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Official Puerto Rico Thread?
Old San Juan Nightclubs & Lounges
Club Lazer – Calle Cruz 251
La Factoria – Calle San José & Calle San Sebastian
La Rumba Party Cruise – Pier 1 ( at Plaza Darsenas)
Moreno’s – 361 Calle Tetuan
Nuyorican Café - Calle San Francisco Number 312, behind Da House
Hotel
Parrot Club – Calle Fortaleza 363
Señor Frogs - 102 Calle Marina, next to the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
& Casino
The Mezzanine at St. Germain – 156 Calle Sol
Condado Nightclubs & Lounges
Atlantic Beach Bar – Atlantic Beach Hotel, 1 Calle Vendig, Condado, San
Juan
Cabaret Lounge – Radisson Ambassador Hotel & Casino, 1369 Ashford
Ave., Condado
Di Zucchero/ La Piazza Club – 1210 Ashford Avenue, Condado
El Barril – 1302 Ashford Ave., Condado
Eternal Lobby Lounge – Condado Plaza Hilton, 999 Ashford Avenue,
Condado
Lobby – La Concha Resort, 1077 Ashford Avenue, Condado
Oasis Bar – Caribe Hilton, 1 San Geronimo Street, between Old San Juan
& Condado
Oceano – 2 Calle Vendig, Condado – next to the Atlantic Beach Bar &
Hotel
Red Coral Lounge – Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, 1309 Ashford
Ave., Condado
Isla Verde Nightclubs & Lounges
Café La Plage – The Beach House Hotel, 4851 Isla Verde Ave., Isla Verde
Club Brava, Ultra Lounge, The Rose Club, The Lobby at El San Juan
Resort & Casino 6063 Isla Verde Avenue, Isla Verde
Mist – San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel, 2 Tartak St., Isla Verde
Picante – Courtyard by Marriott Beach Resort, 7012 Boca de Cangrejos
Ave., Isla Verde
Ocean Park Nightclubs & Lounges
Mango’s – 1960 Calle McLeary, Ocean Park, San Juan
Clubs:
Club Brava
El San Juan Hotel & Casino: Ultra lavish hotel, beautiful grounds, even non-guests can venture to the beach on its backyard whilst partying. Not only are there great parties in the lobby, but also at the nearby nightclub (Brava) and even burlesque lounge (The Rose Club – call 787.565.7700 for showtimes). **Fridays and Saturdays are best for partying at the lobby, by the way. Brava usually has the best DJs on Saturday nights.
Club Kronos
Located between Condado (the chic district where some of San Juan's trendiest hotels and restaurants are) and Santurce (a Bohemian, blue-collar neighborhood with a distinctly local feel) is Club Kronos. Complete with laser lights, a large dance floor and minimal decor, it's all about the music and the crowd here.
To make a night of it: Club Kronos isn't too far from one of my favorite hangouts: La Plaza del Mercado, or La Placita. This square is a market by day but on weekend and Thursday nights, it becomes an open-air party with restaurants and bars enjoying a lively trade.
The Nuyorican Café
If you’re looking for area nightlife, visit a dance club and bar called Nuyorican, which starts to heat up at about 10 pm. With a $5 cover charge and cheap drinks, this hopping place won’t break the bank, but will introduce you to the musical mix of San Juan – bomba, plena and salsa – and to some of the city’s most accomplished dancers.
Lounges:
Many San Juan hotels have lobby-level lounges and clubs that attract a loyal late-night following:
The El San Juan, La Concha resort, the Caribe Hilton, and the San Juan Marriott all boast lively lobby bars that spill into connected casinos and nightclubs. With the former two being amongst the hippest destinations in the city's hippest neighborhood.
Bed Lounge
Bed Lounge is one of the trendiest night clubs of Isla Verde. The place is huge and the ambience is buzzing. The lounge is spread over two layers- VIP beds and series of small rooms are in the second floor. Whereas the first floor consist of a huge dance floor and lounge. In Bed Lounge you can dance, hang out, and snack with your friends after hours.
Located on Isla Verde Avenue, Bed Lounge lives up to its name with an upper level devoted to its signature beds. The ground floor is a more typical club environment, with a dance floor and lounge area.
Eternal Lobby Lounge
Is one of the most popular nightlife destinations in San Juan preferred by socialites and fashionistas. Located in the popular Conrad Condado Plaza Hotel it features lives music performances and DJ. The lobby-level Eternal Lobby Lounge at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel is one of the hottest places in San Juan to grab a drink, catch a live DJ on weekends, or relax on the outdoor terrace with a drink or two. The lounge combines a few environments; the open-air terrace overlooking the ocean, a funky-looking bar with plush seating and spacious booths, and additional seating spilling over into the lobby itself.
Mist
The ultra-stylish Water & Beach Club Hotel in Isla Verde has one of my favorite options for nightlife seekers. Mist is an Island-Italian-Spanish restaurant that doubles as a nocturnal rooftop hotspot. Come for the signature cocktails and the "socializers" menu, chill out at the lounge, and enjoy a night under the stars on a comfy day bed, if you can grab one. It's a cool place to kick back and bask with all of Isla Verde and the ocean spread out below you.
