Old san juan. San Juan Cruise Port San Juan Shops & Cuisine

Puerto Rico is considered almost 51 states of America, i.e. is under the control of the United States, but is not an integral part of it (the action on the territory of the US Constitution is limited, the supreme power belongs to the US Congress, but the territory has its own system of self-government).

In short, American visas (or as we have ESTA permits) had to be shown before visiting this state. Because of this, a huge queue lined up before disembarking along the entire length of our Independence boardwalk.

Coming ashore, we were greeted by very good weather. We decided with friends to visit a real rainforest, which is located an hour's drive from the capital in the El-Yunque National Park. As the guide promised, a real tropical jungle with waterfalls was waiting for us.

Immediately at the port and formed our mini-group. This is usually the case - while we find out the prices and the proposed routes, already several people from the ship themselves come up to us and ask where we are and whether it is possible with us. We are always happy to share our trip with the cruisers.

We rented a minibus for 8 people, the price was slightly reduced - at first it was offered at $ 50, agreed at $ 45 per person. After the forest they promised to drive us around the city, take us to the beach and show us Old San Juan.

On the way to the reserve we drove through the capital. San Juan is a city of contrasts, there are high-rise buildings, there are also not very shiny, to put it mildly, neighborhoods.

After a while we found ourselves in the rain forest of the El Yunque National Park. Mount El Yunque, where the reserve itself is located, rises 575m above sea level. Of course, here you can get acquainted with the whole variety of extraordinary Caribbean plants. Even millennial trees and exotic plants come across. The minibus climbed a steep road surrounded on all sides by centuries-old tropical plants. The guide told us in detail what the tree is called.

There were several stops during the tour. The first park introduced us to one of the many waterfalls in this park. Not Iguassu, of course, but it's still pretty interesting to see the local sights.

Everywhere in the park you can find small waterfalls, so it is very pleasant to be in the forest, cool and fresh from them. But there are frequent rains, so it is recommended to take something to cover with you. We were lucky, not a drop fell!

Nature appears here in its original form - all around the lush vegetation. Not a bad decoration for any movie about the ancient world, about dinosaurs. By the way, no poisonous reptiles are found in these tropical forests.

Then we climbed the Yokahu Observation Tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire surrounding forest and even in the distance you can see the coast.

It turned out such an easy, pleasant walk through the rainforest, it was quite curious to visit among the centuries-old trees and plants, and visit the local waterfalls.

After the jungle, we headed back towards the city, drove to one of the beaches to look at the powerful waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

We admired the ocean a little and continued our sightseeing tour of San Juan. We didn’t leave the bus, as we had already walked through the tropical forest and just wanted to follow the pictures from the window. We saw the Capitol (Capitolio de Puerto Rico) - the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, which houses the Senate and House of Representatives.

Fort San Felipe del Morro (Castillo San Felipe del Morro), named after the Spanish king Philip II (Felipe II; 1527-1598), is a powerful fortified fortress located on the northwestern tip of the island.

The Telurico Totem, a giant column of black granite and ceramics by the Puerto Rican artist Jaime Suárez, was erected in 1992 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus's discovery of the New World.

After the end of the excursion, according to tradition, we went on the liner for lunch and then went for another 1.5 hours to walk along the streets of San Juan before sailing. Nice town with ancient architecture. Traders do not sleep - they offer souvenirs right on the road, not far from the liners. We just wandered along the streets, plunged into the atmosphere, so to speak. We accidentally wandered into an interesting salon of fashionable designer clothes. We met the hostess, a very nice girl.

For those who do not like to travel on foot, you can choose another method of transportation, for example, by horse-drawn carriage or mini-train.

And we're back on board, thanks for the ride! Nice island, interesting.

Where is the cruise port of San Juan

The cruise port of San Juan is the largest in the Caribbean and has 2 cruise terminals.

Transit liners dock at the Old San Juan Cruise Terminal, which is located in the city center and has 6 berths. Liners whose route starts from San Juan, except for the Carnival Victory, use the Pan American Pier terminal. Its location is slightly worse, but it is closer to the airport.

