This small museum houses the pre-Colombian artifacts collection belonging to the Universidad de Puerto Rico (University of Puerto Rico, or UPR). In addition to the artifacts, you'll find historic documents and art. The space serves as an exposition hall for contemporary art from local artists as well. The museum, while small, is well maintained and is constantly visited by students and faculty. The admission is free of charge. The museum stands just in front of the University's main library.
Located on Calle Cristo, this cathedral is the must-see attraction of the San Juan Archdiocese. It was built in 1540 and has been restored several times since. Declared an official Minor Basilica by the Vatican in Rome, the cathedral is part of most walking tours hosted in and around Old San Juan. Learn about the famous Spanish conquistador and first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de León, whose remains are interred on the premises.
Built in the 19th century, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place for a number of significant residents of Puerto Rico. While most would't add a cemetery to their must-visit list while on a vacation, this one warrants a visit simply for its fabulous sculptures and beautiful architecture. Divided into a new and an old section, the oldest burial sites include those of José de Diego, Ricardo Alegría and Rafael Cordero.
Museo de Vida Silvestre de San Juan is a very interesting museum and a must visit for all animal lovers. The museum has numerous exhibits dedicated to mammals, these show various animals in their natural habitats. Their tours are highly informative and very educative; tours are provided by biologists who are well versed with the subject matter. The animals are preserved with utmost care using the art of taxidermy, and the environment created around them is absolutely authentic. This is one the most visited places inthe city and it simply cannot be missed because of the novelty that it offers. If you have little ones then a visit here is sure to make you a very popular parent.
Love to read? Located on Calle Cristo, check out this tiny museum which offers exhibitions related to books and printing. The museum has a collection of vintage books and manuscripts from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Take in the history of book printing on the island and take note of the very curious and primitive printing tools discovered by local historians.
Near the Paseo de la Princesa, families can take their kids to a fun place where they can interact with the local pigeons. Young children especially love this opportunity. The pigeons congregate here, always hungry, and for one dollar you can buy a bag of dried corn to feed them right from your hands. It's a great way to squeeze in a little rest without the kids knowing!
Casa del Rey, also known as the King's House was built in 1823, making it one of Dorado's most historic buildings to be still standing. Initially, it functioned as the residence for Spanish government officials and later a military base, until it was purchased by Jacinto López in 1848. He added an indoor patio and two wings to the original structure which can still be seen today. Manuel Alonso y Pacheco, a renowned romantic writer was the last owner of the house. The property is now a history museum.
This small museum houses the pre-Colombian artifacts collection belonging to the Universidad de Puerto Rico (University of Puerto Rico, or UPR). In addition to the artifacts, you'll find historic documents and art. The space serves as an exposition hall for contemporary art from local artists as well. The museum, while small, is well maintained and is constantly visited by students and faculty. The admission is free of charge. The museum stands just in front of the University's main library.
Built in the 19th century, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery is the final resting place for a number of significant residents of Puerto Rico. While most would't add a cemetery to their must-visit list while on a vacation, this one warrants a visit simply for its fabulous sculptures and beautiful architecture. Divided into a new and an old section, the oldest burial sites include those of José de Diego, Ricardo Alegría and Rafael Cordero.
Located on Calle Cristo, this cathedral is the must-see attraction of the San Juan Archdiocese. It was built in 1540 and has been restored several times since. Declared an official Minor Basilica by the Vatican in Rome, the cathedral is part of most walking tours hosted in and around Old San Juan. Learn about the famous Spanish conquistador and first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de León, whose remains are interred on the premises.
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. Stella Maris Parish 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.
Near the Paseo de la Princesa, families can take their kids to a fun place where they can interact with the local pigeons. Young children especially love this opportunity. The pigeons congregate here, always hungry, and for one dollar you can buy a bag of dried corn to feed them right from your hands. It's a great way to squeeze in a little rest without the kids knowing!