Q Lounge
Straddling the main road between Punta Las Marias and Isla Verde, Q Lounge is located in a squat black building that positively oozes a funky Goth vibe. Inside, the theme continues with some unorthodox Virgin Mary paintings, black-and-white checkered dance floor, and the dramatic love seat that looks like it will be welcoming Dracula anytime.
It's a cool place that's very popular with the locals. It should be with tourists as well ... especially with the kitchen serving Puerto Rican food until the wee hours.
Koco Lounge
At the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, there are many places to hang out late at night. The lobby has a hopping vibe at all times, with a beautiful bar and live band. The casino is a perennial favorite. But the newcomer, Koco Restaurant, Rum Bar and Lounge, might just take the cake. Its cool green and brown natural hues, comfy rooms and funky bar have attracted a hip crowd.
The Cigar House
Plush, rich leather sofas and hand crafted wooden rocking chairs await the customer with plenty of torches and ash trays to go around. Alcohol is available at a small but extremely comprehensive bar. Rich single barrel rums and fine scotches are numerous, and one will find it hard to choose which spirit to accompany their smoke with.
Di Zucchero Restaurant & Lounge
Very busy on weekends, particularly after 12:30 AM. Better yet? Party goes on until 5 AM!
The Rose Club (also inside El San Juan Hotel & Casino):
As described on their website, this is “Puerto Rico’s First Cabaret Nightclub Venue featuring Miss Dakota’s Ran Can Can Burlesque Show.”
Hotel El Convento
The number one hotel in San Juan in terms of charm and service. Ironic, yes–it used to be a convent! Good parties at the lobby on Wednesdays.
Bars:
Plaza del Mercado (La Placita)
La Placita: the hidden gem of my San Juan Puerto Rico nightlife tips for tourists. La Placita is not just an establishment, but an entire plaza full of popular bars. College kids attending the state university and even young professionals alike flock here on Wednesdays and weekends. Some of the cheapest drinks in town. Most of the people spill out into the streets and most of the bars are open-air. In addition to the many local bars, the plaza has several fondas, or small eateries specializing in Puerto Rican fare. La Placita, as it’s called, has a relaxed, pleasant vibe, and it’s definitely off the beaten path; although you wouldn’t know it from the almost-impossible parking around the place.
Bodega Chic
Located on Cristo Street right near Plaza San José, Bodega Chic lives up to its name. The laid back bar is indeed chic, located adjacent to the restaurant and home to some much respected drinks (mojitos and bloody marys are among highly touted). The blue-hued bar is a wonderful low-key hangout to mix drinks with absolutely awesome French fries served with a homemade garlic mayo.
Oyster Bar
Oyster Bar is a beautiful bar in Isla Verde. It is favorite haunt of locals and travelers alike. With passing night the crowd increases. Latin American and Salsa moves are most commonly seen across the dance floor. The music jamming, and the DJ playing hits is overwhelming. The drinks are also inexpensive.
Nono's
You can’t beat the location: a colonial building atop a hill on the corner of Cristo and San Sebastián Streets. You can’t beat the ambience, with pool tables on the second floor and a long bar area with seating that spills out onto the street and Plaza San José. In addition to daily drink specials, you can get succulent burgers here from the neighboring restaurant El Patio de Sam. And you can’t beat the hours: Nono’s will stay open until four.
El Batey
The home of grunge in Old San Juan, El Batey occupies a unique niche on one of the most historic streets in the city. Its collegiate-atmosphere décor, highlighted by graffiti, jukebox, lampshades made of business cards, and wooden bar weathered by numerous (if not famous) autographs. Its unpretentious dinginess is one of its most appealing qualities.
Lupi's
With two branches, in Old San Juan and Isla Verde, Lupi's is an injection of Spring Break in an otherwise chic neighborhood. The food is Tex-Mex heavy, the drinks massive (with an impressive array of margaritas), and the bar colorful and hopping on the weekends (especially the Isla Verde branch, which also has live music nightly).
Señor Frog's
Across the Caribbean (and Mexico), Señor Frog’s has been sending college kids crawling home happy. You can count on this joint for a youthful, raucous scene, blaring music, live bands, karaoke, girls dancing on stage, and freely flowing alcohol. The Puerto Rico branch of this chain is located behind the Sheraton. Señor Frog’s is a full-service restaurant as well, but you can eat at one of Old San Juan’s fine restaurants and then come here to party.
The Beach House
This tiny boutique hotel hosts some of the hottest weekend parties in the city, with dancing in the sand/under the stars extending ‘til hours often referred to as “wee”.
