San Juan

The municipality San Juan is Puerto Rico is the country's capital and also its most populous - containing about half of the island's inhabitants. With over 500 years of history under its belt, San Juan is a unique and fascinating destination that combines the cultures of Latin America, Africa, Spain, and the Taino people, the Caribbean Island's indigenous people.   San Juan is also called the “La Ciudad Amurallada” or walled city. It was founded in the year 1521 making it the second oldest European-established city in the Americas, just after the city of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, which was founded in the year 1498.   San Juan’s attractions are plenty and varied. One of the most popular destinations that travellers to the city makes a beeline for is the Old San Juan. This half-a-century old district consists of seven square blocks of cobblestones streets that were originally a military stronghold that has evolved into an attractive commercial and residential area, as well as many of San Juan’s restaurants.   And more than the historic 16th- and 17th-century Colonial Spanish architecture, tourists flock to Old San Juan to enjoy the numerous gambling casinos and beaches that perfectly complements Puerto Rico’s tropical climate.   Another attraction not to be missed is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of El Palacio de Santa Catalina, which is a fortress created to protect the port along with the El Castello San Felipe del Morro and the Castello de San Cristobal.   A visit to the Western Hemisphere’s second oldest cathedral, the Catedral de San Juan, is worth the journey. Its rare and authentic medieval architecture is a sight to see. It still holds regular services but is open to visitors from 8:30am to 4pm everyday.   Away from the usual sightseeing activities, San Juan offers tourists a wealth of underwater and marine treasures. Head out to Coronado and take a boat to the nearby isle of Icacos and snorkel and frolic among the ocean’s colourful inhabitants. You can always choose to continue your exploration of San Juan on dry land. Enriching tours of the island’s museums like Museo de San Juan, Museo de Nuestras Raices Africanas, and C