What to do in Portugués

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Tatiana
Photo by Tatiana
Photo by Tatiana
Photo by Tatiana

Places to Visit in Portugués

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Portugués, Ponce while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Portugués attractions from NZ$57, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Portugués tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 8 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Portugués. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. La Guancha

Paseo Tablado La Guancha is a boardwalk that hugs the shoreline of Ponce’s dazzling waterfront district, Playa Barrio. Experience life like the Ponceños and revel in the live salsa music, tasty street food and exciting beachside atmosphere. Visit the marina and rent a paddleboat or take advantage of the sweeping sea views from the observation tower.
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La Guancha

2. Hacienda Buena Vista

Sample locally grown coffee and learn about coffee production, both today and in the past at the Hacienda Buena Vista. This traditional coffee farm in southern Puerto Rico is one of the best illustrations of a centuries old industry. When Don Salvador de Vives formed the farm in 1833, he grew fruit. It wasn’t until later in the 1800's that coffee was first planted. The Hacienda Buena Vista hit its stride during the coffee boom of the 1880s. For the next fifty years the farm was considered one of the finest producers of coffee in the world, exporting to the United States, Europe and even the Vatican. Today visitors to the Hacienda will find 87 acres (35 Hectares) of fertile farmland, a series of restored historic buildings and a museum in the Hacienda itself.
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Hacienda Buena Vista which includes a house and street scenes as well as a small group of people

3. Parque de Bombas

This historic firehouse is named for the traditional hand-pumped water units once used on the island. Situated in Ponce’s town center, the Parque de Bombas is hard to miss. Considered by many to be one of the most iconic building in Puerto Rico, the small wooden structure is painted in vibrant reds and blacks, the traditional colors of Ponce. The former fire station houses a museum that unveils the history of southern Puerto Rico, and includes fascinating information about Ponce, the firefighters and the great fire of 1899. A visit to the Parque is a great excursion for history buffs and families with young children, who will enjoy the traditional fire trucks.
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Parque de Bombas showing street scenes

4. Plaza of Delights

Spend some time in Ponce’s Plaza of Delights (Plaza las Delicias) and the city will show you its heart. Landmark colonial architecture dominates the city’s main square, while leafy Indian laurel trees and pretty gardens provide a feeling of serenity. Take a break from the bustle of downtown Ponce and enjoy people-watching in the city’s favorite meeting place. The plaza is split into two halves, Luis Muñoz Rivera Plaza to the north and Frederico Degetau Plaza to the south.
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Plaza of Delights

5. El Museo Castillo Serralles

El Museo Castillo Serrallés is a magnificent mansion that symbolizes the prosperity of Puerto Rico’s rum-distilling industry. Established in the 1930s as the home of one of Ponce’s wealthy magnates, the Castillo Serrallés overlooks the entire city from the El Vigía hilltop. Peruse the exhibits housed within the sumptuous villa and learn about the sugar boom that fueled the immense success of rum distilleries such as Juan Serrallés’ Don Q Rum. Stroll around the symmetrical gardens and appreciate the timeless elegance of the terraces and courtyards.
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El Museo Castillo Serralles

What to do in Portugués

Discover the most popular places to visit in Portugués

La Guancha

La Guancha

Take a stroll down Ponce’s waterfront boardwalk and experience its lively dining scene, local music, playgrounds, boat rides and views out to Isla Caja de Muertos.

La Guancha
Plaza of Delights

Plaza of Delights

Ponce’s plaza of delights is true to its name, with heritage architecture, glinting fountains, tree-lined arcades and the scent of freshly baked pastries in the air.

Plaza of Delights
Hacienda Buena Vista which includes a house and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Hacienda Buena Vista

Visit this historic coffee plantation to learn about one of Puerto Rico’s most enduring industries.

Hacienda Buena Vista
Parque de Bombas showing street scenes

Parque de Bombas

This small, wooden fire station in the heart of Ponce is a historical and architectural monument.

Parque de Bombas
El Museo Castillo Serralles

El Museo Castillo Serralles

Discover an empire built on sugar and rum as you explore the intriguing galleries and luxurious refurbished rooms in this 1930s Spanish Revival mansion.

El Museo Castillo Serralles
El Vigia Hill

El Vigia Hill

Climb up Ponce’s highest hill, crowned with an immense concrete cross, to relax in a tranquil garden and see a panorama of the city’s architecturally diverse streetscape.

El Vigia Hill
Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center

Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center

You can learn about the history of Portugués with a stop at Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center. While in this romantic area, find time to visit its shops.

Tibes Indian Ceremonial Center
Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe

The delicately embellished cathedral crowning Ponce’s Plaza Las Delicias is a cherished landmark in the city and has a history stretching back over 300 years.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe
El Vigia Observation Tower

El Vigia Observation Tower

Marauding pirates and seafaring merchants were once spied from this hilltop vantage point, which now features a monumental cross with a viewing deck.

El Vigia Observation Tower

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Portugués

La Guancha

Ponce

Frequently asked questions

Is Portugués worth visiting?
Whether you're here to experience the local charm and cultural highlights or try unique foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Portugués.
How do I spend a day in Portugués?
Once you've visited key attractions like El Vigia Observation Tower, spend the rest of your day exploring the shopping and food scene in Portugués.
What is the top tourist attraction in Portugués?
Spend a day exploring El Vigia Observation Tower and see why it's rated as the top tourist attraction near Portugués.
Is three days enough to stay in Portugués?
With a three-day trip to Portugués, you can comfortably enjoy the area's many great sights, like El Vigia Observation Tower and Hacienda Buena Vista.
Is Portugués a walkable neighbourhood?
It's easy to explore Portugués by foot, with unmissable sights like El Vigia Observation Tower and Hacienda Buena Vista both within walking distance. Well-known neighbourhoods like Segundo and Magueyes are also located only 5 kilometres and 3 kilometres from the centre of Portugués, so you can keep your adventure going — no car required.
What are some activities to do in Portugués with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or playful teenagers, a fun-filled itinerary makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Portugués with kids.

What to do in Portugués for adults?
Adults of all ages will find lots of things to do in Portugués. Whether you're into history, art, outdoor activities or just love exploring new places, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Portugués?
You don't need to spend big to enjoy a fantastic holiday here. There are loads of free things to do in Portugués for the budget-conscious traveller. Roam the parks, check out free events and festivals or ask for ideas from a local tour guide.