Things to do in Ponce

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

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

Ponce Attractions

There's something endearing about smaller cities. Whether you're traveling to Ponce for a weekend or you're planning on staying a little longer, you'll easily fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many fun things to do and awesome attractions to see, you mightn't want to go home!

Discover what makes Ponce tick with the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {18 fun activities in Ponce fun activities in Ponce}, and rest easy knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

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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. 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

5. 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

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

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What to do in Ponce

Free Things to Do in Ponce

There's no need to dig deep into your pockets in Ponce. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Museum of Puerto Rico Music

- Talk to the friendly staff or curator and find out about the interesting collections exhibited here.

Parque de Bombas

- If you're curious about bygone times, this is one stop you ought not to miss.

Plaza of Delights

- This vibrant spot is a favorite of both locals and tourists.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

- Get in touch with your spiritual side or just take in the peaceful ambiance at this site of worship.

Parque de la Ceiba

- Grab your blanket, pack some nibbles and find a shady area to be with nature.

Things to Do in Ponce with Kids

Traveling with the young ones? You'll find plenty of tours and activities in Ponce that'll put big grins on little faces. Try out these family friendly experiences:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Ponce? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Ponce

La Guancha

La Guancha

4/5(152 reviews)

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

4.5/5(18 reviews)

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

4.5/5(176 reviews)

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

Parque de Bombas
Plaza of Delights

Plaza of Delights

4.5/5(25 reviews)

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 Museo Castillo Serralles

El Museo Castillo Serralles

4.5/5(79 reviews)

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
El Vigia Hill

El Vigia Hill

4.5/5(7 reviews)

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
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

4.5/5(19 reviews)

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
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

4.5/5(31 reviews)

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
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
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Ponce

Photo by trenton.badillo

Jayuya

Photo by Shannon Willitts

Utuado

Photo by Chela

Adjuntas

Photo by Sabrina McQuoid

Penuelas

Photo by Shannon Willitts

Orocovis

Photo by Eddie Melendez

Saltillo

Frequently asked questions

Is Ponce worth visiting?
Offering a mix of walking trails and watersports, there are plenty of things to do in Ponce. While you're here, visit La Guancha, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ponce?
La Guancha and El Vigia Observation Tower are two good places to start your adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Ponce while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ponce?
Don't go home without visiting La Guancha, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ponce.
Is three days enough to stay in Ponce?
Three days is plenty for a short trip to Ponce — you'll hit the main attractions and get a feel for the vibe of the place. But if you want to truly soak it all in, stick around for at least a week to explore some hidden gems too.
Is Ponce a walkable city?
It depends on what you plan to see and do in Ponce. Several attractions, like La Guancha and Teatro la Perla, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Ponce's neighborhoods, Ponce Centro is 0.1 miles away from downtown, while Segundo is 0.6 miles 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 toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly attractions to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Ponce for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or adventure seeker, there are plenty of things to do in Ponce for adults including Vicens Coliseum.
Are there free things to do in Ponce?
From enjoying parks to strolling around vibrant neighborhoods, it's easy to discover free things to do in Ponce. If you're in need of ideas, ask a local tour guide for some tips. La Guancha is a must for anyone looking to save on their sightseeing activities.

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