Make the experience even more memorable with a full cultural immersion in the Island’s artistic scene, along with plenty of rest, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. From lively music shows, hilarious theatre performances, and an established fine arts presence, Puerto Rico has a place for you to learn more and experience culture with a unique Boricua essence. Stroll our beautiful beaches, walk through our historic cities, and let the vibes take you on an incredible journey that will stay with you until your next visit.
The Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico (MAPR) in San Juan has 24 exhibition galleries.
1. Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico
Opening its doors in 2000, the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico is a culmination of years of effort into creating an institution that not only celebrates Boricua culture for locals, but showcases it beautifully to the rest of the world. Housed in the former historic San Juan Municipal Hospital, built in 1920, this museum has 18 exhibition halls with a stunning permanent collection with works from key artists like Francisco Oller, José Campeche, Rafael Tufiño, Lorenzo Homar, and many others, as well as enticing visiting exhibitions for an all-around unforgettable visit.
Take center stage at Loíza with a bomba class.
2. Take a Salsa or Bomba Dance Class
Fully immerse yourself in Puerto Rico’s musical legacy by taking a salsa or bomba class! Both genres have deep ties to the Island’s culture and history, and are just fun to participate in. Places like the Don Rafael Cepeda School of Bomba or El Batey de los Hermanos Ayala in Loíza are some of the best places to take bomba classes and learn more about this fundamental genre of Boricua music. As for salsa, Arthur Murray Dance Studio, Salsa Tours PR, and Cambio en Clave are some great options to put your moves to the test.
Puerto Rico is home to three of the five bioluminescent bays known worldwide.
3. Paddle Through the Bioluminescent Bays
Experience the magical shimmer of starlit water in one of Puerto Rico’s entrancing bioluminescent bays. With three spread throughout the Island, the only hard choice will be picking one! Be it at Mosquito Bay in Vieques, Laguna Grande in Fajardo, or La Parguera in Lajas, we know that it will be one of the highlights of your visit, in more ways than one.
On special nights, chinchorros will have live music ranging from salsa to plena and bomba.
4. Experience Puerto Rico’s Nightlife
Boricuas love to dance and party, and can do it like no other. And if you’re in the mood for a great time, the Island’s bar and club scene will leave you wanting more (after some time to recover, of course). From the exhilarating fun in La Placita de Santurce, to the laid-back energy of places like Furtivo Speakeasy, Scryer Rum Barrelhouse and La Barrita Del Lado at DISTRITO T-Mobile, or the artsy vibe of El Boricua, La Respuesta, or Club 77, there’s a place that matches your vibe.
Take in the historic beauty of Puerto Rico's oldest city in Old San Juan.
5. Explore Old San Juan
With its colorful buildings, imposing military forts, and blue-gray cobblestone streets, Old San Juan perfectly showcases 500 years of Puerto Rico’s history. Old San Juan is the perfect place to visit while here for a concert; the city streets call to you, with historic buildings, culture, and beauty around every corner. One of the best ways to tour the city is through a themed guided tour, like those offered by Sofrito Tours, Spoon, CL Tours, and Bespoke Management.
Refresh and recharge in the Rum Capital of the World at Casa BACARDÍ.
6. Tour a Local Rum Distillery
Having a sumptuous glass of rum in the Rum Capital of the World? Cheers to that! Whether it’s at Casa Bacardí, Ron del Barrilito, Don Q, or a smaller craft rum producer, taking a tour of a rum distillery to learn more about how this spirit is made and its intertwined legacy with Puerto Rican history.
7. Visit a Jazz Club
Jazz may not be top of mind when you think of Puerto Rico, but it’s deeply rooted in the Island’s music scene—blending Caribbean rhythms with American-style improvisation. If you’re a jazz lover (or just love great music), head to C-Note in Luquillo or Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano in Old San Juan for a delicious meal and incredible live music.
Puerto Rico's amazing coastlines make finding a beautiful beach a breeze.
8. Relax at the Beach
With over 270 miles of coastline and 300 beaches, you’re never too far from your perfect slice of sandy bliss. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly spots, secluded surfer havens, or urban hangouts, a beautiful beach is always around the corner in the heart and soul of the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico boasts many talented artisans who craft vibrant, handmade souvenirs showcasing the Island's traditions.
9. Shop for Local Souvenirs
Take a piece of the Island back home! Puerto Rico is full of talented artisans and makers who preserve artistic traditions through their work. From the work of woodsmiths, jewelry makers, santeros (wood artists that create religious icons), and many more, you can certainly go shopping for that special piece that resonates with you or your loved ones. A great place to find these local artists is in Old San Juan, but they also often visit events across the Island.
A view of the Caribbean Sea from Ponce.
10. Join a Guided Walking Tour
One of the best and easiest ways to learn more about the history and culture of the Island is through a guided tour! In addition to the ones mentioned in Old San Juan, there are many options that showcase different areas and topics across Puerto Rico, like Isla Caribe’s Salsa Music Tours in the southern municipality of Ponce.
Turn Your Concert Ticket Into a Full Island Experience
With so many things to do and enjoy, it’s easy to make your concert visit into a bigger Caribbean adventure in Puerto Rico. Our love for music isn’t just limited to the many events and musical festivals on the Island—it’s deeply embedded in our culture and way of life, so come and experience it for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do most concerts take place in Puerto Rico?
While Puerto Rico has plenty of stadiums and theatres throughout all its municipalities, the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, Hiram Bithorn Stadium, Coca-Cola Music Hall and Popular Plaza, located in DISTRITO T-Mobile, are where most major acts perform.
When is the best time to visit Puerto Rico for music events?
Puerto Rico’s lively music scene is a year-round affair, thanks in large part to our warm weather and tropical sunshine. Whenever you visit the Island, chances are that there’s some type of music festival or event happening!
Is it easy to get around Puerto Rico without a car?
While taxis and rideshare services are readily available in San Juan and other areas of the Metro Region, renting a car is one of the best ways to get around and explore lesser-known areas.
How can I find out what concerts are happening during my trip?
Our events calendar is one of the easiest ways to find fun and exciting activities throughout the Island.
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