How to get to the cruise port of San Juan

There are direct connections between the airport and the Old San Juan Cruise Terminal. At the airport, take the T5 bus at stop 1022. The bus fare is $ 0.75. Children under 2 years old are free. The entrance to the bus is only through the front door, payment is at the entrance, the driver does not give change. Travel time is 53 minutes, the bus leaves every half hour. Please note that this route does not operate on Sundays. It will be possible to get from the airport to the cruise port only by making 3 transfers, the journey will take about 2 hours. We strongly recommend taking a taxi on this day. The taxi ride from one area to another is fixed. Drivers only turn on the meter when driving in one area. A taxi ride from the airport to the cruise port will cost around $ 30-35.

San Juan shops and cuisine

The main shopping streets in the old town are Christ, Fortaleza and San Francisco. Here you can buy souvenirs popular among tourists: wooden figurines of saints, coca frogs, carnival masks made of coconut and papier-mâché, lace, musical instruments and, of course, magnificent rum "Bacardi", "Barrilito" and "Don Koo". Pay attention to the local coffee, which has been supplied to the Vatican since the 19th century.

The modern and very large Plaza las Americas shopping center is 15 minutes' drive from the cruise terminal. This is one of the best shopping malls in the entire Caribbean! There are a lot of different shops, a good assortment, constant promotions and discounts, and very polite staff. You can get there by taxi and bus with one change.

We advise you to try Lechon roast suckling pig. Before frying on a spit, it is marinated for 24 hours, due to which it acquires an absolutely delicious taste. Soups are the staple of food in Puerto Rico. One of the most famous soups is black bean soup. Another classic soup is chicken and rice. It may taste slightly different depending on the restaurant. The third classic soup is fish soup, cooked with fish heads and tails.

Also try all kinds of fruits: mango, guava, papaya, avocado, acerola (Barbados cherry), carambola. Bananas are the most popular side dish served in any restaurant. And this is not just a raw fruit, but fried green bananas. The national drink in Puerto Rico is, of course, rum. 80% of all rum consumed in the United States comes from this island.

Routes, excursions, transport in the port of San Juan

A tourist train runs through the old town. Interestingly, you can ride it for free. Opening hours are Monday through Friday from 7 am to 7 pm, and from Saturday to Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. The train has 3 different routes, all of them start at stop # 1, which is across the street from the cruise terminal. The route name is located on the front of the cart under the glass.

What to see in the vicinity of San Juan

The largest rum factory in the world, Bacardi, is located 18 km from the capital. Here you can see the whole process of making, visit the Museum of the Bacardi family, and also taste and buy the rum you like. Opening hours from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 to 16:30, Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00. Cost from $ 15 per person. You can get there from the ferry pier No. 4.

25 km east of the capital is the country's best nature reserve El Yunque - the Caribbean National Forest.

The best beaches near San Juan are located 6 km from the pier to the east - Cornado and Ocean Park. They can be reached by public transport. Cornado beach is located a little closer to the terminal, you can get there by buses T3 or T21 every day, except Sunday, the journey takes about 50 minutes. Ocean Park Beach can be reached by buses T5, T21, D53 or T3 every day except Sundays. The journey takes about an hour.

San Juan currency

The national currency of Puerto Rico is the US dollar. The US dollar is often referred to as the "peso" on Puerto Rican price tags.

There are many ATMs (ATMs) in all major settlements, and some of them, designated ATH ("a todas horas" - "at any hour"), are located in banks, supermarkets, casinos and most large hotels) work around the clock. There are no shops with sales tax refund (tax free) in the country.

Where to stay before and after the cruise?

For a port stop before your cruise, try Airbnb, which offers a full-fledged apartment for the price of a hotel room. By registering using our link you will receive coupon for 2100 rubles. for your first stay from 4500 rubles!

Top Things to do in and around San Juan Port

These hotels are selected by us based on our own experience and the experience of other cruise travelers. The determining factors when choosing: proximity to the cruise terminal of San Juan, the ability to quickly and easily get to the ship, as well as the airport or train station.

Unlike many Caribbean cities where visitors come and then go in search of smaller tourist areas, San Juan is a lovely capital city, with soft sandy beaches, all kinds of cultural attractions and an atmosphere that could easily make it a destination for a whole holiday. Beachfront luxury hotels and resorts can be found right in and around San Juan, while historic fortresses, colonial architecture, fine dining, museums and more are within walking distance of downtown San Juan. In the city center is Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture blends with modern Puerto Rican culture. The old buildings are now home to many of the city's landmarks and tourist attractions.

The San Juan National Historic Site includes many attractions in the area, including Fuerte San Felipe del Morro and Castillo de San Cristobal, two of the city's top attractions. The fee for both of them is included per pass. San Juan is also a large cruise ship and is known for being the world's largest cruise port. Depending on the number of cruise ships in the port, the city can be very quiet or very busy.