Oceana
Oceano is probably the trendiest beachfront bar and restaurant in Condado. Great mix of bar/club (think: Miami Delano Hotel) and restaurant.. The food is AMAZING
Shanna’s Pub
Irish bar, extremely popular with the locals. Goes crazy on boxing match nights and any given Friday or Saturday. Also very busy on Wednesdays, so be there before midnight
Stop and Go
This is where you pregame, no exceptions! Unbelievable, unheard of prices for the Condado strip. Some great examples? A bucket of 6-7 Coronita beers for $7; large Heineken bottle for $3. Essentially a semi-open dive bar, with a few slot machines, that also sells Puerto Rican fried foods. Popular with the locals, naturally.
Other notes
Some of the Condado area’s best restaurants and bars are on or near the main drag of Ashford Avenue; try the Spanish-style tapas and sangria at Bar Gitano; the juice bar and vegetarian specialties at Pure and Natural; and hit Yerba Buena for a different style of music and dancing every night.
Casinos:
El San Juan Hotel & Casino
The grandaddy of them all, the El San Juan Hotel & Casino is in a class by itself among casino hotels. It's got a storied history; this is where the a-list celebrities like the original Brat Pack used to hang out, and today's stars still come here for a good time. With a lavish lobby, lounge and bar area that is always hopping, and terrific live salsa bands adding to the buzz, it's one of the few places where the hottest action might be away from the tables.
The casino is a sprawling affair, with 13,000 square feet of gaming space featuring:
Blackjack
Craps
Baccarat
Roulette
Caribbean stud poker
300 slot machines
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
The newest hotel on this list, the large and well-appointed Sheraton also boasts the largest casino in Puerto Rico, with 20,000 square feet of gaming space. The hotel's Casino Metro has almost 450 slot machines and 16 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, pai gow poker and three-card poker. Hardcore gamers can sign up for the M Players Club, a points card that can be redeemed for reward dollars.
A very cool feature of the casino is its entertainment niches reserved for live bands and mingling. An oval bar on the floor is a nice meeting point, but my favorite feature was the second-floor enclave where a funky trio livened up the atmosphere with '80s covers. More »
Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino
Of all the casino hotels in San Juan, the Condado Plaza feels most like a Vegas property. It's the first hotel you come across as you enter Condado from Old San Juan. At over 12,000 square feet, it's among the largest casinos in San Juan, and it's open 24 hours-a-day. When you're ready for a break, check out the Cocolobo lounge and club for drinks, food and live music.
Features include:
Over 400 slot machines
Blackjack
Craps
Roulette
Texas Hold-em (This is one of only a handful of casinos in San Juan that features Hold-em games)
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino
The Ritz's first casino lives up to the brand's reputation for elegance. This large casino wins major style points and is decorated in a throwback style you might see in Monte Carlo. I also give it props for having a cigar maker rolling fresh cigars just outside and a new lounge on the second floor to break up the action. Open 24 hours-a-day, it's also got plenty of gaming, including:
Blackjack
Roulette
Caribbean Stud Poker
Over 300 slot machines
Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino
An all-time favorite of mine. I have partied at this lobby and gambled at this casino on several occasions. The live Latin bands and even DJs at the lobby are always great. Best San Juan Puerto Rico nightlife tips for this location: It is an older crowd, best for those over 25. Party starts to sizzle on Wednesdays and Thursdays, depending on the season.
Features include:
Blackjack
Roulette
Craps
Caribbean stud poker
Slot machines
The Sheraton Old San Juan
The Sheraton gets on this list because it's the only choice if you want to gamble in Old San Juan. The largest hotel in the old city also boasts its only casino, and while it doesn't measure up to some of the other ones on this list in its style and gaming choices, the setting and location counts for a lot. The focus here is definitely on the slots, with a small amount of table games.
Features:
Blackjack
Caribbean stud poker
Roulette
Three-card poker
Over 300 slot machines
Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel & Casino San Juan
Set one block from bustling Condado Beach, this modern 146-room, 87-suite hotel features a casino with 400 slot machines and a wide variety of table games. Rooms have a balcony, flatscreen TV and a coffee maker. The rooftop swimming pool looks out over the Atlantic, as does the Ambassador Club Lounge. Party at the Ambassador Club Lounge; gamble at the 24-hour casino with 482 slot machines.
Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza
Rated among the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the Caribbean by Tripadvisor readers, the lobby is where it’s at. Usually best on Fridays, when the entire Condado strip is hot to party. The Condado Plaza Hilton features Restaurants, bars, casino, pools, and the beach! Prime location to walk to other areas as well. Dennys is 24 hours, Ashford Sports Lounge Bar.
Restaurants
The Parrot Club, Toro Salao, Aquaviva, Augusto’s, and Pikay, Orzco', José Enrique, Café la Plage- beach house hotel, los pinos open 24, Dragonfly for Asian-Latino, Il Grottino, Two local restaurants that are reasonably priced - Metropol and Bebo's, Tresbé, Old San Juan, El Jibarito(garlic chicken, baked fish and mofongo, a starchy, garlicky Puerto Rican stew of mashed green plantains, pork and more), Koco(Caribbean-themed dinner).
