What to see in San Juan
San Juan Attractions
San Juan is the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean and a major tourist hub and destination for North American travellers. It is a city with much to offer its visitors: the beauty and history of the old town, artistic treasures of the Museo de Arte, and sun-soaked beaches only minutes from the city centre.
The best way to see the sights and experience the city's attractions is to take a walking tour; either self-directed with a guide book, or led by a professional guide. The city is compact and flat, and so is ideal to explore on foot. One of the chief tourist attractions in San Juan will be below your shoes: the 500 year-old flagstones, first laid under the direction of Christopher Columbus. Take regular rests at the charming piazzas as you explore the old town - it can get busy and crowded as the day wears on.
High tourist season is from December to April, while June to November is far quieter (although the island can experience hurricanes during this period).
Casa Bacardi Visitor Centre
Undoubtedly one of the top tourist attractions in Puerto Rico, a trip to the Casa Bacardi Visitor Centre is a must for…
Casa del Libro
The 18th-century mansion known as Casa del Libro houses a vast collection of rare sketches, illustrations, ancient manuscripts…
Isla Verde
Isla Verde ('Green Island') is San Juan's hippest area, and home to many of its best beach resorts and upmarket hotels.…
La Casa Blanca
The family of Puerto Rico's first governor, Ponce de Leon, built the historic homestead of Casa Blanca in 1523 and then…
La Fortaleza
The Fortaleza was built in 1540 as a fortress to guard the entrance to the San Juan harbour, but later became the official…
Museo de Arte
Puerto Rico's showcase art gallery opened just a few years ago at a cost of millions of dollars. The gallery is housed…
Old San Juan
This area, encompassing about seven blocks, dates back about 500 years to the Spanish occupation when it served as a…
Saint John the Baptist Cathedral
San Juan's Cathedral was originally built in 1521 by Puerto Rico's first Spanish bishop as a thatched wooden church,…
University of Puerto Rico Campus
The University of Puerto Rico campus in the Rio Piedras offers several attractions for visitors and non-students. The…
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