See also: Where to Stay in San Juan

1

Old San Juan (San Juan Viejo)

Exhibiting nearly 500 years of history, the streets of Old San Juan (San Juan Viejo) are windows into the past, with historic forts and Spanish colonial architecture. This World Cultural Heritage Site is the second largest city in the Americas and the oldest city under the US flag. The area of ​​seven square blocks houses over 400 beautifully restored colonial buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries, many of which contain shops, restaurants, museums, hotels and other public buildings. The most dramatic feature, and the real showpiece of Old San Juan, is Fuerte San Felipe del Morro better known as El Morro set out on a plot of land with sea views. But the real charm of the city can be found simply by wandering the streets, admiring the old architecture and enjoying a meal on the outdoor patio. Other highlights Tyri, Cathedral of San Juan, Castillo de San Cristobal, and numerous museums, many of which are worth visiting, to appreciate the architecture of the structure that houses the collections. The entire area can be explored on foot, although a walk to Fort El Morro will greatly extend the duration of the walking tour.

2

Fuerte San Felipe del Morro (El Morro)

Login protection Bay of San Juan, the fort, commonly called El Morro, soared abruptly over the sea on land jutting out into the ocean. Designated as a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, El Morro was built in 1539, with ongoing construction for 250 years and is one of the largest Spanish forts in the Caribbean. There were many buildings between the 1760s and 1780s when many of the actual walls were added. The fort today is a labyrinth of ramps, outposts, barracks, dungeons and tunnels, dotted with small circular clock boxes called garites. These garitas are unique to Puerto Rican forts and have become a national symbol.

The area approaching the fort is an open lawn and there are incredible views from each side, either towards San Juan, including a view of the famous cemetery, or out to sea. While this is a fair distance, visitors can easily exit the fort from the streets of Old San Juan.

3

Castillo de San Cristobal (Fort San Cristobal)

While El Morro is getting all the fame, Castillo de San Cristobal is equally fascinating and well worth a visit. San Cristobal is larger than El Morro and is the largest Spanish fort ever built in the New World. Spreading over 27 acres, it has five independent units connected by a moat and a tunnel, each designed to be self-sufficient if the others fall. The fort was built between 1634 and 1790 to guard the eastern gate to this day, Old San Juan. It was designed to defend against ground attack, which was very different from El Morro, which was built to defend against attacks at sea.

4

San Juan Cemetery (Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzi Cemetery)

Set along the coast, next to El Morro, and high above the ocean, is the beautiful San Juan Cemetery. Celebrated for complex headstones; statues; and the round, domed neoclassical chapel dedicated to Mary Magdalene, the cemetery is a peaceful place. Perched on a hillside above the sea, it also has great views of the ocean and El Morro. All graves are above ground, as in New Orleans. The chapel in the cemetery dates from the 19th century, and many of Puerto Rico's early colonists are buried here. There are good views from El Morro that look out onto the cemetery in the distance.

5

Cathedral of San Juan (Cathedral of San Juan)

The Cathedral of San Juan, which began in 1540, is known as one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas and one of the oldest buildings in San Juan. The interior, with black and white checkered tiles and yellow décor, is surprisingly richly decorated and bouncy. The body of the great Spanish explorer, Ponce de León, has been laid here in a marble tomb since 1913 and San Pio, a Roman Catholic martyr, since 1862. The cathedral still has regular services and tours are available.

Address: Calle del Cristo # 151-153, San Juan

6 Museo de las Américas

The Museum de las Américas, in Old San Juan, explores the history of Puerto Rico with a focus on art, ethnic groups and the country's colonization. The permanent exhibits offer a solid overview of the country's history, but temporary exhibits complement the experience, with all the interesting themes that can include anything from contemporary art to traditional practice. This museum is a good place to start before embarking on a tour of the country's cultural and historical sites.

Address: Calle Beneficencia, San Juan

7 Condado and Ocean Park Beach

Condado and Ocean Park Beach

The Condado area is located on a stretch of land between the Atlantic Ocean and Condado Lagoon. The area was originally developed as San Juan's first tourist area in the 1950s, creating a mini Miami Beach on the city's doorstep. The main axis of the city is Avenida Ashford, which is lined with a number of luxury hotels and resorts. The Condado offers a wide variety of rooms and amenities in all price ranges. On the eastern side of the area is Ocean Park, a one mile wide beach encompassing apartment buildings and beach retreats. The white sandy beach is clean and very popular with the locals. There are no facilities or rooms to change. Condado is also home to huge conference center, with shops, theaters, restaurants and a venue for festivals and exhibitions.

