Best Live Music in San Juan

Music is at the heart of Puerto Rican culture and can be heard across the island. The formation of plenty of notable Latin America genres are intertwined with the island’s history such as salsa, plena, bomba, reggaeton, danza and música jíbara. For instance, bomba is a specific dance genre with political lyrics due to its roots in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Reggaeton, an enticing blend of hip hop and Latin American music, has now gained recognition throughout the globe but was originally popularized on the streets of Puerto Rico. Jazz and indie rock are also immensely popular but always with a signature Puerto Rican flavor. 

One of the best places to find an impromptu dance party in Puerto Rico is at one of the island’s many chinchorros; small snack stalls that blast music. Additionally, it’s worth tuning into Zeta 93, a show on WZNT radio station, which hosts Día Nacional de la Zalsa (the national day of salsa). If you’re a true dance fanatic, you can head to Loíza Aldea to celebrate in Las Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol which is a bomba festival every July. For all the best venues to visit when seeking Puerto Rico’s vibrant live music culture, check out the following list.

Bars and Clubs

El Boricua

Location = 5 C. Saldaña, San Juan, 00925, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 3pm-5am Monday to Saturday

Prices = Free entry

Website = https://www.facebook.com/elboricuarp/ 

El Boricua is a popular bar nestled in Rio Piedras. As a popular spot with students, expect energetic dancing to salsa, bomba, plena as well as rumba. You can also catch live jazz and indie rock but don’t worry because there is an outdoor space to cool down from all that dancing.

La Factoría

Location = 148 C. de San Sebastián, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 11am-12am every day

Prices = Free entry

Website = https://www.lafactoriapr.com 

There’s a reason why La Factoría has made The World’s 50 Best Bars list numerous times. The establishment hosts six bars each with their own unique drinks menu to match the aesthetic. Head to the Shing A’ling bar for Salsa Sundays to dance with both locals and tourists.

La Respuesta

Location = 1600 Av. Manuel Fernández Juncos, San Juan, 00909, Puerto Rico

Hours = 9pm-12am Thursday, 10pm-4am Friday and Saturday, 9pm-4am Monday

Prices = Usually $10

Website = https://www.larespuestasanturce.com 

Covering all genres from pop to R&B to Latin jazz, La Respuesta is a nightclub that never fails to host alluring live music. Every Monday is a dance hall whilst the weekends tend to host performances from local bands.

Piso Viejo Bar & Restaurant

Location = 1917 C. Loíza, San Juan, 00911, Puerto Rico

Hours = 6pm-2am Tuesday to Wednesday, 6am-3am Thursday, 3pm-3am Friday to Saturday, 11am-2am Sunday

Prices = Free entry 

Website = https://pisoviejo.com 

Most days this is a classic restaurant and bar, but every Thursday evening the venue erupts with salsa played by a full live band. If you’re looking to brush up on your dancing steps, they also offer free salsa dancing lessons.

Club 77

Location = 1102 Av. Juan Ponce de León, San Juan, 00925, Puerto Rico

Hours = 12pm-2am Tuesday to Friday, 8pm-4am Saturday 

Prices = Free entry

Website = https://www.facebook.com/club77pr/ 

Specializing in rock, Club 77 is the go-to spot for live performances from local bands. However, you can also enjoy a DJ set or drag performance on different occasions. 

Triana Tapas & Flamenco

Location = Bank of Nova Scotia Building, 251 C. del Recinto Sur, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Hours = 12pm-8:30pm Monday to Wednesday, 12pm-9pm Friday to Sunday

Prices = Free entry

Website = https://www.facebook.com/trianatapasyflamenco/ 

As suggested by the name, this tapas restaurant doubles up as a hub for authentic Spanish Flamenco dancing six evenings of the week. If you’re enticed by the chance to experience live music from Puerto Rico’s diverse history, this is the place for you.

El Balcón del Zumbador

Location = CXJ3+7QC, Av. Barbosa, San Juan, 00915, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 3pm-12am Wednesday to Saturday

Prices = Free entry

Website = N/A

Located in Piñones, this beach bar is more modest than some of the others on the list but is worth a visit to hear traditional salsa bands in a more intimate setting.

Outdoor Venues 

La Placita de Santurce

Location = 205 Calle José M. Raffucci Morales, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 24 hours

Prices = Free entry 

Website = https://www.laplacita.io 

Also in San Juan’s vibrant district of Santurce, La Placita is a two-tiered market. If you visit after 6pm, you’ll be treated to a melody of live music from a range of restaurants and stalls. One of the highlights is Taberna Los Vázques which blasts salsa from Friday to Sunday. Another must-try spot is Aguardiente, a nightclub with booming reggaeton beats.

