1. El Morro
Engineered in 1587, this 500 year old structure was built to protect Puerto Rico from sea attacks. It was built in honor of King Phillip II. This fort suffered attacks from the likes of the English in 1595 and the Dutch in 1625.El Morro has six levels that rise from sea level to 145 feet high. El Morro is designated as an historical site in February 1949.
2. Paseo de la Princesa
A beautiful and romantic promenade named after a prison building called “La princesa”. It now holds exhibits of Puerto Rican artists as well as offices for tourism. In front of La Princesa there is a statue of Puerto Rico’s beloved mayor from 1946 to 1968, Doña Felisa Gautier. Recommended by many as a tourist spot, you can enjoy all types of foods as well as enjoy the Puerto Rican cultural experience.
3. Cathedral de San Juan
One of the oldest buildings in San Juan, its construction began in 1521. It contains the tomb of the founder of the first settlement in Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de Leon. It was rebuilt twice after hurricanes in 1540 and 1615.
4. Fort San Cristobal
El Morro’s partner in defense, Fort San Cristobal is the largest fortification built by Spaniards when they came to the new world. It was begun in 1634 and completed in 1771. It contains the Garita del Diablo (the Devil’s Sentry Box), which according to a legend, the devil would come and snatch away people in its sentry box.
5. San Juan Bay
Busiest ocean port in the Caribbean bringing half of Puerto Rico’s trade. You can see island crafts and artists of Puerto Rico here. Great view from local eateries and from the pier of old San Juan. It is cool to see the ships sailing off the bay.