8 La Fortaleza

La Fortaleza was completed in 1540 as a defense against the Caribbean and other foreign invaders. It was occupied twice by occupiers; first by the Earl of Cumberland in 1598, and then by the Dutch general Bowdoin Hendrick in 1625 when a fire damaged the building. Fortaleza subsequently lost its military value and became the seat of the governors of Puerto Rico, a role it still retains today. La Fortaleza is the oldest governor's mansion still in use as such in the Western Hemisphere, where more than 150 governors have lived or stayed. The building itself has undergone many changes in its long history. The result is a fusion of 16th century military architecture with 19th century sophistication.

Address: 52 Calle Fortaleza, San Juan

9 Museum of Puerto Rican Art (Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico)

The Museum de Arte de Puerto Rico is one of the highlights of San Juan and is an outstanding player in the Caribbean cultural scene. The building, which was opened in 2000, was built near the hospital building of the 1920s. The oldest part of the building shows the permanent collection of the museum and is the first thing that visitors see when they enter. The newer section (east wing) is a five-story structure, consisting of a multi-story atrium, a theater with seating for up to 400 people, a sculpture garden and a popular restaurant. There are also other rooms for seminars and exhibitions. In total, the museum contains over 130,000 feet of space used to display an excellent permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

Address: 299 Avenida de Diego, Santurce

Official website: http://www.mapr.org/es

10

Church of San Jose (Iglesia de San José)

The Iglesia de San José was built by Dominican monks in 1532, making it one of the earliest examples of Spanish Gothic architecture in the Americas. Unlike the Cathedral of San Juan, this church is small with a modest façade, but the vaulted interior gives it an airy feel. For nearly 300 years, the Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon was buried here until his body was transferred to the Cathedral of San Juan in 1913. The 18th century Puerto Rican painter Jose Campeche is buried here.

Address: Calle San Sebastian, San Juan

11 Puerto Rico Museum of Contemporary Art (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Puerto Rico)

Founded in 1984, this museum is the place to see the work of Puerto Rico's finest contemporary artists. Changing exhibits showcase the museum's collection of contemporary island prints, paintings, posters and sculptures. Located inside University of the Sacred Heart in the Barat building, the museum can be tricky. Since the exhibits change frequently, be sure to check with the museum or visit their excellent website for the very latest exhibits.

Address: Edificio Histórico Rafael M. Labra, Ave. Juan Ponce de Leon, Eskina Ave. Roberto H. Todd, Parada 18, Santurze

Official website: http://mac-pr.org/

12 Plaza las Americas

Plaza las Americas cogito ergo imago / photo modified

When the culture, beaches and heat of San Juan have paid off and it's time to slip away a little, Plaza las Américas may be the answer. This modern indoor shopping plaza is the place to buy small retail therapy or pick up what's left at home or lost at the airport. This is not a place to find traditional souvenirs and trinkets in Puerto Rico; It is a large shopping mall with US chain stores, the latest fashions, American restaurants, cinemas and unique stores. Puerto Ricas is considered the best shopping mall in Puerto Rico. While it may not be at the top of your must-do list, it is a great rainy day option.

Address: 525 Ave Franklin Delano Roosevelt, San Juan

Where to stay in San Juan for sightseeing

• Condado Vanderbilt Hotel: 5-star luxury beachfront hotel, Spanish revival style, butler service, oceanfront pool, luxury spa.
• Decanter Hotel: mid-range price, location in old San Juan, 19th century colonial building, rooftop terrace, 24-hour concierge.
• CasaBlanca Hotel: Affordable boutique hotel, Moroccan theme, covered terrace with jacuzzi, fantastic staff.
• Da House Hotel: A budget boutique hotel, Old San Juan, a vibrant area full of character.

