The city of Ponce is the second largest city in Puerto Rico just outside the San Juan metropolitan area. Ponce hosts the governmental seat as well various Government of Puerto Rico just like the Judiciary. It’s also the regional center for Commonwealth and federal government agencies. As of latest measurement the city Ponce has a population of 200 thousand people.
The city of Ponce is according to travelers as well locals the best place to experience an true old colonial town of Puerto Rico. Here you will rich Puerto Rican culture and unique architecture among a charming laid back ambiance which is complete opposite of the buzzing city and nightlife of it’s capital San Juan. Travelers should be aware of the fact, even being the island’s 2nd largest city there’s no steady nightlife and simply one downtown city square. Ponce’s main income in the last century came from the sugar growing industry creating great wealth which they invested accordingly in construction, today’s history and culture make Ponce the cultural center of the south with as nickname “Pearl of the south”.
Of course that’s not the only reason why tourists visit Ponce, it also houses several impressive sightseeing’s such as museums, classy opera houses and cathedrals of which most of them are situated around the main square Plaza las Delicias including; Parque de Bombas, Casa Alcaldía (City Hall), Catedral de la Guadalupe, La Guancha Paseo Tablado, Castillo Serralles, Casa de la Masacre de Ponce, The Museum of Puerto Rican Music and the Ponce Museum of Art.
Because Puerto Rico is a United States territory, you follow US rules when visiting. If arriving straight from the United States, Americans do not need a passport or a visa to enter Puerto Rico. Only a valid ID card is needed.
