Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, Puerto Rico’s Museum of Art (MAP) assembles a fascinating timeline of Caribbean art. Stroll along Calle Cerra to see the district's iconic street art, which has its origins in the Santurce es Ley street art festival. Santurce is also home to one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant artistic communities. This is where you'll find some of the city's top restaurants – Chef José Santaella’s namesake restaurant showcases the island’s rich cultural influences through dishes such as pasteles (pork wrapped in plantain-flour dough and cooked in banana leaves).Īt weekends, dozens of live music venues provide a stirring introduction to local folk music styles such as bomba and plena, while bars shake with the booming bass of reggaetón, the island soundtrack made internationally famous by Daddy Yankee. Bold street art, fashionable cocktail bars and gastronomic temples orbit La Placita de Santurce – a historic farmers market that transforms after dark into one of the city’s top nightlife districts. Set back from the water, the revitalized Santurce district bursts with color and creativity. Immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture at these San Juan classesĬastillo San Felipe del Morro is a proud symbol of San Juan's rich history © Sean Pavone / Shutterstock Santurce buzzes with art and music
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A classic night out in Loíza might begin with a craft rum cocktail at El Bar Bero – barbershop by day, cocktail bar by night – followed by live salsa music and dancing at Piso Viejo (if you are in town on Thursdays, don’t miss their free salsa classes). Walkable and buzzing by day and by night, Calle Loíza offers endless diversions for foodies and night owls. While it’s not a neighborhood in the classic sense, Calle Loíza has its own unique creative stamp – revamped buildings emblazoned with street art house dozens of cafés, restaurants and artisan stores that channel Puerto Rico’s apoyololocal (shop local) movement. Known as the “Avenue of the Arts,” Calle Loíza has become emblematic of San Juan’s passion for restoration. Running parallel to Condado and Ocean Park, Calle Loíza is San Juan’s best-loved art and nightlife strip. Calle Loíza is the place to shop and party Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Cap off the evening with a signature cocktail at Scryer Rum. In January, this busy thoroughfare is the stage for the annual Fiestas de San Sebastián, a dazzling celebration of Puerto Rican culture.Īllow a couple of hours to tour San Juan’s crown jewels – the beautiful citadels of El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal – and gain a deeper understanding at the Museo de las Américas, which highlights San Juan’s rich cultural influences.įor dinner, take your pick of Old San Juan’s hot new restaurants – a favorite is Italian bistro, Bacaro, just a short walk from Plaza de Armas. Start your stroll on Calle San Sebastián, a picture-perfect introduction to Old San Juan, with pastel-painted buildings wrapped with wrought-iron balconies. On 500-year-old cobblestone streets, chic boutique hotels and contemporary art galleries nudge up against trend-driven restaurants and sleek cocktail bars. You’ll need at least a day to fully explore the neighborhood’s historic showpieces, which stand testament to San Juan’s proud status as the second oldest city in the Americas. Occupying a narrow headland jutting out into the bay, Old San Juan is the historic heart of the city. Introducing Puerto Rico Old San Juan is the city's historic heart Here’s our selection of the best neighborhoods in San Juan. Despite rapid gentrification, San Juan remains true to itself, and it's a safe, welcoming and accessible city for spontaneous wandering. The upscale residential districts of Miramar, Isla Grande and Ocean Park offer more pockets of interest for visitors – celebrity-helmed restaurants, art galleries and live music venues. In chic Condado and Isla Verde, luxe resorts tower over golden sands where families throw themselves into myriad water sports and stroll along tree-lined boulevards dotted with chain stores and designer boutiques. In arty Santurce, a passion for all things local brings a slew of concept boutiques, locavore restaurants and cool coffee shops. In Old San Juan, the sounds of salsa and reggaetón fill historic squares lined with Spanish townhomes. San Juan, the rainbow-hued capital of Puerto Rico, is a vibrant hub for music, food and culture, and the best way to explore is to roam to its fascinating, fun-filled neighborhoods. Lonely Planet has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico.