You’ve

You’ve
taken in the history, you’ve hit the beaches and you’ve
cruised the cafés. But when the sun goes down over San Juan, where will the night take you?

Whether you’re in the mood for some top-notch rum and a spot of
late-night people-watching, or losing yourself on the dance floor
till dawn, there’s just the place to cater to it. Ask any local and
they’ll gladly direct you to their favourite dive bar or recommend
a roof-top sundowner, but wherever San Juan leads you, you won’t go
wrong with these much-loved nightspots.

Smooth grooves: our pick of the best nightlife in San Juan

For tropical island vibes

Junglebird

If it’s Caribbean vibes you’re after, this place whips up
incredible tiki-style cocktails with substance, hitting the mark
perfectly between masterful and playful. Leafy plants, bamboo decor
and neon signs set all the right tones, and while the venue is
cosy, there’s an outdoor patio where you can enjoy your drinks al
fresco.

For a star speakeasy

La Factoría

There’s no sign outside this rather weathered looking bar – it
doesn’t need one. Old San Juan’s famous little speakeasy is among
The World’s 50 Best Bars, so make sure you swing by for its
renowned cocktails, such as the popular, pastel-coloured Lavender
Mule (vodka, ginger tea, lavender and citrus). Venture through the
unmarked door behind the bar to find a secret second bar and a DJ,
where people come to dance until closing (11:30pm).

For a literary hangout

El Batey

An Old San Juan legend, it’s been around long enough for the
likes of Beat-writer Allen Ginsberg and the young Rolling Stones to
have hung out here. The names of previous patrons are scrawled over
every inch of the bar’s walls. You can still mingle with a
happening and characterful clientele – in fact, the whole place
exudes the confidence of a bar that knows exactly who it is, from
the jukebox in the corner spinning 45s from rock ‘n’ roll’s heyday
to the wonderfully unfussy drinks menu.

For food and grooves

La Placita de Santurce

For rooftop rum-sipping

La Vergüenza

From the rooftop of this three-storey neighbourhood bar you’ll
find hard-to-beat views down to Castillo San Cristóbal and the
ocean. The combination of punchy mojitos, gentle sea breezes and
live Latin rhythms will have you swaying until closing time. Come
early to secure a good spot to watch the sunset.

For a locals’ favourite

Esquina Watusi

Behind the bright street murals is a diminutive drinking hole
beloved by locals – and travellers in the know – who come for good
cheap drinks and great live music. To know travel documentarian
Anthony Bourdain had a good night out here tells you all you need.
Grab a cold Modelo beer or some fresh juice with rum and, if it’s a
Thursday night, expect live plena musicians filling the street with
song.

For live jazz

Casa de Montecristo

Should the mood strike for something more sophisticated, head to
Casa de Montecristo cigar bar. Even if cigars are not your thing,
there’s plenty to get your chops around with elegant cocktails by
skilled mixologists, delivered to your chair as you kick back and
enjoy some great live jazz. A fitting choice is the Bohemian: rum,
falernum, creme de cacao, cherry and smoked tobacco.

For late nights

La Taberna Lúplo

If a nice cold ale is more your thing, don’t miss Puerto Rico’s
biggest – and best – craft beer tavern, with hundreds of
international brews and 50 crafts on tap. Don’t know where to
start? Ask the bartender to whip up a tasting flight. The high,
wood-beamed ceilings and friendly atmosphere make a welcoming
space, and it stays open till 2am. Whatever the hour, pull up a
stool at the bar and make new friends with fellow beer
fanatics.

For free-thinking performance

La Respuesta

This multi-stage performance venue and gallery was founded by
local creative advocate José Morales, whose ethos is to promote
free thought and expression. Depending on the night, you could be
dancing to anything from reggaeton to disco, though Monday nights
are legendary for lively late-night hip-hop.