Things to do in San Juan, Puerto Rico: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

December 7, 2021 Marissa Gamble

The festive city of San Juan is the perfect place to experience true Puerto Rican culture. Get to know its roots by exploring the vibrant neighborhood of El Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan), which consists mostly of Spanish colonial buildings. Flesh out your self-guided history lesson with a visit to El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 16th century citadel that’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then reward yourself with a cooling dip at Luquillo or Carolina Beach, then a tasty tour of the Bacardi rum plant.
Restaurants in San Juan

1. Fountain of Youth Tour of Old San Juan

Starbucks, 363 Calle de Tetuan #1, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico Tripolin Tours
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Discover the Beauty of Old San Juan with writer David Rodriguez, The Rise and Fall of the Great Barbate. From San Juan’s colonial Golden Age to the Gilded Age summer colony, discover the transformation of Ponce de Leon's city and people. Riots and rebellions, enemies and allies! Learn about Puerto Rico’s role in the revolution. See where scoundrels lived, pirates profited and criminals were punished. Find out why this colony was known as “Gold Island.” Explore the burial site of Ponce de Leon, Puerto Rico's founding father. Learn about the stone carvers, their art and the diverse people buried there who helped shape Ponce de Leon’s homeland.

Inclusions: Local guide, Bottled water

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Food and drinks

Reviewed By 633leanag

It was very informative and the host was very knowledgeable funny told us places to eat afterwards would highly recommend

2. Bacardi Rum Distillery with Cocktail Class and Old San Juan tour

Bespoke Lifestyle Management
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Immerse yourself in the world of delicious rum as you uncover mixology secrets at San Juan's world-famous Casa Bacardi. Sip on a tasty drink while you tour the distillery, let Bacardi experts show you how to prepare 3 legendary cocktails, and end the day with time for shopping in Old San Juan. After pickup from your hotel, you're driven to Casa Bacardi, famously known as the Cathedral of Rum.  Grab a welcome drink to savor as you learn all about the world's largest private, family-owned spirits company. Embark on a fascinating tour of the production facilities, from the giant fermentation vats to the rapid-fire bottling machinery, and check out the views of San Juan Bay from the distillery's bat-shaped pavilion. Next, step behind the bar and play the role of mixologist as experts show you how to whip up 3 quintessential Bacardi cocktails—the Cuba libre, the mojito, and the daiquiri. Following your distillery visit, your guide will drive you to Old San Juan.

Inclusions: Old San Juan panoramic tour, Cocktail master class, Bacardi Special “Welcome” cocktail, Bottled water, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch , Additional beverages, Gratuities

Reviewed By LaTasha S

Felix and JC were great. We were staying at the Wyndham Rio Mar so we met them at their pickup spot Frutera Flores like 10 min away. I workout 6 times a week and run 8-10 mi every week. I still found this pretty challenging. I’m glad I started doing leg days! Lots of steep climbs, muddy paths, slippery rocks! It was worth it but please listen to the disclaimer. I’m so glad I had hiking shoes so I didn’t slip, highly recommended!!! The waterfall slides, cliff jumps, views were amazing and worth the climb. The first climb was tough but it gets even harder. There’s a spring pool if you rather not continue to the more challenging part. I loved every single moment but this is a very active tour but the most fun I had in Puerto Rico.

3. Into the Mountains-Hiking, Waterfalls & Coffee-Full Day Adventure from San Juan

SuperMax, 114 Avenida José de Diego, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico Altura
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5.0 based on 42 reviews

With this amazing Off the Beaten Path Tour, you will get to spend the day exploring some of Puerto Rico's finest assets Waterfalls, Beautiful Natives Trees, Panoramic Views, Coffee, and authentic Countryside Food. - We will visit the Town of Coffee and go through the Door of the Mountain Range of Puerto Rico - In our private nature reserve, we will hike to the top of the mountain to visit the Old Kapok Tree (more than 300 years old). - Will get the chance to explore some of Puerto Rico's most beautiful hidden waterfalls and one of them is 150 feet tall. - Will get the chance to go for a swim in a natural pool while preparing Freshly Cut Natural Fruits for your delight. - Will get to enjoy Puerto Rico's typical countryside food (affordable price – not included in the tour cost) with an amazing view of the Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico. THIS TOUR IS SUITABLE FOR ALL PHYSICALLY FIT PEOPLE.HIKING LEVEL MODERATE TO CHALLENGING WITH SOME STEEP HIKING AND RIVER TREKKING SECTIONS

