San juan nightlife: Nightlife In San Juan | Where To Go Out In 2023

Nightlife In San Juan | Where To Go Out In 2023

San Juan is Puerto Rico’s capital city.

This is the most lively city in Puerto Rico. There are exclusive nightclubs, dive bars, karaoke spots, beachside pubs, bar-hopping venues, block parties and much more.

I grew up in Puerto Rico, so I can tell you that if you’re looking for fun, you are bound to find it in San Juan!

In this article, I’ll cover:

– Does San Juan have good nightlife?

– Where in San Juan is the nightlife?

– Does Old San Juan have good nightlife?

– What are the best bars and nightclubs in San Juan?

– Where do locals party in San Juan?

 

Does San Juan have good nightlife?

San Juan has the best nightlife in Puerto Rico!

The top three areas to visit are Old San Juan, Condado and La Placita.

The Condado area offers some of San Juan’s most luxurious clubs and resturants.

You can feel the party atmosphere just by walking down the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan.

At night, almost every restaurant turns into a nightclub and/or pub.

As soon as you arrive, you can hear the music spilling out onto the streets. 

Below is a video of the nightlife in Old San Juan:

Only three miles from Old San Juan is Condado, turning it up with its famous beachfront spots, hotel nightclubs, and the Miami South Beach vibe of Ashford Avenue.

Below is a video of the nightlife in Condado:

Just as close is La Placita in Santurce offering a bar-hopping setting that includes karaoke bars, nightclubs, and dive bars all in one place.

Below is a video of the nightlife in La Placita:

 

Where in San Juan is the nightlife?

The nightlife is pretty much everywhere in San Juan!

Each of San Juan’s neighborhoods offer different types of nightlife options.

The streets of Old San Juan come alive at night, attracting international and local visitors.

Old San Juan offers a mix of rustic bars, block parties, and hanging spots filled with music and cocktails.

Santurce has La Placita, one of the hottest party places in Puerto Rico. There are bars and pubs for every kind of genre.

Condado has exclusive nightclubs and beachfront spots. If you’re looking for a more exclusive night out this is your place.

Hato Rey and Rio Piedras have more of a local or “chinchorreo” (as locals call it) kind of energy.

 

Does Old San Juan have good nightlife?

Old San Juan’s nightlife is nothing short of epic.

A night out in Old San Juan is not something you should miss if you like to dance and have a drink.

The combination of lounges and rooftop bars with ancient architecture is spellbinding.

 

What are the best bars and nightclubs in San Juan?

There are so many excellent bars and nightclubs that it’s hard to choose. 

Here are the most popular bars and spots per area:

 

La Factoría

One of the most frequented nightspots in Old San Juan is La Factoría which has been among the World’s 50 Best Bars five years in a row.

 

 

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A post shared by La Factoría (@lafactoriapr)

Photo Credit: @lafactoriapr

This unusual rustic site is full of secret passages that lead to six other bars. Each bar offers a different ambiance for your enjoyment. 

You will love the best craft cocktails and music around!

Check out this video about La Factoría:

 

7eight7

The 7eight7 NightClub was designed by clubbers, for clubbers. This hot nightclub is located in Santurce close to La Placita.

 

 

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A post shared by 7eight7 (@7eight7pr)

Photo Credit: @7eight7pr

Experience an unforgettable night and enjoy the performances of the best artists of reggaeton, hip-hop, house, and more.

If you’re looking for a place to let loose while enjoying life and performances 7eight7 is what you’re looking for.

Check out this video of 7eight7 Nightclub:

 

La Milla Restaurant

La Milla Restaurant is a very cheerful dive bar and restaurant.

La Milla Restaurant is a great place to check out if you are looking to experience San Juan with the locals.

If you are looking for a place to chill and have a few drinks with friends while trying amazing cuisine, La Milla restaurant is the spot.

Here is a video of La Milla Restaurant:

This night spot is very popular among the locals. Located in La Milla de Oro (a main central business district). 

 

Aguardiente Bar

Aguardiente Bar is the hottest party spot in La Placita, Santurce.

