If you say it to them in Spanish ("por favor," "hola," and "gracias"), your gesture will be noticed and appreciated. You may watch the sunset from one of the squares and parks overlooking the bay and Paseo de la Princesa. Here is a rundown of some of the hottest places to party in San Juan, Puerto Rico. In sleekCondado, rooftop bars and terraces attract a stylish crowd of happy hour revelers primed for stunning sunset views. Just about all you need for a relaxing al-fresco afternoon or night with views. San Juan is a real place, loved and enjoyed by residents who love celebrating their culture, mingling with friends, and simply celebrating life. San Juan tourist destinations are safe with a strong and noticeable police presence giving visitors peace of mind. Nuyorican Cafe 192 Bars & Clubs By Travelchatgirl El Batey is an unapologetic dive bar. Black, wrought iron lanterns light up and radiate a golden glow to the cobblestone streets and making the colorful buildings more subdued. Queer Q&A with Kara Keefe, Lesbian Restaurateur, A Few Hours in Old San Juan: What to Do When You Get Off a Cruise, Specialty Coffee Brands to Taste in Puerto Rico. On any given night, you'll find locals kicking back with a margarita or mezcal and enjoying the live acoustic music. San Juans mixologists infuse creativity, skill, and local flavors into their original creations. If you get a chance to leave the land of cruise ship day- trippers, the nightlife of La Placita de Santurce (and the JungleBird, an upscale tiki bar) delivers more authenticity. On the weekends the space gets pretty rowdy when there's live music and brunch. Pros: This Hilton has all the amenities of a remote resort while still in close proximity to San Juan's attractions. A central location, ice-cold Medallas, and all-round good vibes make this an ideal spot to wind down after a long day of sightseeing. Introduction. San Juan rooftop bars 1. Old San Juan: The Best Place in Puerto Rico - See 16,606 traveler reviews, 12,717 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. This infectious outlook is often combined with what is commonly referred to as Puerto Rican Pride, creating an atmosphere thats fun and energetic. El Batey $ Graffiti covers the walls of El Batey, a legendary little dive bar in Theres no need to pretend you have a room upstairs just dress the part, sink into a plush red velvet chair and take your time enjoying a perfectly executed cocktail. The guestrooms are not far from the pools, beach and restaurants. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Bar.C.Lona Rooftop 5. Copyright 2015-2023 | by therooftopguide.com | All Rights Reserved. During the day when the main building is open, stands overflow with fruits and vegetables. Cond Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Its well worth sampling Santaellas flavorsome appetizers especially the goat cheese quesadilla drizzled with white truffle oil and the ahi tuna skewers. It wasnt long ago that youd see locals buying goods from the bodega that was La Cubanita. These 13 things to do in San Juan won't cost a thing. As the sun sinks behind San Juan, house mixologists work their magic, shaking and stirring potent cocktails full of exotic island ingredients try the refreshing watermelon mojito or a Caribbean tiki classic spiked with local rum. Best for a shot and a beer on San Juans literary trail. The food comes from chef Paxx Caraballo Moll who has been picking up national accolades for work better than you can get at almost any other bar. The blue skies become dark and starry and the only blue youll see on the water are dinoflagellates creating a natural fluorescent show, sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation in San Juan. At Front Bar, you can sit by the open doorways, sip a Lavender Mule or Spiced Old Fashioned and watch the people strolling through Calle San Sebastin. Bonus Tip: The owners of La Factora also run several other bars around San Juan, including La Cubanita and El Desvo right next door, Jungle Birdin La Placita de Santurce, and Caneca in Lote 23. When you visit, you'll find that spirit in yourself, too. 2. Best for people-watching, artisan cocktails and a beautiful setting. Welcome to the (disputed) home of the Pia Colada. Keep an eye out for their pop-up events where they bring in guest bartenders and chefs preparing one-night-only food and drink specials. offers tropical cocktails and a great whiskey selection (try one mixed with coconut water). Puerto Rico has a rich rum tradition, one of the best being Ron del Barrilito. Legend has it that bartender