Old San Juan Walking Exploration: Discover its Colonial History and Architecture

Immerse yourself in the colonial history and architecture of Old San Juan on this engaging walking tour. Explore the city’s sights, learn about its powerful colonial influence, and discover hidden gems with an expert local guide.

Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old San Juan - Get to know Old San Juan’s history, architecture and sights on this walking tour of the city! With an expert local guide, you will discover in depth the neighborhood and culture, while learning about it’s powerful colonial influence.

Your local guide will take you along Paseo de la Princesa (Princess Promenade) to the Fortaleza, which is currently the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. You will walk thru the city’s brimming with colors and cobble stone streets, and have magnificent picture opportunities.

Some sights and landmarks you will see are:
San Juan Gate (built in 1520 to guard the city from the harbor), Ballaja Barracks (built by the Spanish militia for housing in 1864), San Jose Church and Plaza, El Convento Hotel and Plaza del Quinto Centenario.

Your guide will be happy to answer any questions you have about additional sightseeing, dining or shopping plans once the tour has concluded.

  • Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - As part of the multiple stops we will do during this walking tour, we will visit the San Juan Bautista Cathedral (subject to opening hours). Ask about Juan Ponce de León’s tomb!
  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro - We will visit this historical and world wide known fortress, that was built in 1539 and played such an important role to the city and soldiers.

In the event you have mobility issues or prefer, can choose to visit the San Cristobal fort instead. Entrance fee included only to one fort.

What's Included
  • Bottled water provided
  • Expert historian as your tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Transportation not included (unless booking with San Juan/Rio Grande pickup)
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Embark on a journey to one of the world’s most ancient cities, San Juan, established by the Spaniards in 1521 AD. Explore Old San Juan’s significant sites and learn its history on this guided tour through the city! A knowledgeable local will accompany you and your small group to traverse its streets, acquainting you with its architectural wonders and the enduring impact of colonial rule on our Island.

Your guide will lead a 2 to 2.5-hour walking expedition along Paseo de la Princesa (Princess Promenade) up to the La Fortaleza, the present official abode of the Puerto Rican Governor, and the Castillo San Felipe del Morro (specific fort to be visited may vary).

Upon conclusion of the tour, your guide will be happy to offer advice and insights regarding shopping, dining, and further activities in the vicinity.

  • At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • Minimum of 4 persons required for tour to operate.
  • Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
Location
206 C. Tetuán
Calle Tetuán
We meet by the Banco Popular de PR Headquarters Building terrace area. Transportation is provided only when booking the tour with the transportation option at an additional charge.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.5
(46 Ratings)
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Lauren_n
May 20, 2024
Great tour - our tour guides name was Francisco.. he was amazing! He has a great personality and was able to laugh and joke and inform us of everything around. We do want to thank him for putting up with us and taking so many pictures along the way!
Review provided by Viator
Melissa
May 11, 2024
Just do it! Incredible! - Wow! If you’re on the fence, just do it! My brother and I took our mom on the tour and had a great time. Our tour guide Francisco was friendly, super engaging, hilarious and knowledgeable. We laughed the whole time as we explored beautiful Old San Juan - and he bought the entire group cold waters which was so sweet. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, maybe a hat for the sun, and bring a water bottle. Totally family friendly.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alison
Apr 12, 2024
A great walking tour - Our tour guide Frankie, was terrific. His obvious love of San Juan along with his historical knowledge was impressive. It was a humid day and he stopped and bought us water and offered us popsicles. We learned so much and enjoyed our tour immensely. Thank you, Frankie!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
844allisonj
Jul 19, 2023
Beautiful walking tour - Wonderful educational walking tour! We enjoyed seeing the beautiful city. So many colors and amazing views on this tour. The tour guide was friendly and entertaining.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N3099tkramonc
Jul 18, 2023
Great experience at el Viejo San Juan - Very nice tour..the tour guide was amazing very knowledgeable. A lot of history tips overall I highly recommend this tour if your interested in knowing more about the history behind San Juan.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
570frankt
May 31, 2023
Great experience - Jaime was an absolute delight and wealth of knowledge during our Old San Juan walking your. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monica
Apr 29, 2023
Francisco is a great tour guide! - Francisco was our tour guide. He is awesome!!! He was so funny and knowledgeable about Old San Juan. There are a lot of inclines and you are walking on cobble stones for some part of the tour, so wear comfortable shoes. But overall, the walk was enjoyable and the tour is great!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
624connies
Mar 1, 2023
Fun! - Our guide (James) is knowledgeable, shared details I did not find in my research, great communication skills, and patient! (We got lost, confused, and walked around trying to find the meeting spot. It was a comedy of errors! James waited for us, we were already on PR time… ) The tour accommodated a wide of ages, physical fitness, and interest. It was a lot of fun and we recommend this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Latha_t
Apr 10, 2023
Amazing experience - The walking tour with our tour guide Frankie was amazing. My 10 year old enjoyed the tour as well and we got to learn so much about the history of Puerto Rico. Frankie was very patiently answering all the questions we had. The tour started on time and was well organized. He also recommended couple of good restaurants for lunch after the tour which turned out to be great !
Review provided by Viator
Mollymarie1
Apr 5, 2023
Did not get: Entry/Admission - Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista - The tour I booked said entry to Entry/Admission - Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista. We maybe walked by this and when I asked the tour guide about this he acted like he was unaware.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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