Ponce Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

La Guancha
El Museo Castillo Serralles
Parque de Bombas featuring street scenes and night scenes
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Ponce

Walk through the labyrinthine streets of Puerto Rico’s second-largest city and you’ll find richly decorated colonial architecture, museums and pretty fountains.

Ponce has a captivatingly distinctive character that sets it apart from the island country’s biggest city, San Juan. Founded by Juan Ponce de León y Loayza in 1692, the city’s aristocratic pride lives on in its exquisite architecture and historic landmarks. Check out this snapshot of old-world Puerto Rico as you explore the city center’s museums and narrow streets and discover a waterfront district with a lively dining scene.

A good place to begin your exploration of Ponce is the city’s main square, Plaza of DelightsOpens in a new window (Plaza Las Delicias). From here, you can stroll to most of the sights in the compact downtown area. Visit the tourist office in the striking Parque de Bombas, the red-and-black striped façade of the former fire station. Admire the exquisite architecture of the Casa Aldacía (City Hall), the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and El Museo Castillo SerrallésOpens in a new window, which is a Spanish Revival treasure.

Learn about the local history at the Casa de la Masacres de Ponce and enjoy the cultural insights at the Museum of Puerto Rican Music. Find out about pre-Columbian cultures at the Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. The modern Museo de Arte de PonceOpens in a new window is one of Latin America’s most impressive art museums and hosts a series of touring exhibitions.

Make your way south of downtown to find the waterfront district of La Guancha Paseo TobladoOpens in a new window. This harborside area can be explored via a boardwalk and features some of the city’s top restaurants.

Go on a tour of some of the city’s outlying destinations, such as Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island) or the coffee plantations on the northern edge of the city. Visit El Tuque Beach or join snorkeling and Jet Ski tours of the nearby cays and islands.

Ponce is located on Puerto Rico’s Southern Coastal Plain. Reach Ponce by air to Mercedita International Airport, which is a 10-minute taxi ride from downtown. You can reach the city via car from San JuanOpens in a new window in a little over an hour, while public bus trips take approximately 2 hours. Book accommodations near Ponce’s main square to enjoy having some of the city’s main attractions on your doorstep.

Where to stay in Ponce

Ponce

Ponce Centro

While visiting Ponce Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Plaza of Delights and Parque de Bombas.

Ponce Centro
Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort

4.5 out of 5
1150 Caribe Avenue, Ponce
The price is ₹15,764 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹15,764
₹17,499 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Ponce. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"I love it"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Hilton Ponce Golf & Casino Resort
Caribe Hotel Ponce

Caribe Hotel Ponce

3.5 out of 5
103 Turpo Industrial Park, Ponce
The price is ₹11,534 per night from 23 Jul to 24 Jul
₹11,534
₹12,572 total
23 Jul - 24 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Ponce. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,543 reviews)
"Good staff at the front desk, and all personnel in general have good manners with the customers."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Caribe Hotel Ponce
Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino

Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino

3.5 out of 5
Street No 2 KM 228.9, Ponce
The price is ₹15,422 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹15,422
₹17,119 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Ponce. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
"It was awesome"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Aloft Ponce Hotel & Casino
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Place at the Sea

The Place at the Sea

2 out of 5
3499 Av. Los Meros, Ponce, Ponce
Stay at this aparthotel in Ponce. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Carribbean Cinemas Ponce Towne and Vicens Coliseum are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"I like it a lot, I like that they have hamacas to enjoy the waves and the ocean, very comfy The ac is great"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Place at the Sea
Gladiolas 2201

Gladiolas 2201

3 out of 5
Calle Villa #121, Apt 2101, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ponce. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (17 reviews)
"It was an amazing experience"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Gladiolas 2201
Gladiolas 1103

Gladiolas 1103

3 out of 5
Calle Villa #119, Apt 1103, Ponce, Puerto Rico
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ponce. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and furnished patios. Popular attractions Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
"Very antique looking, it looked historical. Pool table was cool also"

Reviewed on 23 Apr 2025

Gladiolas 1103
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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