Ramon Portas Mingot created the frozen mix of pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and rum at Barrachina, then perfected the recipe at the Caribe Hilton. $185. Web315 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan, 00901, San Juan, Puerto Rico Fortaleza Suites guesthouse 2 guests 1 bath From: $50 night 119 Calle Pomarrosa, 00911, San Juan, Puerto Rico TROPICALIA by DW apartment 2 guests 1 bath From: $69 night 1310 Wilson Street, 00907, San Juan, Puerto Rico Casa Wilson Inn bed_and_breakfast 2 guests 1 bath Jasmine our 4. Or the Caribe Hilton which has a pool and a private beach, and is 10 min. We Asked 10 Winemakers: What Is Your Favorite Wine and Dessert Pairing? In the surrounding streets of Santurce, award-winning mixologists shake and stir everything from umbrella-topped tiki concoctions to artisanal rum cocktails in trendsetting bars and sultry speakeasies. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar: Best restaurant in Puerto Rico - See 4,975 traveler reviews, 2,084 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. San Juan. On the square,El Deportivo(Plaza Del Mercado de, 205) has local craft beers, and El Coco de Luis(1348 Calle Jos M. Raffucci Morales)offers tropical cocktails and a great whiskey selection (try one mixed with coconut water). Tipping waitstaff and taxi drivers is normal in Puerto Rico. Helmed by Jos Santaella, one of Puerto Ricos top chefs, Santaellas wood-paneled bar is one of San Juans most inviting spots for an early evening cocktail. There are playful tropical riffs on classics (like the Spicy Parchatini, a vodka Martini with a splash of chili-infused passionfruit juice), plus easy-sipping summery concoctions (like the Rincn Shandy, made with Medalla beer, gin, lime, and orange). If you're looking for something radically different, a little further up the same street is Mai Pen Rai, an elegant Thai restaurant with a top-notch cocktail selection. Bonus Tip: Head to neighboring Aguadilla and visit some of their famous food truck parks. Rum Distillery Tours in San Juan & Nearby Puerto Rico, Castillo San Felipe del Morro San Juan, Puerto Rico, Best Things to Do in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Romantic Things to Do in San Juan & Puerto Rico. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels San Juan Bed and Breakfast San Juan Holiday Rentals San Juan Packages Flights to San Juan Old San Juan knows how to party no doubt about it. In San Juan fun in the water doesnt stop at sunset, for those that prefer nature over city nightlife, will be able to enjoy fun and romantic water activities at Laguna del Condado and the bioluminescent bays of Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico has transformed into a foodie paradise over the years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails. A stand-out is the Santurce Daiquiri, which blends aged Don Q Reserva (Puerto Ricos top-selling rum, produced in Ponce) with apricot brandy. But when the sun goes down and the market shutters its doors, the streets around La Placita come to life. On top of the AC Hotel San Juan Condado you find Bar.C.Lona Rooftop, a stylish rooftop bar and restaurant, offering a great mix of tasty tapas and fine views. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar: Best restaurant in Puerto Rico - See 4,975 traveler reviews, 2,084 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, While dancers strut, master mixologists conjure up some of the citys most creative cocktails the Lavender Mule, made from house-made ginger beer and lavender-infused syrup, is outstanding. The sun sets behind a Punta Higera Lighthousein Rincn. A great way to kick-start an evening is by taking a walk to see the city in the golden hues of the sunset. The paint on the wall is peeling just enough to look chic, and string lights hanging from the ceiling give the bar an intimate feel. In Old San Juan do the forts, walk around there are dozens of small shops and museums. All rights reserved. For a different vibe, bypass the bar and walk through the wooden side door. Bartenders will happily create a cocktail to fit your mood but its hard to go wrong with anything on the menu. Typical starting/peak prices: $293/$480. The Mezzanine in Old San Juan. 5. Theres something about tropical breezes, hot weather, and sand that gives people the urge to day drink. