Beautiful San Juan

The Puerto Rican capital, San Juan is a major cruise ship destination known to be one of the largest home-based cruise ports in the world.

Old San Juan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the second oldest city in the Americas and the oldest city under the US flag. This is a seven-square-block area where you can see over 400 beautifully restored 16th and 17th-century colonial buildings. There are many restaurants, museums, and hotels.

Fuerte San Felipe del Morro or El Morro stands to protect the entrance to San Juan Bay. This impressive fort stands overlooking the sea on a point of land that juts out into the ocean. It is a designated National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built in 1539 and with construction continuing another 250 years it became one of the largest Spanish forts in the Caribbean.

The fort is a maze of ramps, outposts, barracks, dungeons, and tunnels. There are many small, circular sentry boxes known as “garitas”. These are unique to Puerto Rican forts and have become a national symbol.

There is an open lawn on approach to the fort offering awesome views. This huge space is a popular place to fly kites.

Castillo de San Cristobal is bigger than El Morro. It is the largest fort ever built in the New World. It was built between 1634 and 1790 to guard the eastern gate of Old San Juan against land attack.

Paseo de la Princesa dates from 1853 and is a wonderful walkway winding along bayfronts. Walking along you can get amazing views over the water.

Along the way, you can see fountains, large trees, and impressive statues.

The Cathedral of San Juan is one of the most important religious sites in Puerto Rico. This church is known as the final resting place of Ponce de Leon, the Spaniard who searched for the Fountain of Youth.

You can sit beneath a shady tree on a bench across the street from the cathedral at the Plaza de la Cathedral.

The Museo de las Americas has found its home in former army barracks. The museum explores the history of Puerto Rico. With an emphasis on art, ethnic groups, and the colonization of the country. Temporary exhibits have interesting themes that include things like contemporary art and traditional practices.

There is a lovely space in front of the museum with flowers and a fountain. You can see views of El Morro and the ocean.

The Condado District stretches between the Atlantic Ocean and Laguna Condado. It is popular for dining and the beach. The main street is Avenida Ashford with luxury hotels and resorts.

Ocean Park Beach is a one-mile-wide beach with residential homes and beach retreats.

La Fortaleza completed in 1540 has become the residence of Puerto Rican governors. It is the oldest governor's mansion still used by governors in the Western Hemisphere.

Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico opened its doors in 2000. It was built around a hospital building from the 1920s. The oldest park of the building displays the permanent collection – artwork from the 17th century through to contemporary art.

The newer portion is a five-story structure with a multi-story atrium, a theater seating 400 people, a sculpture garden, and a restaurant, There are rooms available for exhibitions and workshops.

The San Jose Church dates from 1532 and is one of the earliest examples of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Americas.

Beside this church is Plaza de San Jose which is an open area with a few tables and umbrellas for eating.

El Totem Telurico is an interesting clay and granite totem pole in the plaza. It was created by Puerto Rican artist Jaime Suarez to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ first voyage to the New World.

Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art was founded in 1984. It displays the artwork of the finest modern-day artists in Puerto Rico, The museum collection includes paintings, posters, and sculptures.

Plaza Las Americas is a modern indoor shopping plaza where you can find US chain stores, American restaurants, movie theaters, and unique stores. It is one of the best malls in Puerto Rico.