 #1 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Teatro Tapia
ISLA VERDE
~0.35 miles from San Juan city center
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This gracious old theater has been appropriately named after local playwright, Alejandro Tapia y Rivera. If you plan to take in a play, do it in style here in central Old San Juan. The building's balconies, lobby and interior are simply beautiful. In addition to traditional Broadway plays, the theater's performance schedule includes, operas, ballets and concerts throughout the year. You'll find several some very nice eateries conveniently nearby for a pre or post theatre lunch. One of them being Toro Salao
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 #2 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Castillo de San Cristobal
ISLA VERDE
~0.35 miles from San Juan city center
Hotels Close to Castillo de San Cristobal
The Castillo de San Cristóbal is a Spanish fort in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was built by the Spaniards to protect against land based attacks on the city of San Juan. It is part of San Juan National Historic Site.Castillo de San Cristóbal is the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the New World. When it was finished in 1783 it covered about 27 acres of land, basically wrapping the city of San Juan. Entry to the city was sealed by San Cristóbal's double gates. After close to one hundred years of relative peace in the area, part of the fortification (about a third) was demolished in 1897 to help ease the flow of traffic in and out of the walled city.
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 #3 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Cruise Line Terminal
Puerto Rico PR
~0.47 miles from San Juan city center
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The cruise ship terminal is located very near the centre of San Juan. If your cruise ship has docked across form the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel, it will be within walking distance of Old San Juan. If, however, your ship is docked across the bay, you will need to catch a taxi to get to town.
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 #4 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
El Arsenal
ISLA VERDE
~0.61 miles from San Juan city center
Hotels Close to El Arsenal
El Arsenal in Old San Juan is a low, gray fortress with a Roman arched entrance. The structure was built in 1800, and existed as a naval station and home to the Spanish military following the Spanish-American War. El Arsenal is worth of visit both for its historical significance as well as its current occupant, which is a division of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. Visitors will find three galleries with fine and decorative arts, adding a unique flare to this old fortress.El Arsenal can be found on La Puntilla, jutting out to the south of Old San Juan.
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 #5 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Old San Juan
ISLA VERDE
~0.63 miles from San Juan city center
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Old San Juan (Spanish: Viejo San Juan) is the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico and it is the historic colonial section of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is one of the two barrios, in addition to Santurce, that made up the municipality of San Juan after 1864 and prior to 1951, in which the former independent municipality of Río Piedras was annexed.Old San Juan is located on a small and narrow island which lies in the north coast, about 35 miles (56 km) from the east end of Puerto Rico, and is united to the mainland of Puerto Rico by the three bridges. It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and to the south by San Juan Bay or "Bahia of San Juan" which lies between the city and the mainland. On a bluff about 100 feet (30 m) high at the west end of the island and commanding the entr...
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 #6 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Downtown San Juan (Neighborhood)
ISLA VERDE
~0.64 miles from San Juan city center
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 #7 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Alcaldia (City Hall)
ISLA VERDE
~0.66 miles from San Juan city center
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 #8 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Casa del Libro
ISLA VERDE
~0.68 miles from San Juan city center
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f you are interested in the history of literature, Puerto Rico’s Casa Del Libro is perhaps one of the best museums for you to visit. Located inside a beautifully restored 18th century house, the museum is dedicated solely to the history and artistry of the printed word. It not only holds a number of amazing relics, but also carefully documents the printing and binding processes involved in the making of books. In a modern world where there is a strong tendency to choose electronic forms of the written word over good old fashioned books, a museum of this sort plays a very important role.The Casa Del Libro is situated at 255 Calle Cristo in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. It houses an impressive collection of some 6000 pieces including quite a number of very rare volumes that are more than 50...