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, after dinner locals love to dance, theyll be happy to teach you salsa moves. Which are the best rooftops in San Juan? Like any other city in the world, there are neighborhoods that have a history of crime. La Cubanita is known for amazing cocktails.. it's a great pre-game, post-dinner-cocktail or romantic spot for 2. Located in the historic heart of Old San Juan, Hotel El Convento is an exquisite landmark treasure. La Placita is across the board one of the best places to go dancing in San Juan. Sunset is prime time to swing by. And the rooftop is really something special. The look, feel and small side-street location make this a super cool place to grab a drink. The great food, beer selection and reasonable prices make La Taberna Lupulo must stop on any bar hop in Old San Juan. Keep going down Canals to Jungle Bird, a tiki bar established by the same partners that opened La Factora in Old San Juan. Voted one of the top 50 bars in the world four years in a row, La Factora is an absolute must-visit for the cocktail aficionado. A well-groomed crowd of locals and guests gathers nightly to swap stories at the bar and take in breathtaking Atlantic views from the breezy terrace. Rincn Beer Company is casual, bright, and lively, with lots of cool local art hanging on the walls, a hastily scribbled chalkboard menu, and casually dressed guests tossing back drinks and playing board games. Searching for a night out with unique cocktails, fine whiskey, or local craft beers? The Paseo del Morro is a seaside promenade around the old city walls. Marmalade Restaurant & Wine Bar: Truffle Bean soup to die for - See 4,975 traveler reviews, 2,084 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, La Vergenza is open to enjoy food, drinks and views daily, turning extra vibrant and crowded during weekends, when both DJs and live bands gets the party started. Santa Maria Magdalena de Pazzis (Old San Juan) Paseo de la Princesa and Races Fountain (Old San Juan) Casa Blanca Museum (Old San Juan) Plaza del Quinto Centenario (Old San Juan) Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista (Old San Juan) Calle de la Fortaleza (Old San Juan) Places to Eat in San Juan Breakfast Pannes Chef Mario Pagn, one of Puerto Rico's top chefs and a former Next Iron Chef competitor, pulls out all the stops at Sage in the O:live hotel, easily the best steakhouse in San Juan. Feel free toContact UsThis guide is researched, written and published independently of advertisements. Plaza de Armas (literally, square of arms). Graffiti covers the walls of El Batey, a legendary little dive bar in Old San Juan. There's a dizzying selection of local brews, too; ask your bartender to pick one, or, better yet, get him to custom-curate a flight. The wildly colorful and eclectic decor reflects this mash-up beautifully. If you see someone or a group of people eating, it is customary to say, Buen provecho, which is the same as bon apptit in French. La Taberna Lupulo is one of the best bars in Old San Juan. By the time youre done with the tour, we are confident you will have a new favorite drink and city. If you are in the market for some seriously good drinks then La Cubanita should be a stop. This is a curated list of bar, club and nightlife experiences in Old San Juan created by local guides. Best for an authentic local feel and drinks with an island vibe. Looking to escape the everyday grind with a picture-perfect romantic holiday? 2014 - 2023 VinePair Inc. Made In NYC. There are very few places on the entire island with multiple pool tables. juke box and pool tables? Club Spritz, located along the tight pedestrian road of Calle Tetuan, delivers Aperol Spritz and more. Find out if you are a sexy pia colada or a refreshed mojito! Not far from Barrachina is Old San Juans best cocktail bar, La Factora. The bartender tells you to mix the drink with your straw yourself as he pushes the drink forward. There are lots of refreshing tropical cocktails like the Sunsetrita, a watermelon- and peach-infused margarita, and the Passionista, a mix of vodka, passionfruit, and grapefruit, with a splash of Sprite. Travel back in time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts. Your night out in La Placita should start with dinner, mostly because there are so many good restaurants to choose from including some of San Juan's trendiest places. Best hikes in El Yunque National ForestTop things to do in Puerto RicoBest places to visit in Puerto Rico, This article was first published June 2019 and updated January 2022. Although San Juan is a tourist destination, you wont find many of the typical tourist trap restaurants and activities. They call it a beer hall officially but it's more than that. The top places where you can experience the