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In San Juan, there’s something for everyone, whether you love dancing, craft cocktails, or just a dive bar to soak up the local ambiance.
With a rich culture unlike any other, Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan has it all: great food, beautiful beaches, and the best nightlife you could ask for. Enjoy the beautiful Ocean Park Beach by day and get ready to dance when the sun sets. Salsa dancing is a popular way to let loose in Puerto Rico, and if you’re not familiar with it, you might even be able to find a group giving free salsa lessons around town! So whether you’re looking to sharpen your salsa skills dance in a club, listen to live jazz while eating tapas, or just want a good rum tasting, you’ll find what you’re looking for in San Juan.
San Juan is split into two distinct neighborhoods; Old San Juan offers a more romantic and slower nightlife, while New San Juan has newer clubs and bars. Of course you’ll be able to find music, dancing, and food in either neighborhood, so where exactly should you spend your nights? Here are five clubs, bars and cafes with that unbeatable Puerto Rican energy.
Take in the beautiful sights of San Juan before checking out the nighlife scene
Cafe Carli Concierto
Jazz lovers rejoice. For those whose idea of a night out isn’t necessarily a club, Cafe Carli Concierto is a great place for a good meal, great atmosphere, and even better live jazz acts. Just make sure you make a reservation, as this beloved spot fills up fast!
Jazz is among the musical sounds to be heard on a night out in San Juan
Kronos
San Juan’s Kronos is a true club: It has a large dancefloor to show off your moves, great light shows, and a youthful San Juan crowd. If you just want to dance the night away in a club that’s centrally located, Kronos is the place for you.
La Placita de Santurce
There’s no better place to get an authentic feel for the energy of San Juan than La Placita. This outdoor plaza is the spot to be on weekend nights, and it’s the place you’re most likely to find people dancing salsa in the streets. Head here before going to the club to get your dance moves warmed up— it’s an experience you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere!
You might just be inspired to dance in the streets by La Placita de Santurce
Casa Melaza Rum Boutique
If dancing isn’t your thing maybe rum is. Casa Melaza is a tasting bar where you can learn about various rums (something Puerto Rico produces a lot of) and have a relaxing time doing it. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly, so even if you’re not the biggest rum fan, you’ll still be able to enjoy drinking and relaxing in one of Puerto Rico’s coziest specialty bars.
El Batey
A great dive bar can be hard to find--but not in San Juan. El Batey is one the town’s best, most intimate such haunts, with atmosphere and no-nonsense drinks. You’ll find a mix of locals and tourists, a jukebox kicking out tunes, and cold beer. If you’re looking for a local bar you can return to at the end of a long day exploring the city, check out El Batey.
No matter what you’re looking for in a night out on your trip, you’ll find it in San Juan: Whether that’s relaxing at a dive bar like a local, tasting local rum, or dancing to great music at an ultra-cool club.
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