Attractions

Top Historic sites in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is full of beauty, splendor and history. You can visit the beach, enjoy our premium hotels and casinos, but traveling to the island is never complete without visiting our historical sites.

Being in the middle of the New World, Puerto Rico has been historically a target of conquest. Ever since Columbus' discovery of the island it has been a target due to its strategic location to the Americas and the Minor and Lesser Antilles. To protect its borders, the Spanish government set up different settlements and fortifications to protect the island from invaders, such as the British, the French, and pirates.

Over time, these locations serve as a silent reminder of Puerto Rico's violent past, and as a gift of the generations that now live peacefully on its shores. Below is a list of the most important locations you cannot miss when visiting the Island.

Old San Juan

Puerto Rico is mostly identified by the area around the capital of San Juan, mainly, the Old San Juan Historic District. Containing a wide array of attractions and parks, the Old San Juan area not only houses arguably the most important Spanish historical location in the US, but also specially designed attractions for visitors. You can take a whole day to stroll around the historic streets and plazas, enjoy the fine souvenir shops, and learn a bit about the Puerto Rican culture and history. From all points on the island, head towards Old San Juan via PR-52 State Highway. Learn more about San Juan National Historic Site.

Local Historical MuseumsThere is no better way to explore the history of Puerto Rico than local museums located on each of the towns of the island. Several towns have its own history museums that offer details of the town's history and development, as well as its background, culture and art. Check our local city guides for our growing list of museums or see our category list for Puerto Rico Musems.


Serrallés Castle

El Vigia Cross in Ponce

Heading into the specifics, let's begin from the south. The Vigia Cross is a monument that serves as a reminder of Ponce's importance in early Puerto Rican history as an important port to the Americas and the Old World. The cross was constructed in remembrance of an old watch house that existed once in the area, that served as a watch to incoming vessels and ships (sometimes hostile) coming in to the Ponce bay. You can take an elevator to the top of the cross from where you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the entire city of Ponce. Park is open from 9:30AM to 5:30PM weekdays and some holidays. Entrance to El Vigia starts at $4.28 adults, $2.14 children and seniors up to 65 - 74, 75 and more enter for free.

Serrall?s Castle in Ponce

Located right next to the Vig?a Cross is the Serrall?s house museum. This old mansion was once the home of the Serrall?s Family. Restored to its original fa?ade of early 19th century, the house serves as a reflection of the culture of Puerto Rico by the 1920's. The house is also home to the Japanese Garden, an intricate garden filled with beautiful designs and flower arrangements. The Castle is open from 9:30AM through 5:30PM every day during Christmas time, Tuesday through Sunday rest of the year. Admission starts at $6.42 adults, $3.21 children and students. There is also a tour that includes the Vigia Cross for $9.63 adults and $4.28 children. Click here to learn more about Serrallés Castle.

Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce

The Buena Vista Hacienda is a preserved coffee plantation hacienda dating the early stages of the Puerto Rican industrialization age. The hacienda has several structures and exhibits that show how the coffee was extracted and prepared, and is considered one of the best preserved coffee plantations on the Island. Reservations are required and fees vary depending on group or type of reservation. Call (787) 722-5882 for more information, or visit our location link for Hacienda Buena Vista


Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park

Tibes and Caguana Taino Ceremonial Parks

No trip to Puerto Rico would be complete without visiting the Tibes and Caguana Ceremonial Parks. These parks are a relic of the local pre-columbian ta?no culture that flourished on the island. The two parks offer many exhibits and artifacts of the ta?no Culture. Check our article about Tibes and Caguana. Tibes Indian Ceremonial Park | Caguana Ceremonial Ball Courts Site

La Fortaleza

Also known as Castillo de Santa Catalina, "La Fortaleza" (Spanish for Fortress) serves today as the seat of the Puerto Rican government and houses the Island's Governor and First Family. Built in 1533, the fortress consists of several towers and fortified walls. You can visit La Fortaleza among with daily tours inside the building. Please call (787) 729-6960 for more information or visit our listing for La Fortaleza.

Porta Coeli church in San Germ?n

Latin for "Doorway to Heaven", Porta Coeli stands as one of the oldest structures in the New World. Build in 1609, the church includes a museum of religious artifacts that feature several statues of the 18th and 19th centuries. To get to Porta coeli, simply take Route #2 towards San Germ?n. Learn more about Porta Coeli Church

San Crist?bal Fort in Old San Juan

Second in our list is the San crist?bal Fort. Built in 1771, this massive fortification was the location where the first shots of the Spanish-American war where fired. Covering more than 27 coastal acres, the structure consists of several units interconnected by tunnels and caves. Self guided tour is available. To get there, simply follow PR-52 towards Old San Juan. Fees start at $3 for adults, $1 children + tax. Learn more about San Cristóbal Fort.


El Morro Castle in Old San Juan

Our favorite historical site in Puerto Rico is El Morro Castle. Puerto Rico's most known fortress, El Morro stands as a well preserved example of spanish colonial rule. The location features an intricate array of exhibits and museums that host artifacts and other items left by the spanish government. The lower levels feature abandoned soldier barracks, and our favorite is a cannon shell that was fired on the fort by american ships during the 1898 war. To get there, simply follow PR-52 towards Old San Juan. Admission starts at $3 adults, $1 children + tax. Learn more about