Ponce

Travel Guide
El Museo Castillo Serralles
Walk through the labyrinthine streets of Puerto Rico’s second-largest city and you’ll find richly decorated colonial architecture, museums and pretty fountains.

Ponce has a captivatingly distinctive character that sets it apart from the island country’s biggest city, San Juan. Founded by Juan Ponce de León y Loayza in 1692, the city’s aristocratic pride lives on in its exquisite architecture and historic landmarks. Check out this snapshot of old-world Puerto Rico as you explore the city center’s museums and narrow streets and discover a waterfront district with a lively dining scene.

A good place to begin your exploration of Ponce is the city’s main square, Plaza of Delights (Plaza Las Delicias). From here, you can stroll to most of the sights in the compact downtown area. Visit the tourist office in the striking Parque de Bombas, the red-and-black striped façade of the former fire station. Admire the exquisite architecture of the Casa Aldacía (City Hall), the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and El Museo Castillo Serrallés, which is a Spanish Revival treasure.

Learn about the local history at the Casa de la Masacres de Ponce and enjoy the cultural insights at the Museum of Puerto Rican Music. Find out about pre-Columbian cultures at the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. The modern Museo de Arte de Ponce is one of Latin America’s most impressive art museums and hosts a series of touring exhibitions.

Make your way south of downtown to find the waterfront district of La Guancha Paseo Toblado. This harborside area can be explored via a boardwalk and features some of the city’s top restaurants.

Go on a tour of some of the city’s outlying destinations, such as Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island) or the coffee plantations on the northern edge of the city. Visit El Tuque Beach or join snorkeling and Jet Ski tours of the nearby cays and islands.

Ponce is located on Puerto Rico’s Southern Coastal Plain. Reach Ponce by air to Mercedita International Airport, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from downtown. You can reach the city via car from San Juan in a little over an hour, while public bus trips take approximately 2 hours. Book accommodations near Ponce’s main square to enjoy having some of the city’s main attractions on your doorstep.

Where to stay in Ponce

Ponce

Ponce Centro

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

While visiting Ponce Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza of Delights and Parque de Bombas.

Ponce Centro
Caribe Hotel Ponce
Caribe Hotel Ponce
3.5 out of 5
103 Turpo Industrial Park, Ponce
The price is ¥21,875 per night from May 15 to May 16
¥21,875
per night
May 15 - May 16
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Ponce. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,196 reviews)
"This is my Third stay at this hotel and I love it. I love the location and the pool and the staff"

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Caribe Hotel Ponce
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
4.5 out of 5
1150 Caribe Avenue, Ponce
The price is ¥31,669 per night from Jun 2 to Jun 3
¥31,669
per night
Jun 2 - Jun 3
Book a stay at this beach resort in Ponce. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very clean rooms. Entertainment areas at a walkable distance from the rooms. Hotel is like 5 minutes from shooping mall (Plaza del Caribe). Parking area should have transport to the Hotel (Even in a golf cart) but a little walk might be helpful. Overall great experience. Impressed with room ..."

Reviewed on May 4, 2024

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino
Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino
3.5 out of 5
Street No 2 KM 228.9, Ponce
The price is ¥22,378 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥22,378
per night
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this hotel in Ponce. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (844 reviews)
"Everything was excellent..."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mavs Boutique Hotel
Mavs Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
Calle Ramon Power, Ponce, Ponce
Stay at this apartment in Ponce. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Museo de Arte de Ponce and Museum of the Ponce ...
7.8/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"The instructions that were given by the host were great. Private parking was secure and you can see your vehicle right from the balcony. Highways conveniently located all around to make getting around super easy. When you first walk in, the apartment smelled clean. Rooms are spacious. The apartment ..."

Reviewed on Apr 14, 2024

Mavs Boutique Hotel
The Place at the Sea
The Place at the Sea
4.5 out of 5
3499 Av. Los Meros, Ponce, Ponce
Stay at this aparthotel in Ponce. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Vicens Coliseum and Montaner Stadium are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very Good! (32 reviews)
"We stayed one night at Place by the Sea and it was more than adequate. Our mobile home was large and clean, the service was stellar, and the view from the back was quiet and relaxing! Fernando was so nice and recommend an amazing restaurant close by called el Rancho Playero!"

Reviewed on May 8, 2024

The Place at the Sea
Peaceful place
Peaceful place
Ponce
Stay at this vacation home in Ponce. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Vicens Coliseum and Montaner ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"The property owner was great from the very beginning. The house is cozy and the beds are comfortable. I will recommend the stay. The cameras and alarm are a plus. The neighborhood is quiet and was fun listening to the roasters. Thank you Rosa for being such a great host."

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2024

Peaceful place
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Ponce

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
187
" "5 - Excellent 46.05911330049261%
4 - Good
154
" "4 - Good 37.93103448275862%
3 - Okay
52
" "3 - Okay 12.807881773399014%
2 - Disappointing
10
" "2 - Disappointing 2.4630541871921183%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 0.7389162561576355%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 7, 2020

Everything and everyone seem nice We couldn't go to any of the fun places due to the coronavirus everything was close So we drove around and explored

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 21, 2020

Everything was close so we could not go anywhere .

5/5 - Excellent

Benjamin
Mar 25, 2020

Given the current situation of the country, the city and the property are taking the necessary measures to ensure a healthy and safe environment.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 27, 2019

We need BETTER ROADS!!!!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Catalina
Dec 24, 2019

Loved the city of Ponce, so many historical places to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Dec 17, 2019

The Colonial City Style