15 Best Food and Rum Tours in San Juan, Puerto Rico — Plus DIY Ideas!

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San Juan isn’t just a pretty port stop—it’s the rum capital of the Caribbean and the birthplace of the piña colada (yep, that piña colada). Whether you’re into rum tastings, curious about the island’s most famous frozen drink, or just love trying new local flavors, this city offers all kinds of ways to sip and explore.

🎶 Do you like piña coladas…? Of course you do—everybody does. And that creamy, coconutty cocktail has sparked one of the longest-running (and friendliest) rivalries on the island. Both Barrachina and the Caribe Hilton claim to have invented it, and while we may never settle the debate, we can sip our way through the evidence.

As someone who’s cruised out of San Juan multiple times and enjoyed it as a port of call, I’ve had the chance to explore the city from all angles. People often ask me where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of their time in San Juan—and I’m always excited to help because I genuinely love this city. I even hosted a group cruise from here, which gave me another layer of appreciation for just how much San Juan has to offer.

I’ve personally visited the Bacardi distillery, joined the Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour (you can read my full review here), and curated this guide based on both firsthand experience and trusted feedback from fellow cruisers. This isn’t a list pulled from a Google search—it’s filled with stops I’ve walked to, sipped at, and would recommend to you without hesitation.

In this guide to the best food and rum tours in San Juan, I’ll share what I loved, what’s worth booking early, and a few places where you can create your own mini tasting tour if a structured tour doesn’t fit your schedule.

Whether you’re coming in for the day on a cruise or spending a night or two in town, there are some fantastic food and rum experiences in San Juan—and I can’t wait to tell you about them.

If you are sailing out of San Juan on Virgin Voyages, you can check out my 10 Must-Try Drinks on Virgin Voyages here.

🍹 Top-Rated Rum & Cocktail Tours in San Juan

These tours are perfect for anyone who wants to sip their way through Puerto Rico’s rich rum history while exploring the sights, sounds, and flavors of San Juan. I’ve done a few of these myself and had others on my list—so you’re getting both personal experience and trusted feedback from fellow cruisers and travelers

💡 Note: Prices listed below are estimated as of June 2025 and may vary by season or availability. Be sure to click the links to confirm the most current pricing before booking.

1. Rum Craft Cocktail Tour (Rum Runners)➡️ Book on Viator

This evening walking tour through Old San Juan was one of my favorite pre-cruise experiences. You’ll explore local bars, learn about Puerto Rico’s rum roots, and taste a variety of creative cocktails—including a chocolate-infused drink and a stop at a dive bar once visited by the Rolling Stones.

🕐 Duration: ~2.5 hours
💵 Estimated Price: ~$65 per person
⏳ Best for overnight or late-stay cruises

2. Casa Bacardí Rum Tasting Tour➡️ Book on Viator

Puerto Rico’s most famous rum brand offers a fun, well-organized experience. This tour includes a welcome cocktail and guided tasting. You can take the scenic ferry from Old San Juan or grab an Uber.

🕐 Duration: 1–2 hours
💵 Estimated Price: ~$89 per person
🚤 Pro tip: Take the ferry for great views and easy access

3. Ron del Barrilito Rum Factory Tour (Transportation Included)➡️ Book on Viator

Ron del Barrilito is Puerto Rico’s oldest rum, known for its craftsmanship and heritage. This version of the tour includes round-trip transportation—super helpful for cruise travelers. Our friends said it was a highlight of their San Juan stay and liked it better than Bacardi.

🕐 Duration: ~1.5–2 hours
💵 Estimated Price: ~$99 per person
🚗 Perfect for post-cruise days with late flights

4. San Juan Artisan Distillery Tour (Tres Clavos & Ron Pepón)➡️ Book Direct

This tour takes you out of the city to a real sugarcane estate, where you’ll get an up-close look at small-batch rum-making. It’s immersive and educational with limited availability, so check their calendar for openings.

🕐 Duration: ~2–3 hours
💵 Estimated Price: ~$85–$95 per person
🚗 Transportation available upon request

5. Bucket List Tours: Ultimate San Juan Discovery➡️ View Tour Options

This private cultural tour includes a visit to Ron del Barrilito, plus a deeper dive into Afro-Caribbean heritage, iconic monuments, and colorful art murals. Choose a full day or half-day option.

🕐 Duration: 5–8 hours
💵 Estimated Price: ~$135–$185 per person (based on group size & duration)
🚐 Transportation included

6. Rum Trails: A Multi-Stop Tasting Experience➡️ Book the Rum Trails Tour

This guided experience includes a tour at Ron del Barrilito, lunch at a beachside location, and ends with a rooftop tasting at Scryer Rum in Old San Juan. It’s a great full-day itinerary for anyone staying in San Juan.

