Fun things to do in Ponce

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Ponce’s primary claim to fame is its main square – Plaza de las Delicias. The square is a typical Spanish colonial square, very similar to those found throughout South America, and features a stately cathedral, grand fountain, and famous museum, among other diversions. The many side streets flowing into the square are filled with shops and, usually, bustling with people. And the square often serves as a venue for live music, bringing together young and old alike for an afternoon or evening of fun.

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Built in 1836, the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe is another iconic symbol of Ponce. The striking blue-and-white structure also is found in the Plaza de las Delicias and is impossible to miss. Open fluctuating hours and free to visit, the church is remarkable for its stained glass windows and golden alter.

We drove up the hill to go to the Museo Castillo Serralles, and upon arriving at the top of the hill, came upon the awesome sight known as El Vigia. It is a cross, but for the non-religious, think of it as an observation tower with two decks sticking out on the side. The site of El Vigia is where the Spanish posted lookouts during the early 1800s.

We arrived at the top of the hill at 3:00pm, so we didn't think we had enough time to do both the tour of the "castle" AND El Vigia. There is a new Japanese Garden next to El Vigia, also, which would be a nice thing to browse around.

Well, perhaps on my return visit, I will actually go up into El Vigia. But here it is, in all its glory....(see photo)

INFO:
Vigia Observation Tower
Tues-Fri, 9:30am-6pm
Sat/Sun, 10am-5pm
Closed Monday
Adults $2, Students & Children $1

Ponce has several museums, including Museo de Arte de Ponce, Museo de la Arquitectura Ponceña, Museo de la Historia de Ponce and Parque de Bombas.

Parque de Bombas is a restored wooden firehouse from the turn of the last century.

Found in the Plaza de las Delicias, the Parque de Bombas is Ponce’s most iconic symbol. The bright red-and-black structure houses a small museum containing antique fire equipment, a timeline of historical events, and portraits of famous firefighters. For most people, the highlight is the old fire engine featuring a bell you can ring and siren you can sound. Open daily from 9 am to 6 pm, the museum is free to visit.

This house is owned by the Serralles family - the original producers of DonQ rum. It is said to be one of the most beutiful houses on the island that is open to the public and is a fine example of Spanish revival architecture.

For those who want to see the inside and the surrounding gardens there is an entrance fee (I think it's $3).

This is a large cement structure is now used as a tourist observation tower on Vigia Hill. It was built in the 1980's to commemorate an older wooden cross built in the 1800's where guards used it as a lookout point towards the harbor.

For those who want to go up there is an entrance fee, but the view is fine from the grounds of the hill.

Up until a decade ago, the Ponce's port area was something "ponceños" rather not mention. Cranes, warehouses, old rusty boats... you get the idea!! That changed dramatically with construction of Paseo La Guancha. Situated just across from the Ponce Yacht Club, La Guancha is a wooden broadwalk along the edge of the Caribbean Sea. You can loiter there with lively locals, the teen scene, the elderly and the toddler-mama set. There are kiosks selling pinchos (pork, chicken or fish kebabs) and other local treats (cholesterol watchers BEWARE!!), simple meals, cold beer and drinks. Each kiosk has music and/or dj's. The whole area bursts into life on weekends. There's an open-air stage where local and international artists perform, usually for free.