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 #9 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Chapel of Christ the Savior (Capilla de Cristo)
ISLA VERDE
~0.70 miles from San Juan city center
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#10 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Museo de Arte e Historia de San Juan
ISLA VERDE
~0.73 miles from San Juan city center
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Located in a Spanish colonial building at the corner of Calle MacArthur, this cultural center was the city's main marketplace in the mid-19th century. Local art is displayed in the east and west galleries, and audiovisual materials reveal the history of the city. Sometimes major cultural events are staged in the museum's large courtyard. English- and Spanish-language audiovisual shows are presented Tuesday to Friday every hour on the hour from 9am to 4pm. Some of the city's finest young artists show here.
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 #11 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
San Juan Cathedral (Catedral de San Juan)
ISLA VERDE
~0.73 miles from San Juan city center
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The Cathedral of San Juan de Bautista dates back to 1521. As such, it is one of the oldest buildings in Puerto Rico and the second oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere. It's not very big, but to show its historic and cultural importance, the remains of Juan Ponce de Leon, the first Governor of Puerto Rico who died while allegedly searching for the Fountain of Youth in Florida, are buried in the cathedral's crypt. Also, the relics of Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican to be beatified, can be found in the cathedral. "Beato Charlie", as he is often referred to, was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001 when people reported having been cured from life-threatening diseases after adressing their prayers to the diceased lay minister. It is believed that Beato Charlie ...
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 #12 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Plaza de Armas
ISLA VERDE
~0.73 miles from San Juan city center
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This pigeon-populated Plaza stands in front of the Spanish colonial style-built Casa Alcaldía or City Hall. Relax and sip an espresso at one of the local cafes or attend a open air performance, as several are slated throughout the year. The Plaza is now a "designated" meeting place for Sanjuaneros and visitors alike. Several shops and eateries are located throughout the area.
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 #13 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Statue of Ponce de Leon
ISLA VERDE
~0.74 miles from San Juan city center
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At the Plaza de San Josem you will find a statue of the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon overlooking the El Morro Fortress. The statue was first created in New York in 1882 using bronze collected from English canons that were salvaged when the English attacked San Juan in 1792. De Leon was born in 1460 in Santervás de Campos and died in 1521. He was also recognized for his contributions as a young man to the war that eventually conquered Granada on the Iberian Peninsula.The statue was created in remembrance of de Leon who sailed with Columbus on his second voyage to discover the New World. Ponce de Leon joined Columbus in trying to discover the famous Fountain of Youth and while doing so found Florida in 1513. He later conquered Puerto Rico when he heard of its riches and it was in Capar...
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 #14 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Museum of our African Roots (Museo de Nuestra Raiz Africana)
ISLA VERDE
~0.74 miles from San Juan city center
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Traveler Description: Delve into Puerto Ricos African influences through exhibits ranging from slave histories to African utensils.Familiar with Museum of our African Roots (Museo de Nuestra Raiz Africana)? Attraction type: Specialty museum, Art museum, History museumhttp://www.icp.gobierno.pr/myp/museos/m16.htminfo@mundoafrolatino.comAddress: Plaza San Jose Old San Juan San Juan 00901 Puerto RicoTel: 787 724 4294
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 #15 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Museo del Nino's
ISLA VERDE
~0.77 miles from San Juan city center
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In the late 1990s, the city of San Juan turned over one of the most desirable buildings in the colonial zone -- a 300-year-old villa directly across from the city's cathedral -- to a group of sociologists and student volunteers. Jointly, they created the only children's museum in Puerto Rico. Through interactive exhibits, children learn simple lessons, such as the benefits of brushing teeth or recycling aluminum cans, or the value of caring properly for pets. Staff members include lots of student volunteers who play either one-on-one or with small groups of children. Nothing here is terribly cerebral, and nothing will necessarily compel you to return. But it does provide a play experience that some children will remember for several weeks.
