Top Tourist Sites in Puerto Rico

John Zaphyr, Leaf Group

Puerto Rico is about the size of the state of Connecticut, but this Caribbean island has blossomed into a true tourist destination. If visiting, travelers will certainly want to take advantage of the beaches, restaurants and night life, but also want to take time out to discover some of the most popular cultural and historical centers as well.

The Historic District of Old San Juan

According to Frommers, this walled, historic city is the number one destination in Puerto Rico. Dating back to the seventeenth century, Old San Juan offers visitors a chance to relive some 500 years of history. Featuring 400 restored buildings, cobblestone walkways, tree-shaded squares, an array of monuments and historic sites, as well as authentic open-air cafes, shops, restaurants and bars, Old San Juan is a must-see destination for anyone who is interested in the history and culture of Puerto Rico. Visitors will also want to make time to explore one of the three forts as well as the governor’s mansion, La Fortaleza, and a vast urban park, Parque de las Palomas. Old San Juan requires a lot of walking so visitors need an entire day to take in all the sights and sounds.

The Historic District of Ponce

Another significant historical spot in Puerto Rico is the historic district of the city of Ponce. The city celebrated its three hundredth anniversary in 1996, so there is a great mixture of Ponce Creole and Art Deco style architecture, some dating back to the 1890s. One stop not to miss is the red-and-black striped Parque de Bombas. This former fire station now houses a collection of antique fire trucks and museum artifacts. Other places to see in Ponce include the Plaza Las Delicias, where the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe, as Museo de la Historia de Ponce (Museum of the History of Ponce) and the Museo de la Musica Puertorriquena (Museum of Puerto Rican Music) also stand. Visitors will want to explore the Tercentenary Park Plaza and the Bridge of Lions.

Museo de Arte de Ponce

Also in the city of Ponce, this museum, according to Frommers, is said to house “the finest collection of European and Latin American art in the Caribbean.” The museum houses a wide variety of art, from works by contemporary Puerto Rican artists to pieces dating back to the Renaissance. The museum also contains one of the most respected exhibitions of Western Art, spanning from the middle ages all the way to the nineteenth century. The Museo de Arte de Ponce also collects art from Italy, Spain, and France but perhaps the heart of the museum is the Puerto Rican collection. On display are works from such masters as José Campeche, Francisco Oller and Miguel Pou, as well as a legion of modern Puerto Rican artists.