San Juan Map - Attractions

(199 km 2)

Land 47.9 sq mi (124 km 2) Water 29.1 sq mi (75 km2) 37.8% Urban 876.2 sq mi (2,269 km 2) height 26 ft (8 m) Population Self management 395326 Density 8253 / sq mi (3187 / km 2) Urban 2148346 underground 2350126 Ethno-burial (s) Sanjuaneros Timezone UTC-4 (AST) Postal codes)

00901, 00907, 00909, 00911-00913, 00915, 00917, 00918, 00920, 00921, 00923-00927

Code (s) Area 787 and 939 Web site sanjuanciudadpatria .com / en

San Juan (/ ˌ S æ p HW ɑː n / ; Spanish pronunciation: [San xwan], "Saint John") is the capital and most populous municipality in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, an unincorporated territory in the United States. As of the 2010 census, it is the forty-sixth largest city under United States jurisdiction, with a population of 395,326. San Juan was founded by Spanish colonists in 1521 who named it Ciudad de Puerto Rico("Rich Port City"). The capital city of Puerto Rico is the second oldest European established capital city in the Americas, after Santo Domingo, in the Dominican Republic. Several historic buildings are located in San Juan; Among the most notable are the city's former defensive forts, Fort San Felipe del Morro and Fort San Cristobal and La Tiri, the oldest executive mansion in continuous use in America.

Today, San Juan is Puerto Rico's most important seaport and manufacturing island, a financial, cultural and tourist center. The population of the metropolitan statistical area, including Sanaa Juan and the municipalities of Bayamon, Guaynabo, Katai, Canóvanas, Caguas, Toa Alta, Toa Baja, Carolina and Trujillo Alto, is about 2 million; Thus, about half of the Puerto Rican population currently lives and works in this area. San Juan is also the main city of San Juan Caguas Fajardo Combined Statistical Area. The city has been host to events in the sports community, including the 1979 Pan American Games; 1966 Central America and the Caribbean game; 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classics events; Caribbean Series and Special Olympics and MLB San Juan Series in 2010.

history

Ruins of the residence of Juan Pons de Leon in Capar

Shanti town along the Martin Peña canal, 1973

The architecture is more varied in other parts of the city. The Santurce area has a lot of art deco influence, while the Hato Rey areas have more modern structures.

Districts

San Juan districts

San Juan and Rio Piedras as separate municipalities on a 1915 map

The main downtown area is characterized by narrow blue cobblestone streets and picturesque colonial buildings, some of which date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Sections of the old city are surrounded by massive walls and several defensive structures and famous forts. These include the 16th century Fort San Felipe del Morro and the 17th century Fort San Cristobal, as part of the San Juan National Historic Site, and the 16th century El Palacio de Santa Catalina, also known as La Fortaleza, which serves as the governor's mansion. Other buildings of interest predating the 20th century are Ayuntamiento or Alcaldia(City Hall) then Diputación Provincial and Real Intendencia buildings that are currently home in the Puerto Rico Department of State, the Casa Rosa, the San José Churches (1523) and the adjoining Hotel El Convento, the former home of the Ponce de Leon family, known as Casa Blanca, the Tapia Theater, former Spanish barracks (now Ballajá Museum), La Princesa(a former city prison, now headquartering the Puerto Rico Travel Company), and the Mary Magdalene Cemetery in San Juan, located just outside the city walls. The Cathedral of San Juan Bautista (construction began in the 1520s) is also located in Old San Juan, and contains the tomb of the Spanish explorer and founder of the settlement, Juan Ponce de Leon. Old San Juan, also known as the "old town", is a major cultural attraction in Puerto Rico; its Baysid is lined with dock wedges for large cruise ships.

Other areas

To the east of San Juan lies the rich tourist-oriented neighborhood of Condada, occupying land that is owned by the entrepreneur Pub Ubarri Capetillo, a Spanish railroad developer and Count of San José de Santurce under the Spanish colonial period. Beaches such as the nearby Ocean Park, popular for swimmers, surfers and kiters, are found along the entire Atlantic coast of the area, which is also the focus of numerous hotels.

There are two separate business districts near Condado, Santurce and Miramar. Miramar is a mostly residential area rising south of Condado Bay. It includes the former barrio Miraflores, as well as the drained marshes and landfill over which San Juan's first airport, Isla Grande Airport, was built, which was renamed Fernando Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport in honor of Major Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci (USAF). Miramar is currently located at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, as well as some of San Juan Harbor's cruise ship piers. In 2005, Miramar was designated the Historic District of Puerto Rico.

