San Juan: Rum Craft Cocktail Tour & Speakeasy Bar Stops

Summary

Old San Juan rum bars speakeasies and city views with cocktails

You’ll wander Old San Juan’s cobbled streets with a local guide, tasting three unique rum cocktails in hidden bars—including an exclusive off-menu drink. Enjoy skip-the-line access, stories behind Puerto Rico’s famous rums, and city views most visitors miss. Expect laughter, history, and flavors that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before the first sip. Our guide, Cristina, waved us down a side street in Old San Juan — not the polished tourist bit, but somewhere the cobblestones looked like they’d seen some things. The air was thick with fried plantains from a window nearby, and honestly, I almost bailed for a snack right there. But then we ducked into this tiny bar where the bartender greeted Cristina by name (she just grinned at us like, “yeah, I’m a regular”). First round: a cold glass of something citrusy and sharp with Puerto Rican rum. I tried to pronounce the brand; Cristina corrected me gently. It burned in a good way.

After that, we wandered up toward a lookout point — not far, maybe ten minutes if you don’t get distracted by all the pastel buildings or the stray cats sunning themselves. From up there you could see the world’s biggest rum distillery across the bay. Cristina told us stories about how San Juan became the Rum Capital of the world (I had no idea so much history was packed into these drinks). The wind picked up for a second and someone’s napkin went flying over the wall — everyone just started laughing.

The second bar was more of a speakeasy vibe. No sign outside, just this heavy wooden door you’d walk past if you didn’t know better. Inside it was cool and dark; our next cocktail tasted almost smoky-sweet, made with another local rum I’d never heard of. Someone put on old salsa music and even though none of us danced, it felt like we could have. The last stop was my favorite — not because of the drink (though that off-menu cocktail was wild), but because it felt like we’d somehow become regulars ourselves by then. I still think about that view from earlier whenever I taste rum now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old San Juan and rum bars

• Walk across Old San Juan with guide
• Enjoy views, history, and cocktails
• Visit San Juan Cathedral
• Pass Chapel of Christ
• Stroll historic Old San Juan street

Top questions

How many bars do you visit on this San Juan rum tour?

The tour includes three different bar stops in Old San Juan.

Is there skip-the-line access during the cocktail tour?

Yes, VIP skip-the-line access is included at partner locations.

Are drinks included on this Old San Juan cocktail tour?

Yes, three unique rum cocktails are included—one at each stop.

Does this tour include a local guide?

Yes, you’ll be guided by a bilingual local expert throughout.

Is pickup included for this San Juan rum experience?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start in Old San Juan.

What is the minimum age for this cocktail tour?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring rain gear just in case.

Can travelers with mobility aids join this walking tour?

No wheelchairs or walking aids are allowed for safety reasons.

What’s included

Your evening includes three craft rum cocktails—one at each handpicked bar—VIP treatment with guaranteed skip-the-line entry at every stop, plus stories and insights from your local bilingual guide as you stroll through Old San Juan’s historic plazas and streets.