Things to do in Portugués Urbano

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El Museo Castillo Serralles
El Museo Castillo Serralles
El Vigia Hill
El Vigia Observation Tower
El Museo Castillo Serralles
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Portugués Urbano 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

7. El Vigia Observation Tower

Look out across the city of Ponce and the Caribbean Sea from El Vigía Observation Tower, a soaring skybridge situated within the extended wings of la Cruceta del Vigía, a Christian cross. Established in 1984 on the site of a former garrison, the observation tower combines stunning views of the modern city with Ponce’s intriguing colonial history. Gaze into the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea or admire the pretty lights of the city after dusk. Use this vantage point to take bird’s-eye view photos of Ponce’s landmarks amid the careening streets of the city’s historic center.
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El Vigia Observation Tower

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What to do in Portugués Urbano

 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Portugués Urbano

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

 

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Popular day trips from Portugués Urbano

La Guancha

Ponce

Frequently asked questions

Is Portugués Urbano worth visiting?
Portugués Urbano offers an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into outdoor activities, history or traditional food, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Portugués Urbano?
El Vigia Observation Tower is an excellent place to start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in Portugués Urbano while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portugués Urbano?
Spend a day visiting Teatro la Perla and discover why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near Portugués Urbano.
Is three days enough to stay in Portugués Urbano?
With a three-day escape to Portugués Urbano, it'll be easy to discover the area's many great sights, like Teatro la Perla and Museo de Arte de Ponce.
Is Portugués Urbano a walkable neighborhood?
If you enjoy walking, Portugués Urbano won't let you down. You can get to key sights like Teatro la Perla and Museo de Arte de Ponce on foot. At 1 mile from the center, the neighborhood of Ponce Centro is also close enough for a good stroll. The same goes for Segundo, roughly 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Portugués Urbano with kids?
Whether you're traveling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Portugués Urbano with kids.

What to do in Portugués Urbano for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Portugués Urbano, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Vicens Coliseum.
Are there free things to do in Portugués Urbano?
It's easy to find free things to do in Portugués Urbano. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll have great suggestions for attractions you can visit at no cost. An excellent free option to explore is Museo de Arte de Ponce.