Plaza de San José

San Juan


This small cobblestone plaza is dominated by a statue of Juan Ponce de León, cast from English cannons captured in the raid of 1797. It's a popular spot on weekend evenings.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Juan attractions

1. Iglesia de San José

0.02 MILES

What it lacks in grandiosity it makes up for in age: the Iglesia de San José is the second-oldest church in the Americas, after the cathedral in Santo…

2. Plaza del Quinto Centenario

0.07 MILES

This modern square is shoehorned in among several architectural landmarks and offers great views over El Morro and the ocean beyond. Built in 1992 to…

3. Museo de San Juan

0.08 MILES

Set in a former marketplace, this small museum offers the definitive take on the city's 500-year history. A permanent exhibit showcases well-laid-out…

4. Cuartel de Ballajá

0.11 MILES

Built in 1854 as a military barracks, the cuartel is an impressive three-story edifice with large gates on two ends, a series of arches and a large…

5. Plazuela Las Monjas

0.11 MILES

This pretty little park faces the Catedral de San Juan Bautista. Its ironwork benches and shade trees make it a good place for people watching, especially…

6. Catedral de San Juan Bautista

0.11 MILES

While San Juan's cathedral is smaller and less flamboyant than many Spanish churches, it retains a simple elegance. The first church on this site was…

7. Museo de las Américas

0.13 MILES

This museum presents an impressive overview of cultural development in the Americas, including indigenous, African and European influences. Four permanent…

8. Casa Blanca

0.13 MILES

First constructed in 1521 as a residence for Puerto Rico’s pioneering governor, Juan Ponce de León (who died before he could move in), Casa Blanca is the…