Old San Juan and San Cristobal Castle Walking Tour with Entry

4.8 (162 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

162 reviews

4.8

This tour includes the entry ticket to the San Cristobal Castle ($10 value) — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

The tour includes the most important landmarks of Old San Juan — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

This is the only walking tour in Old San Juan that includes a visit to the interior of the San Cristobal Castle.

Wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful facades, and listen as your guide shares tales of conquest and resilience spanning over 500 years of colonial history.

Included in your experience is admission to the majestic San Cristobal Castle, offering panoramic views of Puerto Rico's landscape and a glimpse into its military past.

The adventure includes other sites of historic relevance like the Governor’s Mansion, the Cathedral of San Juan and the City Hall at the main square of the town.

Join us and discover what makes old San Juan the most visited place in Puerto Rico!

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Excellent Quality Best Conversion

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 40 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: Patria Tours Puerto Rico

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Youth (4–15 years) · Adults (16–89 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Bottled water
Included: Beverage (bottle water, soda or local can beer)
Included: Entry Tickets to the San Cristobal Castle ($10 value)

Not included

Not included: Comfortable Walking Footwear
Not included: Sun Protection (shades, sunscreen, hats or caps, etc)
Not included: Hotel Pick-Up (all participants must meet at Plaza Colon)
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Plaza Colon

30 min

Considered the receiving plaza of Old San Juan, Plaza Colon is the ideal location to meet your certified tour guide. The guide will be standing in front of the big white monument located at the center of the plaza. The guide will be wearing a blue shirt and red cap.

The square is a few blocks north from the cruise port and the town's main parking garages. Ubers and taxis can drop you right in the plaza.

On this plaza you will learn about the colonial history of Puerto Rico and the former defensive structures that used to stand steps away from the plaza.
Castillo De San Cristobal

one hour Admission included

This World Heritage Site is the biggest fortification built by Spain in the Americas! You will tour the interior of the castle to get some of the most scenic views of the main island of Puerto Rico, the San Juan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. As part of the tour you will visit an underground tunnel and former dungeons and barracks.
Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista

20 min

With over 500 years of history, this cathedral is one of the most important catholic churches in Puerto Rico. It is considered the second oldest church in the Americas.

You will have the opportunity to visit the interior of the church to see its sacred altar, the mausoleum of Juan Ponce de Leon and the cathedral's oldest structure from the 16th century.
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina

10 min

La Fortaleza has been the residence of the Governor's of Puerto Rico since the 1500's until our present times. Participants will have the opportunity to see its front facade and enjoy the exhibition hanging over the "umbrella street".
Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud

10 min

This tiny chapel is locally known for a miracle that happened right where it was built centuries ago! Here you will learn about this urban legend and its significance in present times.
La Casa Estrecha

10 min

North America's narrowest house is found in Old San Juan. You will see it as part of this tour!
Antiguo Palacio de la Real Intendencia

Passing by

This is one of the most spectacular historic buildings in Old San Juan. It was originally built to house the treasury of the island and it is now the Department of State of Puerto Rico.
Plaza de Armas

10 min

Plaza de Armas is the town's main square. Here you will see the City Hall and the former Palace of the treasury of Puerto Rico. Also you will enjoy beautiful sculptures of the four seasons and the statue of the legendary music composer Tite Curret Alonso.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please, meet your guide in front of the big white statue at the center of the square. The guide will be wearing a blue shirt and red cap.

End point

The tour ends at a public square near restaurants, souvenir shops, coffee shops and bars. Ride share apps (Uber, Lyft, etc.) offer pick up at the ending location.