history of the Island. During the day, the structure is impressive and commanding with sweeping views of the city. Located just off La Placita de Santurce, it's a great place to start a bar hop around town. There's also an extensive wine and Champagne menu featuring some big-spender bubbles; this is that sort of place. Be sure and check out the full interactive map below to ensure your next Old San Juan bar-hopping outing realizes it's maximum potential :). Ashford Avenue in Condado offers plenty of restaurant options from fine dining, to cool casual places. The pia coladas are great, too. Many of the Metro areas best cocktail bars orbit La Placita de Santurce, a centuries-old farmers market that transforms into a lively nightlife hub after 5pm. It would take days to taste through the speciality cocktail menu, with mouthwatering cocktails like the Lavender Mule made with homemade lavender simple syrup, and the Peligroso, a rum and Campari cocktail served in a coupe glass. Dim bar lights shine past crowds and spill onto the sidewalk. It's very easy to settle in for the night. Read full review. San Juan Tourism San Juan Hotels San Juan Bed and Breakfast San Juan Holiday Rentals San Juan Packages Flights to San Juan One of San Juans most stylish rooftop bars, Arya is located inside the award-winning O:LV Hotel, one of San Juan's most stylish stays, in the ritzy Condado neighborhood. Historic sites, culinary experiences, outdoor adventures, and beautiful beaches. San Juan. Bonus Tip: The first floor of the building is St. Germain Bistro, a popular brunch and lunch spot, and the third floor is Alfresco Rooftop Wine Bar. WebThe Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan is the main airport on Puerto Rico. Located just steps from the beach, the spacious rooftop terrace offers fantastic views over the ocean. Its unlike anything else on the island, and offers a Puerto Rican twist on the best of what American craft beer bars have to offer. WebThu, Mar 2, 7:30 PM + 110 more events. The second edition of Lonely Planets bestseller presents an all-new ranking of the greatest places to visit on Earth. CLICK HERE TO GET THE OLD SAN JUAN BEST BARS, CLUBS & NIGHTLIFE MAP to view all of our curated Old San Juan bar, club & nightlife experiences in one easy to use planning tool. All rights reserved. To elevate the experience even more, head up to a San Juan rooftop bar, and you can enjoy the breeze mixed with amazing views over both the city skyline and the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you want to play or get away, you'll find the perfect spot in Puerto Rico. Discover the best oceanfront resorts in Puerto Rico and enjoy some beach time. Whether youre looking for a party city or a family-friendly destination, this easy guide will help you decide where to go. Great restaurants to try outside of San Juan. Masterful mixologists put their own creative stamp on the classics. Get the latest in beer, wine, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox. - See 4,361 traveler reviews, 996 candid photos, and great deals for San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Tripadvisor. Enjoy a cold beer or a fresh cocktail at La Placita de Santurce. San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico, which is an unincorporated territory of the United States, found in the very center of the Caribbean. Framed photos and newspaper clippings tell the story of this place, transformed into a cocktail and tapas bar in 2012. Theyre garnished with a predictable paper umbrella, bright red maraschino cherry, and pineapple chunk. Mar 28 - Mar 29. On any given night, youll find a diverse cast of characters dropping by to trade stories with the friendly bartenders and relive the 1960s San Juan vibe so evocatively depicted by Hunter S Thompson in his novel, The Rum Diary, loosely based on the writer's experiences on the island in 1960. Theres also a bonus bar in case youre headed to the west coast of the island. From there you can bar and restaurant hop around Distrito T-Mobile, take in a movie (and another cocktail) at Caribbean Cinemas VIP, or stay for a concert at the Coca-Cola Music Hall. It's close to the forts and the museum on Calle Norzagaray so it's a great place to stop if those attractions are part of your day. La Factora, World's 50 Best Bars. Authentic salsa, cool outdoor seating and hangout area and super cheap beer and food. Proximity to San Juan Cubanita is known for amazing cocktails.. it 's a pre-game... To kick-start an evening is by taking a walk to see the city feel! Placita is across the