+44 203 026 1075
Old San Juan Historical Walking Tour
San Juan, PR
91% of travellers recommend this
Self-guided
Highlights
- Explore the oldest section of the city
- Learn about the history behind the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Visit landmarks such as La Casa Estrecha and the Cathedral
- Walk inside el Cuartel de Ballajá and admire the architecture
- Tour the historic 500 year old city with an expert guide
-
Local guide included
-
Duration 2 hours
-
Explore historic landmarks
-
Suitable for all ages
-
Conservative dress code required
Experience the captivating history of Old San Juan with a knowledgeable guide on this exciting walking tour. In just 2 hours, you will uncover the fascinating stories behind Puerto Rico's ties to the US, as well as its Spanish, Taino Indian, and Western African heritage. Explore iconic landmarks such as the grand La Catedral de San Juan Bautista and the impressive defensive walls that once protected the city. Don't miss the chance to visit historic sites like La Rogativa and La Capilla de Cristo. Suitable for all ages, this tour offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich history of Old San Juan. Please note that appropriate attire is required when visiting churches. Join us for a truly immersive experience and gain a deeper understanding of this enchanting city.
At a Glance
-
Free cancellation
-
2 hours
-
Instant Confirmation
-
Available in English
-
Mobile voucher
-
Small Group tour
-
Guided
-
Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Viator
Aug 24
Nahoymi was a great tour guide. Her enthusiasm and knowledge of old San Juan was excellent. I highly recommend this tour. 2 hours was perfect and you cover a lot of sites. 10 out of 10 !
Viator
Aug 24
Alberto was delightful! I come from a family of educators. I’m a college professor, and my mother taught kindergarten and second grade, and my aunt was a high school principal, cousin teaches biology in high school… so we really value tour guides who are informative as well as entertaining. You can tell that Alberto is an incredible school teacher! What fun the children must have in the classroom with him.
His energy was delightful. He was even bouncy. Literally. He would bounce up on his toes when he spoke. There was such joy exuding from him. And the stories were fabulous. The tour route itself was great as well. He even did a masterful pivot when it started raining, and popped into a local place, I believe they were selling Paletas, and was able to talk to us about the interior architecture and design of one of the buildings. Bravo Alberto on the pivot! It provided us the opportunity to escape the rain while also delighting in the little details he offered us about the Interior of the building.
I also enjoyed the fact that about halfway through the tour we stopped for about 15 minutes to explore on our own. My husband‘s company calls these “bio breaks” and during a tour they provide the opportunity to go to the bathroom or grab ice cream, and, in our this case, we did both!
At the end of the tour, he provided us with customized recommendations based on what we were craving. Piña coladas or a nice lunch, etc.
The tour was a delightful way to get to know the town with a true historian/educator. 5 stars all around!
Pro tip: do bring a sun hat or have sunscreen. And some water to drink. Even though we had a nice refreshing rain, it is still a hot tour with very few shady spots on the route.
Viator
Aug 24
Alberto is a gem. He made us laugh and brought big energy to our tour. He made great recommendations while teaching our group about the history of San Juan and showing us around the area. We had so much fun!
Viator
Aug 24
Alberto was our tour guide and he was great.
His high energy and love for all things Puerto Rico made the tour I was on, amazing.
The tour was close to two hours and at the end, I backtracked the tour and stopped in the Museo de las Américas.
Then I stopped in Barrachina for a frozen non-alcohol Piña Colada.
At the end, ask your guide for recommendations for food or museums or drinks.
I packed water and Gatorade in case I needed it. And there are plenty of street vendors to grab something refreshing if needed.
If you want to have a great time, you will have a great time.
Viator
Jul 24
We signed up to enter the 2 churches Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista and the Iglesia de San Jose. Also was supposed to enter Cuartel de Ballaja and look at the architetecture. Instead, we only WALKED by ALL sights that was totally different than what we paid for. Tour guide was nice but this is NOT what we paid for. If we wanted a waking tour with no entry, we would have paid for the $30 tour, not the $50 tour.
0
/
0
Old San Juan Historical Walking Tour
Discover the rich history of Old San Juan on a 2-hour guided walking tour, exploring its stunning landmarks and cultural heritage.
