San Juan
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1. Castillo San Cristóbal
Old San Juan | Military SightThis huge stone fortress, built between 1634 and 1783, guarded the city from land attacks from the east. The largest Spanish fortification in...
This huge stone fortress, built between 1634 and 1783, guarded the city from land attacks from the east. The largest Spanish fortification in the New World, San Cristóbal was known in the 17th and 18th centuries as “the Gibraltar of the West Indies.” Five freestanding structures divided by dry moats are connected by tunnels. You're free to explore the gun turrets (with cannon in situ), officers' quarters, re-created 18th-century barracks, and gloomy passageways. Along with El Morro, San Cristóbal is a National Historic Site administered by the U.S. National Park Service; it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Rangers conduct tours in Spanish and English.
Calle Norzagaray at Av. Muñoz Rivera, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico787-729–6777Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10, includes Castillo San Felipe del Morro -
2. Castillo San Felipe del Morro
Old San Juan | Historic District/SiteAt the northwestern tip of Old San Juan, El Morro (the promontory) was built by the Spaniards between 1539 and 1790. Rising 140 feet above the...
At the northwestern tip of Old San Juan, El Morro (the promontory) was built by the Spaniards between 1539 and 1790. Rising 140 feet above the sea, the massive six-level fortress was built to protect the port and has a commanding view of the harbor. It is a labyrinth of cannon batteries, ramps, barracks, turrets, towers, and tunnels, through which you're free to wander. The cannon emplacement walls and the dank secret passageways are a wonder of engineering. A small but enlightening museum displays ancient Spanish guns and other armaments, military uniforms, and blueprints for Spanish forts in the Americas, although Castillo San Cristóbal has more extensive and impressive exhibits. There's also a gift shop. The fort is a National Historic Site administered by the U.S. National Park Service, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Various tours and a video are available in English.
View Tours and ActivitiesCalle del Morro, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico787-729–6960Sight Details
Rate Includes: $7, includes Castillo San Cristóbal -
3. Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Santurce | Museum/GalleryOne of the Caribbean's biggest museums, this beautiful neoclassical building was once the San Juan Municipal Hospital. The collection of Puerto...
One of the Caribbean's biggest museums, this beautiful neoclassical building was once the San Juan Municipal Hospital. The collection of Puerto Rican art starts with the colonial era, when most art was commissioned for churches. Works by José Campeche, the island's first great painter, include his masterpiece, Immaculate Conception, finished in 1794. Also well represented is Francisco Oller, who was the first to move beyond religious subjects to paint local scenes; another room has the works of artists who were inspired by him. The original building, built in the 1920s, proved too small to house the collection. A newer east wing is dominated by a five-story, stained-glass window by local artist Eric Tabales. The museum also has a beautiful garden with native flora and a 400-seat theater with a remarkable hand-crocheted lace curtain.
View Tours and Activities299 Av. José de Diego, San Juan, 00909, Puerto Rico787-977–6277Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
4. Balneario de Carolina
BeachWhen people talk about a "beautiful Isla Verde beach," this Blue Flag beach is the one—even though it's so close to the airport that leaves...
When people talk about a "beautiful Isla Verde beach," this Blue Flag beach is the one—even though it's so close to the airport that leaves rustle when planes take off. Thanks to an offshore reef, the surf here is not as strong as at other nearby beaches, so it's good for families. There's plenty of room to spread out underneath the palm and almond trees, and there are picnic tables and grills. Although there's a charge for parking, there's not always someone to take the money. On weekends, the beach is crowded; get here early to nab parking. The Vivo Beach Club offers lounge chairs and beautiful facilities for food and drink, including a brewery. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Av. Los Gobernadores, Carolina, 00986, Puerto Rico787-791–2410Sight Details
Rate Includes: Parking $4 -
5. Balneario El Escambrón
Puerta de Tierra | BeachThis government-run beach has a patch of honey-color sand shaded by coconut palms. An offshore reef generally makes surf gentle, so it's favored...
This government-run beach has a patch of honey-color sand shaded by coconut palms. An offshore reef generally makes surf gentle, so it's favored by families. Amenities: lifeguards; parking (fee); showers; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.