Popular drinks
Cuba libres, Cruzan coconut rum. Medalla Light's the country's most ubiquitous beer, Magna Special Craft billed as PR's first premium lager. And of course Bushwackers, which is a frozen coconut-chocolate deliciousness that really packs a punch; Very similar to a Mudslide, but with a hint of coconut.
Beaches
Ocean Park beach
Sandwiched between the Condado and Isla Verde along San Juan's coast, Ocean Park beach attracts more adults and less of the family trade. The wide beach, lined with palm and sea grape trees, fronts a residential neighborhood of beautiful homes, free of the high-rise condos that line other San Juan beaches.
A favorite for swimming, paddle tennis, and kite surfing, the beach is also a favorite spot for young and beautiful sanjuaneros to congregate, especially on weekends. Knowledgeable tourists also seek out Ocean Park, which has several guesthouses catering to young urban professionals from the East Coast. There definitely is a South Beach-Río vibe here, with more than a fair share of well-stuffed bikinis, but it's decidedly more low-key and Caribbean. It's a good spot for tourists and locals to mix. There are a few beachfront bar/restaurants housed in the guesthouses, good for a snack or lunch or cold drink.
Isla Verde Beach
This is the finer of the two San Juan metro area swaths of sand. The hotels and restaurants are swankier, there are more swaying palms, and Isla Verde’s status as the prime playa in San Juan tends to attract a sexier crowd.
Luqillo Beach
Beautiful beach, 30 miles east of San Juan. Luquillo Beach can be perfectly paired with a visit to the nearby El Yunque Rainforest. There's a full range of facilities at the beach, including picnic tables and restrooms. If you're looking for an authentic Puerto Rican beach experience, Luquillo would be my recommendation. Be sure to stop at the long row of Luquillo Beach restaurant kiosks. Over 60 eateries serve up everything from crab on a stick to hearty mofongo, with a huge side dish of local color.
Crash Boat Beach -- Aguadilla
Aguadilla is sleepy, laid back, ultra-local, and home to 19 beaches -- more than any other municipality in Puerto Rico. A series of old piers at Crash Boat make for easy and amazing snorkeling adventures, while offshore swells ideal for intermediate surfers also draw crowds. It's best to get here and out on your board early to avoid the throngs that tend to show just after noon on weekends.
Bonus: If you get tired of all that sun, surf, and sand, head over to the nearby Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena, the only facility of its kind in the Caribbean. Hey, it makes as much sense as the Phoenix Coyotes.
Piñones Beach -- Carolina/San Juan
There’s no better beach to experience the real flavor of Puerto Rico than Piñones. On Sundays in particular, scores of kiosks sitting between the beach and the road serve the most amazing array of local dishes imaginable. The music is loud, the cervezas ice-cold, the food portions generous; Puerto Rico at its finest.
Bonus: You can work off the pounds you’re bound to put on (after you try these tasty specialties) by trekking along the Boardwalk, a seven-mile nature trail that runs along the coast and through the Piñones Mangrove Forest. While communing with nature, take a moment to reflect on the staggering beauty of this island, and how hilarious the word “mangrove” is.
Palomino Island
This is El Conquistador's Private island beach. It was very nice. There is a restaurant/bar, another bar, horseback riding, couple of stores, large sandy beach, snorkeling shack to rent snorkeling equipment. There is a water taxi service running out of Fajardo that will take you to the little islands and cays in the area, including Palomino
Viques/Culebra
Off the main island of PR, both are home to some of the best beaches in the world. Both islands are only reachable by the water ferry leaving from Fajardo.
Read more here: http://www.vieques-island.com/beaches.shtml / http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/cia-culebra-seaventure/
Sight-seeing
El Yunque rainforest(guided tours, or unguided), El Morro fort, Bacardi mansion tour, Eco-adventure at Toro Verde or Aventuraspr: You could spend an entire day testing your physical prowess at this eco-adventure park; zip lines, rocks to climb, suspension bridges, and waterfalls to rappel are all within an hour’s drive from San Juan. Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, Rio Camuy Caves: There are more than 220 known caves in this 268-acre park. Plenty of other places to go ziplining and adventuring as well on the island
Misc:
I'd advise airbnbing or using a site like Homeaway to cop a spot, if you're with a large group. You'll generally get more bang for your buck and its definitely more fun to build w/locals and other travels, in a laidback chill, sexy spot.. as opposed to a hotel room.
The area we were in (3/15) Ocean Park, is a short drive from Condado beach which is poppin. That whole area, you can just walk and get into things during the day. It's a much better option that braving the hour long traffic to San Juan, just to walk the strip.. which is hit or miss in the daytime.
Also, all this isnt evening factoring in Culebra and Vieques, which are both a 45min boat/15min plane ride away via Fajardo from PR.
Not taking credit for anything thats posted above! Just compiling everything into one easy to find area for my NT brethren.
