La Fortaleza Tours

La Fortaleza as well as a couple
La Fortaleza showing street scenes and a city
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina
La Fortaleza - Palacio de Santa Catalina


The official residence of the governor of Puerto Rico is a vast mansion and fortress that is open to the public on guided tours.

La Fortaleza, the governor’s residence, also known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina, is a cross between a medieval fortification and a royal palace. The striking blue building sits on the waterfront in Old San Juan, bordered by picturesque gardens. Join one of the guided tours around the palace to learn about the fascinating history of the site and to get a glimpse of the life of the governor of Puerto Rico.

Marvel at the clash of military and royal architecture at La Fortaleza. It was built by the Spanish as a fortification between 1532 and 1540, as evidenced by the old walls and other features. UNESCO has recognized the fortress and other landmarks in Old San Juan for their historical value.

In 1845, the fortress was turned into a royal residence, leading to its current look and earning its second name, Palacio de Santa Catalina. The interiors were remodeled and it was given a palatial blue façade. Follow in the footsteps of 170 governors who have lived in the palace. Take plenty of photos of the classical Spanish-style palace.

Explore the grounds of what is said to be the oldest executive mansion in the Western Hemisphere. Several detached buildings make up the whole palace, where you can see the old living quarters, a swimming pool and a courtyard. From the top of the palace, admire the views of the old city walls and the Bay of San Juan.

Roam the corridors of the palace, admiring the period furniture that still decorates each room. Look for the mahogany clock that comes with its own story. The last Spanish governor of Puerto Rico struck it with his sword upon hearing of the defeat of Spain. The time on its face has never changed since.

The Palacio de Santa Catalina is located in western Old San Juan. Walk here along the Paseo de la Princesa, a scenic promenade, and explore the fortress for a minimal fee. Metered parking is available nearby. La Fortaleza is open on weekdays. If you want a guided tour, book it in advance.

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Reviews of La Fortaleza

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
592
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
365
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
44
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
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3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

No umbrellas the two days we were there!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We went during the RICKY RENUNCIA monumental time. So proud I could be a part of that!

5/5 - Excellent

Brownie

Very friendly environment and the renovations are living along wonderfully. New colors to the buildings have this area life.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice shopping. Craft shops. Lots of hills

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Worth a visit.  We learned a lot about the history and local government of PR taking the free tour for Fortaleza.The place is stunning!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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Casa Las Ruinas by Stay with Bear

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Palacio Provincial San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton

Palacio Provincial San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton

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Palacio Provincial San Juan, Curio Collection by Hilton
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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.

Things to do near La Fortaleza

When visiting La Fortaleza in San Juan, Puerto Rico, you can explore the vibrant local art scene and immerse yourself in the rich culture of the area. A must-visit nearby attraction is Granada, where you can enjoy stunning views and historical significance. With its unique blend of history, art, and scenic beauty, La Fortaleza offers an unforgettable experience for tourists looking to connect with Puerto Rican heritage.

Shopping

For unique gifts, visit Ole Curiosidades, a charming store just 0.1 mile from La Fortaleza. Mercado Agricola Natural, a public market 0.3 mile away, offers local produce. If you're up for a drive, check out Distrito T-Mobile, a vibrant shopping center located 2 miles from La Fortaleza.

Recreation

Experience vibrant entertainment at the Coca-Cola Music Hall, just 2 miles from La Fortaleza, featuring live music performances. For relaxation, head to Luis Munoz Marin Park, 5 miles away, where you can enjoy nature and tranquility. Sports enthusiasts can visit Hiram Bithorn Stadium, located 4 miles away, for exciting games.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Yunke Zipline Adventures, a zipline ropes course offering breathtaking views 25 miles from La Fortaleza. For a scenic hike, explore the Big Tree Trail, also 25 miles away, with its lush landscapes. Dive into adventure at Water City PR, 29 miles away, for exhilarating underwater sports.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near La Fortaleza by visiting Teatro Tapia, just 0.5 miles away for cultural performances. Enjoy thrills at The Wheel, located 1 mile away, or catch a movie at Carribbean Cinemas VIP Distrito, 2 miles away, perfect for a romantic evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near La Fortaleza

La Fortaleza in San Juan, Puerto Rico, offers a rich cultural experience with its historic fortifications, the impressive Gate Arch, and the charming piazza square. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city's history while enjoying outdoor activities. Exploring these attractions provides a unique glimpse into the local culture and enhances your stay, making La Fortaleza a must-see destination for any traveler.

  • Castillo San Felipe del Morro: This historic fort, located 0.6 miles from La Fortaleza, offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and a glimpse into Puerto Rico's military past. Explore its ancient walls and learn about the fort's strategic importance in defending the island.
  • San Juan Gate: Just 0.1 miles away, this historic archway marks the entrance to the old city. It's a perfect spot to appreciate the colonial architecture and take memorable photos while soaking in the vibrant culture of San Juan.
  • San Juan Ferry Dock: Located 0.4 miles from La Fortaleza, this marina is your gateway to outdoor adventures. Enjoy water activities or relax on the nearby beach, making it a great spot for fun and relaxation.

Best time to go to La Fortaleza

The best time to visit La Fortaleza can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around La Fortaleza falls in August and September. September has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around La Fortaleza falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January76.5°F (24.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February76.5°F (24.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March76.6°F (24.8°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April78.1°F (25.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June81.3°F (27.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September82.0°F (27.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October81.1°F (27.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for La Fortaleza

To save money on your visit to La Fortaleza, plan your trip between September and November when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodations about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Tuesdays typically offer the best rates, while Fridays are the priciest. Utilize Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly options and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and future savings. For transportation, walking is a great way to explore the area without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around La Fortaleza are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around La Fortaleza is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around La Fortaleza is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around La Fortaleza is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Plus, you have the option to filter by hotel type—if you check the Eco-certified hotels filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodations available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at La Fortaleza with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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