10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Puerto Rico

Paseo De La Princesa offers one of the very best sunset strolls in the entire Caribbean. You can start or end your walk at the historic Puerta de Sa Juan, which is the official gate that was used during the colonial period to protect the old city.

You’ll see the nearly-400-year-old city walls and, as you meander along the boardwalk, pretty fountains and lamp posts, street vendors, and stunning views of San Juan Bay. Local buskers serenade passers-by looking to soak up the evocative colonial setting. When it comes to romantic moments, this is hard to beat.

One of the must-dos in Puerto Rico is to paddle through bioluminescent Laguna Grande, the most popular bio bay on the island. It’s not technically a bay; rather a long, narrow canal that leads to magnificent ‘glow-in-the-dark’ water.

This is one of the rare places around the world where when the right factors come together, including nutrient-rich warm water and shallow depth, as well as a lack of light pollution, so you can witness the spark of brilliant blue lights created by tiny creatures called dinoflagellates. There are few experiences like riding a kayak under a canopy of stars across what looks like twinkling blue fairies in the lagoon.

A night tour of the El Yunque National Forest often results in spotting bioluminescent mushrooms and insects. As most of the wildlife is nocturnal, exploring the forest after dark is great for animal lovers who want to spot exotic species in Puerto Rico.

As the El Yunque National Forest closes before nightfall, a guided tour is required for a night hike. Your guide will point out the various creatures like coqui frogs. There are multiple tour options, with some including the chance to take a dip into a swimming hole.

Constructed in 1864, Teatro La Perla has a distinctive neoclassical style with an entrance that features 6 towering columns. It showcased the first silent film on the island in 1911. Nearly 3 decades later, the theatre was destroyed in an earthquake. In 1940, the original façade was rebuilt and has stood here ever since, now serving as a hub for performing arts in Ponce.

Teatro La Perla hosts film screenings as well as concerts, plays, ballets, and operas, providing a great opportunity for a night out in Ponce. The theatre is popular with those looking to learn about Puerto Rico's art and culture scene.

Caribar at Caribe Hilton is the birthplace of piña colada, one of the tastiest tropical cocktails ever invented. It was created by bartender Ramon Marrero when he was working at the hotel. He whipped up his concoction – originally called monchito – for the first time in 1954 by mixing run, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.

For the next 35 years, he personally served his cocktail while bartending at Caribar. In 1978, it was declared Puerto Rico's official drink. Today, you’ll be able to taste the original piña colada at Caribar while enjoying an awe-inspiring panoramic ocean view.

Head to La Terraza de Bonanza on a Monday night if you want to dance the night away in San Juan. This is a great place to enjoy traditional bomba and plena. Immerse yourself in these traditional Puerto Rican music styles with driving drumbeats and intricate dance moves. 

It’s tempting to join the crowd, but you might want to let the experts show you how it’s done before heading to the dancefloor. Alternatively, just sit back and unwind with a cold beer and tapas.

Triana Tapas is particularly renowned for its live music, flamenco and other dance shows that provide an authentic journey into Spanish culture. Come and see authentic flamenco dancing or take advantage of the opportunity to learn salsa. Free lessons are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

Triana Tapas is also a great dinner spot in Old San Juan, thanks to its signature seafood paella. You can unwind for the evening with sangria and tapas. The bar is around 850 metres east of Paseo de la Princesa and La Fortaleza in San Juan. 

Duffy’s Esperanza is often called the best bar on Vieques. Located in the heart of Esperanza, it’s the place where many islanders and vacationers gather to celebrate the end of the day. While it's not the place for a late-night out, it’s great for those who want to mingle with the locals.

Duffy’s Esperanza sits along the waterfront and has an outstanding range of craft beers and cocktails. If you want a bite, go for one of the specials listed on the chalkboard – the conch fritters are must-tries.

Isla Verde is San Juan’s fancy resort strip – a neighbourhood with a fabulous crescent of beach. But it’s also where you’ll find some of the hippest nightclubs and casinos for plenty of fun after dark. Lounges, late-night hangouts, and clubs abound, while casinos stay open at least until 4 am. You can find many that open 24/7.

Club Brava at the El San Juan Hotel & Casino is the hottest spot on Isla Verde, while Wet at the Water & Beach Club has a magnificent rooftop setting for a relaxed lounge night.

La Placita is a quiet area with farmers' markets, small local eateries, bars, and street vendors. After dark, it's the place to go for the chance to mingle with the locals and get a taste of authentic nightlife in San Juan.

All the bars in La Placita open their doors, allowing live salsa music to spill out onto the streets. It draws visitors and locals from across the island to take part in celebrations throughout the area, complete with impromptu dance parties.