Top 10 Things to do in Ponce, Puerto Rico

Its internationally renowned collection comprises more than 5,000 works of art from various cultures, creating a unique dialogue between the Old and New Worlds.

Fuente de los Leones is located in Plaza las Delicias. It's a one-of-a-kind water fountain surrounded by lion statues. The lions hold a lot of significance because it is the animal that symbolizes the city.

If you want to visit one of Puerto Rico's most pristine beaches, then head over to Pelicano Beach at Caja de Muertos Island in Ponce. This fantastic place has been recognized for its cleanliness and environmental care; it's no wonder it was the first ever Caribbean Beach in a Natural Reserve to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Award. The calm, crystalline waters and white, sandy shore of the Caribbean Sea will allow you to have a relaxing time. Although it's a small beach, it has picnic tables and gazebos for large groups to go and have fun. The name "Pelicano Beach" comes from the abundance of pelicans in the area--a reserve for these and other birds is located right next door.

Casa Paoli (English: Paoli House) is a historic house in barrio Cuarto, Ponce. The house is significant as the birthplace of Antonio Paoli (1871-1946), a tenor who was the "first Puerto Rican to reach international recognition in the performing arts" and "one of the most outstanding opera singers of all times". The house was the childhood home of the artist and he was introduced to art and opera at this house. In 1987, the house was turned into a museum to honor the career of Antonio Paoli. The building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2009.

The Antiguo Casino de Ponce (English: Old Ponce Casino), or simply the Casino de Ponce, is a historic structure, built in 1922 and located in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Originally built as a social club for Ponce's elite, it is currently used as the premier reception center of "The Noble City of Puerto Rico". The building, designed by Agustin Camilo Gonzalez in the Second Empire and Neo-Rococo styles, has a French facade and tones. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on October 28, 1987. The building has been called "an icon of Ponce's architecture, history, and identity." It is owned and administered by the Ponce Municipal Government.

Right in the center of Ponce's Historic Zone is the Cathedral Our Lady of Guadalupe, better known as Ponce Cathedral. The building ads up around 300 years of history, going through many changes in its lifetime. This opened the path to become an official historic site in 1984. The prestige it has gained over the years has earned it much love from the residents, and on certain holidays, thousands of people set off to attend the ceremony at this neo-classical church.

This loudly-colored building in black, red, green and yellow, was built for a volunteer fire-fighter's brigade.

This institution enrolls more than 7,000 students and has colleges of business, education, science and law.

This elegant 17th-century cathedral rises majestically in the midst of Ponce.