Aguardiente Bar in La Placita is the spot to go to dance and drink all night long.

Aguardiente is where you go to dance all night. This is not a place to sit down and talk, here you will hit the dance floor all night long!

 

La Cantina Karaoke Bar & Restaurant

This nightspot is also very popular with the locals.  

You will enjoy a variety of delicious dishes including Mexican food, Puerto Rican cuisine, and the famous NY Style Parrilla.

 

 

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A post shared by La Cantina Karaoke Bar & Rest. (@la_cantina_sj)

Photo Credit: @la_cantina_sj

Besides its tasty food, La Cantina also offers live performances, Karaoke competitions, and drag presentations.

 

Chinchorreando

You will enjoy an amazing dinner while dancing and drinking.

Chinchorreando is the biggest outdoor dive bar in San Juan!

Chinchorreando in Hato Rey offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy the night with the locals in San Juan.

If you’re looking for a Puerto Rican way to hang out, this is the best place! 

Chinchorreando offers over 40 types of local, imported, and craft beers, tasty lunches, snacks, and drinks.

 

Where do locals party in San Juan?

For the locals, there is a tie between La Placita and Old San Juan as the go-to party place. 

Condado is also very frequented by Puerto Ricans. 

Check out this video about Puerto Rico’s nightlife:

 

 

FAQ section

What is the best bar in San Juan for tourists?

The most popular bar in Old San Juan is La Factoría. If you want a more exclusive night spot, I suggest 7eight7 in Santurce, and for all-night partying, Aguardiente in La Placita.

Is it safe to party in San Juan as a tourist?

Yes, Puerto Rico has a lower crime rate than most of the modern cities of the US and is one of the safest Caribbean islands to travel to. When it comes to partying at night in San Juan, as long as you stay away from drugs, guns, and don’t go looking for trouble you’ll have a blast!

 

Final thoughts

San Juan is the best place for nightlife in Puerto Rico.

As a local, I can assure you that you will not run out of bars and clubs to visit in San Juan.

I recommend that you check out our other article Nightlife In Puerto Rico – All You Need To Know to learn more about other areas outside of San Juan.

If you don’t like the bar scene, there are many other things to do in Puerto Rico at night. One of the most popular activities you can do after dark is taking a bio bay night tour. Check out our article about Bioluminescent Bays in Puerto Rico for more info.

And if you want to know more about safety in San Juan, be sure to read our article Is San Juan Safe for Tourists?

Article by

Dimary Hernández Soto

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I have lived in Puerto Rico my entire life. When I’m not writing, I work in the healthcare industry as a Quality Control Specialist. After Hurricane Maria, my teammates and I were responsible for ensuring that life support equipment reached patients in need around the island.  

About the author

The Ultimate Old San Juan Bar, Club & Nightlife Guide

The best bar, club & nightlife experiences in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

This is a curated list of bar, club and nightlife experiences in Old San Juan created by local guides. Old San Juan knows how to party… no doubt about it. From random live music shows in La Perla and all-night ravers at La Factoria…… to chill wine bars, lounges and romantic hideouts… Old San Juan delivers. Every place on this list is special for some reason or the other. If we don’t go there you won’t see it here. 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 🙂

The Best Bar, Club & Nightlife Old San Juan Guide Map 2021

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.

Map Features:

• Easy-to-use Google Maps interface
• Bar/Club Contact Information
• Clear location & navigation without the clutter
• Directions from your current location
• Shareable with your bar-hopping companions
• Downloadable/Printable/Copy-able

View the other curated Old San Juan guides & maps: Shopping | Hotels & Resorts | Restaurants & Food | Things To Do – Activities | Best Beaches 

 