Av. Muñoz Rivera, San Juan, 00902, Puerto RicoSight Details
Rate Includes: Parking $5 -
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6. Capilla del Cristo
Old San Juan | Religious Building/Site/ShrineAccording to legend, in 1753 a young horseman named Baltazar Montañez got carried away during festivities in honor of San Juan Bautista (St...
According to legend, in 1753 a young horseman named Baltazar Montañez got carried away during festivities in honor of San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist), raced down Calle Cristo, and plunged over its steep precipice. Historical records maintain the man died, but legend contends that he lived. (Another version of the story has it that the horse miraculously stopped before plunging over the cliff.) Regardless, this chapel was built partly to prevent further calamities. Inside is a small silver altar dedicated to the Christ of Miracles. Above the altar hang two religious paintings by Puerto Rico's famous painter José Campeche. You can peer in through the wrought-iron gates, which are usually closed.
Calle Cristo, at the end, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
7. Casa Alcaldía de San Juan
Old San Juan | Government BuildingSan Juan's city hall was built between 1602 and 1789. In 1841, extensive alterations made it resemble Madrid's city hall, with arcades, towers...
San Juan's city hall was built between 1602 and 1789. In 1841, extensive alterations made it resemble Madrid's city hall, with arcades, towers, balconies, and an inner courtyard. Renovations have refreshed the facade and some interior rooms, but the architecture remains true to its colonial style. Only the patios are open to public viewings. A municipal tourist information center and an art gallery with rotating exhibits are in the lobby. Call ahead to schedule a free tour.
153 Calle San Francisco, Plaza de Armas, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico787-480–2910Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends -
8. Casa Bacardí Visitor Center
Visitor CenterExiled from Cuba, the Bacardí family built a small rum distillery here in the 1950s. Today, it's the world's largest, able to produce 100,000...
Exiled from Cuba, the Bacardí family built a small rum distillery here in the 1950s. Today, it's the world's largest, able to produce 100,000 gallons of spirits a day and 21 million cases a year. Book a mixology class or rum tasting tour, both include a welcome cocktail at the pavilion and a trolley ride through the property. If you don't want to drive here, you can take a ferry from Pier 2 for $0.50 and then an Uber.
Bay View Industrial Park, Rte. 165, Km 2.6, at Rte. 888, Cataño, 00962, Puerto Rico787-788–8400Sight Details
Rate Includes: $60 (mixology class or rum tasting) -
9. Casa Blanca
Old San Juan | Historic HomeThe original structure here was a wooden house built in 1521 as a home for Ponce de León; he died in Cuba without ever living here. His descendants...
The original structure here was a wooden house built in 1521 as a home for Ponce de León; he died in Cuba without ever living here. His descendants occupied the house's sturdier replacement, a lovely colonial mansion with tile floors and beamed ceilings, for more than 250 years. It was the home of the U.S. Army commander in Puerto Rico from the end of the Spanish-American War in 1898 to 1966. Several rooms decorated with colonial-era furnishings are open to the public. A guide will show you around, and then you can explore on your own. Don't miss the stairway descending from one of the bedrooms. (Despite local lore, this leads to a small room and not to a tunnel to nearby El Morro.) The lush garden, complete with watchtower, is a quiet place to unwind.
1 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico787-725–1454Sight Details
Rate Includes: $3, Closed Mon. and Tues. -
10. Casa de Ramón Power y Giralt
Old San Juan | Museum/GalleryThe restored home of 18th-century naval hero Don Ramón Power y Giralt is now the headquarters of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. On-site...
The restored home of 18th-century naval hero Don Ramón Power y Giralt is now the headquarters of the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. On-site are several displays highlighting the physical, cultural, and historical importance of land and properties on the island under the trust's aegis. The goal of the trust is to increase the amount of protected lands in Puerto Rico from (currently) 8% to 33% by the year 2033. Displays are in Spanish, but there are note cards in English for the changing exhibitions. A gift shop sells toys, Puerto Rican candies, and eco-friendly souvenirs.
