Must-See Attractions in Old San Juan

Forts:San Juan National Historic Site includes forts San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal. The site is administered by the U.S. National Park Service and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Costs: $3.00, 16 years and older. Both forts: $5.00
787- 729-6960

San Felipe del Morro ("El Morro")
This sixteenth century citadel is Puerto Rico's best-known fortress.

San Cristóbal
San Cristóbal Fort is El Morro’s partner in the city’s defense. Completed in 1771, the fort was considered the Gibraltar of the West Indies. It rose 150 feet and covers 27 acres of land.

La Fortaleza – Governor’s House
The Governor’s House is a palatial structure built in 1540 and the oldest governor's mansion in the Western Hemisphere still in use.Guided tours are available weekdays, except holidays, from 9:00 a.m.–3:30p.m.; tours in English every hour, in Spanish every half hour.Schedules are subject to change. Proper attire required.

787-721-7000, ext. 2358.


Parks:
The Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park) is located at the top of the city wall, overlooking the restored La Princesa Jail , now a government office with an attractive art gallery. The park offers a great view of the harbor, city and mountains.

The Muñoz Rivera Park is a spacious ocean side park with large trees, landscape gardens and wide walks, located on Jesús T. Piñero Avenue. Open Tues-Sun 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m..

The Ocean Park community also known as the 'Ultimo Trolley' area attracts a lot of visitors. You can find windsurfing and general wind-beach sports at Punta Las Marías or enjoy a stroll in Barbosa Park .

Other parks include: Martí Coll Linera Park , and Central Park .


Sites:
Ballajá Barracks/ Cuartel de Ballajá
Today Ballajá Barracks houses the Museum of the Americas/ Museo de las Americas , located on its second floor. The museum features changing exhibitions, craft exhibits and an impressive collection of Caribbeanand European American art and artifacts, most notably a diverse collection of carved Santos (saints).

787-724-5052
Open Monday- Friday 10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(Admission Free)

Cathedral de San Juan
A favorite stop for tourists, this marvelous cathedral was built in1592 on the same site of the previous cathedral destroyed by ahurricane around 1584. Located on Calle Cristo, this gothic and neoclassical structure is situated in front of the historic Hotel El Convento in the heart of Old San Juan, and the Plazuela de Las Monjas.

Calle de Cristo 153
787-722-0861
Open Hours 8:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Mon.–Fri., Mass 7:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday

Felisa Rincón de Gautier Museum
At this museum, you will find Museo de Doña Fela, the original residence of Felisa Rincon de Gautier, the first woman to become Mayor of San Juan. This museum features personal belongings, period memorabilia, and awards granted to this exceptional woman.

787-723-1897
51 Caleta de San Juan St.

Pablo Casals Museum/Museo Pablo Casals
This museum, in an 18th century building in Old San Juan, covers the life and works of the world famous cellist and humanist, Pablo Casals, who passed away in 1973. On exhibit are original manuscripts of Casals' music, along with his cello and piano, on display in the main hall.

787-723-9185 101
San Sebastián St.

San Juan Museum/Museo de San Juan
787-724-1875 / 723-4317
150 Norzagaray St.