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 #16 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Pablo Casals Museum (Museo de Pablo Casals)
ISLA VERDE
~0.77 miles from San Juan city center
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Traveler Description: 18-century home devoted to exhibits on the famous cellist/musician.Attraction type: Specialty museum, MuseumAddress: 101 Calle San Sebastian Old San Juan San Juan Puerto RicoTel: 787 723 9185Fax: 787 722 3338
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 #17 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
San Jose Church
ISLA VERDE
~0.81 miles from San Juan city center
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 #18 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Felisa Rincon de Gautier Museum
ISLA VERDE
~0.81 miles from San Juan city center
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Felisa Rincón de Gautier (also known as Doña Fela) (January 9, 1897 – September 16, 1994) was the first woman to be elected as the Mayor of a capital city in The Americas.Rincón de Gautier, was born in Ceiba, Puerto Rico. She was the oldest of 9 siblings, was influenced by her father who was very active in politics. Her mother died when she was only 11 years old. However, despite this her father was determined to give her the best education possible. She went to school in Fajardo, Humacao and Santurce where she graduated from high school; after this she studied pharmacy and became a pharmacist. Rincón de Gautier later moved to New York City where she learned the art of high fashion design. When she returned to Puerto Rico, she opened a store called Felisa's Style Shop and a flower shop...
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 #19 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
La Fortaleza Palacio de Santa Catalina
ISLA VERDE
~0.82 miles from San Juan city center
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Visitors can take guided tours through this World Heritage Site, a 40-room mansion completed in 1540 that was used to defend against foreign invaders.Attraction type: Historic site, Government building, Historic home, Historic villageActivities: City Walk Sightseeing, Group Tours/Walking TourAddress: Calle Fortaleza San Juan 00902-0082 Puerto RicoTel: 787-721-7000Fax: 787-725-4569
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 #20 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Convento de Los Dominicos
ISLA VERDE
~0.82 miles from San Juan city center
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In 1523, shortly after San Juan was founded, Dominican friars established the Dominican Convent. It was the first convent in Puerto Rico, and it provided shelter to women and children during Caribbean attacks. The Friars lived there until 1838, when the Spaniards closed down the monastery and turned it into military quarters. The American Army used it as its headquarters until 1966. Today, Gregorian chants help re-create the historical significance of the days long gone. On the ground floor is a small chapel museum displaying religious artifacts and some of the city's finest objet d'art. Admission is free.
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 #21 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate)
ISLA VERDE
~0.82 miles from San Juan city center
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The Puerta de San Juan (San Juan Gate) was built in the late 1700s, is one of six heavy wooden doors in the wall which for centuries were closed at sundown to cut off access to the city and protect the city from invaders. The wall is up to 20 feet thick and up to 40 feet tall.
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 #22 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Museo de Las Americas
ISLA VERDE
~0.84 miles from San Juan city center
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This museum showcases the artisans of North, South, and Central America, featuring everything from carved figureheads from New England whaling ships to dugout canoes carved by Carib Indians in Dominica. It is unique in Puerto Rico and well worth a visit. Also on display is a changing collection of paintings by artists from throughout the Spanish-speaking world, some of which are for sale, and a permanent collection called "Puerto Rican Santos," donated by Dr. Ricardo Alegría.
