The Old San Juan Tour: Things to Do and Places to Eat
The small island of Old San Juan is rich in history, culture, and great places to eat. If you have limited time on your trip to Puerto Rico, the Old San Juan Tour is for you. This tour gives you a quick overview of the must-see spots in this charming district with many restaurants and bars. You’ll spend about two hours exploring Old San Juan on this walking tour led by an experienced guide.
The tour starts from the landmark La Casa de la Acha house and ends at El Arsenal fort – it’s not a complete loop, but trust us, you won’t get lost! You’ll learn about the colorful people who inhabited this part of the city over the years while also getting insider tips on where to eat and drink afterward. Get ready for some photo ops along the way!
What is the Old San Juan Tour?
The Old San Juan Walking Tour is a popular excursion offered by and most online travel sites. It’s a fun, informative tour that lasts 2 hours and covers some of the must-see attractions in this charming district. You’ll learn about the colorful people who inhabited this part of the city over the years while also getting insider tips on where to eat and drink afterward.
This tour is especially useful for people with limited time who want to see the must-see spots in this charming district with many restaurants and bars. You’ll spend about 2 hours exploring Old San Juan on this walking tour led by an experienced guide. The tour starts from the landmark La Casa de la Acha house and ends at El Arsenal fort – it’s not a complete loop, but trust us, you won’t get lost!
old san Juan tour – Where will you go on the tour?
The walk takes you through the colorful neighborhood of Old San Juan, where you’ll see some of the most iconic attractions in the district. Your guide will start at La Casa de la Acha house and lead you towards Plaza de Colon, where you’ll learn about the history of the square and see the spot where the first Catholic mass in Puerto Rico was held. Then, you’ll walk along Calle del Cristo, where you’ll see the beautiful Cathedral of San Juan Bautista.
Afterward, it’s on to Calle del Judío, where you’ll find the Casa del Labrador, a landmark that served as the first synagogue in Puerto Rico. And finally, you’ll arrive at the Plaza del Mercado, where you can shop for souvenirs or grab a quick bite before the tour ends at El Arsenal fort.
old san Juan tour – The best places to eat in Old San Juan
El Jibarito: Try the alcapurrias and maduros on the menu at this casual spot for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. El Patio del Caribe: This family-friendly restaurant serves all the local favorites like mofongo, arroz con pollo, and alcapurrias. La Casita del Caribe: Sample the classic Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo, pastelillos (a Puerto Rican empanada), alcapurrias, and try the flan for dessert.
Galeria del Banquete: If you are looking for a fancier place to dine with plenty of vegetarian options, this is the spot. La Taberna del Mojito: Head to this lounge and bar tucked away in an alleyway for a fusion of Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisines.
old san Juan tour – The best places to drink in Old San Juan
Barra del Puerto: This lively bar is a great place to sample the local rum and order tapas. La Factoria: This lively, upscale tapas bar has live music and a wide selection of cocktails. El Jugo y Cafe: This charming cafe is the perfect place to grab a coffee or juice. La Taberna del Patio: This popular sports bar opens late with a pool table and a giant screen for sports lovers. Café Comunión: We love this intimate bar for creative cocktails and Mediterranean bites.
old san Juan tour – Santurce
Santurce is the next district south of Old San Juan. This was the island’s original capital and where many government offices are still located. The Old San Juan Tour stops here for a few minutes so you can explore the neighborhood. There are a few places to check out while you are here, including the Casa de la Cultura, the Puerto Rican Arts Museum, Santurce Central Park, and Parque de Los Artistas.
If you are pressed for time, we recommend checking out the Arts Museum, which has a diverse Caribbean art collection. Santurce is also Puerto Rico’s arts district, so you’ll find plenty of creative studios and art galleries here. If you have time for a bite, check out the cafe inside the museum for coffee, sandwiches, and light snacks.
old san Juan tour – The Casa de la España and the Spanish Village
This district was initially built to house the Spanish government employees who worked on the island. While walking past it, your tour guides will point out the old Spanish Village and the Casa de la España. We recommend checking out the Casa de la España if you are interested in the Spanish administration of the island. The building houses a museum with exhibits on Puerto Rico’s cultural and artistic history.
The exhibits are Spanish, but you can still understand the island’s history and culture by checking out the displayed artifacts. The Casa de la España is also worth visiting if you want to explore the old Spanish architecture. It’s a residential building with colonial-style architecture and is worth checking out for its aesthetics.
old san Juan tour – El Morro
El Morro is the most famous landmark in Old San Juan. This 16th-century Spanish fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city and the sea. You can visit the top of the fort for panoramic waterfront views. The fort is a 15-minute walk from the tour’s last stop at El Arsenal.
You can walk up to the top of the fort and explore the museum on the way. The climb is mainly up a flight of stairs, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. There is also a shuttle service available if you don’t feel like walking up the hill.
Final words: Is the Old San Juan Tour worth it?
This tour is a great way to see a few must-see attractions in Old San Juan. You’ll cover the neighborhood’s highlights in about 2 hours and get insider tips on where to eat and drink after the tour ends. The Old San Juan Tour is an excellent choice for people on a tight schedule and those looking to avoid long walking distances.
The tour costs about $35 per person, and you can book your tickets online. Look for promo codes and discounts to save some cash on your tour. If you are pressed for time, this tour is a great way to see the must-see places in Old San Juan.
