San Juan
San Juan, the capital city of Puerto Rico, is one of the best harbours in the Caribbean.
Founded in 1521, the town's rich history can be traced to the time when the Spanish built a series of strong fortifications that protected it from British and Dutch invasions. However, the Americans bombed the city in 1898 during the Spanish-American war and ever since it has remained the territory of the United States.
Vacation rentals in San Juan
Why stay in a hotel when you have a wide range of vacation homes to choose from? The vacation rentals in San Juan provide you all the amenities of a five star resort as also the space and privacy that only a home can provide. So whether you want to spend intimate moments together or entertain your families and friends, the vacation homes provide you all the facilities to make your occasion extra special. The living room, dining room and bedrooms are well furnished with comfortable furniture and have balconies providing awe-inspiring views of the surroundings.
Attractions
- Plaza de San Jos: Old San Juan has several plazas, with the Plaza de San Jos being the most popular. It serves as the meeting place for young and old alike. At its centre stands the bronze statue of Ponce de Len, made from a British cannons captured in during Sir Ralph Abercromby's attack in 1797. On the outskirts are a number of historic buildings.
- The Muoz Rivera Park: This spacious ocean side park with large trees, landscape gardens and wide walks is located on Jess T. Piero Avenue. Other parks worth visiting include Mart Coll Linera Park and Central Park.
- El Morro: The fort, a maze of tunnels, dungeons, barracks, outposts and ramps, is studded with small, circular sentry boxes called "garitas" that have become a national symbol. From here, the views of San Juan Bay from El Morro are spectacular. The area is a National Historic Site.
- San Juan Beach & Resort area: This area includes the areas of Condado, Miramar, Ocean Park and Isla Verde and houses casinos, nightclubs, restaurants and chic boutiques.
Dining
- Abelardo's: This is considered to be the first real steakhouse in Puerto Rico. On offer are different cuts of meat plus Australian lobster tail. The restaurant is open for lunch from Tuesday through Friday and from Tuesday through Saturday for dinner.
- Ajili Mojili: The restaurant is the perfect place to sample some of the finest Puerto Rican cuisine. It is open from Sunday through Friday for lunch and dinner and Saturday for dinner only.
Nightlife and Entertainment
- The Casino of Puerto Rico: Built during World War I, the casino is a great place to spend the evening if you are fond of gambling. The casino also has a large ballroom with elaborate plaster-work and a 12-foot chandelier.
- The Teatro Tapia (Tapia Theater): Built in 1832 (financed by subscriptions and by taxes on bread and imported liquor) and remodeled in 1949 and 1987, the theatre is one of the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Named after Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, the famous Puerto Rican playwright, it hosts a variety of entertainment in the fine arts, plays, ballets and concerts.
- Centro de Bellas Artes (Fine Arts Center): Opened in 1981, it is the largest fine arts centre in the Caribbean and hosts plays and opera.
Golfing
Most major resorts outside the San Juan Metropolitan Area feature golf courses. Other private courses are also available. Some golf courses worth checking out include Dorado del Mar Golf Club, Dorado, Hyatt Dorado Beach Golf Club, Hyatt Regency Cerromar Beach Golf Club, Ft. Buchanan Golf, Caguas Real Golf & Country Club, and Las Bambuas Golf Course.