Old San Juan Nightclubs & Lounges
Club Lazer – Calle Cruz 251
La Factoria – Calle San José & Calle San Sebastian
La Rumba Party Cruise – Pier 1 ( at Plaza Darsenas)
Moreno’s – 361 Calle Tetuan
Nuyorican Café - Calle San Francisco Number 312, behind Da House
Hotel
Parrot Club – Calle Fortaleza 363
Señor Frogs - 102 Calle Marina, next to the Sheraton Old San Juan Hotel
& Casino
The Mezzanine at St. Germain – 156 Calle Sol
Condado Nightclubs & Lounges
Atlantic Beach Bar – Atlantic Beach Hotel, 1 Calle Vendig, Condado, San
Juan
Cabaret Lounge – Radisson Ambassador Hotel & Casino, 1369 Ashford
Ave., Condado
Di Zucchero/ La Piazza Club – 1210 Ashford Avenue, Condado
El Barril – 1302 Ashford Ave., Condado
Eternal Lobby Lounge – Condado Plaza Hilton, 999 Ashford Avenue,
Condado
Lobby – La Concha Resort, 1077 Ashford Avenue, Condado
Oasis Bar – Caribe Hilton, 1 San Geronimo Street, between Old San Juan
& Condado
Oceano – 2 Calle Vendig, Condado – next to the Atlantic Beach Bar &
Hotel
Red Coral Lounge – Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, 1309 Ashford
Ave., Condado
Isla Verde Nightclubs & Lounges
Café La Plage – The Beach House Hotel, 4851 Isla Verde Ave., Isla Verde
Club Brava, Ultra Lounge, The Rose Club, The Lobby at El San Juan
Resort & Casino 6063 Isla Verde Avenue, Isla Verde
Mist – San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel, 2 Tartak St., Isla Verde
Picante – Courtyard by Marriott Beach Resort, 7012 Boca de Cangrejos
Ave., Isla Verde
Ocean Park Nightclubs & Lounges
Mango’s – 1960 Calle McLeary, Ocean Park, San Juan
Clubs:
Club Brava
El San Juan Hotel & Casino: Ultra lavish hotel, beautiful grounds, even non-guests can venture to the beach on its backyard whilst partying. Not only are there great parties in the lobby, but also at the nearby nightclub (Brava) and even burlesque lounge (The Rose Club – call 787.565.7700 for showtimes). **Fridays and Saturdays are best for partying at the lobby, by the way. Brava usually has the best DJs on Saturday nights.
Club Kronos
Located between Condado (the chic district where some of San Juan's trendiest hotels and restaurants are) and Santurce (a Bohemian, blue-collar neighborhood with a distinctly local feel) is Club Kronos. Complete with laser lights, a large dance floor and minimal decor, it's all about the music and the crowd here.
To make a night of it: Club Kronos isn't too far from one of my favorite hangouts: La Plaza del Mercado, or La Placita. This square is a market by day but on weekend and Thursday nights, it becomes an open-air party with restaurants and bars enjoying a lively trade.
The Nuyorican Café
If you’re looking for area nightlife, visit a dance club and bar called Nuyorican, which starts to heat up at about 10 pm. With a $5 cover charge and cheap drinks, this hopping place won’t break the bank, but will introduce you to the musical mix of San Juan – bomba, plena and salsa – and to some of the city’s most accomplished dancers.
Lounges:
Many San Juan hotels have lobby-level lounges and clubs that attract a loyal late-night following:
The El San Juan, La Concha resort, the Caribe Hilton, and the San Juan Marriott all boast lively lobby bars that spill into connected casinos and nightclubs. With the former two being amongst the hippest destinations in the city's hippest neighborhood.
Bed Lounge
Bed Lounge is one of the trendiest night clubs of Isla Verde. The place is huge and the ambience is buzzing. The lounge is spread over two layers- VIP beds and series of small rooms are in the second floor. Whereas the first floor consist of a huge dance floor and lounge. In Bed Lounge you can dance, hang out, and snack with your friends after hours.
Located on Isla Verde Avenue, Bed Lounge lives up to its name with an upper level devoted to its signature beds. The ground floor is a more typical club environment, with a dance floor and lounge area.
Eternal Lobby Lounge
Is one of the most popular nightlife destinations in San Juan preferred by socialites and fashionistas. Located in the popular Conrad Condado Plaza Hotel it features lives music performances and DJ. The lobby-level Eternal Lobby Lounge at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel is one of the hottest places in San Juan to grab a drink, catch a live DJ on weekends, or relax on the outdoor terrace with a drink or two. The lounge combines a few environments; the open-air terrace overlooking the ocean, a funky-looking bar with plush seating and spacious booths, and additional seating spilling over into the lobby itself.
Mist
The ultra-stylish Water & Beach Club Hotel in Isla Verde has one of my favorite options for nightlife seekers. Mist is an Island-Italian-Spanish restaurant that doubles as a nocturnal rooftop hotspot. Come for the signature cocktails and the "socializers" menu, chill out at the lounge, and enjoy a night under the stars on a comfy day bed, if you can grab one. It's a cool place to kick back and bask with all of Isla Verde and the ocean spread out below you.