Inclusions: Transportation from a Pre-Selected Meeting Point (please refer to Meeting & Pickup) , Off The Beaten Path Hiking Level:Moderate to Challenging have good balance and river trekking skills, Waterfall Sightseeing -  One of Waterfalls is 150' Feet!, Natural Spring Pools, Cultural and History of Coffee, Exclusive Private Nature Reserve , Freshly Cut Tropical Fruits in The Forest, We are going to provide pictures of this activity for Free! - not responsible for electronics, Bottle of Water, Professional Guide, Beautiful Centenary Native Tree , Optional(if needed) - we can provide: small backpack, trekking pole, dry bag)

Exclusions: Gratuities, We will stop for authentic Puerto Rican lunch(not included in the price), Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), There is coffee available for purchase, either to drink at the moment or to buy a nice coffee bag.

Reviewed By KandEAdventures

Best, most amazing activity I’ve ever done, literally anywhere in the world! Better than all the skydiving, white water rafting, hang gliding, para sailing, para gliding, spalunking, surfing, etc I’ve done before - seriously, this adventure was the most fun I’ve ever had. Andre & Desey are so skilled that you feel as comfortable as one can possibly feel going rappelling down waterfalls in the rainforest (don’t worry, the thrill adds to the excitement & you feel invincible when you conquer your first waterfall rappel!). The same is true of their skills for the hiking & rock climbing. Andre rappels like a spider & Desey scales rock walls like freakin Spider-Man (except better cause she doesn’t need webs). But beyond that, they really go out of their way to ensure everyone has the best time. Our group of 6 from 3 different places had so much fun that despite not meeting before that day, we met up again for dinner our last night in Puerto Rico. That was all due to Andre & Desey making the experience so fun that friendships were inevitable. There’s no way I’ll visit PR without making sure they’re free to take me & friends rappelling down waterfalls cause WOW! You also get the most incredible views, learn about the rainforest (not El Yunque; this is a private reserve, which makes it extra special cause no one else is around!), and swim in natural pools at the bottom of the waterfalls (on the rappelling trip). I can’t emphasize enough how magical this experience was. Andre & Desey, thank you for giving me & Ellie the time of our lives. We’ll be back!!

4. Old San Juan Murder Mystery Tour

2 Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico Old San Juan Clue Murder Mystery
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5.0 based on 19 reviews

Clue Murder Mystery is far from your average history tour. Have you ever played the game clue? What about an escape room? Well, imagine each of these combined into a self-guided investigation that leads you around Old San Juan! During your investigation, you will be walking to 8-10 spots that are tourist favorites, local hotspots, history, scenery, or just somewhere we think boasts the uniqueness of Old San Juan. Guess what else?! You have the freedom to grab a drink, stop and shop, or do whatever your heart desires along the way. We want you to explore the downtown area near the cruise port as you please! Clue Murder Mystery is also a great team-building activity because of the way it requires multiple mindsets to solve the clues. You must work together if you want to be the fastest team to solve the murder mystery. Check our Google and TripAdvisor reviews to see what everyone has to say about our Murder Mystery in Old San Juan!

Inclusions: map to guide you to each location that needs investigated

Exclusions: investigatve materials

Reviewed By SJkleiman

Enjoyed visiting San Juan in a fun way .Different and very creative way to site see.Cannot wait to do this again.

5. San Juan Done Right! - Driving Tour of Old San Juan by Seeing Puerto Rico

La Puntilla, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico Jerrys Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You will be learning about our history while gazing at the masterpieces that are still standing. Let us take you through the special places that has magic like no other. You will see the ocean, the colors, the balconies and the faces. You will hear the music playing through the windows while we walk. This is a place that has over 500 years of history and somehow, has managed to stay beautiful, popular and busy for all this time.

Inclusions: Guided Licensed tour guide, Air-conditioned vehicle, Hotel or air bnb pick up and drop off

Exclusions: Gratuities not included. But highly Appreciated , Food and Drinks (available to purchase)

Reviewed By LoyalAssAmber

From pick up to drop off we felt like we were with a family member. My boyfriend has NEVER swam in any large body of water, and through the encouragement and support of Jerry he JUMPED off a 10ft cliff. !! Great hike... so much to explore... went to a local restaurant after. Jerry is passionate about Puerto Rico and he definitely shares the love by taking people on his tour to local restaurants to patron. Very knowledgeable about Puerto Rican history, landmarks, and anything else you maybe curious to know!! He was funnyyyy, friendly, organized, & informative. This was an amazing way to spend the day!!! Jerry porvida!!!!

