Major Tourist Attractions In San Juan

The centre of the city is walled Old San Juan city located on the finger-like protrusion of land overlooking the Atlantic Sea. This area has been officially declared as part of the National Historic Zone. 

The legacies of its colonial past have attracted many a tourist to admire the beautifully restored buildings.

 The stone structure, San Felipe del Morro, was constructed with the sole aim of protecting San Juan from sea invasions. Later, the structure was enlarged and the eleven-hectare Fort San Cristobal was constructed to defend San Juan from landward invasions.

The fort is replete with underground passages that connect its five independent units. You can spend a pleasant day exploring the tunnels, cannon emplacements and military quarters. There is a small museum that houses displays of Spanish armaments.

Believed to the oldest executive residence in use in the western hemisphere, the La Fortaleza dates back to the 16th century at which time it was a fortress constructed to combat the Carib attacks. The structure was expanded in the 19th century and today serves as the Governor’s residence. There are guided tours to certain parts of the building though full access is denied. The body of Juan Ponce de Leon rests in a marble tomb at the Cathedral that dates back to the 16th century though what stands today is a restored structure.

San Jose Church, considered to be the second oldest church in the Western hemisphere, is a 16th century structure. Once the family church of the Ponce descendents, today the church is open to public is till in use.

The Cristo Chapel, on the city wall, is linked with the tragic tale of a young man who plummeted onto the rocks below from the steep precipice here after competing in a horse – race during festival celebrations. Exciting but should be avoided for health reasons, is the Parque de las Palomas where you can actually feed friendly birds with your hands. There are many cases of enthusiastic visitors contracting a lung virus.

Among these historical buildings is the Plaza del Quinto Centenario that seems to be like a snatch from the future. This building was completed and inaugurated in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ landing. Other buildings worth visiting are the Alcaldia, City Hall, the Intendencia, present day State Department and the National Arsenal that is now an exhibition hall.

The art enthusiasts can visit the Dominican Convent that houses an interesting art exhibit. The building itself demands interest as it dates back to the 16th century. Another noteworthy building is the Casa de los Contrafuertes, the oldest building private residence in the old city. The second floor occasionally houses art exhibits.

Its active history today lies in the number of museums around the city. The Pablo Casala Museum, the Casa Blanca and the Indian Museum are some of the museums that deserve a visit.

The newer and modern San Juan includes the areas of Santurce, Hato Rey and Rio Piedras. The Golden Mile or Hato Rey, nicknamed so because it’s the financial hub of San Juan incorporates the 86-acre Luis Munoz Marin Park that can be toured by a cable car. The Museum of Contemporary Puerto Rican Art is worth a visit.

Worth a stroll are the Botanical gardens in Rio Piedras, the oldest part of ‘modern’ San Juan. The university area here is beautiful and includes a museum in its grounds.