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Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

Cathedral of San Juan Bautista: Our most recommended tours and activities

San Juan: History Walking Tour with a Guide

1. San Juan: History Walking Tour with a Guide

Enjoy a guided history walking tour suitable for all ages to some of Old San Juan's most notable landmarks. Learn more about the history of Puerto Rico, its ties to the United States, and its rich Spanish, Taino Indian, and West African Heritage. Begin your exploration of Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a stop outside La Casa Estrecha, one of the narrowest houses in the Western hemisphere. Then, enter La Catedral de San Juan Bautista which is Puerto Rico’s grandest religious building. Discover some parts of some of the city’s impressive defensive system, namely its historic walls, the only remaining entrance door at La Puerta de San Juan, and Fortaleza. Gain a greater understanding of Puerto Rican history with your knowledgeable local guide.

San Juan: Old Town Sunset Walking Tour

2. San Juan: Old Town Sunset Walking Tour

Meet your guide at Plaza Colón in San Juan and set off into the sunset on this 2-hour walking tour. The plazas are the perfect location to learn about the colonial history of Puerto Rico from your guide. From Plaza Colón, you will walk and see the Plaza de la Barandilla and Plaza de Armas. In Old San Juan, visit one of its most spectacular historic buildings: Antiguo Palacio de la Intendencia, originally built to house the treasury of the island and now the Department of State of Puerto Rico. Witness the 18th-century chapel at Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud and learn all about its urban legend. Visit also La Fortaleza-Palacio de Santa Catalina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tour also takes you past San Juan Cathedral, the Ballaja Barracks, Catedral Basilica Menor, Cuartel de Ballaja, and San Juan's most valuable historic site, Castillo San Felipe del Morro, before ending at Plaza de San José.

San Juan: El Morro Fort Entry Ticket & Old Town Walking Tour

3. San Juan: El Morro Fort Entry Ticket & Old Town Walking Tour

Make the most of a short visit to San Juan with a walking tour to over 20 popular attractions. Stroll around the Old Town for a comprehensive look into Puerto Rican culture and history, guided by a local expert. Visit the inside of the ancient Fort Morro with tickets included. Join your guide on an insightful journey into the heart of the city. Dive deep into the cobblestone streets to admire the colorful traditional homes of the oldest part of San Juan, taking time to stop and learn about the rich history behind this vibrant neighborhood. Come up close to the San Juan Bautista Cathedral, La Fortaleza, and the San Juan Gate, as well as several other iconic sites. Step inside Castillo San Felipe del Morro, the most visited destination in Puerto Rico, for a trip back in time to the 16th and 18th centuries in naval history.

San Juan: Ghosts and Spooky History Walking Tour

4. San Juan: Ghosts and Spooky History Walking Tour

On this Walking tour of San Juan, discover the mystery disappearance of Jose Maldonado Torres who was lost in the infamous Bermuda Triangle, which stretches from Miami to the island of Bermuda in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, to San Juan, Puerto Rico. San Juan has much more than UFOs! From pirate ghosts to the spirits of broken-hearted Spanish soldiers to the tales of the Chupacabra and the Vampire of Moca, the Isle of Enchantment is full of amazing ghost stories and supernatural tales. Discover the unique haunted heritage of beautiful old San Juan, Puerto Rico with real ghost stories, local folklore, and recent reports of paranormal activity. As the third oldest European established city in the New World, San Juan’s deep and rich history awaits. This history, however, is not for the faint of heart! Deep in old San Juan, lay stories of greed, murder, and star-crossed lovers. Was Ponce de Leon really searching for the fountain of youth? Did he really haunt the island after his death, or was it a Taino chief wearing his armor? Does the Catedral de San Juan Bautista really have bone fragments of John the Baptist? These questions and more will be explored on this ghost tour of old San Juan! Places you will see on our walk: El Convento Hotel Castillo San Cristobal Cathedral of San Juan Bautista Colombus Plaza Teatro Tapia Puerto Rico Tourism Company Raices Fountain Capilla del Danto Cristo de la Salud La Fortaleza Casa Blanca Museo de Las Americas Castillo San Felipe del Marro Cemetario Santo Maria Magdalena de Pazzi

San Juan: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide

5. San Juan: Self-Guided Tour with Audio Guide

Take in the key sights of the Puerto Rican capital at your own pace on a self-guided walking tour. Listen as your audio guide shares the history of the city and its landmarks, including Castillo de San Cristóbal, Old San Juan, and La Fortaleza. Enjoy the freedom to stop when and where you want. Start your self-guided tour at Plaza Colón, where you will learn about the history of this beautiful square. Then, head off on an incredible journey through the old streets of the capital. See fantastic examples of architecture, such as the Castillo de San Cristóbal fortress and La Fortaleza. Then, take in religious landmarks, such as El Catedral de San Juan Bautista and Capilla de Cristo, as you continue your exploration of the Old San Juan Historic District of Puerto Rico. Discover the ruins of El Morro fort, San Juan's oldest residence La Casa Blanca, and La Plaza de Armas. Next, take in La Plazuela de la Rogativa. Admire the lovely views and bronze sculpture before heading to La Princesa. Keep your eyes peeled along the route for the blue cobblestones (adoquine) that pave the streets in the old part of the city. End your tour, feeling like you have gone back in time.