🕐 Duration: ~6 hours
💵 Estimated Price: ~$110–$130 per person
🍽️ Includes lunch and two tastings

7. Bonus: Puerto Rico Rum Journey (Multi-Day Experience)➡️ Explore the Rum Route

For rum lovers spending several days in Puerto Rico, this self-guided route explores distilleries across the island—from heritage brands to modern craft makers.

📅 Multi-day itinerary
💵 Pricing varies by destination—see site for details
📍 Ideal for extended trips before or after a cruise

🍽️ Food Tours with Drink Pairings in San Juan

Looking for a delicious way to explore San Juan? These food tours serve up authentic Puerto Rican dishes and a little something to sip along the way. Whether you're walking the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan at sunset or kicking off your morning with a rum cocktail, these tours mix flavor with local flair. If you are looking for another food tour option, check out my review of another food tour I took in St. Lucia.

8. Old San Juan Sunset Walk and Taste Tour➡️ Book on Viator
This evening food tour is perfect for cruisers spending the night or travelers looking for a relaxed but engaging way to explore. You'll stroll through historic Old San Juan at golden hour, sample Puerto Rican favorites, and enjoy expertly paired cocktails (yes, rum is on the menu!).
🕐 Duration: Approx. 3 hours
💲 Estimated Price: $179 per person

9. Old San Juan Walk and Taste Tour (Morning Option)➡️ Book on Viator
Only in port for the day? This morning tour lets you taste your way through Old San Juan with a rum cocktail included (because it’s never too early on vacation, right?). A great way to fit in a food and drink experience without missing your ship.
🕐 Duration: Approx. 3 hours
💲 Estimated Price: $169 per person

10. Flavors of San Juan: Old San Juan Food Tour➡️ Book Direct or Check Viator Availability
This well-loved tour features local dishes at hidden gems across Old San Juan—and even includes a mojito made fresh during the experience. I love that it blends Puerto Rican history and culture with food, without feeling rushed or overly scripted.
🕐 Duration: Approx. 2.5–3 hours
💲 Estimated Price: Around $129–$139 per person
🍹 Includes a fresh-made cocktail

✍️ Note: Tour prices can change—check the booking links for the most up-to-date availability and current rates.

🍸 Mixology Classes & Unique Drinking Experiences in San Juan

These experiences are perfect for travelers who want something interactive without committing to a full-day tour. From stirring up mojitos to sipping Puerto Rican moonshine, these hands-on classes and tastings offer a fun and flavorful way to dive deeper into San Juan’s drink scene.

11. Bar Crawl In Old San Juan➡️ Book the Old San Juan Bar Crawl on Viator

Have some fun and meet some new friends during this bar crawl through Old San Juan. This tour makes 3 stops for a fun start to your evening!

🕐 Duration: 3 hours
💲 Estimated Price: $65 per person
🍹 Includes: Three unique stops
📍 Located in Old San Juan — easy walk from the cruise port, only good if you are docked until late or staying overnight

12. Casa Bacardí Mixology Class➡️ Book the Casa Bacardí Mixology Class on Viator

Hosted at the world-famous Bacardí Distillery, this experience is led by an award-winning mixologist and walks you through how to craft a selection of classic rum cocktails in a lively, scenic setting.

🕐 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
💲 Estimated Price: $90 per person
🥇 Learn from a pro!
🚤 You can reach Bacardí by ferry or Uber

13. Ron del Barrilito Mixology Class➡️ Book the Ron del Barrilito Mixology Class on Viator

A more refined, non-mojito cocktail experience, this class at the Ron del Barrilito estate focuses on elevated cocktail making. You'll create three high-end drinks and get a feel for Puerto Rico’s most historic rum in a gorgeous setting.

🕐 Duration: 1 hour
💲 Estimated Price: $80 per person
🍸 Perfect for cocktail enthusiasts looking for something different

14. Puerto Rican Cream Liqueur Tasting in Old San Juan➡️ Book the Cream Liqueur Tasting on Viator

This quick stop in Old San Juan lets you sample a variety of premium Puerto Rican cream liqueurs, including flavored favorites like pistachio and coffee. You’ll also get to try coquito, a traditional holiday-style coconut liqueur with deep cultural roots. It’s a flavorful and fun experience, especially if you’re short on time.

🕐 Duration: ~10 minutes
💲 Estimated Price: Around $15–$20
💡 Great for cruisers with limited time or as a unique DIY stop

If you have questions about booking shore excursions, you can get your questions answered with my Ultimate Shore Excursion Guide.

