.eyetour.com from your iPhone or iPod touch and select FREE IPHONE WALLPAPERS from the menu, then choose your desired wallpaper and touch down on the image for 2-3 seconds to save it to your phone. You can change your iPhone’s wallpaper from the Settings icon on your iPhone’s main menu (then touch ‘General’ and finally ‘Wallpaper’).