Private Historic Old San Juan Sightseeing and Walking Experience
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
If there is a tour every visitor and traveler must do before even trying to walk our old city’s street, this will be it!
This tour was curated with comfort and as little walking as posible in mind, and it is the single tour every and anyone should do to avoid wasting hours looking for the landmarks, buildings and walking under the scorching sun trying to discover it’s history.
In it your driver and guide will take you in a route through the 80+ main buildings and landmarks and a journey in time telling you about the city’s history in short and precise way as he drives you slowly through the narrow and colorful streets of our historic walled city.
Depending the lenght you choose, you will have from 2 to 6 stops to take pictures and get a closer look of the main landmarks of the city. Among them San Cristobal and El Morro Forts, El Convento, Ballaja, Saint John’s Cathedral, La Rogativa, Del Cristo and San Jose chapels and Colombus and Ponce de Leon square.
Available options
2 HR Prime Tour
Distillery Exclusion: Does not include the Rum Distillery Tour.
3HR Prime Old San Juan
Extra Hour: An additional hour allows you more time for a deeper exploration, more walking or extra stops for pictures.<br/>Duration: 3 hours<br/>Distillery Exclusion: Does not include the Rum Distillery Tour.
4 HR Prime Old San Juan
Distillery Exclusion: Does not include the Rum Distillery Tour.
Prime Old SJ & Distillery
Rum Distillery: A visit to Barrilito or Bacardi Rum Distillery depending on availability with a complimentary drink of your choice.<br/>Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
What's included
Private transportation
Bottled water
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Your guide will drive you around the city and give you a detailed introduction to Puerto Rico's history and tell you about every main landmark. Your guide will allow you to have several stops where you can walk and take pictures while experiencing our old city.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Largest fort ever built by any empire in the new world
3
Columbus welcomes every visitor comminh by land to our Old San Juan.
4
Park dedicated to our George Washington figure Luis Muñoz Rivera
5
One of the 3 most beautiful cemeteries of the world.
6
Square that conmemorates the 500 years of rhe discovery of Puerto Rico
7
Both Spanish and US troops quarters, Ballaja served as main military quarters for more than 100 years.
8
Stop 8
Pass by
Built after spanish rulers took down the eastern walls of the city, the casino became the place for the opulent balls, weddings and parties of the wealthy spanish in the city.
9
Stop 9
Pass by
Built in 1540 by Ponce De Leon family, it is the 2nd oldest church in our nation America and 4th oldest in all the Americas
10
Stop 10
Pass by
Built in 1511, it is our nations oldest church and burrial place of Ponce de Leon
11
Renamed after our first elected mayor, Felisa Rincon de Gauthier, it is the oldest city square in all the americas.
12
Stop 12
Pass by
Main entrance to the city in colonial times, it's aligned to the cathedral's main doors so anyone coming in to the city had to pay respects to the church.
13
Stop 13
Pass by
Monument for the "Miracle of San Juan" when the bishop and the woman went to pray for the british troops to leave their attack in 1797.
14
Stop 14
Pass by
Second and actual city hall.
15
Former Real Intendencia, Spanish mint and US mint in Puerto Rico amd today's State Department.
16
Marker for the old fort part of the first line of defense of San Juan, today is a bridge that joins the main island Puerto Rico to the San Juan Island.
17
Part of the first line of defense of the old city, was also the home of our second US governor Gen Brooke.
18
Monument to our first world boxing champion and infantry man for the US during WW2.
19
Square with Ponce de Leon statue and monument
20
Monument to all US pressidents who have made official visits to Puerto Rico as presidents.
21
Stop 21
Pass by
Walkway just outside the south wall of the city
22
Stop 22
Pass by
Chapel of the Christ is venerated as a place of miracles with hundreds of accounted healing miracles.
23
Stop 23
Pass by
Oldest executive mantion still in use in the Americas. Built in 1540.
24
Former place for the spanish firing squad.
25
Old San Juan most famous garita or view point. The spanish troops considered it haunted and nobody wanted to take the night shift to it so they even played dice to choose who was going each night.
26
Monument to the victims of the Holocaust.
27
Today a wedding venue, it was the meeting place of the top of spanish society in Puerto Rico.
What's not included
Gratuities
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
1 reviews
5★
0
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Travelers arriving in cruises should meet us at the lobby of the Condado Vaderbilt by the right side of the lobby.
About San Juan
San Juan, the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, is a vibrant blend of Spanish colonial history, Caribbean culture, and modern amenities. Known for its well-preserved historic sites, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, San Juan offers a unique tropical experience with a rich cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
Old San Juan
The historic heart of San Juan, known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic sites.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, attractions have varying entry fees
El Yunque National Forest
The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, offering lush landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Nature
Full day
Free entry
Condado Beach
A popular beach in the Condado neighborhood, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere.
Beach
Half day
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Mofongo
A traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed fried plantains mixed with garlic, pork cracklings, and other ingredients.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian
Lechón Asado
Roasted pork, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, often served with rice and beans.
Main Dish
Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Alcapurrias
Fritters made from a mixture of green bananas, yautía (taro), and pork or crabmeat.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in El Yunque
Kayaking in Fajardo
Snorkeling in Condado
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Scenic walks in Old San Juan
Visiting museums
Exploring historic sites
Best Time to Visit
December to April
This is the dry season with warm, sunny weather and lower humidity. It's the best time for outdoor activities and beach visits.
24-30°C
75-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas
Currency
U.S. Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Juan is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in less touristy areas and at night.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Avoid walking alone at night in less touristy areas
Getting there
By air
- Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center
By bus
Terminal de Carros Públicos de San Juan
Getting around
Public transport
Affordable and convenient, but schedules can be irregular. Trolleys are also available in Old San Juan.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old San Juan
Condado
Santurce
Day trips
El Yunque National Forest
25 km (15 miles) • Full day
A tropical rainforest offering lush landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Fajardo
65 km (40 miles) • Full day
A coastal town known for its bioluminescent bay and water sports.
Culebra
50 km (31 miles) by ferry • Overnight
A small island known for its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere.
Festivals
San Sebastián Street Festival • Late January
Casals Festival • February
Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest • Early March
Pro tips
- Visit Old San Juan early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the historic sites in peace.
- Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
- Use public transportation or walk in the city center to save on taxi fares and enjoy the local atmosphere.
- Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
- Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of cultural differences.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