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

• PR Is 18 To Drink – If you are 18-20 then you are good to go. If you are a bit older and maybe don’t want to party with college kids you might want to do some research ++++. A few places like La Factoria in Old San Juan are 21+ but most are 18+ to enter. 
• Chichaito – A local Puerto Rican shot made from anise liquor and rum. Very strong and oh so good. Try it.
• Pitorro – Basically a local moonshine rum. Many places in Puerto Rico have thier own version and it’s a treat to get to try them all. So many flavors: mango, coconut, guayaba, pistachio, etc. Casa Vieja in the mountains around Cialis has my favorite… it’s pistachio… it will stain anything it touches FOREVER… and it’s totally amazing.
• Fresh, Natural Juices – Puerto Rican’s are into fresh juices in the cocktails and drinks. Ask if they have fresh juices and try some. Mango, coconut water, passion fruit and pink grapefruit are common and many places have additional options as well. Pro tip: Try Don Q Limon with pink grapefruit juice (toronja rosada in Spanish) and a squeeze of lime. A friend invented this one and they call it “Happy Juice”…. it definitely seems to make them happy and it’s a great drink.
• Puerto Rican Salsa Dancing – If you are traveling to Puerto Rico and you don’t know how to do the Puerto Rican salsa you should learn. The basics are very easy to learn and you will be able to have some fun in PR if you like to dance. It’s a bit different than the LA style but again, very easy to pick up.

 

La Factoria

La Factoria in Old San Juan is one of the most iconic bars/clubs in the world. It makes all kinds of “Best of” lists (Frommer’s, etc.) all the time. The time I checked it was #5 on Frommer’s list of best bars in the world. It’s deserving of all the praise and always a blast.

La Factoria Salsa BarDespacito Video @ La FactoriaSeating @ La Factoria

La Taberna Lupulo

La Taberna Lupulo is one of the best bars in Old San Juan. They call it a beer hall officially but it’s more than that. They have a great beer list with local craft beers and great selections from all over the world, as well as a solid selection of small batch and unique scotches, whiskeys and bourbons as well. The great food, beer selection and reasonable prices make La Taberna Lupulo must stop on any bar hop in Old San Juan.

Bar @ La Taberna LupuloBeer Taps @ La Taberna LupuloOutdoor Seating @ La Taberna Lupulo

The Mezzanine

The Mezzanine is a speakeasy style lounge above the St. Germain restaurant. It’s located in the former home of a well-known “nationalista” and leader of the Puerto Rican Independence Movement, Pedro Albizu Campos. Campos spoke 6 languages and earned a degree from Harvard where he would have graduated valedictorian had he not been discriminated against for his mixed racial heritage. Campos was later imprisoned for 26 years after being convicted of attempting to overthrow the United States government. The Mezzanine’s atmosphere, cocktails and history make this place a go to pre-drink and after dinner cocktail lounge in Old San Juan.

Entrance @ The MezzanineBar @ The MezzanineSeating @ The Mezzanine

The Cannon Club – Steinway Piano Bar

The Cannon Club is a stylish and sophisticated haven for music/jazz lovers located in The Gallery Inn in Old San Juan. It’s beautiful interior adorned with Venetian chandeliers and impeccable decor create an amazing ambiance worth experiencing. The Cannon Club has a full service bar and a great tapas menu. Live music is played most nights of the week and live jazz can be found on Thursday & Saturday nights. Spend a night in a Humphrey Bogart movie and enjoy the music, cocktails and food at this amazing lounge and piano bar.

Inside @ The Cannon ClubPianos @ The Cannon ClubOutside @ The Cannon Club

Marilyn’s Place

Marilyn’s place is a super cool little hidden spot with a small bar inside and a few tables outside. Everything is Marilyn Monroe themed (hence the name) and it’s a great vibe. The look, feel and small side-street location make this a super cool place to grab a drink.

Bar @ Marilyn’s PlaceOutdoor Seating @ Marilyn’s PlaceOutside @ Marilyn’s Place

El Batey

El Batey is one of the best known bars in Old San Juan and likely all of Puerto Rico. You will always get a generous pour at good price at the PR staple. Murals and graffiti cover the walls, the staff is kick***, and the vibe is always great. If you are looking for some local flavor then it doesn’t get any better than this. Shoot a game and experience real PR at El Batey.