San Juan: Old San Juan Walking Tour

6. San Juan: Old San Juan Walking Tour

Step back in time and learn about Old San Juan from your guide who will cover centuries of Puerto Rican history and culture. Discover many of the highlights of one of the oldest cities in the Western Hemisphere as you make your way through Old San Juan. Start your tour at Plaza Colon and learn about the centuries-long history of this city from your guide. Discover the city's well-preserved architecture dating back to its founding and hear war stories of how a small island beat back empires. Explore city highlights, like El Morro Fort, San Juan Bautista Cathedral, Plaza de Armas, Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan Gate, and more. Enjoy photo and water breaks along the way to make sure the tour is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

San Juan: Walking Tour with Expert Guide

7. San Juan: Walking Tour with Expert Guide

Learn about its colonial influence and discover this fascinating city. See all its essential sights with your expert local guide. Begin with by entering San Felipe del Morro or San Cristobal. Hear fascinating facts as you walk along Paseo de la Princesa to the Governor's residence. Stroll through a city brimming with colors and cobble stone streets. See the San Juan Gate, built in 1520 to guard the city from the harbor. Visit the Ballaja Barracks, built by the Spanish militia for housing in 1864, as well as the San Jose Church, and Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Your tour will end at the Hotel El Convento, adjacent to all the shops and restaurants.

Puerto Rico: Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour

8. Puerto Rico: Old San Juan Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a historic walk into the top sights that Old San Juan has to offer. Experience San Juan from a local's perspective as your guide walks you through the most notable landmarks. Marvel at the colorful Spanish colonial architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. See beautiful historical buildings such as the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, one of the oldest buildings in San Juan. Visit the 16th century El Morro and La Fortaleza fortresses (outside) that are rising above the ocean, and then stroll along the Paseo de la Princesa, taking in the stunning views of the bay. Learn about the importance of Christopher Columbus for Puerto Rico, find out what was San Juan's original name, and hear about the Spanish-American post-war history. Then together with your local guide find out what’s inside San Juan’s San Felipe del Morro citadel.

San Juan: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings

9. San Juan: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historic Buildings

"Talking Buildings" is a first-person account of the historic buildings of Old San Juan. Created by the Saint John's School 6th grade Social Studies class of 2022, this self-guided audio walking tour will take you on a journey through time, from the 16th century to modern-day. If you'd like to donate to the San José Church, as mentioned in the route, please follow this link: iglesiasanjosepr.org The tour is ready whenever you are. Simply download it through the VoiceMap app while in a wifi zone to enjoy the tour with full offline accessibility.

Footsteps in San Juan: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

10. Footsteps in San Juan: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which serves as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map, rolled into one! Once downloaded, your self-guided walking tour begins at the colorful La Corazon Steps, which features a painted beating red heart! Next, stop by the Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, one of the oldest drama theaters in the US, and which is also supposedly haunted! Then you’ll come to the Plaza Colon, with its towering statue of Columbus. Hear how Columbus claimed the island and how San Juan got its name! As you stroll along these scenic streets, take in the majestic Castillo San Cristobal. You’ll unearth the story behind its construction and hear about the vast riches that brought so many explorers to this island Up next is the colorful and historic La Perla neighborhood by the seaside. You might recognize it as the music video filming location for the hit song “Despacito!” Then get to know Sir Francis Drake and revisit his fight to seize the island from Spain. Learn how his Spanish adversary, General Sancho pulled off a victory even though they were hugely outnumbered! You’ll also hear about the Second Battle of San Juan and find out why it was such a short-lived win for the English. Your historical journey takes even more twists and turns as you uncover subsequent Dutch efforts to take power. Learn how they torched the city and how the Spanish fought to prevent this defeat from repeating! As you keep walking, you’ll behold ancient walls and gunpowder magazines, then finally the awe-inspiring Castillo San Felipe del Morro itself! And speaking of attacks, hear about Puerto Rico’s struggles for independence and find out why the US got involved. Hear how the fall of El Morro marked a major turning point in world history. Also be sure to take in the breathtaking ocean views and give yourself a little respite! Pay a visit to the Cuartel de Ballaja, which now houses the Museum of the Americas, Then continue onto the Casa Blanca. Hear how it was meant for Ponce De Leon, and learn the story of the grandson who wrote one of Puerto Rico’s most critical historical texts! Also find out how Ponce De Leon himself met a poisonous end! The next stop is the historic Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Batista, the final resting place of Ponce De Leon. Learn how the oldest church in the Americas survived countless attacks over the centuries, including Dutch attacks and Hurricane Maria. As the journey winds down, stroll along lovely cobblestone streets to the Puerta San Juan, the only remaining gate from the old city. Your tour concludes just past the famous La Fortaleza, a towering fortress dating back to the 1530s!

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What people are saying about Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 288 reviews

Jorge was very accommodating, and very knowledgeable about the history of San Juan. It was an interesting tour, that left you plenty of time to check out the rest of the island.

Note was friendly, knowledgeable about the island and was an all-around excellent tour guide. Highly recommend his company!

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable of the area. It was a very fun adventure.

Antonio was fantastic!! Super knowledgeable and patient.

Was a Wonderful Learning Experience and Great Exercise!!