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 #23 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
San Juan Cemetery
ISLA VERDE
~0.86 miles from San Juan city center
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(Local Name: Cementerio de San Juan) An interesting and fascinating way to explore an area is to visit its most historic cemeteries and the San Juan Cemetery (Cementario de San Juan) is no exception to this rule. The San Juan Cemetery is noted for elaborate tombstones and a circular, red-domed neoclassical chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene. The architecture of the chapel dates to the 19th C and many of the Puerto Rico's earliest colonists are buried in the cemetery.Located high up on the cliffs above the Atlantic, the view from the Cementario de San Juan is quite stunning.Hobbies & Activities category: Cemetery; Architecture - Neo-Classical
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 #24 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Museo de Casa Blanca
ISLA VERDE
~0.88 miles from San Juan city center
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Traveler Description:Built in 1521 as a home for Governor Juan Ponce de Leon, today this historic landmark contains two interesting museums of Indian and colonial artifacts. Attraction type: Historic home, Museumhttp://www.icp.gobierno.pr/myp/museos/m13.htmAddress: Calle San Sebastian 1 Old San Juan San Juan Puerto RicoTel: 787 725 1454
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 #25 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
El Morro (Castillo de San Felipe del Morro)
ISLA VERDE
~0.92 miles from San Juan city center
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Fort San Felipe del Morro —or El Castillo San Felipe del Morro in Spanish— is a sixteenth-century citadel which lies on the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Named in honor of King Philip II of Spain, the fort, also referred to as "El Morro" or "promontory", was designed to guard the entrance to San Juan bay, and defend the city of San Juan from seaborne enemies.In 1983, the fort was declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations and is part of San Juan National Historic Site. Over two million visitors a year explore the windswept ramparts and passageways making the fort one of Puerto Rico's main visitor attractions.Facing "El Morro", on the opposite side of the bay, a smaller fort known as "El Cañuelo" complemented the fort's defense of the entrance ...
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 #26 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Munoz Rivera Park
ISLA VERDE
~1.05 miles from San Juan city center
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This 27-acre (11-hectare) park, frequently confused with Luis Muñoz Marín Park, is a green rectangle in the middle of Puerta de Tierra. You'll drive by the seaward-facing park on your way to San Juan. It was built 50 years ago to honor Luis Muñoz Rivera, the Puerto Rican statesman, journalist, and poet. It's filled with picnic areas, wide walks, shady trees, landscaped grounds, and recreational areas. There's a new children's playground that's filled with fun on weekends. Its centerpiece, El Pabellon de la Paz, is sometimes used for cultural events and expositions of handicrafts. A new pedestrian and bicycle path connects the park with the oceanfront Tercer Milenio, or Third Millennium Park, across Avenida Muñoz Rivera. The Commonwealth Supreme Court is located at the eastern side of the p...
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 #27 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Fort San Jeronimo
ISLA VERDE
~1.14 miles from San Juan city center
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This small military museum was a fort that was built in 1786, and attacked by the British eleven years later.Attraction type: Historic siteAddress: Calle Rosales East of the Caribe Hilton, at the entrance to Condado Bay San Juan Puerto RicoTel: 787-724-5477
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 #28 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Condado Beach
ISLA VERDE
~2.09 miles from San Juan city center
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Situated in the western corner of San Juan, Condado Beach is protected by a natural rock barrier thet creates smooth waters. The beach is modest, but features plenty of shade and a separate lagoon.Although Puerto Rico has beaches that are more secluded than Condado Beach the combination of natural setting, personality and other attributes provided by this beach might be just what the doctor ordered.Those searching to find a secluded spot in Puerto Rico could find that Condado Beach suits them perfectly. You'll find urban areas without going far, but your travels won't take you too far away from cities either, you'll discover a great middle ground.The beaches in Puerto Rico aren't well-known for their peace and quiet, however, this beach is a little more secluded than many, maki...
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 #29 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Parque Central Municipio de San Juan
ISLA VERDE
~2.12 miles from San Juan city center
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This mangrove-bordered park was inaugurated in 1979 for the Pan-American Games. It covers 35 acres (14 hectares) and lies southeast of Miramar. Joggers appreciate its labyrinth of trails, and a long boardwalk runs along mangrove canals. Recently renovated, it boasts 20 tennis courts, four racquetball courts, a full track and field area with stadium bleachers, a cafe, and children's play area (just look for the huge jacks sculpture). A golf course is being developed on an adjacent former landfill and a brand-new Olympic standard diving and swimming arena was completed in 2006. Fat, huge iguanas slither from the mangrove-choked channels and into the park's pathways.
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 #30 of 30 Things To Do in San Juan
Bacardi Rum Plant
Puerto Rico
~2.46 miles from San Juan city center
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