Q Lounge
Straddling the main road between Punta Las Marias and Isla Verde, Q Lounge is located in a squat black building that positively oozes a funky Goth vibe. Inside, the theme continues with some unorthodox Virgin Mary paintings, black-and-white checkered dance floor, and the dramatic love seat that looks like it will be welcoming Dracula anytime.
It's a cool place that's very popular with the locals. It should be with tourists as well ... especially with the kitchen serving Puerto Rican food until the wee hours.
Koco Lounge
At the El San Juan Hotel & Casino, there are many places to hang out late at night. The lobby has a hopping vibe at all times, with a beautiful bar and live band. The casino is a perennial favorite. But the newcomer, Koco Restaurant, Rum Bar and Lounge, might just take the cake. Its cool green and brown natural hues, comfy rooms and funky bar have attracted a hip crowd.
The Cigar House
Plush, rich leather sofas and hand crafted wooden rocking chairs await the customer with plenty of torches and ash trays to go around. Alcohol is available at a small but extremely comprehensive bar. Rich single barrel rums and fine scotches are numerous, and one will find it hard to choose which spirit to accompany their smoke with.
Di Zucchero Restaurant & Lounge
Very busy on weekends, particularly after 12:30 AM. Better yet? Party goes on until 5 AM!
The Rose Club (also inside El San Juan Hotel & Casino):
As described on their website, this is “Puerto Rico’s First Cabaret Nightclub Venue featuring Miss Dakota’s Ran Can Can Burlesque Show.”
Hotel El Convento
The number one hotel in San Juan in terms of charm and service. Ironic, yes–it used to be a convent! Good parties at the lobby on Wednesdays.
Bars:
Plaza del Mercado (La Placita)
La Placita: the hidden gem of my San Juan Puerto Rico nightlife tips for tourists. La Placita is not just an establishment, but an entire plaza full of popular bars. College kids attending the state university and even young professionals alike flock here on Wednesdays and weekends. Some of the cheapest drinks in town. Most of the people spill out into the streets and most of the bars are open-air. In addition to the many local bars, the plaza has several fondas, or small eateries specializing in Puerto Rican fare. La Placita, as it’s called, has a relaxed, pleasant vibe, and it’s definitely off the beaten path; although you wouldn’t know it from the almost-impossible parking around the place.
Bodega Chic
Located on Cristo Street right near Plaza San José, Bodega Chic lives up to its name. The laid back bar is indeed chic, located adjacent to the restaurant and home to some much respected drinks (mojitos and bloody marys are among highly touted). The blue-hued bar is a wonderful low-key hangout to mix drinks with absolutely awesome French fries served with a homemade garlic mayo.
Oyster Bar
Oyster Bar is a beautiful bar in Isla Verde. It is favorite haunt of locals and travelers alike. With passing night the crowd increases. Latin American and Salsa moves are most commonly seen across the dance floor. The music jamming, and the DJ playing hits is overwhelming. The drinks are also inexpensive.
Nono's
You can’t beat the location: a colonial building atop a hill on the corner of Cristo and San Sebastián Streets. You can’t beat the ambience, with pool tables on the second floor and a long bar area with seating that spills out onto the street and Plaza San José. In addition to daily drink specials, you can get succulent burgers here from the neighboring restaurant El Patio de Sam. And you can’t beat the hours: Nono’s will stay open until four.
El Batey
The home of grunge in Old San Juan, El Batey occupies a unique niche on one of the most historic streets in the city. Its collegiate-atmosphere décor, highlighted by graffiti, jukebox, lampshades made of business cards, and wooden bar weathered by numerous (if not famous) autographs. Its unpretentious dinginess is one of its most appealing qualities.
Lupi's
With two branches, in Old San Juan and Isla Verde, Lupi's is an injection of Spring Break in an otherwise chic neighborhood. The food is Tex-Mex heavy, the drinks massive (with an impressive array of margaritas), and the bar colorful and hopping on the weekends (especially the Isla Verde branch, which also has live music nightly).
Señor Frog's
Across the Caribbean (and Mexico), Señor Frog’s has been sending college kids crawling home happy. You can count on this joint for a youthful, raucous scene, blaring music, live bands, karaoke, girls dancing on stage, and freely flowing alcohol. The Puerto Rico branch of this chain is located behind the Sheraton. Señor Frog’s is a full-service restaurant as well, but you can eat at one of Old San Juan’s fine restaurants and then come here to party.
The Beach House
This tiny boutique hotel hosts some of the hottest weekend parties in the city, with dancing in the sand/under the stars extending ‘til hours often referred to as “wee”.