155 Calle Tetuán, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico787-722–5882Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. and Mon. -
11. Catedral de San Juan Bautista
Old San Juan | Religious Building/Site/ShrineThe Catholic shrine of Puerto Rico had humble beginnings in the early 1520s as a thatch-roofed wooden structure. After a hurricane destroyed...
The Catholic shrine of Puerto Rico had humble beginnings in the early 1520s as a thatch-roofed wooden structure. After a hurricane destroyed the church, it was rebuilt in 1540, when it was given a graceful circular staircase and vaulted Gothic ceilings. Most of the work on the present cathedral, however, was done in the 19th century. The remains of Ponce de León are behind a marble tomb in the wall near the transept, on the north side. The trompe-l'oeil work on the inside of the dome is breathtaking. Unfortunately, many of the other frescoes have suffered water damage.
View Tours and Activities151 Calle Cristo, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico787-722–0861Sight Details
Rate Includes: $1 suggested donation -
12. Cementerio Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis
Old San Juan | CemeteryOne of Old San Juan's best-kept secrets, this remarkable cemetery provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. Sandwiched between...
One of Old San Juan's best-kept secrets, this remarkable cemetery provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city. Sandwiched between El Morro and La Perla, it offers a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and an enviable resting place for the many notable figures fortunate enough to be buried here. Dating from the early 1800s, the cemetery was originally administered by Carmelite nuns. Today you can stop by the ornate tombs (many of which are topped with graceful marble sculptures) to pay your respects to an illustrious group of Puerto Rican political figures, intellectuals, artists, and revolutionaries, including José Celso Barbosa, José Ferrer, Pedro Albizu Campos, Rafael Hernández, and Ricardo Alegría. While a robust police presence has made this area bordering La Perla safer than it once was, it's still best to avoid coming after hours or at night.
West end of Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
13. Condado Beach
Condado | BeachEast of Old San Juan and west of Ocean Park, this long, wide beach is overshadowed by an unbroken string of hotels and apartment buildings....
East of Old San Juan and west of Ocean Park, this long, wide beach is overshadowed by an unbroken string of hotels and apartment buildings. Beach bars, water-sports outfitters, and chair-rental places abound. You can access the beach from several roads off Avenida Ashford, including Calles Cervantes, Vendig, Condado, and Candina. The protected water at the small stretch of beach west of the Condado Plaza Hilton hotel is particularly calm and popular with families; surf elsewhere in Condado can be a bit strong. The stretch of sand near Calle Vendig (behind the Atlantic Beach Hotel) is especially popular with the gay community. If you're driving, street parking is your only option. Amenities: none. Best for: partiers; people-watching.
Av. Ashford, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico -
14. El Capitolio
Puerta de Tierra | Government BuildingThe white-marble Capitol, a fine example of Italian Renaissance style, dates from 1929. The grand rotunda, which can be seen from all over San...
The white-marble Capitol, a fine example of Italian Renaissance style, dates from 1929. The grand rotunda, which can be seen from all over San Juan, was completed in the late 1990s. Fronted by eight Corinthian columns, it's a dignified home for the commonwealth's constitution. Although the Senate and House of Representatives have offices in the more modern buildings on either side, the Capitol is where the legislators meet. Guided tours, which last about an hour and include the rotunda, are by appointment only.
Av. Constitución, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico787-724–2030Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends -
15. Fortín San Gerónimo del Boquerón
Puerta de Tierra | Military SightAt the eastern tip of Puerta de Tierra, this tiny, 16th-century fort is perched on a hilltop like an afterthought. It was, however, an essential...
At the eastern tip of Puerta de Tierra, this tiny, 16th-century fort is perched on a hilltop like an afterthought. It was, however, an essential part of San Juan's defense, as it guarded the entrance to the city.
Calle Rosales, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoSight Details
Rate Includes: $5, Closed weekends -
16. Fundación Felisa Rincón de Gautier
Old San Juan | Museum/GalleryThis tiny but fascinating museum honors Felisa Rincón de Gautier, who served as San Juan's mayor from 1946 to 1968. Throughout her life, "Doña...
