Castillo de San Cristóbal
#7 in Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico
1 of 3
2 of 3Price & Hours
Details
scorecard
- 4.5Value
- 3.5Facilities
- 4.5Atmosphere
Spanning 27 acres, Castillo San Cristóbal was built to protect Old San Juan from land attacks. It doesn't receive as many visitors, or as much adoration as its sister fortification, El Morro, but recent visitors are equally amazed by the majesty and significant history of the site. Allow several hours to visit both sites.
The fort's stellar shoreline views (not to mention the occasional iguana) draw travelers to the sprawling site. Though the fort tends to draw crowds (especially cruise ship passengers), recent visitors said that due to the sheer size of the complex, touring San Cristóbal never feels cramped.
Both the Fort San Cristóbal and El Morro dominate the San Juan Harbor, making up the San Juan National Historic Site. You should plan to stop by San Cristóbal on the day you visit El Morro, especially considering that you can pay one fee for access to both sites. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission costs $10 for visitors 16 and older; children 15 and younger visit for free. Visit the National Historic Site's official website for more details.
More Best Things To Do in Puerto Rico
1 of 18
2 of 18#1 Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay (Vieques)
This south Vieques beach might not sound like much, but it's one of travelers' favorite experiences in Puerto Rico. During the day, Bioluminescent Mosquito Bay is your stereotypical Caribbean hideout but at night, the waters emit a blue glow from the organisms, called dinoflagellates, that live there. More than 600,000 bioluminescent dinoflagellates live in each gallon of bay water, and recent travelers have been amazed by just how much visibility these tiny creatures provide.
Avoid visiting the bay during a full moon; the microorganisms aren't as visible then. Also aim for a quiet approach. Recent travelers recommended going out in a kayak to get the full effect of the glow and to prevent disturbing the dinoflagellates.
Explore More of Puerto Rico
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.