San Juan Attractions

Almost 500 years old, San Juan Viejo (Old San Juan) is a city of Spanish colonial history blended with contemporary Puerto Rican culture.

The entire city was designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1983. Situated on a long narrow inlet at the northeast entrance to the San Juan Bay, Old San Juan was founded in 1521. Originally, Ponce de León founded the settlement in 1508 at Caparra for the purpose of mining gold, however the colony was abandoned and moved to the site of what is now San Juan.

One of the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean, Old San Juan is the second oldest city in the Americas. Originally conceived as a military stronghold, Old San Juan is the oldest city under the U.S. flag. The 7-square-block area includes more than 400 carefully restored 16th and 17th C Spanish colonial buildings. Old San Juan attracts many tourists who enjoy both history and other attractions such as fine beaches, and a tropical climate.

Casa de Callejón is an 18th C house containing the Museum of Colonial Architecture. The museum exhibits fortifications and architectural plans. Also inside the Casa de Callejón is the Museum of the Puerto Rican Family on the second floor.

The building itself is a Spanish style structure and has been undergoing restoration work. Visitors should phone ahead to see if the museum's are open before visiting.

The current building which houses the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico is the former home of Admiral Ramón Power y Giralt. He was a Spanish born navy officer who rose through the ranks while defending the colony from the French. He went on to become the vice-president of Puerto Rico. This late 18th Century home has been restored.

Luis Muñoz Marín Park is a popular children's playground in Puerto Rico that also appeals to adults. There is a biking trail, walking and jogging path. The children's play area is set among several small lakes.

The 16th C Bishop's Palace (Palacio Episcopal) was burned down by the Dutch in 1625 and completely rebuilt in 1733. The Bishop's Place is located at the corner of Calle del Cristo and Calle San Sebastián, at the Plaza de San José. Visitors can not enter the Bishop's Palace but if you are passing by the square it is worth having a look just from the outside.

Casa Alcaldía (City Hall) in Old San Juan began construction in 1602 and was completed in 1789. The building, a neo Classical design, was remodelled in the 1840's in order to replicate the building façade to that of the City Hall in Madrid. It was most recently renovated in the late 1960s.

Casa Alcaldía sits on the Plaza de Armas and is currently home to the office of the mayor. The building is open to the public and has occaisional exhibitions. There is also a small information both here with staff to answer questions.

Near the eastern end of Old San Juan is the Plaza de Colón. It was Built in the late 18th Century to commemorate the first expedition of Christopher Columbus. A statue of Columbus stands in the square. The Plaza de Colón is a busy area with traffic entering this end of the city off Av Munoz Rivera. This is a good place to catch a taxi or a bus along the south end of the plaza. Teatro Tapia is also located along the south side, across the street from the Plaza Colón.

The Museum of our African Roots highlights Puerto Ricos African influences. The two floors feature musical instruments, history of the slave trade, African language, and everyday items.

Parques de las Palomas (Pigeon Park) is a pleasant place to relax, with good views out over Bahía de San Juan. The cobblestone square is frequented by pigeons, which people regularly feed. Children in particular seem to enjoy this past time. You can even purchase bird seed from sellers near the main entrance. It's also a nice shady spot with trees. Across the street to the east of Parques de las Palomas is the Capilla de Cristo (Christ's Chapel) which is also worth walking by if you are in the area.