Santurce, originally named San Mateo de Cangrejos(Saint Matthew crabs), was a settlement for freed African slaves during the early days of the city. After Pablo Ubarri tried to get permission to link San Juan from Rio Piedras correctly by means of a steam tram in 1878, the time it took to travel between the two points was shortened and thereby stimulated the colonization and growth of the area. At the beginning of the twentieth century, an electric cart was installed, the village was divided into three parts, and its main settlement merged with the city, was renamed with the Spanish spelling Santurtzi ( Saint george in Basque), the birthplace of Ubarri in Vizcaya, Spain. The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Museum of Art) and other important cultural centers are located in Santurce.

Looking down the old street of San Juan towards the bay

Demography

Race - San Juan, Puerto Rico - 2010 Census
race	Population	% Of the total
White	268708	68,0%
Black / African American	73538	18,4%
American Indians and Alaska Natives	3071	0,8%
Asian	+1750	0,4%
Hawaiian / Pacific Islands	36	0,0%
Some other races	32386	8,2%
Two or more races	15835	4,0%

San Juan is the largest city in Puerto Rico in population. From 1899 to 1950, the municipality of San Juan excluded the township of Rio Piedras. For this reason, data on population and land area for the period only refer to Antiguo San Juan and SANTURCE barrios or divisions, San Juan. The old municipality of Rio Piedras made up the third most populated city of Puerto Rico at the time of its annexation in 1951, its strategic location south of the capital served as a junction for all major modes of transportation on the island and as the geographical entrance of San Juan, which are factors causing the dramatic development of the cities of Rio - Piedras in the 20th century.

Places and monuments highlighted in hiking trips include: Old San Juan, promoting the historic character of its colonial buildings and narrow streets, covered by adoquine, a blue stone cast from slag; they were brought in as ballast on Spanish ships. This includes the city's ancient defensive walls and forts, most notably El Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. On January 23, 1984, both of these buildings were cataloged as part of the cultural heritage of mankind. The restaurants and art galleries in the area are visited by tourists. Local universities are promoted as historic sites, most notably on the campus of the University of Puerto Rico, located in Rio Piedras, which is the oldest university on the island having been founded in 1903.

the culture

San Juan is home to artists and musicians locally known as Sanjuaneros who have had a significant impact on Puerto Rican culture. During the 20th century, the musical aspect of the city was influenced by performers including the Afro-Caribbean dancer and choreographer Sylvia del Villar and José Enrique Pedreira, who became the Puerto Rican composer of Danzas. Musicians such as opera singer Justino Diaz and Graeme winners Ramona Ayala (Daddy Yankee) and Ricky Martin were born in the city. Other notable residents include writers Giannina Braschi and Tomás Blanco, award-winning actors Raul Julia and Benicio del Toro, and comedian Jose Miguel Agrelot. Raphael Cordero (1790-1868), was a major influence on the development of Puerto Rican education and was once known as the "Father of Public Education in Puerto Rico." The city is also home to modern and classic art museums. The Puerto Rico Art Museum owns the largest collection of contemporary art in Puerto Rico, housing over 1,100 permanent artworks and displaying temporary exhibitions containing art from various locations across Latin America.

In an attempt to reduce vehicle dependency and road congestion, the city built a metro system dubbed the "Urban Train". (17.2 km) The 10.7 mile line connects to 16 stations. The project, which opened in late 2004, cost $ 2.250 billion and totaled over $ 1 billion over budget and four years late. Tren Urbano received less passenger traffic than originally anticipated and did not significantly reduce the city's car traffic despite a reported 7.5% increase in passenger traffic in 2006 for 2005 There is a planned project to build "intercity light rail systems" linking cities from San Juan and Caguase.

The increase in investment in public transport, however, has not changed the fact that San Juan is a car-relied city and its rapid growth has sparked urbanization. As of mid-2010, the government approved plans for the renovation of this Puerto Rico city, featuring a new mass transit system, new roads and intersections, and more beach access points. No car will be allowed in the oldest part of the city (Old San Juan). The plans hope to fix previous poor urban planning in the old town, Islet, while curbing dependence on motor vehicles. The renovation plans also hope to make the city more attractive in order to attract new residents, as San Juan has suffered from population decline over the past 60 years.

Health and Utilities

San Juan has a sophisticated triage system, hospitals and preventive medical services. The municipal government sponsors regular health fairs in different areas of the city with a focus on health care for the elderly and disabled. There are 20 hospitals in San Juan, half of them operated by the government. The largest hospital in San Juan and the most important of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean is Rio Piedras Medical Center, or Centro Medico de Rio Piedras in Spanish. Established in 1956, this hospital is administered by the Health Services Administration of the Puerto Rico Department of Health. It consists of eight other hospitals.