Oceana
Oceano is probably the trendiest beachfront bar and restaurant in Condado. Great mix of bar/club (think: Miami Delano Hotel) and restaurant.. The food is AMAZING
Shanna’s Pub
Irish bar, extremely popular with the locals. Goes crazy on boxing match nights and any given Friday or Saturday. Also very busy on Wednesdays, so be there before midnight
Stop and Go
This is where you pregame, no exceptions! Unbelievable, unheard of prices for the Condado strip. Some great examples? A bucket of 6-7 Coronita beers for $7; large Heineken bottle for $3. Essentially a semi-open dive bar, with a few slot machines, that also sells Puerto Rican fried foods. Popular with the locals, naturally.
Other notes
Some of the Condado area’s best restaurants and bars are on or near the main drag of Ashford Avenue; try the Spanish-style tapas and sangria at Bar Gitano; the juice bar and vegetarian specialties at Pure and Natural; and hit Yerba Buena for a different style of music and dancing every night.
Casinos:
El San Juan Hotel & Casino
The grandaddy of them all, the El San Juan Hotel & Casino is in a class by itself among casino hotels. It's got a storied history; this is where the a-list celebrities like the original Brat Pack used to hang out, and today's stars still come here for a good time. With a lavish lobby, lounge and bar area that is always hopping, and terrific live salsa bands adding to the buzz, it's one of the few places where the hottest action might be away from the tables.
The casino is a sprawling affair, with 13,000 square feet of gaming space featuring:
Blackjack
Craps
Baccarat
Roulette
Caribbean stud poker
300 slot machines
Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
The newest hotel on this list, the large and well-appointed Sheraton also boasts the largest casino in Puerto Rico, with 20,000 square feet of gaming space. The hotel's Casino Metro has almost 450 slot machines and 16 table games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, pai gow poker and three-card poker. Hardcore gamers can sign up for the M Players Club, a points card that can be redeemed for reward dollars.
A very cool feature of the casino is its entertainment niches reserved for live bands and mingling. An oval bar on the floor is a nice meeting point, but my favorite feature was the second-floor enclave where a funky trio livened up the atmosphere with '80s covers. More »
Condado Plaza Hotel & Casino
Of all the casino hotels in San Juan, the Condado Plaza feels most like a Vegas property. It's the first hotel you come across as you enter Condado from Old San Juan. At over 12,000 square feet, it's among the largest casinos in San Juan, and it's open 24 hours-a-day. When you're ready for a break, check out the Cocolobo lounge and club for drinks, food and live music.
Features include:
Over 400 slot machines
Blackjack
Craps
Roulette
Texas Hold-em (This is one of only a handful of casinos in San Juan that features Hold-em games)
The Ritz-Carlton, San Juan Hotel, Spa & Casino
The Ritz's first casino lives up to the brand's reputation for elegance. This large casino wins major style points and is decorated in a throwback style you might see in Monte Carlo. I also give it props for having a cigar maker rolling fresh cigars just outside and a new lounge on the second floor to break up the action. Open 24 hours-a-day, it's also got plenty of gaming, including:
Blackjack
Roulette
Caribbean Stud Poker
Over 300 slot machines
Marriott San Juan Resort & Stellaris Casino
An all-time favorite of mine. I have partied at this lobby and gambled at this casino on several occasions. The live Latin bands and even DJs at the lobby are always great. Best San Juan Puerto Rico nightlife tips for this location: It is an older crowd, best for those over 25. Party starts to sizzle on Wednesdays and Thursdays, depending on the season.
Features include:
Blackjack
Roulette
Craps
Caribbean stud poker
Slot machines
The Sheraton Old San Juan
The Sheraton gets on this list because it's the only choice if you want to gamble in Old San Juan. The largest hotel in the old city also boasts its only casino, and while it doesn't measure up to some of the other ones on this list in its style and gaming choices, the setting and location counts for a lot. The focus here is definitely on the slots, with a small amount of table games.
Features:
Blackjack
Caribbean stud poker
Roulette
Three-card poker
Over 300 slot machines
Radisson Ambassador Plaza Hotel & Casino San Juan
Set one block from bustling Condado Beach, this modern 146-room, 87-suite hotel features a casino with 400 slot machines and a wide variety of table games. Rooms have a balcony, flatscreen TV and a coffee maker. The rooftop swimming pool looks out over the Atlantic, as does the Ambassador Club Lounge. Party at the Ambassador Club Lounge; gamble at the 24-hour casino with 482 slot machines.
Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza
Rated among the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the Caribbean by Tripadvisor readers, the lobby is where it’s at. Usually best on Fridays, when the entire Condado strip is hot to party. The Condado Plaza Hilton features Restaurants, bars, casino, pools, and the beach! Prime location to walk to other areas as well. Dennys is 24 hours, Ashford Sports Lounge Bar.
Restaurants
The Parrot Club, Toro Salao, Aquaviva, Augusto’s, and Pikay, Orzco', José Enrique, Café la Plage- beach house hotel, los pinos open 24, Dragonfly for Asian-Latino, Il Grottino, Two local restaurants that are reasonably priced - Metropol and Bebo's, Tresbé, Old San Juan, El Jibarito(garlic chicken, baked fish and mofongo, a starchy, garlicky Puerto Rican stew of mashed green plantains, pork and more), Koco(Caribbean-themed dinner).
