Cayman Islands Brewery (366 Shamrock Road, Red Bay, Grand Cayman) – this local brewery makes the following beers: Caybrew (a full-bodied yet light light lager with a crisp hop finish), White Tip (a moderate pilsner), and Ironshore Bock (an amber-colored brew). Free tours are available on the hour (which must be arranged beforehand). The brewery’s […]
The U.S. National Parks Service maintains this huge colonial military complex, comprising Castillo El Morro and Castillo San Cristóbal. These fortresses were constructed throughout the 17th and 18th centuries to defend the San Juan coastline from other European powers who at one time or another attempted to invade Puerto Rico. It’s an area that rises […]
El Batey (101 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan) — This legendary hole-in-the-wall bar won’t win any prizes for decor, but even still, it has an irresistibly artsy and welcoming vibe. Add your own message to the graffiti-covered walls (they have a B.Y.O.S, or Bring Your Own Sharpie policy), or put your business card alongside the […]
Café Cuatro Sombras (259 Calle Recinto Sur, Old San Juan) — If you want to try locally grown, single-origin, shade-grown coffee, this micro-roastery and café is the place to do it. Owners Pablo Muñoz and Mariana Suárez grow their beans in the mountains of Yauco on a hacienda that has been in Muñoz family since […]
St. Germain Bistro & Café (156 Calle Sol, Old San Juan) — One of the city’s hidden treasures, this charming French-inspired café-restaurant stands on a quiet cobbled street corner. The interior is just as inviting, with rustic white wooden tables and benches. St. Germain delivers exceptionally fresh, made-from-scratch food and friendly service. With an emphasis […]
Krash (1257 Avenida Ponce de León, Santurce) — A balcony bar for gay locals and tourists overlooks all the drama on the dance floor at this popular club. Most of the time DJs spin house, hip-hop, salsa, and reggaetón, but occasionally disco nights send you back to the music of the 1970s and ’80s. It’s […]
. Fundación Nacional para la Cultura Popular (56 Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan) — This multifaceted foundation hosts a variety of events, including Latin music and dance performances and classes.
Eternal (Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza Hotel, 999 Avenida Ashford, Condado) — Decorated in the same modern style as the rest of the Condado Plaza hotel, this sleek lounge hosts a range of acts on the weekends, including DJs and live bands, most often salsa, merengue, or Spanish pop. It’s a comfortable spot for an […]
El Batey (101 Calle Cristo, Old San Juan) — This legendary hole-in-the-wall bar won’t win any prizes for decor, but even still, it has an irresistibly artsy and welcoming vibe. Add your own message to the graffiti-covered walls (they have a B.Y.O.S, or Bring Your Own Sharpie policy), or put your business card alongside the […]
El Barril (1309 Avenida Ashford, C-2, Condado) — If you stop by this neighborhood bar at, say, 9 or 10 pm, you may find yourself alone with the bartender. It doesn’t get going until 11 pm at the earliest, but 1 am is probably better if you want a true taste of San Juan nightlife. […]