This tiny but fascinating museum honors Felisa Rincón de Gautier, who served as San Juan's mayor from 1946 to 1968. Throughout her life, "Doña Felisa" worked tirelessly on various public causes, including women's voting rights and health care for the poor. Her preschools, known as Escuelas Maternas, were used as the model for the United States' Head Start program. Extremely well connected politically, both on the island and abroad, she was an egalitarian figure who rose to power at a time when women and politics were not mentioned in the same breath. Even if you have no interest in her story, stop by for a peek inside one of Old San Juan's historic houses. Guided tours in English or Spanish are available.
51 Caleta de San Juan, San Juan, 00914, Puerto Rico787-724–7239Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. and Mon. -
17. Fundación Nacional Para la Cultura Popular
Old San Juan | Museum/GalleryThis nonprofit foundation serves many functions: museum; performance space; dance and music school; and archive preserving Puerto Rican contributions...
This nonprofit foundation serves many functions: museum; performance space; dance and music school; and archive preserving Puerto Rican contributions to music, dance, television, theater, film, and other aspects of culture. In a 300-year-old building once used by the Spanish as a meteorological lookout, you can view rotating exhibitions, hear live Latin music in the evenings, or take a bomba or plena dance class. A small store sells music by Puerto Ricans in every genre, from classical to salsa. Signed posters from El Gran Combo, Tito Puente, and Willie Colón—as well as Ricky Martin's platinum record—line the walls. Check the website or call ahead for the performance schedule.
56 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, 00902, Puerto Rico787-724–7165Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Sun. and Mon. -
18. Iglesia de San José
Old San Juan | Religious Building/Site/ShrineWith its vaulted ceilings, this little church is a splendid example of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture. It was built under the supervision...
With its vaulted ceilings, this little church is a splendid example of 16th-century Spanish Gothic architecture. It was built under the supervision of Dominican friars in 1532, making it the second-oldest church in the western hemisphere. The body of Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who came to the New World seeking the Fountain of Youth, was buried here for almost three centuries before being moved to the Catedral de San Juan Bautista in 1909.
Calle San Sebastián, Plaza de San José, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico787-918-3800 -
19. Jardín Botánico
Río Piedras | GardenThis 75-acre forest of more than 200 species of tropical and subtropical vegetation is the Universidad de Puerto Rico's main attraction. Gravel...
This 75-acre forest of more than 200 species of tropical and subtropical vegetation is the Universidad de Puerto Rico's main attraction. Gravel footpaths lead to a graceful lotus lagoon and a bamboo promenade, as well as orchid and palm gardens. Not all plants and trees are labeled, so the garden is more of a tranquil retreat than an opportunity to learn about the vegetation. Trail maps are available at the entrance gate; the $5 tour is well worth it.
Universidad de Puerto Rico, Rte. 1 at Rte. 847, at entrance to Barrio Venezuela, San Juan, 00926, Puerto Rico787-758–9957Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
20. La Fortaleza
Old San Juan | Government BuildingSitting atop the fortified city walls overlooking the harbor, La Fortaleza was built between 1533 and 1540 as a fortress, but it proved insufficient...
Sitting atop the fortified city walls overlooking the harbor, La Fortaleza was built between 1533 and 1540 as a fortress, but it proved insufficient, mainly because it was built inside the bay. It was attacked numerous times and occupied twice, by the British in 1598 and the Dutch in 1625. When the city's other fortifications were finished, this became the governor's palace. Changes made over the past four centuries have resulted in the current eclectic yet eye-pleasing collection of marble and mahogany, medieval towers, and stained-glass galleries. It is still the official residence of the island's governor, making it the western hemisphere's oldest executive mansion in continuous use. Guided tours of the gardens and exterior are conducted several times a day in English and Spanish; call ahead, as the schedule changes daily. Proper attire is required: no sleeveless shirts or very short shorts. Tours begin near the main gate in a yellow building called the Real Audiencia, housing the Oficina Estatal de Conservación Histórica (State Historic Preservation Office).
View Tours and ActivitiesWest end of Calle Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico787-721–7000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed weekends
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