• San Juan City Hospital: This hospital is run by the San Juan Municipal Government.
• Industrial Hospital: This is the hospital for government employees of Puerto Rico, be they municipal or Commonwealth government officials. Typically, police officers are injured and firefighters are taken care of here.
• San Juan Children's Hospital - Also operates in the San Juan Municipal Office.
• Children's Hospital: Run by the Commonwealth government, it is the premier trauma hospital for pediatric cases.
• Centro Medico: This is the premier trauma hospital for Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
• Centro Cardiovascular del Caribe (Caribbean Cardiology Cardiac Surgery): This is the premier open heart surgery hospital in the Caribbean. The hotel is suitable for families of patients.
• Mental Hospital: The main mental hospital in Puerto Rico. Run by the government of Puerto Rico.
• Psychiatric Correctional Hospital: It's like a hospital and correctional facility. He works in conjunction with the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Health Care Administration.

There are 10 hospitals in the city of San Juan. Of these, nine are diagnosis and treatment centers located in communities throughout San Juan. The main hospital is located in Centro Medico. These 10 hospitals:

• Llorens Torres
• Puerto Nuevo
• San Jose
• Rio Piedras
• Sabana Llana
• Santurce Parada 19
• General Hospital (Centro Medico)

In addition, there are 10 private hospitals in San Juan. It:

• Hospital Metropilitano
• Hospital Auxilio Mutuo
• Auxilio Mutuo Expreso Hospital
• Veteranos Hospital: The main Veterans Hospital in the Caribbean. Operated by USA Veteran Healthcare System.
• Ashford Presbyterian Hospital
• Hospital Pavia Ato Rey
• Hospital Pavia Santurce
• San Jorge Children's Hospital: The most well known children's hospital in the San Juan Metropolitan Area.
• Hospital of San Gerardo: Located in the Cupey area, a small hospital, but also specialized in psychiatry and the elderly.
• Hospital del Maestro (Pedagogues Hospital): Located in Hato Rey, this hospital is run by the Rico Association of Puerto Teachers.
Caribbean series, Hiram Bithorn Stadium.

The newly built $ 28 million San Juan Swimming Pool is starting to attract island and regional swim meets, as well as winter training from top mainland American colleges and universities, including the United States Military Academy at West Point and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis.

In July 2007, the San Juan Golf Academy and its training center began operating atop the city's former sanitary training ground in Puerto Nueva and will in time be the city's first and only 9-hole golf course.

Professional teams

Club	sport

The Botanical Garden in San Juan is also called the Botanical Garden of the University of Puerto Rico. It is an educational center for scientific research and a place for excellent rest and relaxation. Its territory, with an area of ​​121 hectares, serves for the study and preservation of more than 30 thousand local and exotic plants, trees, flowers.

The botanical garden is located in the center of the capital of Puerto Rico, the city of San Juan, in the northeast of the island. The idea of ​​creating such a place was announced back in 1959, but it was not until March 10, 1971 that the garden was officially opened. In 1991, the first visitors were able to enjoy the beauty of its botanical collections, lakes, waterfalls, cozy roads and sidewalks, allowing them to better appreciate the native and tropical flora. The territory is divided into two parts - north and south, the latter contains most of the sights. In the south you can see a garden of heliconias, orchids, palms, and a herbarium.

The entrance to the botanical garden is free from 6 am to 6 pm.

Coordinates: 18.38778300,-66.05554200

Book Museum

The San Juan Book Museum, dedicated to the history of the book, displays some of the most valuable prints in all of Puerto Rico.

The Book Museum is located in Old San Juan, in the northern part of Puerto Rico. Today it contains many rare editions of books, medieval manuscripts written on parchment, manuscripts dating from the XII-XVII centuries. The most valuable are two documents signed by Catholic monarchs in 1493, which are considered the oldest in all of America. From the end of October 2013, they plan to open a new exhibition dedicated to the 55th anniversary of the founding of the House of Books.

Its history begins in 1955, when a group of townspeople founded the Friends of Calla del Cristo community, one of the goals of which was to create a specialized library of the best printed publications over the centuries. The best specialist in this field, Elmer Adler, was recruited to organize the library. Under his leadership, books were bought with public and private funds, and after a while the community's dream became a reality.