6. The Old, The New and the Now: The Updated San Juan City Tour

San Juan, Puerto Rico Tours your way PR
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

Explore San Juan in the comfort of a private tour. This City is already amazing, but what makes our tour unique is our service. If you are one of those that has visited this City before this is the tour for you. This tour is a mix of historical, cultural and local traditions were you will see more than the touristic areas of San Juan. We will create an unforgettable experience for your group only. You will experience Puerto Rico like a local, visiting the places the locals visit, always with the company of a licensed tour guide that will go above and beyond to fulfill all your expectations. We will create a memory that will last a lifetime.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Tour Guide

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Additional fee for pick up/drop off out of the San Juan area

Reviewed By 288caseyj

If your thinking about booking this tour, hesitate no further. Book it! Great experience from start to finish. Our tour guide Angel was very kind, super helpful and informative. From learning about the history, touring the cave, viewing beautiful scenic beaches to swimming in the El Yunque rainforest. AMAZING! Finished up the day at an local lunch spot where the food was delicous and well priced. We would recommened to our friends and will definetly be booking another tour!

7. City Tour San Juan historic, modern, beach and street art sightseeing

Transfers PR
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

We are going to take you for an adventure full of beautiful sites and history. We will teach you about the history of Puerto Rico, our way of life, also will take you to popular areas for locals and tourists. You will learn how we, Puertorricans, are.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, WiFi on board

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Reviewed By peter150

Jesus was absolutely great, on time, attentive, great driving. Communication was great, on time and precise. I would easily trust him. I would highly recommend!

8. San Juan Ghost Walks

Plaza Colón, C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico American Ghost Walks - San Juan
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Pirates, ghosts, miracles, the Fountain of Youth, the Bermuda Triangle, and much more! Learn the unique haunted heritage of beautiful old San Juan, Puerto Rico with real ghost stories, local folklore, and recent reports of paranormal activity.

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions: No beverages included if anyone wants to stop somewhere.

9. Puerto Rico Today’s

Plaza de Armas, San Juan, 00916, Puerto Rico KERC Experiences
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

During the tour, we will explore the colonial quarters of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1521.  Old San Juan is not only the oldest city in the United States but one of the two oldest European cities in Latin America. Old San Juan has preserved its historical identity and architectural integrity.    See the historical allure of this city through the eyes of Sir Francis - Drake, whose attempt to wrestle San Juan from the Spanish crown cost him dearly, as you visit fine examples of the military architecture of those times.   Today’s urban legends, modern folklore, and a lively discussion of Puerto Rico’s ambiguous political status will help you connect past with presents and emerge from the tour with a new understanding of this unique Caribbean island and its people.   

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Private transportation

Reviewed By 181jerushaw

My husband and I did this tour with our teenager and we had a great time! I feel like we learned so much about Puerto Rican history and culture. Caleb was very friendly and knowedgeable. I highly recommend it!

10. San Juan Done Right! - Driving Tour

Seeing Puerto Rico
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

San Juan Done Right! Experience Old San Juan in a delightful ode to its seat of honor within the history of the New World’s conquest. Receive insight into the life of the common city dwellers, as well as the military origins of the Spanish stronghold that is the City of Saint John the Baptist. Our licensed tour guide will impart on a walking tour along the Paseo de la Princesa (Princess Promenade) to enter the old city through the historic San Juan Gate. Believed standing since approximately 1540. Once inside see Plazuela La Rogativa. Then it’s on to visit the Basilica Manor Cathedral San Juan Bautista, full of devotion, architecture, and art. Our guide walks you through its history and mystique. Later learn about La Fortaleza, today it remains the official residence of Puerto Rico’s governor. Close by, take pictures of Cristo Chapel, Pigeon Park and La Casa Estrecha (the Narrow House), one of the skinniest houses in the world. Finish with a Piña Colada at Barrachina Restaurant.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, Snacks, Guided Licensed Tour Guide

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By kacibug

Narayan was awesome! Funny, warm, and full of knowledge. He guided us every (literal) step of the way, walking down the path to the waterfall. He walked us through climbing up the waterfall cliff. We were scared but he was so encouraging and patient with us, right by our side. I jumped off all three ledges and it was one of the coolest days of my life. Highly recommend!!

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