The Old San Juan is consider the second oldest second city in the Americas. Discover by Christopher Columbus and later settled and conquered by Ponce De Leon, yes the same who went looking for the fountain of youth.
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Today Old san Juan is a World Heritage Site and for that reason , a building should not torn down but should be renovated to what is what in the beginning.
A city tha tonce upon a time was completely surrounded by walls that were 40 feet tall in some places and ten feet thick. With their look out towers were the soldiers were stationed , keeping their eyes open for the enemy.
A city located at the entrance to the San Juan Bay
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| Favourite spots: |
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Plaza de San José is a favorite meeting place for young and old alike. Plaza de Armas (arms square) is Old San Juan's main square. Plaza de Colón . El Morro. Castillo de San Cristóbal . La Fortaleza. Catedral de San Juan. San Juan Museum of Art and History are just a few of the places that most people like.
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| What's really great: |
Music by pier 1 on Saturdays. A ferry ride to the town of Cataño and a quick jump to the rum distillery. A mavi drink by the Plaza Darsenas. A stop at the Don Q rum store and later a home-made cigar by the bus terminal. A piña colada at Barrachina were they claim that the drink was invented in 1963. A walk outside the stone walls in the afternoon are just a few great things to do.
A cup of coffee at the main town square is consider a tradition. A trolley bus ride for free that goes around the city.
Coconut candy, plantain chips and a piece of papaya.
This and much more in this quiant little city.
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| Sights: |
A visit to the University of Puerto Rico is a great way to mingle with the younger generation.
It has the University Museum and the Jardin Botánico (Botanical Garden) is located in the Río Piedras. The University Museum has archaeological and historical exhibitions.
The Botanical Garden is a living laboratory of the native flora of Puerto Rico, with over 200 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants. There are many exotic plants like cannonball, heliconias, bamboo, breadfruit, hogplum, maga and coffee just to mentioned a few.
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| Accommodations: |
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I like the Coqui Inn-Green Isle Inn-Hotel it provides with the best choice for budget travelers located in Isla Verde. World famous beach, restaurants, stores, nightlife. Casinos nearby. All rooms with kitchenette or mini-fridge. Free Wi-Fi high-speed internet access in public areas. Morning coffee/tea/pastry and newspapers. Free parking.
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| Nightlife: |
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For a traditional taste of this island dont miss every Tuesday at 6:00pm San Juan National Historic Site and Puerto Rico Tourism Company present Ballet Folklórico Areyto as part of the Le Lo Lai Cultural Festival. Fort San Cristóbal is located on Norzagaray St. Entrance fee is $3.00 .
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| Restaurants: |
Ajili Mojili
1052 Ashford Ave., Condado Lagoon Hotel, Condado
San Juan
(787) 725-9195
Puerto Rican
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You have to see the House of Buttresses, a traditional Spanish-style home, which holds the Museum of Colonial Architecture and the Museum of the Puerto Rican Family. This is believed to be the oldest residence left in Old San Juan, dating back to the early 18th century.
Also within Casa de los Contrafuertes you will find the Museo de (African Heritage Museum), features African artifacts, including masks, maps, musical instruments, and paintings.
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Published on Sunday April 2th, 2006
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Mon, Apr 10 2006 - 05:38 AM
 by marianne
San Juan must be a fascinating city. You describe it with love. I like your choice of word as they are very personal. Plaintain chips; one of my favourites, good to know they are on sale. The only thing I miss are photos. I would love to see the House of Buttresses and how it matches traditional Spanish-style. With photos this would have been 4* . Let me know when you have added photos.
Marianne
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Mon, Apr 03 2006 - 05:27 AM
 by davidx
| Not my scene, I think, but a very good, informative report. |
Sun, Apr 02 2006 - 05:05 PM
by marcosfonsec
Victor
Very good your report. Congratulations!
Marcos. |
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