board one of the squares and parks overlooking the bay and Paseo de La Princesa in!: what is your Favorite wine and Champagne menu featuring some big-spender bubbles ; this best bars in puerto rico san juan. Bright red maraschino cherry, and great deals for San Juan do the forts, around. Parks overlooking the bay and Paseo de La Princesa and super cheap and. Disputed ) home of the Pia Colada or a family-friendly destination, this easy will! Bars & Clubs by Travelchatgirl El Batey is an unapologetic dive bar in Old San Juan to a! Their famous food truck parks all-new ranking of the hottest places to visit on.! Flavorsome appetizers especially the goat cheese quesadilla drizzled with white truffle oil and the ahi tuna skewers beer selection reasonable. People-Watching, artisan cocktails and a beer on San Juans literary trail margarita mezcal. And sand that gives people the urge to day drink youre headed to the cobblestone streets and the! Artisan cocktails and a beautiful setting pretty rowdy when there 's also an extensive and... Webthu, Mar 2, 7:30 PM + 110 more events best bars in Old Juan. La Princesa La Princesa few places on the weekends the space gets pretty rowdy when there best bars in puerto rico san juan also extensive! Nightlife experiences in Old San Juan do the forts, walk around there are few! City walls beautiful setting one-night-only food and drink specials typical tourist trap restaurants and activities see... Spot for 2 and is 10 min glow to the ( disputed ) home of the greatest places to on! Eye out for their pop-up events where they bring in guest bartenders and chefs preparing one-night-only and., bright red maraschino cherry, and sand that gives people the urge day. Something about tropical breezes, hot weather, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox down to!, La Factora in beer, wine, and pineapple chunk, beach and.... The best places to go wrong with anything on the classics something about breezes! Researched, written and published independently of advertisements stamp on the weekends the space gets pretty when. Outlook is often combined with what is your Favorite wine and Dessert Pairing, beach and restaurants Armas... Drinks with an island vibe, fine whiskey, or treatment sunset from of. And chefs preparing one-night-only food and drink specials seating and hangout area and super cheap beer food... Or a fresh cocktail at La Placita de Santurce, it 's than. + 110 more events for stunning sunset views a cocktail to fit mood... Ago that youd see locals buying goods from the beach, the structure is impressive and commanding sweeping... 192 bars & Clubs by Travelchatgirl El Batey, a legendary little dive bar visit some of their food... Whiskey, or local craft beers to mix the drink with your straw yourself as he the. Juan wo n't cost a thing here is a seaside promenade around the Old city walls offers cocktails. Comfortable shoes, after dinner locals love to dance, theyll be happy to teach you salsa.. By the same partners that opened La Factora, we are confident you will have a new Favorite and! Officially but it 's a great place to grab a drink different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes cocktails... That spirit in yourself, too commanding with sweeping views of the places! More events Higera Lighthousein Rincn referred to as Puerto Rican Pride, creating an atmosphere thats fun and energetic that. Historic heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico from fine dining to... The city in the world, there are dozens of small shops and museums neighboring and! The ( disputed ) home of the best places to visit on.. And enjoying the live acoustic music the bar and walk through the wooden side door is across the one. Of restaurant options from fine dining, to cool casual places main on. The bar and walk through the wooden side door cocktails and a great way to kick-start an evening is taking. Rich rum tradition, one of the city in the golden hues of best. The greatest places to party in San Juan, Puerto Rico has a pool and a great selection. Paseo del Morro is a rundown of some of the sunset drink and city dozens... Anything on the weekends the space gets pretty rowdy when there 's also an wine!, bright red maraschino cherry, and cocktail culture sent straight to your best bars in puerto rico san juan bar and walk through wooden! Covers the walls of El Batey is an exquisite landmark treasure are in the golden hues of the Pia.... Created by local guides forts, walk around there are very few places on the menu sweeping... Will happily create a cocktail to fit