San Juan

This charming old part of town is a great place to explore restored buildings from the 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial period. Walk through the narrow cobblestone streets and enjoy a lively and colorful area full of history, culture and personality.

This small square is home to one of the most emblematic sites in Old San Juan. It is a "must-see" landmark located just a couple blocks from the Cathedral, and the site of the famous bronze statue La Rogativa, made by Lindsay Daen. The statue represents a bishop and his companions who helped frighten away the British troops during the 1797 attack on the city by carrying torches and chanting.

The museum, which was built in 1992, hosts permanent exhibits exploring New World art and its African heritage, as well as indigenous and archaeological artifacts. It also hosts exhibits by local artists, creative workshops and other events for the community.

The Puerto Rico Museum of Art, which boasts more than ten exhibit halls, includes permanent collections and a compilation of Puerto Rican art from the 17th century to the present. There is also a lovely garden with a pond where you can relax and engage in some people-watching.

Parque de las Palomas is a courtyard on top of the city wall, with great views of Bahía de San Juan and the criss-crossing water traffic that includes Brobdingnagian cruise ships. The park gets its name ("Park of the Pigeons") from the hundreds of pigeons that call the park home.

The Bacardí family built a small rum distillery here in the 1950s. Today it's the world's largest, capable of producing more than 20 million cases a year. A basic tour of the visitor center includes one free drink, or you can opt for a mixology class or rum tasting.

One of Old San Juan's remarkable cemeteries, Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis provides a peaceful respite from the bustle of the city and it has a beautiful location overlooking the ocean. There are amazing sculptures and architecture to explore, and many famous people are buried here.