15.🧭 DIY Food & Rum Tasting Tours in Old San Juan

Prefer to wander at your own pace? Old San Juan is packed with local gems—perfect for crafting your own rum and food crawl. Everything on this list is walkable from the cruise port, so you can build a route that fits your vibe, your appetite, and your schedule.

🍹 Rum-Centric & Cocktail Hotspots

La Casita de Rones
A beautiful pink building overlooking the bay, known for its terrace seating, rum flights, and classic Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo. A scenic and flavorful place to start or end your DIY tasting tour.
📍 Great for lunch or sunset sips
🔗 Visit Website

Scryer Rum Barrelhouse & Rooftop
A small-batch rum tasting experience tucked upstairs from the street. Try a flight or grab a signature cocktail at the rooftop bar. Most tourists miss it—locals love it.
📍 Ideal after-dinner or golden hour stop
🔗 Visit Website

Los Tres Cuernos
A dive bar with serious character, famous for 20+ flavors of chichaito—a local shooter made from rum, anisette, and coffee grains. The décor is a conversation piece: dollar bills, graffiti, and local flair.
📍 Best for adventurous drinkers and photo ops

Jungle Bird
Craft cocktail lovers will appreciate the creativity here. Don’t miss the Tepache Colada, made from fermented pineapple rinds and sugarcane—a funky twist on the island’s most famous drink.
📍 Perfect for a cocktail with a twist

Barrachina
Famous for claiming the original piña colada. Expect a line and know the drink is more about the history than the mixology. Insider tip: they offer luggage storage for cruise travelers.
📍 Worth a photo and maybe a quick sip

🍫 Sweet & Specialty Stops

Chocobar Cortes
Every item—from the cocktails to the sandwiches—includes a chocolate element. It’s creative, decadent, and great for dessert lovers looking for something different.
📍 Excellent for brunch or sweet drinks
🔗 Visit Website

Señor Paleta
Gourmet popsicles with tropical flavors like guava, coconut, and Nutella-banana. A refreshing break between sips or a must-stop on a sunny day.
📍 Cool-off spot during your diy tour

🥘 Savory Local Eats with Great Drinks

Casa Luna
Known for its flavorful mofongos and made-to-order mojitos. A cozy spot with a buzzing local vibe.
📍 Tasty dinner or happy hour option

Tropical Taste
No frills, just flavorful Puerto Rican dishes at wallet-friendly prices. A favorite for casual diners and a great way to experience true local flavor.
📍 Lunchtime gem

Deaverdura
A beloved eatery where the chalkboard menu changes daily (in Spanish). Known for fried breadfruit and veggie-forward Puerto Rican specialties. Some food tours even stop here.
📍 Vegetarian-friendly and highly recommended
🔗 Visit Website

The Stuffed Avocado Shop
Healthy-ish bowls layered with Puerto Rican ingredients—great if you’re craving something lighter without sacrificing flavor.
📍 Good for lunch or a light dinner
🔗 Visit Website

🍺 Want Something Other Than Rum?

La Taberna Lúpulo
A laid-back beer hall offering a deep lineup of local and international craft brews. Whether you're a hop-head or just need a break from rum, it’s a worthy stop.
📍 Great final stop before heading back to port
🔗 Visit Website

?? FAQ: Food, Rum, and Getting Around San Juan

1. What’s the legal drinking age in Puerto Rico?
It’s 18! Unlike the U.S. mainland, you only need to be 18 to enjoy a cocktail or rum tasting in Puerto Rico. Just make sure to bring a valid photo ID—it’s required at most tours and tastings.

2. Can I take a rum tour if I’m on a cruise stop in San Juan?
Yes! Several tours are cruise-friendly. Try the Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour if you’re docked into the evening, Casa Bacardí pre-cruise via ferry, or Ron del Barrilito with transportation included post-cruise.

3. Are these tours vegetarian or vegan friendly?
Rum and cocktail-focused tours usually don’t include food, but food tours may offer vegetarian options with advance notice. Deaverdura is a great plant-based option if you’re building your own DIY tasting day.

4. Should I book direct, through Viator, or the cruise line?
Booking direct or through Viator often gives you more options and better flexibility. Cruise line tours are convenient, but often more expensive and less personal.

5. How long do most rum and food tours take?
Rum and mixology tours typically last 1–2 hours. Food tours usually run 2.5–3 hours. Always double-check the timing so you don’t cut it close with all-aboard!

6. Can I visit Casa Bacardí on my own?
Absolutely. Take the scenic ferry from Old San Juan or an Uber from the port. The tour is fun and well-run—but allow extra time for transit if you're visiting on your own.

7. Are tips included in the tour price?
Nope. Gratuities are not typically included. It’s customary to tip your guide—most appreciate a few dollars in cash at the end of the experience.