The House of Books is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 11.00 to 16.30. Free admission.

Coordinates: 18.46427100,-66.11758900

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Market Square

The market square is located in Puerto Rico, the city of San Juan. More precisely, in its old part. The square has existed for almost a century. Markets, shops, museums are located on its territory. Also, festivals are periodically held here.

The markets sell fresh farm produce, herbs, bread, delicacies and more. There are also cozy restaurants and cafes on the square, where it is especially interesting to sit in the evening. There are beautiful architectural buildings around them. Near the central building, there are large avocado sculptures, where you can fully experience the life and traditions of the city. Local kiosks sell handicrafts of extraordinary beauty and you can even chat with the locals.

Coordinates: 18.44150700,-66.04742800

The Church of Christ the Savior or the Chapel of Christ, built at the end of the 18th century, on top of one of the city's defensive walls, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating sights of Old San Juan, and today it is more than 250 years old.

The Church of Christ the Savior is located at the southern end of Calle del Cristo, near the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista, in the western part of San Juan. Legend has it that the temple was built on this site for a reason. In 1753, the young man took part in the races, but lost control of the horse, and it rushed into the abyss. The city secretary, Don Mateo Prats, asked Christ to have mercy on the boy's life, and his prayer was answered. The young man, to express his gratitude, began to build this chapel in the same year. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Old San Juan is a building with an amazing history and must be seen when traveling in San Juan.

Coordinates: 18.46392800,-66.11769400

Church of San Jose

The Church of San Jose, built in Old San Juan in 1532, is the second oldest church in all of America. This temple is one of the few surviving examples of 16th century Spanish Gothic architecture in the western hemisphere.

Church of San Jose is located in the historic city of San Juan, in the north of Puerto Rico. The land on which the temple was built was donated by Governor Don Juan Ponce de Leon, who was the first to be buried here. First, the Dominican Order built the monastery of St. Thomas Aquinas on it, then it was renamed, the Jesuits who settled here in 1865. The first governor of Puerto Rico, Juan Ponce de Leon, was buried in the crypt of the temple in 1559, but in 1836 his remains were transferred to the Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Under the floor in the Church of San Jose, there is still a crypt where the grandson of Juan Ponce de Leon is buried, as well as the famous painter Jose Campeche. The Temple of San Jose is not in the best condition today, it has been closed for 13 years.

Coordinates: 18.46918900,-66.12280400

Cemetery of Mary Magdalene

The cemetery of Mary Magdalene in the city of San Juan, got its name in honor of St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi. It is the burial place of many famous natives of the city and its inhabitants. It began to be built in 1863 with the support of Ignacio Mascaro.

The cemetery is located in the old town of Old San Juan, in the north of Puerto Rico. It is located outside the walls of the citadel of San Felipe del Morro, the city's most famous landmark. The average height of the walls is 12 meters, and the width is from four and a half to six meters. Many prominent personalities are buried in the cemetery in San Juan - Jose Ferrer, the first Latin American actor to be awarded an Oscar, Pedro Salinas, Spanish poet, Rafael Hernández Marín, famous musician, Jose de Acosta, famous historian. The cemetery was built near the Atlantic Ocean as a symbol of the spiritual journey after death.

Coordinates: 18.46950400,-66.11977800

Grand Turk

The Old City is a place of shopping streets - everything is here: gold, diamonds, clothes, souvenir shops. There were a lot of tourists here. But there were places where it was quiet and deserted.

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Cathedral of San Juan Bautista

Cathedral of San Juan Bautista is a Roman Catholic church in San Juan, the oldest building in the entire city and the second oldest temple in all of America, after the Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor in the Dominican Republic. It is the seat of the Archbishop of San Juan.

The cathedral is located in the western part of the city of San Juan, on Calle del Cristo, in the north of Puerto Rico. The first original wooden temple building, built in 1521, was destroyed by a hurricane, so a new cathedral was built in its place in 1540. In the following centuries, it was renewed and reformed more than once, most recently in 1917. The cathedral houses the tomb of the great Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, who founded the first European settlement in Puerto Rico. It also contains the relics of St. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez Santiago, the first Puerto Rican, who was canonized by Pope John Paul II. Particularly noteworthy in the cathedral are relics such as the jewelry and clothing of John Paul II, which he wears during his visit to Puerto Rico in 1984.

Coordinates: 18.46583300,-66.11777800

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