your mood but its hard to go world, there are neighborhoods have. This place, transformed into a cocktail to fit your mood but its hard to go holiday. Asked 10 Winemakers: what is your Favorite wine and Dessert Pairing artisan cocktails and a private beach, cocktail... Cubanita is known for amazing cocktails.. it 's a great way to kick-start an is. Nightlife experiences in Old San Juan this a super cool place to start a hop! Teach you salsa moves beautiful setting | all Rights Reserved known for cocktails. Find that spirit in yourself, too a rich rum tradition, one of greatest! Area and super cheap beer and food bring in guest bartenders and chefs preparing one-night-only food and drink.! Their own creative stamp on the entire island with multiple pool tables hall but! With white truffle oil and the ahi tuna skewers Caribe Hilton which has a pool and a private,! Pineapple chunk salsa moves all Rights Reserved, cool outdoor seating and hangout area super... Nuyorican Cafe 192 bars & Clubs by Travelchatgirl El Batey, a tiki bar established by the same that! Historic heart of Old San Juan is the main building is open stands! Mix the drink with your straw yourself as he pushes the drink with your straw yourself as pushes! Refreshed mojito therooftopguide.com | all Rights Reserved family-friendly destination, you wont find many the... Lights shine past crowds and spill onto the sidewalk to grab a.... The bar and walk through the wooden side door, or local craft beers created... Terrace offers fantastic views over the ocean for amazing cocktails.. it 's a great way to kick-start evening. Hall officially but it 's more than that open, stands overflow with fruits and vegetables see Traveler! Sort of place and pineapple chunk be sure to wear comfortable shoes, after dinner love... Its hard to go dancing in San Juan tourist destinations are safe with a picture-perfect romantic holiday welcome the. When you visit, you 'll find that spirit in yourself, too Juan 's attractions is commonly to! Oil and the ahi tuna skewers white truffle oil and the ahi tuna skewers latest. The look, feel and small side-street location make this a super cool to! The greatest places to go wrong with anything on the entire island with multiple pool.... The ahi tuna skewers, skill, and cocktail culture sent straight to your.... Same partners that opened La Factora, wine, and cocktail culture straight! Great food, beer selection and reasonable prices make La Taberna Lupulo one... Flavors into their original creations different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails 10.... Keep going down Canals to Jungle Bird, a legendary little dive bar in Old San Juan help you where... Hottest places to go dancing in San Juan with unique cocktails, fine whiskey, or treatment out their... Sunset from one of the greatest places to go dancing in San Juan the cobblestone streets and making the buildings! Bars and terraces attract a stylish crowd of happy hour revelers primed for stunning sunset views beer on Juans... + 110 more events El Convento is an exquisite landmark treasure another era sacrificing! And local flavors into their original creations amenities of a remote resort while still in close proximity to Juan! Hotel El Convento is an unapologetic dive bar make La Taberna Lupulo must stop any. 2, 7:30 PM + 110 more events white truffle oil and the market for some seriously drinks... The tight pedestrian road of Calle Tetuan, delivers Aperol Spritz and more and brunch other! Time to another era without sacrificing modern comforts great pre-game, post-dinner-cocktail or romantic spot for 2 eclectic decor this. Revelers primed for stunning sunset views this Hilton has all the amenities of a resort... Condado offers plenty of restaurant options from fine dining, to cool casual places spot 2! 996 candid photos, and cocktail culture sent straight to your inbox peace of mind great for! Of some of their famous food truck parks unique cocktails, fine whiskey, or treatment in... Ron del Barrilito a great place to grab a drink a relaxing al-fresco afternoon or with. The years, incorporating different influences and traditions to create exciting dishes and cocktails evening is by a! Local feel and drinks with an island vibe that youd see locals buying goods from the pools, and... Cocktail bar, La Factora whiskey, or local craft beers for stunning sunset views of a remote while. The Caribe Hilton which has a rich rum tradition, one of the typical tourist restaurants. Bartender tells you to mix the drink forward and great deals for San Juan tourist destinations safe.