Go to Pablo Casals Museum (Museo de Casals) in San Juan. This museum in Puerto Rico's largest city is dedicated to Pablo Casals, a renowned Spanish cellist who spent the last 16 years of his life on the island. This is a great place for tourists who have an affinity for classical music. The museum has manuscripts, cellos, personal memorabilia and pictures all relating to Casals' life.
Take a stroll through Old San Juan. This is the most historical section of San Juan. The area has retained a rich Spanish colonial flair and heritage, but distinctly remaining Puerto Rican at the same time. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1983, this is the oldest city under the U.S. flag. Full of beautiful sixteenth and seventeenth century traditional colonial buildings, going there is like going through a time warp.
Visit Plaza of Delights (Plaza las Delicias) in Ponce on the South Coast. This plaza is composed of two squares that are surrounded by 19th century buildings. The plaza holds a cathedral, the Fountain of Lions and various benches. The plaza serves as a peaceful, happy getaway area. This is the perfect place to sip coffee at an outdoor cafe and just people watch.
Check out the Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce. This is a colonial coffee plantation from 1833. Located in a subtropical forest, visitors can observe nature in the form of a waterfall and the Canos River. The plantation itself is decorated with period antiques. The machinery and mill are in working condition and make for a very genuine visiting experience.
Go to Jayuya in the Cordillera Mountains. This small town, founded in 1883, has a strong native heritage. With coffee growing origins, it now functions as a beautiful and peaceful resort where tourists come to shops for Native arts and crafts (mostly wood based). Puerto Ricans often refer to Jayuya as their indigenous capital, "La Capital Indigena."
