Top Entertainment in San Juan

Nuyorican Cafe

One of the hottest spots in old San Juan, the Nuyorican Café is a great place to hang out. It is home to the new and up coming artists. The music scene here is worth a mention. You will find that this café sells records of the artists who perform live on a daily basis! They also host their own jazz festival of late. The atmosphere of this cafe is specifically Bohemian - wood-paneled chamber and great Latino music. All kinds of people visit the place for a taste of Puerto Rican culture, in all its glory and authenticity. Try out the grub here which is very delicious and easy on your pocket too. For a great, fun night out with your buddies, this is the place to go!

La Plazita

The perfect spot for the San Juan crowd to relax after a hard workday, the Plaza de Mercado in Santurce transforms on Friday nights into an open-air party. This party consists of a gathering of hundreds of strangers in the small plaza outside of the market. By day the Plaza de Mercado sells tropical vegetables and fruits as well as freshly prepared meals and pastries. But on Friday nights, it is recognizable for the small bars and stands that serve alcohol and pump salsa music to boost the party. With local Medalla beers and unassuming cocktails in hand, this open-air fiesta is a great place to meet and mix with Sanjuaneros in their relaxed weekend state. - Rachel Hiskes

Desto

Desto is an art space founded and run by Raquel Quijano, Omar Obdulio and Jason Mena. The Puerto Rican word Desto is a slang expression which means 'this and that'. Both artists and art lovers will enjoy exploring this compact gallery which displays a plethora of art forms. The ambiance maybe casual but the work done here is taken very seriously. Experimentation, innovation and eclectic combination of themes is what one will find here. The shows are full of surprises and minute details. This place is a must-visit for those who have an eye for art.

El Señorial Cinemas

This small cinema complex offers four screens with first run feature films and a concession stand. If you are seeking a more substantial snack, Baskin Robbins (with its legendary ice creams) and several other fast food outlets can be found nearby. Part of the CineVista chain, the Señorial complex was one of the first of its type to be established in Puerto Rico.

Montehiedra Cinemas

This is a mega complex for film buffs, with plenty of movie options. The theater complex was built in 1995 and offers 14 screens and a multitude of concession stands, including food outlets located inside the mall itself. You can always count on one or more first run films in this complex, which is part of the huge Caribbean Cinemas chain. Call or check local listings for showtimes.

Cine Roosevelt

Located on Roosevelt Avenue, this over-sized independent cinema whose one screen shows the same feature film for weeks on end. However, it's a grand old theater - the kind they don't make any longer. Roosevelt offers an affordable admission fee and reasonable concession prices. Where else can you get delicious 50-cents-a-bag popcorn? The Roosevelt is, without a doubt, a Hato Rey institution.

Tito Puente Amphitheatre

The Tito Puente Amphitheatre is a hot spot for all kinds of upbeat music, conveniently located just south of Estadio Mun Hiram Bithorn in Parque Luis Muñoz Marin.

Discovery Day

This national holiday celebrates the day Christopher Columbus discovered Puerto Rico, and all the local businesses are closed to commemorate this occasion. There are five different cities that claim Columbus landed on their shores, and so the holiday is held throughout the island. Visitors should expect to enjoy much fanfare including dancing, music, games, competitions, parades and, of course, lots of local cuisine.

Hiram Bithorn Stadium

Hiram Bithorn Stadium is named after the first major leaguer from Puerto Rico who made it into the big league with the Cubs in 1943. This is Puerto Rico's largest baseball stadium. It's layered with artificial turf and has a seating capacity of 18,000. If you're feeling the San Juan heat, the private air-conditioned boxes should cool you off. Or sip on a Pina Colada, the choice of drink for baseball fans in the tropics!

Coliseo de Puerto Rico

Coliseo de Puerto Rico, which is managed by the SMG organisation, is a multipurpose arena. This massive venue can easily accommodate up to 18,000 people, and with a state-of-the-art sound system, lighting and other facilities, it is no wonder that concerts, NBA games, trade shows, theater events and family shows are held here. Don't carry prohibited items with you, as the security is stringent. For children above two years, a ticket is essential. Check the website for further details.