Bar @ El BateyInterior @ El BateyPool Table @ El Batey

Douglas

Douglas makes the list due to it’s juke box + pool table combo. For many cultures (American, British, Irish, etc.) pool tables and juke boxes are commonplace fixtures in pubs…. not in Puerto Rico. There are very few places on the entire island with multiple pool tables…. juke box and pool tables? None I can think of. The atmosphere here is always fun and Douglas is a stop on our Old San Juan bar hops regularly.

Bar @ DouglasOutside @ DouglasPool Tables @ Douglas

La Cubanita

La Cubanita is known for amazing cocktails….. it’s a great pre-game, post-dinner-cocktail or romantic spot for 2. If you are in the market for some seriously good drinks then La Cubanita should be a stop. There is often great salsa music playing and impromptu dancing is regular.

Bar @ La CubanitaInside @ La CubanitaOutside @ La Cubanita

La Garita Yaz

The view, the view, the view. Grab a cold beer (or mojito), some great authentic local Puerto Rican food, and enjoy the amazing view of colorful La Perla rooftops and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a bit of a walk from the main La Perla entrance but keep going. It’s worth noting that La Perla can get pretty crazy on weekend or concert/show nights so beware….. you may not want to brave this crowd if it’s super busy.

Food @ La Garita YazLa Perla View @ La Garita YazInside @ La Garita Yaz

El Adoquin del Patio

Authentic salsa, cool outdoor seating and hangout area and super cheap beer and food. Always a good time to be had here. 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. Also a great stop on the way back to Old San Juan proper from La Perla. El Adoquin del Patio is on a little side street next to La Verguenza.

Outside @ El Adoquin del PatioOutside @ El Adoquin del PatioFood @ El Adoquin del Patio

La Verguenza

La Verguenza is on Calle Norzagaray close to the forts, museums and farmer’s markets in the area. It’s next door to El Adoquin del Patio and has an ocienview upper level to enjoy La Verguenza’s good food and moderate prices in style. It can get crowded here and tables with the view can have pretty long waits. If it’s crowded put your name in for a table and hang out at El Adoquin del Patio until your table is ready.

The View @ La VerguenzaOutside @ La VerguenzaDownstairs Bar @ La Verguenza

Nightlife in Alicante

Holidays in the Spanish city of Alicante mean not only the beach, the sun, the sea. Excursions around the city, where you are surrounded by high-rise buildings with original architecture. Walks along the outskirts of the city, among the picturesque corners of which chic villas with green lawns and swimming pools have spread their possessions. You can see smaller houses, but this does not make them less beautiful and attractive.

However, even rest has two sides of the coin. Especially here in Spain. After all, having decided to spend unique days in Alicante, do not forget about the Spanish nights.

Let’s leave our apartment for a while and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Alicante. Fans of nightlife and relaxation even have their own name – “la marcha alicantina”. For connoisseurs of nightlife, Alicante provides many opportunities.

Clusters of nightclubs, discos and bars can be roughly divided into three parts by territory.

Territorial zone, where a large number of the most interesting and fashionable clubs, discos, bars, restaurants, high-class establishments and medium-level establishments is located in the very center of Alicante. The El Barrio area is located near the cathedral and along the main street, Rambla de Mendez Nunez. Here, on the main street, there are several noteworthy nightclubs such as Barrio Havana, La Havana, The Clap Castanos. Fun in many discos and bars drags on until the morning. Therefore, you will have enough time to first have a cultural dinner in one of the best restaurants in the city. Then continue the nightly entertainment, but already in an active mood in one of the more fun establishments. For example, “La Historia” or “Concerto”. In the El Barrio area you can visit nightclubs, bars-restaurants, where “Evenings of dance” or “Evenings of music” are held. For example, jazz lovers gather in bars like Amstrong and Desafinado.

The second territorial zone of concentration of such establishments is located in the old part of the city – Barrio Santa-Kruz (or Quarter). In this part of the city, mainly small pubs and discos are located. These establishments are open even in winter until 4-5 o’clock in the morning. You can choose a dance venue to suit your taste: discos with modern music, dances to the music of the 80s and 90s, “light up” to flamenco or Latin music. If you are a connoisseur of “live music”, then you just need to visit the magnificent institution “Concerto 16”.