8. Do I need to bring ID for tastings?
Yes, even if you’re over 18. No ID, no rum—it’s a good idea to carry it with you, especially if you look under 30.

9. Is Barrachina worth the line for a piña colada?
That depends on your expectations. It’s iconic, but reviews are mixed. For many, it's more of a photo op than a must-sip stop. Pro tip: they offer luggage storage, which is handy post-cruise.

10. Are kids allowed on food or rum tours?
Rum tours are usually 18+. Some food tours may allow children—check the specific listing or contact the operator for their age policy.

11. Is Ron del Barrilito located in Old San Juan?
Nope—it’s in Bayamón. Book a tour with transportation included (like this Viator option) to make it cruise-friendly.

12. Can I visit the Caribe Hilton for a piña colada too?
Yes! The Caribe Hilton also claims to be the birthplace of the piña colada. It’s outside of Old San Juan, so plan to Uber or taxi there.

13. Which cruise terminal will I dock at?

• Old San Juan Piers: Walkable to all DIY and tour options mentioned here.
• Pan American Pier: Farther from town. If you’re embarking here, factor in transport time before booking anything independently.

⏱️ Quick Rum & Food Tour Summary: What to Do in San Juan for Food & Rum Lovers

Short on time? Here's a quick roundup of the best food and rum experiences in San Juan, Puerto Rico—whether you’re planning ahead or making the most of a spontaneous port stop:

🥃 Rum & Cocktail Tours

• Rum Runners Craft Cocktail Tour – Evening drinks + Old San Juan history
• Ron del Barrilito Tour (with transport) – Puerto Rico’s oldest rum distillery
• Casa Bacardí Rum Tasting Tour – Take the ferry or book a guided experience
• Rum Trails Experience – Beachside lunch + distillery + rooftop rum
• Bucket List Tour – Full-day Puerto Rican heritage + rum stops
• San Juan Artisan Distillery Tour – Tour a sugarcane estate + sample small-batch rums

🍽️ Food Tours with Drinks

• Old San Juan Sunset Walk & Taste – Evening bites + cocktails
• Old San Juan Walk & Taste (Morning) – Great for port-of-call cruisers
• Flavors of San Juan Food Tour – Includes food and a hands-on mojito-making experience

🍹 Mixology & Unique Tastings

• Mojito Masterclass – Make 3 mojitos in Old San Juan
• Casa Bacardí Mixology Tour – Craft your own cocktails with a master mixologist
• Ron del Barrilito Cocktail Experience – Elegant, elevated tasting
• Puerto Rican Cream Liqueur Tasting – Quick, walkable moonshine-style tasting in Old San Juan

🧭 DIY Food & Drink Tour (All Walkable!)

• Barrachina – Iconic piña colada + cruise luggage storage
• Scryer Rum Rooftop – Hidden gem for tasting flights
• La Casita de Rones – Scenic, pink-walled rum stop with good mofongo
• Los Tres Cuernos – 20 flavors of local chichaitos
• Chocobar Cortes – Cocktails and dishes with a chocolate twist
• Señor Paleta – Tropical gourmet popsicles
• Casa Luna – Mojitos + mofongos
• Jungle Bird – Try the “Tepache Colada”
• The Stuffed Avocado Shop – Healthier Puerto Rican bowls
• La Taberna Lúpulo – Local beer break
• Tropical Taste – Budget-friendly, authentic flavors
• Deaverdura – Vegetarian Puerto Rican dishes (menu often handwritten daily in Spanish)

📝 Pricing and availability may change.

🍍 Final Thoughts: Cheers to San Juan!

Whether you're cruising into port for the day or spending a few extra nights in Puerto Rico, there's no shortage of unforgettable food and rum experiences in San Juan. From iconic distilleries like Casa Bacardí and Ron del Barrilito, to mixology classes, cream liqueur tastings, and DIY sipping adventures in Old San Juan—you’ll find something that fits your style and your schedule.

And honestly? There’s something magical about sipping a piña colada steps from where it was invented, tasting small-batch rum under the Caribbean sun, or discovering your new favorite flavor in a hidden courtyard bar.

San Juan isn’t just a stop—it’s a vibe. A delicious, rum-soaked, flavor-filled, mojito-making vibe.

🍹 Pro tip: Food and beverage tours often sell out, especially when cruise ships are in port. Book early—and if your date looks full, don’t hesitate to contact the tour operator directly. Many will add a second time slot if demand is high.

If you found this guide helpful, I’d love it if you’d share it with a fellow foodie or cruise buddy—and don’t forget to bookmark it for your next trip!

See you in San Juan—or maybe just for the next round of cocktails. Cheers! 🍹