San Juan Tourist Attractions
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Top Tourist Attractions in San Juan
San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, has a population over 1.4 million, constituting a third of the entire island. Surrounding the Bay of San Juan, the metropolitan city of San Juan (area,46.4sqmi/ 122sq.km) is the center of economical and political life in Puerto Rico. The metropolitan area known as San Juan is split into districts, the most attractive being Old San Juan. Residents of San Juan are known as sanjuaneros.San Juan is a major port and cruise ship destination, and a popular tourist attraction San Juan is the largest home-based cruise port in the world. Approximately twenty-eight vessels use San Juan as their home port, and each year new cruise ships either originate or call at the port in the West Indies.
Old San Juan
Old San Juan is known for being the second oldest city in the Americas. It was founded in the early 1500s, and has been well preserved and beautifully restored.
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Condado and Ocean Park
The Condado district and Ocean Park lies on a piece of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Laguna Condado. The district was originally developed as San Juan's first tourist zone in the 1950's, creating a likeness of Condado to Miami Beach. The main axis of the town in Avenida Ashford, along which there are many luxury hotels. Condado offers a broad selection of accommodations and facilities in all price ranges. In the eastern area of the district is Ocean Park, a 1mi/.6km wide beach encompassing residential homes and beach retreats.
Condado - Convention Center
The modern Convention Center in Condado is one of the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. This new facility can hold up to 10,000 people and is used for various reasons, including art exhibitions and festivals. Total space in the Condado Convention Center is 580,000 square feet. It is located on the site of what was once a US Naval and Coast Guard Base. The Convention Center and Convention Center District is intended to be one of the largest waterfront developments in the United States when it is completed, with shopping centers, theatres, restaurants, and more.
Isla Verde
Isla Verde, east of San Juan, is really just a suburb of the city but falls within the city of Carolina. However, Isla Verde is regarded and generally promoted as being an exclusive area with upper end hotels, restaurants, and shopping. Most of the hotels are all inclusive seaside resorts. The area is highly developed for tourists and not the place to go if you are looking to see some Puerto Rican culture. All the regular water sports are available at Isla Verde, with surfing, jet skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling all on offer, although laying on the beach seems to be the most popular sport.
Festival Casals
Taking place throughout most of June, this celebration of Festival Casals (Casals Festival) was founded by the Spanish cellist Pablo Casals and began in 1956. It gained an international reputation even before Casals death in 1973.This festival of orchestral music is the premier musical event in Puerto Rico, and draws numerous musicians and conductors from around the world to Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Symphony Orchestra, along with special guests, perform nightly throughout the Festival of Casals. The main venue is the Luis A Ferré Center for the Performing Arts.
Luis Muñoz Marín Airport
Much Caribbean travel passes through this large international airport, Luis Muñoz Marín Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional de Luis Muñoz Marín). The airport is the largest in Puerto Rico and is located just east of San Juan in the suburb of Isla Verde.Luis Muñoz Marín Airport is a fully modern airport with all the major conveniences, including restaurants, communications areas, and VIP lounges, the same as those found at airports throughout the United States. Flights from this airport service destinations across the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean.
Casa Ramón Power y Giralt
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
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.
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More Puerto Rico Resources
- San Juan tours and things to do by Viator
Map of San Juan Attractions
Map - Puerto Rico - San Juan
