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San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico, which is situated along the northern coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also considered to be the largest city in Puerto Rico. This city is also known to be the oldest European-established city under US sovereignty. There are many places to visit in San Juan Puerto Rico that offer an amazing experience to explore the city. This city is famous for its vibrant atmosphere that gives importance to its history and culture. Every corner of this city has its own cultural significance with a story.
Top 10 Places To Visit In San Juan Puerto Rico
Here are the best places to visit in San Juan Puerto Rico to explore the entire city including its popular destinations:
1. Old San Juan
Photo: Matt H. Wade / Wikimedia Commons
Old San Juan is a famous historic district in San Juan. It is a historic colonial district with many historic sites, zones, buildings and structures that have been constructed centuries ago. This place is known to hold a history of nearly 500 years old. It has protected the area of Puerto Rico from various sea attacks for nearly 400 years. This place is also famous for various military forts that acted as a strong base during wars and pastel-coloured colonial architecture. It is an interesting and the best place to visit for knowing the authentic culture of San Juan.
Location: Viejo San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Timings: 24*7
2. Castillo De San Cristóbal
Photo: Thank You (23 Millions+) views / Wikimedia Commons
Castillo de San Cristóbal is a Spanish fortress built in San Juan. This fort was built to protect the city from various land attacks. It has now become a national historic site and also a world heritage site. This fort is considered to be the largest fortification that was built by Spain in the New World that completed its construction in 1783. There are various systems in the fort that showcase the history through short documentaries, gun-firing demonstrations, guardhouses and many more.
Location: 501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
3. Castillo San Felipe Del Morro
Photo: Godot13 / Wikimedia Common
Castillo San Felipe del Morro, popularly known as El Morro, is a famous and the largest fort in Old San Juan. This fort was first built by Spain in 1539 and is now recognised as a World Heritage site. This fort is located at the northwestern point of Old San Juan. It has now become a part of the national park service that is preserved as a museum. It displays about the war, military service and many more representing the history. The exterior part of the fort has a huge ground with lush greenery.
Location: 501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
4. Paseo De La Princess
Photo: Edgar Torres / Wikimedia Commons
Paseo de la Princess is a famous tourist destination that is located in the historic district of Old San Juan. It was constructed between the years 1852 and 1854 in the honour of Queen Isabel II. This place is a partially waterside 19th-century pedestrian promenade with a length of 50 miles. This place is lined with various benches, gardens, large trees, fountains, sculptures, food shops, artist vendors and festivals. This is the best place to explore the local culture and learn about various stories about San Juan.
Location: Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Timings: 24*7
5. La Fortaleza
Photo: Joseacaraballo / Wikimedia Commons
La Fortaleza is a famous Saint Catherine’s Palace that is now the official residence and also the workplace of the governor of Puerto Rico, located in San Juan. This place is also considered to be your historical quarter that has been the governor’s residence since the 16th century, making it the oldest executive mansion that has been in use in the New World. This place was constructed between 1533 to 1540 under the orders of King Charles I of Spain. There are various guided walk tools available to take a tour around the place and learn about the history by looking at the last greenery when the government is not in session.
Location: La Fortaleza, 63 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Timings: 8:15 AM – 3:30 PM, closed on Saturdays and Sundays
6. Plaza De Armas
Photo: P. Hughes / Wikimedia Commons
Plaza de Armas, which was formerly known as Plaza Mayor, is one of the main squares located in San Juan. This place was built in 1512 and was designed as a market square for the city. The San Juan City Hall is located in the northern part of the square, and also the Puerto Rico Department of State is in the western part. The main attraction in this place is the round fountain with 4 marble statues. These represent the four seasons that were originally placed in the corners of the square and changed in 1856.
Location: FV8M+48H, San Juan, 00969, Puerto Rico
Timings: 24*7
7. San Juan Cathedral
Photo: Indies1 / Wikimedia Commons
San Juan Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the United States and also the second oldest cathedral in the Americas. This cathedral was built in 1513, which was formerly a school. It was then later constructed into a cathedral, which also included a school and taught various courses. These include Latin literature, science, art history, philosophy and theology, free of charge. It was later destroyed during a hurricane and the upper portion of this structure was reconstructed in 1905. It is a must-visit place to know about the history and culture of San Juan.
Location: 151 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
8. Condado Beach
Photo: Tomas Fano / Wikimedia Commons
Condado Beach, which is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a famous large beach. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, many dining options, hotels and various activities all around. There are various activities for the visitors, like relishing food with a beach view, watching surfers and lounging by the beach. It is one of the popular places to visit in San Juan Puerto Rico. It also has its highly accessible hotels and restaurants to stay in.
Location: Condado Beach, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico
Timings: 24*7
9. Museum Of Art Of Puerto Rico
Photo: P. Hughes / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of Art is an art museum, one amongst the best places to visit in San Juan Puerto Rico. This museum has a total of 18 exhibition halls that was built in 1920, which was a former ruined complex of the municipal hospital. This old complex was demolished and the new museum building was constructed. This museum has a permanent collection that is divided into 24 galleries in the building. There are various guided tours available in the museum for detailed information about the gallery displays. This museum is famous for its important collections of Victorian art outside the United Kingdom.
Location: 299 Avenida José de Diego, San Juan, 00909, Puerto Rico
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
10. Casa Bacardi
Photo: JERRYE & ROY KLOTZ MD / Wikimedia Commons
Casa Bacardi, located in San Juan, is the world’s largest Bacardi distillery. It is located in an area of 55 hectares with 44 buildings and structures, 24 of which contribute to history. This place was founded in 1862 and has been run by an old family for 8 generations, with more than 7000 people working. This place supplies the largest quantity of rounds that are consumed all around the world. There is also a family museum available at this place that celebrates the 150 years of business.
Location: 200 PR-165, Cataño, 00962, Puerto Rico
Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
There are many places to visit in San Juan that offer a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. There are various activities to explore and learn about the various historical significance and culture. This has been preserved for centuries at this place. These popular attractions include old forts, cathedrals, museums, beaches and many more. To explore these attractions in San Juan, plan with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Jorge Láscar / Wikimedia Commons