Popular drinks
Cuba libres, Cruzan coconut rum. Medalla Light's the country's most ubiquitous beer, Magna Special Craft billed as PR's first premium lager. And of course Bushwackers, which is a frozen coconut-chocolate deliciousness that really packs a punch; Very similar to a Mudslide, but with a hint of coconut.
Beaches
Ocean Park beach
Sandwiched between the Condado and Isla Verde along San Juan's coast, Ocean Park beach attracts more adults and less of the family trade. The wide beach, lined with palm and sea grape trees, fronts a residential neighborhood of beautiful homes, free of the high-rise condos that line other San Juan beaches.
A favorite for swimming, paddle tennis, and kite surfing, the beach is also a favorite spot for young and beautiful sanjuaneros to congregate, especially on weekends. Knowledgeable tourists also seek out Ocean Park, which has several guesthouses catering to young urban professionals from the East Coast. There definitely is a South Beach-Río vibe here, with more than a fair share of well-stuffed bikinis, but it's decidedly more low-key and Caribbean. It's a good spot for tourists and locals to mix. There are a few beachfront bar/restaurants housed in the guesthouses, good for a snack or lunch or cold drink.
Isla Verde Beach
This is the finer of the two San Juan metro area swaths of sand. The hotels and restaurants are swankier, there are more swaying palms, and Isla Verde’s status as the prime playa in San Juan tends to attract a sexier crowd.
Luqillo Beach
Beautiful beach, 30 miles east of San Juan. Luquillo Beach can be perfectly paired with a visit to the nearby El Yunque Rainforest. There's a full range of facilities at the beach, including picnic tables and restrooms. If you're looking for an authentic Puerto Rican beach experience, Luquillo would be my recommendation. Be sure to stop at the long row of Luquillo Beach restaurant kiosks. Over 60 eateries serve up everything from crab on a stick to hearty mofongo, with a huge side dish of local color.
Crash Boat Beach -- Aguadilla
Aguadilla is sleepy, laid back, ultra-local, and home to 19 beaches -- more than any other municipality in Puerto Rico. A series of old piers at Crash Boat make for easy and amazing snorkeling adventures, while offshore swells ideal for intermediate surfers also draw crowds. It's best to get here and out on your board early to avoid the throngs that tend to show just after noon on weekends.
Bonus: If you get tired of all that sun, surf, and sand, head over to the nearby Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena, the only facility of its kind in the Caribbean. Hey, it makes as much sense as the Phoenix Coyotes.
Piñones Beach -- Carolina/San Juan
There’s no better beach to experience the real flavor of Puerto Rico than Piñones. On Sundays in particular, scores of kiosks sitting between the beach and the road serve the most amazing array of local dishes imaginable. The music is loud, the cervezas ice-cold, the food portions generous; Puerto Rico at its finest.
Bonus: You can work off the pounds you’re bound to put on (after you try these tasty specialties) by trekking along the Boardwalk, a seven-mile nature trail that runs along the coast and through the Piñones Mangrove Forest. While communing with nature, take a moment to reflect on the staggering beauty of this island, and how hilarious the word “mangrove” is.
Palomino Island
This is El Conquistador's Private island beach. It was very nice. There is a restaurant/bar, another bar, horseback riding, couple of stores, large sandy beach, snorkeling shack to rent snorkeling equipment. There is a water taxi service running out of Fajardo that will take you to the little islands and cays in the area, including Palomino
Viques/Culebra
Off the main island of PR, both are home to some of the best beaches in the world. Both islands are only reachable by the water ferry leaving from Fajardo.
Read more here: http://www.vieques-island.com/beaches.shtml / http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/cia-culebra-seaventure/
Sight-seeing
El Yunque rainforest(guided tours, or unguided), El Morro fort, Bacardi mansion tour, Eco-adventure at Toro Verde or Aventuraspr: You could spend an entire day testing your physical prowess at this eco-adventure park; zip lines, rocks to climb, suspension bridges, and waterfalls to rappel are all within an hour’s drive from San Juan. Bioluminescent Bay in Vieques, Rio Camuy Caves: There are more than 220 known caves in this 268-acre park. Plenty of other places to go ziplining and adventuring as well on the island
Misc:
I'd advise airbnbing or using a site like Homeaway to cop a spot, if you're with a large group. You'll generally get more bang for your buck and its definitely more fun to build w/locals and other travels, in a laidback chill, sexy spot.. as opposed to a hotel room.
The area we were in (3/15) Ocean Park, is a short drive from Condado beach which is poppin. That whole area, you can just walk and get into things during the day. It's a much better option that braving the hour long traffic to San Juan, just to walk the strip.. which is hit or miss in the daytime.
Also, all this isnt evening factoring in Culebra and Vieques, which are both a 45min boat/15min plane ride away via Fajardo from PR.
Not taking credit for anything thats posted above! Just compiling everything into one easy to find area for my NT brethren.
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