Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Castillo de San
Cristóbal
This imposing bastion
dominates the eastern
approach to the city
and was intended
to guard against
invasion by land.
Cannons sit proudly
atop the ramparts,
pointing toward the
ghosts of pirates past.
Restoration work has added to
its majesty, and the barracks
have been turned into a museum
showing how they would have
looked in colonial times. Free
guided tours help bring the past
to life
(see pp10-11)
.
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Paseo de la Princesa
A cruise ship anchored at Old San Juan
!
Old San Juan
There's a good reason more
cruise ships anchor at Old San
Juan than at any other port in
the Caribbean - this charming
quarter has something for
everyone. Steeped in history,
Old San Juan is packed with
interesting things to see, from
its quaint, cobbled streets
overhung with wooden balconies
to its massive fortresses and
ancient city walls. The National
Historic Zone has more than
900 buildings of historic
importance, as well as tiny
plazas with bohemian cafés and
stylish bars that burst into life
at night
(see pp8-9)
.
@
Condado
Leading west from Plaza del
Inmigrante, this pedestrian-only
promenade, lit by antique street
lamps, is ideal for an evening
stroll. It ends at the base of
Fortaleza San Felipe del Morro,
where waves crash against the
seawall. Stop to admire the
Raíces Fountain, which celebrates
the island's multicultural heritage.
Musical performances are held
here on Sundays, and stalls are
set up on weekends
(see p9).
East of Old San Juan, the
Condado district is reminiscent
of Miami's South Beach, not
least for its Art Deco buildings.
Beautiful beaches that stretch for
3 miles (5 km) are a very popular
venue for locals, especially on
holidays and weekends. Avenida
Ashford runs parallel to the shore
and is lined with gleaming, high-
rise condominiums and upscale
hotels needling the sky. The
boulevard also teems with
chic, modern fashion outlets,
cosmopolitan restaurants, lively
casinos, and sophisticated
nightclubs that exemplify the
city's cool, sophisticated Latin
vibe
(see pp12-13)
.
Raíces Fountain at Paseo de la Princesa
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