Included
-
OtherLocal guide
Excluded
-
Private transportationPrivate transportation -
OtherFood or drink
Meeting Point
Plazoleta Rafael Carrión, guide will be wearing a bright green shirt
206 C. Recinto Sur, San Juan, 00901 , Puerto Rico
End Point
Plazoleta Rafael Carrión, guide will be wearing a bright green shirt
206 C. Recinto Sur, San Juan, 00901 , Puerto Rico
What to expect
1
We will enjoy the history behind Casa Estrecha and how it came to fruition
5 minutes
2
We will stop at the Cathedral and discuss its rich history and its place in Old San Juan's cultural, political and religious life.
10 minutes
3
We will walk inside el Cuartel de Ballajá and enjoy the architecture and history
6 minutes
4
Iglesia de San Jose
We will walk along the newly renovated Church.
10 minutes
5
Tour the historic 500 year old city with an expert guide.
60 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
-
*Important* As historical churches we visit have a conservative dress code, please dress accordingly. -
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
-
Not recommended for people with any kind of mobility impairment
-
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
-
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
-
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
-
Public transportation options are available nearby
-
Service animals allowed
-
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by Flavors Food Tours - San Juan
What our experts say
-
Try local mofongo at nearby restaurants. -
Visit El Morro Fort after the tour.
-
Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
-
Check out local artisan shops nearby.
-
Stay hydrated; it can be warm!
More About this Experience
Introduction
Join the Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour and embark on a captivating journey through the oldest section of the city. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, this 2-hour history stroll offers a smart and immersive way to learn about and explore Old San Juan. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and fascinating stories of Puerto Rico, as you discover its unique ties to the United States and its diverse blend of Spanish, Taino Indian, and Western African cultures. From the grand Catedral de San Juan Bautista to the impressive defensive walls and the iconic Fortaleza, every step of this tour reveals the secrets of this historical gem.What to expect?
During the Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour, you can expect to experience a deep dive into the captivating history of Puerto Rico. Explore the historic landmarks such as La Casa Estrecha, a narrow house with a fascinating story. Step inside the magnificent Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista to witness its grandeur and discover the tomb and relics it holds. Walk through the Cuartel de Ballaja, marveling at its architectural beauty and learning about its historical significance. Enter the recently renovated Iglesia de San Jose and immerse yourself in its beauty and cultural importance. Finally, explore the enchanting streets of Old San Juan itself, as your expert guide unveils the secrets of this 500-year-old city.Who is this for?
The Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour is perfect for anyone who wants an authentic and immersive experience of Puerto Rico's rich history and culture. Whether you are a history buff, a curious traveler, or simply someone looking for a unique and engaging tour experience, this tour is designed for you. Suitable for all ages, the tour offers something for everyone, providing a fascinating insight into Puerto Rico's past and its vibrant heritage. Don't worry if you're not a history expert – this tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for all levels of interest and knowledge.Why book this?
This Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour offers a distinctive and enriching experience that few other tours can match. Led by a local guide with a deep passion for the city and its history, this tour takes you beyond the surface and into the heart of Old San Juan's captivating story. Discover the hidden gems and lesser-known facts that bring the city's history to life. From the moment you meet your guide, you'll feel their enthusiasm and expertise, ensuring that every step of the tour is engaging and enlightening. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the history and culture that shaped Puerto Rico.Good to know
When joining the Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour, it's important to note that some of the places visited, such as churches, have dress codes that discourage revealing clothing. Please use your best judgment and dress appropriately for the tour. The total duration of the tour is 120 minutes, during which you will explore the various landmarks mentioned in the itinerary. The meeting point is Plazoleta Rafael Carrión, and your guide will be easily identifiable in a bright green shirt. Be prepared for a memorable journey through time as you delve into Old San Juan's vibrant history.Reviews
Travelers who have experienced the Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour have praised its immersive and informative nature. They were impressed by the knowledgeable and passionate guides who brought the history of Puerto Rico to life. Visitors particularly appreciated the opportunity to explore the historic sites and landmarks of Old San Juan, gaining a deeper understanding of the city's cultural heritage. The tour received high marks for its well-organized itinerary and the quality of insights provided by the guides. Overall, participants found the Old San Juan Walking Historical Tour to be a captivating and worthwhile experience, highly recommended for anyone visiting Puerto Rico.
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
Sorry, you just missed out!
This is a popular product and the date you are looking for just sold out. Next available date is
