Top Attractions in San Juan

Calle de San Sebastián

Located in the northern sector, this is one of Old San Juan's most famous boulevards. It is the major venue for local celebrations, including the annual January festival, the Puerto Rican equivalent of Mardi Gras. This is a classical colonial street. Also it is a must-see for visitors and the thoroughfare where one can find the well-known El Patio de Sam and Amadeus Café.

El Capitolio

If you're interested in politics, you'll want to visit the Capitol building which houses Puerto Rico's lawmakers. Built on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, El Capitolio is in the Puerta de Tierra district near Old San Juan and contains both chambers; the Senate and the House of Representatives. Members of both houses have offices in respective annexes to the main building. The rotonda features the original copy of the Constitution of Puerto Rico, signed in 1952. Visitors are welcome and tours are offered.

Ballajá Barracks

Refurbished in 1992, in time for the celebration of Columbus' discovery of the Americas in 1492, the Cuartel de Ballajá was once a military barracks. Today, it houses the Museum of the Americas where crafts and other exhibits detail the cultures of the Americas. Exquisite colonial architecture provides a handsome backdrop for the cultural events often celebrated in the building's central patio. Admission is free.

Cathedral de San Juan

A favorite stop for tourists, this marvelous cathedral was built in 1592, on the same site of the previous cathedral that was destroyed by a hurricane 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. Besides the cathedral's religious significance, history buffs can view the relics of Ponce de León that are preserved here in a marble crypt.

San Juan Bay

The San Juan Bay is the busiest ocean port in the Caribbean bringing a good percentage of the region's trade and over one million visitors a year on cruise ships. The bayside shops carry everything from gold jewelery to island arts and crafts. It can best be viewed from the pier area in Old San Juan, or from the romantic Paseo de la Princesa, or from El Morro. This is a great spot for catching a glimpse of some of the huge cruise liners entering the harbor through El Morro.

Plaza de Hostos

Plaza de Hostos stands just in front of the Plaza Dársena, and guests will find arts and crafts, the traditional piña coladas (yummy, a must try!), and several other locally-made traditional deserts for sale from kiosks dotting the square. Stop here after walking to the southern district of the city to watch the cruise ships enter the San Juan Bay.

Stella Maris Parish

This rather small Catholic parish, located in the Condado district, welcomes visitors to their services in both English and Spanish. While the building itself is nothing to write home about, the community is used to crowds of tourists and will gladly welcome you. This is probably the only church in Condado where you'll find a mass spoken in English. Be sure to arrive there early, especially for the sunday morning mass.

Beth Shalom Synagogue

Traditional Middle Eastern architecture distinguishes this temple, which is one of the few Jewish places of worship in Puerto Rico. Located in Santurce, the temple's congregation is pleased to welcome visitors. Call ahead to ask about special events and times of worship.

Crashboat Beach

Crashboat Beach is so named because of the rescue boats that departed from this location to come to the aid of fighter planes at the former Ramey Air Force Base. Beach festivals are often held here because the beach's infrastructure includes boardwalks, barbecue pits, restaurants, playgrounds, telephones, picnic huts, showers and restrooms.

Roosevelt Avenue

There is no doubt that this avenue, located in the business district of Hato Rey, is one of the busiest on the island. Scores of restaurants, bars, and stores can be found here. This avenue also hosts the Caribbean's largest mall: Plaza Las Américas, in addition to the city's huge sports complex. Some of the restaurants found here include El Zipperle, Yum Yum Tree, Hunan House, and several other fast food outlets such as Dunkin Donuts and McDonald's, to name a few. Additionally, there are many stores located here that sell everything from haute couture to carpets.