Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

San Juan , Puerto Rico

Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(18 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Created by a dedicated Social Studies educator and her students, this immersive audio tour allows the historic structures of San Juan to speak for themselves.

While standard tours stick to dry scripts, this digital journey invites you into the narrow, colorful side streets where the buildings recount their own 500-year history.

The narrative flows from the formidable Castillo San Cristóbal to the elegant La Fortaleza, passing through the vibrant Plaza de Armas and the sacred halls of the San Juan Bautista Cathedral.

Using GPS technology, the charming first-person accounts and local insights play automatically as you walk, functioning entirely offline to ensure your exploration is never interrupted by data concerns.

By the time you reach the iconic gates of El Morro and look out over the Atlantic, the architecture will have transformed from stone into a living story.

You will leave the walk feeling like a true insider, connected to the spirited heart of Puerto Rico's capital.

Available options

Talking Buildings of Old San Juan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

VoiceMap App for Android and iOS

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

The tour starts outside Castillo de San Cristóbal.

The tour passes by Teatro Tapia.

Stop 3 Pass by

The tour passes through Plaza de Armas.

Stop 4 Pass by

The tour makes a brief stop outside La Fortaleza.

Stop 5 Pass by

The tour passes by the Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud.

The tour passes by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company

Stop 7 Pass by

The tour passes by the Paseo de la Princesa.

Stop 8 Pass by

The tour passes by the Puerta de San Juan.

The tour passes by the San Juan Bautista Cathedral.

The tour passes by the San José Church.

The tour passes through the Cuartel de Ballajá.

The tour passes the Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzi

What's not included

Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Smartphone and headphones

Transportation

Food and drink

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

14 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 3.3

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:
1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About San Juan

San Juan, the capital and most populous city of Puerto Rico, is a vibrant blend of Spanish colonial history, Caribbean culture, and modern amenities. Known for its well-preserved historic sites, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, San Juan offers a unique tropical experience with a rich cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

Old San Juan

The historic heart of San Juan, known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic sites.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions have varying entry fees

El Yunque National Forest

The only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, offering lush landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Nature Full day Free entry

Condado Beach

A popular beach in the Condado neighborhood, known for its white sand, clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mofongo

A traditional Puerto Rican dish made from mashed fried plantains mixed with garlic, pork cracklings, and other ingredients.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian

Lechón Asado

Roasted pork, a staple in Puerto Rican cuisine, often served with rice and beans.

Main Dish Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Alcapurrias

Fritters made from a mixture of green bananas, yautía (taro), and pork or crabmeat.

Snack Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in El Yunque Kayaking in Fajardo Snorkeling in Condado Beach lounging Spa treatments Scenic walks in Old San Juan Visiting museums Exploring historic sites

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the dry season with warm, sunny weather and lower humidity. It's the best time for outdoor activities and beach visits.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

U.S. Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Atlantic Standard Time (AST), UTC-4

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

San Juan is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in less touristy areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Avoid walking alone at night in less touristy areas

Getting there

By air

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal de Carros Públicos de San Juan

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient, but schedules can be irregular. Trolleys are also available in Old San Juan.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old San Juan Condado Santurce

Day trips

El Yunque National Forest

25 km (15 miles) • Full day

A tropical rainforest offering lush landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Fajardo

65 km (40 miles) • Full day

A coastal town known for its bioluminescent bay and water sports.

Culebra

50 km (31 miles) by ferry • Overnight

A small island known for its pristine beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

Festivals

San Sebastián Street Festival • Late January Casals Festival • February Puerto Rico Heineken JazzFest • Early March

Pro tips

Visit Old San Juan early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the historic sites in peace.
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience.
Use public transportation or walk in the city center to save on taxi fares and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season.
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of cultural differences.