Must-Visit Attractions in Puerto Rico

The Parque de Bombas de Ponce, also known as the Old Ponce Fire Station, is more than 100 years old. In 1882, the building housed an Exhibition Trade Fair, and was converted into Ponce’s firehouse three years later. Now a museum, it was designed by architect Lieutenant-Colonel Maxino Meana in a gothic style. The building, famed for its red-and-black exterior, has been recognized by the US National Park Service. Visitors can check out this unique structure at the Plaza de las Delicias.

One of the oldest churches in Puerto Rico and all of the Americas, Porta Coeli Church used to be a school and a convent: El Convento de Santo Domingo de Porta Coeli. The most famous landmark in San German, on the west coast of the island, the white church, whose exterior was a peachy-salmon color for many years, is home to a religious museum that features sculptures and paintings as well as other artefacts.

The letras de Ponce, or Ponce letters, as this sign at the entrance to the town is called, is a popular spot to take pictures and share them on social media. Ponce is one of the largest and most well-known cities in Puerto Rico. Visitors from elsewhere on the island, as well as from other countries, often park next to the letters and take pictures in front of them, or even sitting inside of them.

There are three bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, which look unreal at night, when they are alive with a glow caused by living organisms in the water. Kayaking and swimming are possible in some of the bays, but not in others in order to protect the environment. Few bioluminescent bays exist in the world, so visitors are lucky to have a couple of options here.

Travel back in time at the Caguana Indigenous Center, which preserves part of the history of the Taino people, Puerto Rico’s indigenous community. The Tainos played an important role in shaping Puerto Rican culture, and there are petroglyphs, artefacts and ceremonial areas on display for visitors. The center is located in Utuado, in central Puerto Rico.

Also known as the Arecibo Observatory, this is the biggest single-dish radio telescope in the world and forms part of the National Astronomy and Ionosphere Center. It functions all day, every day, and shares information internationally with scientists. The brainchild of Cornell University Professor William E Gordon, the observatory has been an important scientific structure since its opening in 1963. Visitors can explore this one-of-a-kind attraction through the science and visitor center, and can also take a guided tour and have a look from an observation deck.

One of the standout architectural buildings in Old San Juan, El Capitolio was created in a Neoclassical revival style. The building was constructed between 1925 and 1929, has a plaza at the front, and faces the ocean. Prominent features include the dome and columns that are visible from a distance; these are popular features of visitors’ photographs.

The Serralles Castle is located atop a hill in Ponce and was constructed by the Serralles Family, who had had much success in the alcohol business through their brands such as Don Q rum. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, see the spectacular views from the building and stop by its museum. There are also fantastic gardens to stroll in.