Ponce

As the second largest city in Puerto Rico, Ponce definitely has an active tourist trade. There are plenty of wonderful things to see and experience in Ponce as you can see below.

Arriving in Ponce

If you are interested in visiting Ponce, the best way is to fly. You can arrive via most major airlines in San Juan then drive the 64 miles south to the city which is located on the island’s southern coast. A few airlines will also fly you directly into Ponce’s airport. A number of cruise ships visit Puerto Rico annually and some may stop in Ponce, as well. Remember if you’re a United States citizen, you do not need a passport to enter any of the cities of Puerto Rico.

Once you have arrived in Ponce, you’ll need to decide on the best way to see the city. Because parking is limited in the city, most people who visit choose to explore on foot or by taxi. Another option is the tourist train which can take you around the city for a small price.

Enjoying the Sights

Most of the city, including Ponce Park, is fashioned after Barcelona, Spain in terms of architecture and design. That’s because the two cities share a rich Catalonian history. One of the best examples is the Parque de Bombas which was once an old firehouse. Now this black and red building is home to the tourist office and is the boarding station for the tourist train.

Because the Parque de Bombas is located on the east side of the Plaza las Delicias, you won’t be able to miss it. Most of the main tourist sites are located around the plaza, including the Ponce Museum of Art and the Museum of Puerto Rican Music.

Things You Must Do

Although Coffin Island (Caja de Muertos) may not seem like a great tourist location, the island is something you really should enjoy during your Ponce vacation. You can take the 45 minute boat ride to the island which is home to a 19th century abandoned lighthouse. Don’t worry the lighthouse is more beautiful than creepy as are the stretches of pristine beaches and the amazing snorkeling trail.

You should also go to the top of Cruceta El Vigia. This building which is also located around the plaza is a 100 foot tall tower which will give you a beautiful view of the entire city. Taking photographs of Ponce Park from here is a must.

Shopping in Ponce

No vacation is complete without doing some shopping. Ponce provides a number of options for the traveler looking to spend some money on souvenirs and on other items. The three largest shopping areas are Centro Comercial Plaza del Caribe, Centro del Sur Shopping Center, and Fox Delicias Mall. Most hotels will be able to direct you to the best shopping available.

One of the nice things about traveling to Ponce is that the currency used is the United States dollar. Unless you are coming into Puerto Rico from outside the States, you won’t have to worry about converting your cash.

Enjoying the Night Life

Ponce, like any large city, has an active night life. Most of the best bars are located around the plaza nestled among the other tourist sites. Keep in mind that most of these are closed on Mondays. Some of the hotels, especially the larger ones like the Hilton Ponce Golf & Beach Resort have their own bars but these are populated with tourists. If you want to enjoy the real Puerto Rican night life, you’ll want to explore the city. Talk a walk down the La Guancha Paseo Tablado (the boardwalk). Along this boardwalk, you’ll find a number of vendors peddling food and alcoholic drinks. Don’t forget to have some run while you’re in Ponce since this is where Captain Morgan and other famous brands are distilled.

Safety Tips

While in Ponce, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Safety is definitely a concern. Crime has been a problem in Puerto Rico and, unfortunately, has been a larger problem in Ponce. Stay near the tourist areas because these have a higher police presence. Also be aware that theft is going to be your main crime concern so act accordingly.

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