San Juan Puerto Rico

This historic area in San Juan exudes old-world charm. Walk along the cobbled streets and past colorful buildings, historic fortresses, and old city walls, some of which date back to the 16th century. You might even chance upon local musicians playing some salsa or jazz tunes. There are also several museums where you can learn more about the history, art, and culture of the area, plus cool cocktail bars and restaurants for a quintessentially Puerto Rican meal. Don't miss all the best sights (and food!) on a walking tour of Old San Juan. – Tripadvisor

501 Norzagaray St Castillo San Cristobal, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

Constructed to defend the San Juan coastline during the 17th and 18th centuries, this dramatic fortress rises 140 feet above the sea on a rocky promontory, and is composed of six huge levels of ramps, barracks, dungeons, turrets, towers and tunnels.

Calle Norzagaray Old San Juan, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

This massive, 27-acre historic fort protecting the eastern gate of old San Juan is considered the largest Spanish fort built in the Americas.

501 Calle Norzagaray, San Juan 00901-1213 Puerto Rico

An esplanade greets you as you walk towards the Fort San Felipe del Morro. Surrounded by grassy hills, the stone castle rises majestically from the headland. And while El Morro may be an impressive sight from land, it is a terrifying experience to encounter it head on by sea. And for many attackers, it was the very last thing they saw. This fortress has seen many battles over the centuries, from Sir Francis Drake's attack in 1595 to the 1898 Bombardment of San Juan by the US Navy. In 1539 King Charles I ordered the construction of San Felipe del Morro and other fortifications on the islet of San Juan. Over the years, Spanish, Italian, Irish and American engineers perfected San Juan's defense system, of which el Morro was an essential part. After crossing the stone bridge over the dry moat, you'll walk right into a spacious courtyard that harbor leads you into the castle's more "domestic" areas, such as the kitchen and the chapel. Nevertheless, this is just one of the six levels that form el Morro. On the upper level, you'll find the lighthouse that was restored by the American Coast Guard in 1908. One of the greatest things about this vantage point is that you can see most of San Juan and the bay across from it. Park rangers will guide you throughout the massive fortification, which still houses original cannons, ammunition, and many other objects used by the Spanish militia in Puerto Rico. El Morro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, and is currently under the administration of the National Park Service.

Calle del Cristo 151-153, San Juan 00901-1521 Puerto Rico

Built in 1540 and the site where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed, the the Catedral de San Juan is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture.

1077 Avenue Doctor Ashford, San Juan 00907 Puerto Rico

Lined with swanky resorts and high-rise hotels, this large beach is a popular spot in San Juan, loved for its vibrant scene, lively dining, and endless array of things to do. While swimming isn't encouraged (powerful rip tides are common here), you can still lounge by the beach and watch surfers, boogie boarders, and parasailers ride the currents. There are also recreational areas like Ventana al Mar where you can take part in an outdoor yoga session or some aqua fitness. Drop by the beach on a city tour of San Juan, which often includes a stop here. – Tripadvisor

San Juan Puerto Rico

This restored 19th-century esplanade is the place to begin your stroll through Old San Juan, because of its central location and its inexhaustible charm.

Cll Caleta De San Juan, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

One of the last standing gates of the walled 16th-century San Juan, this historic doorway in the 20-foot wall is a popular photo spot.

San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

The vibrant canopy of umbrellas characterizes this unique street of Old San Juan. Here, you can roam the cobblestoned pathways, admire the colonial-era buildings, and do a little bit of shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts. For a little more history, you can join a guided tour of La Fortaleza, the governor’s official mansion that's just around the corner. And don't leave without snapping a picture of the colorful canopy—it changes throughout the year so you can always look forward to something new. The alley can get busy so come early in the morning when it’s quieter. You can visit on a walking or segway tour of Old San Juan, which often makes a stop here. – Tripadvisor

C. Gral. Patton, San Juan 00907 Puerto Rico

The largest beach in San Juan at over two miles long, Playa Ocean Park is a local favorite and popular with kitesurfers.

525 Av. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan 00918-8001 Puerto Rico

Plaza las Americas is the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean. It contains more than 300 stores, restaurants, a food court, and a cineplex offering first-run movies in English and Spanish.

299 Ave de Diego Santurce, San Juan 00909-1799 Puerto Rico

More than just an art museum, Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico hosts concerts and festivals as well. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR), a non-for-profit organization, was inaugurated on July 1, 2000, as a legacy for the Puerto Rican people. The mission of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is to enrich the lives of its diverse audiences by making accessible and promoting the knowledge, appreciation, and enjoyment of visual arts from Puerto Rico and the world. The MAPR engages diverse communities to facilitate learning experiences about the visual arts through: the growth of a well-researched permanent collection exemplifying significant and representative examples of Puerto Rican art from the sixteenth century to the present; a dynamic program of exhibitions supported by engaging and exciting educational and cultural programs that collectively deepen the understanding of the role of the visual arts in the human experience and contribute to the creation of a curatorial legacy; documentation, research, interpretation, preservation, and conservation of the collection and the visual arts patrimony of Puerto Rico; and alliances with local, regional, and international museums and institutions to advance the knowledge of, access to, and understanding of the visual arts of the world.

1077 Ashford Ave, San Juan 00907 Puerto Rico

Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort captures excitement and sophistication under one roof 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fully in synch with the resort's über-chic sleek design, presents cutting edge gaming with high-tech slot machines and card tables, amply satisfying high rollers and casual players alike.

Norzagaray Street Second Floor, Cuartel de Ballajá, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

In Cuartel de Ballaja's second floor one of the greatest museums in Puerto Rico holds a space for the diverse cultures of the Americas. Museo de las Americas--founded in 1992 by San Juan's famed and beloved archaeologist Ricardo Alegria--is keen on honoring the traditions, objects, and stories that make up the American continent. This museum boasts four permanent exhibits: a) the Natives in the Americas, b) the African Legacy, c) Conquest and Colonization, and d) the Popular Arts. These carefully curated exhibits put on display a magnificent collection that briefly summarizes the "American experiences" throughout the centuries. Moreover. This gem of curatorial design also hosts Domingos Familiares, which offers workshops and activities for the whole family every Sunday.

Calle San Agustin, Playa El Escambron, San Juan 00901 Puerto Rico

Balneario El Escambron is a little beach, just to the east of Old San Juan. It is a family-friendly beach, with a small crescent of clean sand and usually calm waters, thanks to the coral reef a short distance from the beach.