Plaza de Armas

San Juan


This is the city’s de-facto central square, laid out in the 16th century with the classic look of plazas from Madrid to Mexico. A highlight is the Alcaldía – now home to the mayor's office – which dates from 1789 and has twin turrets resembling those of its counterpart in Madrid, A tinkling fountain, seating, shade trees, and a couple of old-school coffee booths make this a good spot for a sightseeing break.

At the western end of the plaza, the Palacio de la Real Intendencia and the Edificio de la Diputación Provincial are two historic buildings adding to the charms of the plaza; both represent 19th-century neoclassical architecture and come complete with cloisters. Together they house the offices of the Department of State of Puerto Rico.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Juan attractions

1. Alcaldía

0.01 MILES

Towering over the Plaza de Armas, the Alcaldía, which dates from 1789, has twin turrets resembling those of its counterpart in Madrid. This building…

2. Palacio de la Real Intendencia

0.03 MILES

The imposing Palacio de la Real Intendencia sits on the western edge of the Plaza de Armas. Built in the 19th century, this neoclassical beauty houses the…

3. Edifico de la Diputación Provincial

0.04 MILES

Originally constructed as a marketplace in the mid-1800s, this neoclassical building now houses offices of the Department of State of Puerto Rico along…

4. Casa Ramón Power y Giralt

0.07 MILES

Once the residence of a political reformer and Puerto Rico’s first representative to the Spanish court, this 18th-century house is now the headquarters of…

5. Catedral de San Juan Bautista

0.09 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…

6. La Casa del Libro

0.1 MILES

Bibliophiles will enjoy this tiny but worthwhile collection of more than 5000 manuscripts and texts that date back 2000 years. The collection includes one…

7. Plazuela Las Monjas

0.1 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…

8. Palacio Rojo

0.12 MILES

A two-story Baroque building dating from 1792, Palacio Rojo once served as the living quarters for Spanish commanding officers. Today it houses…

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