San Juan Landmarks and Monuments

(San Juan, Puerto Rico)

Landmarks in San Juan tend to concentrate on the rich heritage of Puerto Rico and the famous characters who helped make its history.

Perhaps the best-known landmark here is the Old City itself, with its wealth of colonial mansions, lively harbour and terraced streets. Even the blue cobblestones in Old San Juan are unique to this city, while the plentiful plazas add much character. Be sure to check out the centrally located Plaza de Armas, the Plaza Colon and its Christopher Columbus statue, the Plaza del Mercado marketplace, and the Paseo de la Princesa, where the famous Raices Fountain (Fontana de las Raices) resides.

Plaza Colon / Statue of Christopher Columbus

Address: Plaza Colon, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Next to the San Cristobal Fort is the 19th-century bronze of Christopher Columbus, commissioned as a memorial to the 400th anniversary of the great explorer's landing in Puerto Rico. Perched atop a huge pillar, the image of Columbus can be seen from all over the city and serves as a useful point of reference. The Plaza Colon is also often referred to as the Columbus Plaza and sees much traffic arriving from the Avenida Munoz Rivera. Just a stroll to the south is the Teatro Tapia theatre.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Iglesia de San Jose / Ponce de Leon Statue

Address: Iglesia de San Jose, Plaza de San Jose, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Tel: +1 787 725 7501
Fronting the massive sparkling white church is the monument to Juan Ponce de Leon, the founder of the city. His descendants remained resident in the city for 250 years and their scion was originally buried in the Iglesia de San Jose, before being moved to the cathedral around 350 years later. The church itself is the second most historic in the Americas and dates back some 500 years, being built as long ago as 1523. Of interest, the acclaimed Puerto Rican artist Jose Campeche is buried here. Close by is the Convento de los Dominicos, the Museo de Casals, the Museo de San Juan and the Casa de los Contrafuertes.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 to 16:00, Sunday mass at midday
Admission: free

Old Harbour

Address: San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
The rocky islet of Old San Juan, connected to Puerto Rico's main island by a causeway, was the founding site of the original city. Due to its sheltered location, its harbour played an integral part in the city's ever expanding economy as it became a notable trading hub, and is now the hub for a plethora of cruise ship companies.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras (UPRRP) and Tower (Universidad de Puerto Rico / Recinto de Rio Piedras)

Address: Avenida Barbosa / Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Tel: +1 787 764 0000
Now more than 100 years old, the Universidad de Puerto Rico was established in 1903 and started off with just 20 students and a handful of professors. Today, the university is called home by just under 20,000 students and is rather dominated by its distinctive clock tower, a major landmark which soars high above the cityscape and is clearly visible from all over. The imposing university building was constructed in the early 20th century and is a highly respected institute of learning.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Walkway of the Princess (Paseo de la Princesa)

Address: Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
The main esplanade set along the seafront in the Old City, the Paseo de la Princesa's picturesque 19th-century charm typifies Old San Juan and is a monument to its 500-year history. This rather European-style promenade is a favourite place for Puerto Rican families wishing to enjoy an evening stroll. As you walk along the Paseo de la Princesa, look out for the antique street lamps and statues, or simply sit on one of the benches and admire the view.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Raices Fountain (Fontana de las Raices)

Address: Paseo de la Princesa, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
The spectacular 'Roots Fountain' in Old San Juan is one of the city's most romantic spots and celebrates its African, Spanish and Taino Indian heritage. Located at the end of the Paseo de la Princesa, the Raices Fountain is a magnificent water feature and is widely considered to be a romantic spot for couples. The fountain itself is a relatively new landmark in the city and was completed in 1992, to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the New World.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

El Arsenal

Address: Calle La Puntilla, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Tel: +1 787 724 1877
The waterfront El Arsenal resides on the southern side of the city, in the neighbourhood named 'La Puntilla'. Formerly operating as a naval station for the Spanish, the Arsenal was once the last stronghold for the Spanish military following the Spanish-American War in 1898. Nowadays, visitors will be able to enjoy various decorative arts within its three galleries, hosted by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriquena.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 08:30 to 16:00
Admission: free

Little House (La Casita)

Address: La Marina, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
The Little House, or La Casita as it is better known, resembles a small gatehouse in its appearance and is easy to spot, being yellow in colour and close to the docks of the cruise ships, as well as Pier 1 and the Plaza de la Darsena. Constructed in the late 1930s by the Department of Agriculture and Commerce, the building features a red roof, neo-classical architecture, white trimmings and three arches. La Casita now operates as a visitors centre for the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) and is also used as a venue for a craft market at weekends.
Open hours: daily - seasonal variations
Admission: free

Casa de Ramon Power y Giralt

Address: 155 Calle Tetuan, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Tel: +1 787 722 5882
This 18th-century landmark is close to the Club Lazer and just a block to the south-east of the Plaza de Armas. The Casa de Ramon Power y Giralt formerly functioned as the earliest Puerto Rican representative to the Spanish Court and is currently used by the Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico, as their main office. Inside is a small collection of Taino exhibits, together with displays relating to the ecology of the island, information about the trust's other acquisitions and a gift shop.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Plaza de Armas

Address: Plaza de Armas, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
The Plaza de Armas forms the centrepiece of Old San Juan and is bounded by the Calle San Francisco (north), the Calle Cruz (east), the Calle Fortaleza (south) and the Calle San Jose (west). Many prominent local landmarks surround the spacious 16th-century plaza and add much Spanish and Mexican character. Here you will find the City Hall (Casa Alcaldia), the Provincial Delegation Building (Diputacion) and the Administration Building (Intendencia). This 'Army Plaza' was once used for military parades and is now simply a great place to hang out, enjoy a coffee and admire some striking architecture.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza del Mercado

Address: Plaza del Mercado, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Sited just off the Calle San Sebastian, the Plaza del Mercado (Market Square) is the city's traditional marketplace, crammed with stalls selling fresh and cooked foods, household goods, clothes, traditional crafts and much more. This area plays a central role in many of the city's festivals and there is often something of interest awaiting here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plaza de San Jose

Address: Plaza de San Jose, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
The Plaza de San Jose is located next to the Calle de San Sebastian and the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, where it is rather presided over by an imposing statue of Juan Ponce de Leon. This public square is comprised of cobblestones and forms an especially elevated part of the city, with many cultural attractions within relative proximity. There are also numerous restaurants and bars in this part of the city, often offering shady al fresco dining with a view.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Capitol Building (El Capitolio)

Address: Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon / Avenida Munoz Rivera, San Juan, Puerto Rico, PR
Tel: +1 787 721 6040
The Capitol Building stands between the Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon and the Avenida Munoz Rivera, and just a short distance from the Fuerte San Cristobal. This grand landmark overlooks the coastline and is home to both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Sightseers will no doubt be interested to see the actual copy of the Constitution of Puerto Rico, which was signed in 1952. The architecture itself is particularly impressive and palatial, being fronted by lines of stone columns and arches, and crowned by a huge dome.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free