The third territorial zone of nightlife in Alicante is “El Puerto”. In this zone there is a huge complex that attracts wealthy clients. Here you can take a chance in the casino. You can choose for yourself a restaurant with traditional cuisine and taste its dishes. You can demonstrate your vocal abilities with a microphone in your hand or just sit with friends over a glass of beer. You can hear a variety of music and dance to its sounds. If it didn’t seem enough for you, then you can look at the Muelle de Levante promenade or at the Playa San Juan beach. On Saturday and Sunday, many nightclubs are open until 7 am. So you can immediately look after two restaurants: first for dinner, and then for breakfast. After all, after returning from night festivities to your apartment, you will not have time for breakfast. It is necessary to quickly sleep, so a little bit, because the sun is already above the horizon. And you have a whole day ahead of you and so much more new and unknown in Alicante. Oh, this Spain! Not a moment of rest – so much interesting! So we took a nap at home for an hour or two – and forward.

Experience Latin America and Japan in Pamplona

These are pretty simple worlds, different from the rest of the city. That is, of course, if you go there at night and enter some of its hidden Latin music spots. Even during the day it feels like a city. San Juan is its name, a modern area adjacent to the historic old town of Pamplona. Here you will see and feel a different side of Pamplona, ​​which most visitors mistakenly consider to be a city made up of little more than its old town, which houses all of the historic buildings. San Juan doesn’t have much history, but what it has to offer is clean streets, modernity, great restaurants, cafes, bars, its own vibe and a nightlife that feels closer to Latin America than Spain. Not to mention your own little piece of Japan.

© Wikimedia Commons/Zarateman

Avenida de Baiona

The atmosphere of San Juan really revolves around the city’s main street, Avenida de Baiona, day and night. This is where most cafes, bars and restaurants are located. A small pedestrian street, Travecia de Baiona, is a small pocket of bars and cafes that always seem to be busy in the evenings, especially around the “Letiana” bar, which also has a good reputation for its traditional and local dishes. On the same street is one of the largest nightclubs in Pamplona, ​​Canalla, which is opposite the popular Kimu sushi restaurant. But the real piece of Japan can be found elsewhere in San Juan.

Letyana

Travesía de Bayona, 2, 31011 Pamplona, ​​Navarra, Spain

Kimu

Av. de Bayona, 1, 31011 Pamplona, ​​Navarra, Spain

Canalla

Av. de Bayona, 2, 31011 Pamplona, ​​Navarra, Spain

© Flicker/Miguel Ángel García

What is this thing?

Walking up and down Avenida Bayona, you may notice a rather strange monument in the middle of the road with cars passing on both sides of it; this yellow tractor on a small patch of grass pays homage to San Juan’s rural past. Previously, this territory mainly consisted of agricultural land, which is now difficult to imagine.

© Google Images

Latin American nightlife

Perhaps the most amazing, hidden and culturally distinctive aspect of San Juan is the nightlife. In addition to the large and rather typical Canalla nightclub, behind the residential streets of San Juan there are a handful of hidden and rather hidden Latin music clubs for those who dance salsa and bachata. From the outside, these grilles are barely visible, but from the inside they are absolutely buzzing. In many ways, they are the centers of Pamplona’s Hispanic community and feel much more like someone from Colombia than Northern Spain. Be sure to check out Bar Velvet, Euphoria VIP and Bar Deluxe to feel like a traveler in Latin America.

Euphoria VIP

Calle de S. Roque, 17, 31011 Pamplona, ​​Navarra, Spain

Bar Deluxe

Calle Virgen del Puy, 17, 31011 Pamplona, ​​Navarra, Spain

Bar Velvet

Calle Virgen del Puy, 6, 31011 Pamplona, ​​Navarra, Spain

© iStock/shironosov

A Piece of Japan

the city of Yamaguchi.