Old San Juan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Rating: 
Trip Type: Half-day Tours
Duration: 5 hours
Discover the rich heritage of Puerto Rico and wander the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan — one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in the world — on this half-day tour. Admire the architectural jewels on the small island of Old San Juan city, and then absorb fascinating history at the Museo de las Américas. Explore 500-year-old San Cristobal Fort and take in breathtaking views of San Juan Bay and El Morro Fort. Round-trip transport from select hotels is included.
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Discover the rich heritage of Puerto Rico and wander the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan — one of the best-preserved Spanish colonial cities in the world — on this half-day tour. Admire the architectural jewels on the small island of Old San Juan city, and then absorb fascinating history at the Museo de las Américas. Explore 500-year-old San Cristobal Fort and take in breathtaking views of San Juan Bay and El Morro Fort. Round-trip transport from select hotels is included.
After hotel pickup, you’ll cross a bridge and enter the second oldest city in the New World —
Old San Juan, located on a small island. In this beautiful city dating
back to 1513, admire well-preserved examples of Spanish colonial
architecture. Pass by the white-marbled Capitol Building facing the Atlantic and Casa
de España, dedicated to the preservation of Spanish culture, built with
colored tiles and elegant towers typical of Spanish Moorish
architecture.
As you make your way through the hilly and narrow streets, you’ll come across parts of the massive City Wall, or La Muralla, nearly 20 feet (6 meters) thick and up to 60 feet (18 meters) tall in certain places.
Next, travel with your guide to Cuartel de Ballajá, old Spanish military barracks from the 19th century, a three-level structure arranged around a large courtyard. Learn more about the impressive architecture and head up to Museo de las Américas, which occupies the second floor.
Inside, discover an excellent collection of art and anthropological exhibits relating to Puerto Rico and the Americas in general. Not all of the exhibits appear in English, but luckily, you will be provided with the information necessary to make this an engaging experience.
Browse through the museum’s collections on American indigenous tribes, including the Taíno, and work your way through the African Heritage wing and enlightening displays on colonization, slave trade and rebellion in Puerto Rico. In the Popular Arts section, you’ll find traditional folk art and wood carvings from all over the Americas.
Then, make a 30-minute stop at San Cristobal Fort, built in 1785 and the largest Spanish military structure in the New World. Learn more about its ingenious layout, its storied history in protecting the city from attack, and capture alluring views of San Juan Bay and 400-year-old El Morro Fort. Your tour ends with 30 to 45 minutes of shopping to then be dropped-off at your hotel.
As you make your way through the hilly and narrow streets, you’ll come across parts of the massive City Wall, or La Muralla, nearly 20 feet (6 meters) thick and up to 60 feet (18 meters) tall in certain places.
Next, travel with your guide to Cuartel de Ballajá, old Spanish military barracks from the 19th century, a three-level structure arranged around a large courtyard. Learn more about the impressive architecture and head up to Museo de las Américas, which occupies the second floor.
Inside, discover an excellent collection of art and anthropological exhibits relating to Puerto Rico and the Americas in general. Not all of the exhibits appear in English, but luckily, you will be provided with the information necessary to make this an engaging experience.
Browse through the museum’s collections on American indigenous tribes, including the Taíno, and work your way through the African Heritage wing and enlightening displays on colonization, slave trade and rebellion in Puerto Rico. In the Popular Arts section, you’ll find traditional folk art and wood carvings from all over the Americas.
Then, make a 30-minute stop at San Cristobal Fort, built in 1785 and the largest Spanish military structure in the New World. Learn more about its ingenious layout, its storied history in protecting the city from attack, and capture alluring views of San Juan Bay and 400-year-old El Morro Fort. Your tour ends with 30 to 45 minutes of shopping to then be dropped-off at your hotel.
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