Things to do in Ponce

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La Guancha
El Museo Castillo Serralles
Parque de Bombas featuring night scenes and street scenes
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
El Museo Castillo Serralles which includes animals and wildflowers

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Ponce must see attractions

1. La Guancha

Paseo Tablado La Guancha is a boardwalk that hugs the shoreline of Ponce’s dazzling waterfront district, Playa Barrio. Experience life like the Ponceños and revel in the live salsa music, tasty street food and exciting beachside atmosphere. Visit the marina and rent a paddleboat or take advantage of the sweeping sea views from the observation tower.
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La Guancha

2. Hacienda Buena Vista

Sample locally grown coffee and learn about coffee production, both today and in the past at the Hacienda Buena Vista. This traditional coffee farm in southern Puerto Rico is one of the best illustrations of a centuries old industry. When Don Salvador de Vives formed the farm in 1833, he grew fruit. It wasn’t until later in the 1800's that coffee was first planted. The Hacienda Buena Vista hit its stride during the coffee boom of the 1880s. For the next fifty years the farm was considered one of the finest producers of coffee in the world, exporting to the United States, Europe and even the Vatican. Today visitors to the Hacienda will find 87 acres (35 Hectares) of fertile farmland, a series of restored historic buildings and a museum in the Hacienda itself.
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Hacienda Buena Vista which includes a house and street scenes as well as a small group of people

3. Parque de Bombas

This historic firehouse is named for the traditional hand-pumped water units once used on the island. Situated in Ponce’s town center, the Parque de Bombas is hard to miss. Considered by many to be one of the most iconic building in Puerto Rico, the small wooden structure is painted in vibrant reds and blacks, the traditional colors of Ponce. The former fire station houses a museum that unveils the history of southern Puerto Rico, and includes fascinating information about Ponce, the firefighters and the great fire of 1899. A visit to the Parque is a great excursion for history buffs and families with young children, who will enjoy the traditional fire trucks.
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Parque de Bombas featuring street scenes

4. El Museo Castillo Serralles

El Museo Castillo Serrallés is a magnificent mansion that symbolizes the prosperity of Puerto Rico’s rum-distilling industry. Established in the 1930s as the home of one of Ponce’s wealthy magnates, the Castillo Serrallés overlooks the entire city from the El Vigía hilltop. Peruse the exhibits housed within the sumptuous villa and learn about the sugar boom that fueled the immense success of rum distilleries such as Juan Serrallés’ Don Q Rum. Stroll around the symmetrical gardens and appreciate the timeless elegance of the terraces and courtyards.
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El Museo Castillo Serralles

5. Plaza of Delights

Spend some time in Ponce’s Plaza of Delights (Plaza las Delicias) and the city will show you its heart. Landmark colonial architecture dominates the city’s main square, while leafy Indian laurel trees and pretty gardens provide a feeling of serenity. Take a break from the bustle of downtown Ponce and enjoy people-watching in the city’s favorite meeting place. The plaza is split into two halves, Luis Muñoz Rivera Plaza to the north and Frederico Degetau Plaza to the south.
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Plaza of Delights

6. El Vigia Hill

El Vigía Hill seems to loom around every corner in the jumble of narrow streets in Ponce’s historic center. Topped with the enormous Cruceta del Vigía and the exquisite mansion Castillo Serrallés, the northern Ponce border of El Vigia Hill is visible from all over the city. Make your way to its summit to find a vantage point that is entwined with Ponce’s colonial heritage.
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El Vigia Hill

What to do in Ponce

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ponce

La Guancha

La Guancha

Take a stroll down Ponce’s waterfront boardwalk and experience its lively dining scene, local music, playgrounds, boat rides and views out to Isla Caja de Muertos.

La Guancha
Hacienda Buena Vista which includes a house and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Hacienda Buena Vista

Visit this historic coffee plantation to learn about one of Puerto Rico’s most enduring industries.

Hacienda Buena Vista
Parque de Bombas featuring street scenes

Parque de Bombas

This small, wooden fire station in the heart of Ponce is a historical and architectural monument.

Parque de Bombas
El Museo Castillo Serralles

El Museo Castillo Serralles

Discover an empire built on sugar and rum as you explore the intriguing galleries and luxurious refurbished rooms in this 1930s Spanish Revival mansion.

El Museo Castillo Serralles
Plaza of Delights

Plaza of Delights

Ponce’s plaza of delights is true to its name, with heritage architecture, glinting fountains, tree-lined arcades and the scent of freshly baked pastries in the air.

Plaza of Delights
El Vigia Hill

El Vigia Hill

Climb up Ponce’s highest hill, crowned with an immense concrete cross, to relax in a tranquil garden and see a panorama of the city’s architecturally diverse streetscape.

El Vigia Hill
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The delicately embellished cathedral crowning Ponce’s Plaza Las Delicias is a cherished landmark in the city and has a history stretching back over 300 years.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This is the oldest indigenous site in the Caribbean. Over 4500 years old. This is the view from inside the museum.

Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center

You can learn about the history of Portugués with a visit to Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. While in this romantic area, find time to visit its shops.

Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center
El Vigia Observation Tower

El Vigia Observation Tower

Marauding pirates and seafaring merchants were once spied from this hilltop vantage point, which now features a monumental cross with a viewing deck.

El Vigia Observation Tower

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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

Popular day trips from Ponce

Photo by Shannon Willitts

Utuado

Photo by Sabrina McQuoid

Penuelas

Frequently asked questions

Is Ponce worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Ponce is visit La Guancha. Tick this top attraction off your to-do list, then experience more of the area's walking trails and watersports.
How do I spend a day in Ponce?
Start your day with a visit to La Guancha and El Vigia Observation Tower. Then, explore different areas of Ponce for a quick bite and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ponce?
The top tourist attraction in Ponce is La Guancha, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Ponce?
Three days is enough for a short trip to Ponce — you'll hit the main sights and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you truly want to soak it all in, book for at least a week or more to discover some hidden gems too.
Is Ponce a walkable city?
It all depends on what you'd like to see and do in Ponce. Several top attractions, such as La Guancha and Teatro la Perla, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Ponce's best neighborhoods, Ponce Centro is 0.16 kilometers away from downtown, while Segundo is 0.97 kilometers away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ponce with kids?
Deciding what to do in Ponce with kids has never been easier. Whether you're traveling with little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep everyone busy here.

What to do in Ponce for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Ponce, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Vicens Coliseum.
Are there free things to do in Ponce?
In Ponce, La Guancha is a must-see spot for anyone wanting to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, check out the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a top way to learn about the best free things to do in Ponce.