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San Juan - History and culture

Things to Do: History and culture

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #2 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Consisting of 400 restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period, this area in San Juan is steeped in history with an old-world and romantic European charm.

Attraction type: Neighborhood; Historic walking area; Historic site
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #4 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Constructed to defend the San Juan coastline during the 17th and 18th centuries, this dramatic fortress rises 140 feet above the sea on a rocky promontory, and is composed of six huge levels of ramps, barracks, dungeons, turrets, towers and tunnels.

Attraction type: Historic site; Scenic/historic walking area
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #9 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Built in 1540 and the site where the body of Ponce de Leon is entombed, the the Catedral de San Juan is an authentic and rare New World example of medieval architecture.

Attraction type: Museum; Historic site; Architectural building; Religious site
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #10 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Exhibits and objects of this museum range from 19th-century paintings from local artists to pre-Columbian objects from past civilizations.

Attraction type: Museum
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #11 of 141 attractions in San Juan

More than just an art museum, the Museo del Arte hosts concerts and festivals as well.

Attraction type: Art museum; Shop; Theater; Garden
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #12 of 141 attractions in San Juan

A seaside cemetery where a number of notable Puerto Ricans rest.

Attraction type: Cemetery
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #13 of 141 attractions in San Juan

This highly interactive museum encourages the inquisitive spirit to question what makes things happen and then to find out.

Attraction type: Children's museum
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #14 of 141 attractions in San Juan

This restored 19th-century esplanade is the place to begin your stroll through Old San Juan, because of its central location and its inexhaustible charm.

Attraction type: Scenic/historic walking area; Street
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #15 of 141 attractions in San Juan

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; Museum
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #16 of 141 attractions in San Juan

This massive 27-acre series of fortifications is the largest the Spanish built in the New World.

Attraction type: Historic site; Military base/facility
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #18 of 141 attractions in San Juan

A private island where Wyndham El Conquistador guests are often ferried for more water activities.

Attraction type: Island
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #21 of 141 attractions in San Juan
Attraction type: Scenic/historic walking area; Landmark/point of interest
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #22 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Delve into Puerto Ricos African influences through exhibits ranging from slave histories to African utensils.

Attraction type: Specialty museum; Art museum
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #24 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Beach that extends for several miles east of downtown (Old San Juan), which is lined with high-rise resorts and packed with sun worshippers.

Attraction type: Beach; Neighborhood
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #25 of 141 attractions in San Juan

If you are looking for traditional and contemporary Puerto Rican arts and crafts, this store located in Old San Juan offers a wide range of items, from hand carvings to ceramic objects.

Attraction type: Art gallery
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #26 of 141 attractions in San Juan

18-century home devoted to exhibits on the famous cellist/musician.

Attraction type: Specialty museum; Museum
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #27 of 141 attractions in San Juan

The original Old San Juan town square is a good spot to orient yourself as you begin your tour of this charming area.

Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #28 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Many people come to Puerto Rico for a short period of time  (taking a cruise somewhere else or business. )  So when you asked what they did, they pretty much say went to El Morro and Old San Juan.  If

Attraction type: Neighborhood; Beach
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #29 of 141 attractions in San Juan

This San Juan neighborhood is just southeast of the old city.

Attraction type: Neighborhood
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TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #32 of 141 attractions in San Juan

Four centuries ago this gate was the main entrance into the city.

Attraction type: Landmark/point of interest
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History and culture

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