San Juan

The best bars in San Juan for the perfect night out

The city can easily be split into the older, more traditional neighbourhoods and the newer, modern areas, but within that split there are several distinct neighbourhoods that each have their own unique vibe. Condado and Isla Verde are the homes of all the city’s biggest resorts and as a result, they have some of the biggest and best nightclubs and bars in San Juan. Expect DJs pumping music into the small hours and high energy at places like El Barrill and Club Brava. For a more boho-chic vibe, the district of Santurce is your best bet and Plaza del Mercado the neighbourhood’s beating heart. Expect quaint eateries, bar hopping musicians and lots of locals enjoying a drink. The university crowd stays in and around Rio Piedras. Head to El 8 de Blanco for $1 beers and live bands. Old San Juan is perfect for a quieter night in a more romantic and often more intimate setting. Experience traditional salsa and merengue music at Nuyorican Café or, sip at a Pina Colada at the Barrachina, the drink’s birthplace. When it comes to a night out in San Juan, there’s no wrong way to do it, just grab your dancing shoes and get ready to party the night away.