La Terraza de Bonanza

Location = CWVP+QX5, Av. Eduardo Conde, San Juan, 00912, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 11am-11pm every day

Prices = Free entry 

Website = https://www.facebook.com/Amigos-de-La-Terraza-De-Bonanza-1011454158971631/ 

For a taste of a chinchorro head to La Terraza de Bonanza, grab some beers and enjoy the outdoor dancing. If you’re seeking bomba and plena music, then Monday nights are the best for you.

La Vergüenza Viejo San Juan

Location = 280 C. Norzagaray, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 11am-12am every day

Prices = Free entry 

Website = https://www.facebook.com/laverguenzapuertorricanchinchorro/ 

Amidst the spectacular architecture of Old San Juan, La Vergüenza is a rooftop chinchorro with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. An affordable and authentic cuisine is not the only enticing aspect of this venue; it also has bomba parties every Sunday.

El Paseo de La Princesa

Location = 54 C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Hours = Open 24 hours 

Prices = Free entry

Website = N/A

Amble through Paseo de la Princesa, a promenade flocked with food and market stalls, and your ears will be met with the rhythmic and melodious music of local buskers as you shop.

Upmarket Venues

The Lobby at Fairmont San Juan Hotel

Location = 6063 Av. Isla Verde, Carolina, 00979, Puerto Rico

Hours = Varies depending on event 

Prices = Varies depending on event 

Website = https://www.elsanjuanhotel.com/entertainment/the-lobby?fbclid=IwAR1BwbY_B3TWzQ-a9Tr_rBIsF29947ka-OCU6eDVdqSo7cDY1YcZ3gNRLwk 

For decades, The Lobby at Fairmont San Juan Hotel has held an important place in the city’s nightlife. Dawn your formal dress and marvel at the 1960s decor whilst enjoying an evening of live music and high quality beverages and food. From sushi making to mixology, The Lobby hosts an abundance of events worth partaking in when in San Juan.

Carli’s Fine Bistro & Piano

Location = 206 Calle de Tetuan Corner Of Recinto Sur And San Justo Street, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Hours = 5pm-11:30pm Monday to Saturday

Prices = Varies depending on food and drink

Website = https://www.carlisworld.com 

Created by pianist and composer Carli Muñoz, this bistro has the added experience of live jazz music which creates a dynamic culinary experience.

The Red Coral Lounge at San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

Location = 1309 Ashford Ave, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Hours = 11am-1am Monday to Thursday, 11am-3am Friday to Saturday

Prices = Varies depending on event 

Website = https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sjupr-san-juan-marriott-resort-and-stellaris-casino/dining/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2 

Along with the delicious array of cocktails, this hotel lounge offers live music on select nights. Keep an eye on their social media to see what upcoming events are in store.

Concert Venues

Coca-Cola Music Hall

Location = 250 Convention Blvd, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Hours = 10am-5pm Monday to Friday

Prices = Varies depending on event 

Website = https://www.cocacolamusichall.com/events

If you’re wanting to catch a concert when in San Juan, this music venue is the best place to check out. The main music hall has a capacity of up to 5000 people, so you can enjoy Puerto Rico’s brightest stars amongst a lively audience.

Teatro La Perla

Location = 296Q+R7W, Calle Mayor, Ponce, 00730, Puerto Rico

Hours = 8am-4pm Monday, 8am-3pm Tuesday, 8am-12pm Thursday, 8am-1pm Friday, 1pm-2pm Saturday, 1pm-8pm Sunday

Prices = Varies depending on event

Website = https://teatrolaperlaponce.com 

As one of the oldest theaters in the Caribbean, Teatro La Perla is a go-to spot for classical concerts and operas. Nestled in Ponce, the theater boasts a unique history that can be discovered in its museum situated in the library.

Teatro Tapia

Location = FV8Q+65P, Calle Fortaleza, C. de la Fortaleza, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico

Hours = 8am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Monday Friday, weekend hours vary 

Prices = Varies depending on event, usually $10-30

Website = https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=133437300029934 

Since it opened in 1832, Teatro Tapia has a rich cultural history. To this day, the theater still hosts concerts, comedy and plays. Alongside the performances, you can also spectate the charming pale yellow, columned exterior and glimmering horseshoe seats.

Centro de Bellas Artes Luis A. Ferré

Location = Ave. Ponce De León Pda. 22 1/2, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico

Hours = 10am-6pm Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm Sunday

Prices = Varies depending on event

Website = https://www.cba.pr.gov 

Established by philanthropist Luis A. Ferré, this center is at the heart of Puerto Rican culture and even hosted the tours of Puerto Rican descendant Lin Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton and In the Heights. Due to its four theater rooms, this venue hosts a range of rich cultural music whether you’re craving an opera or classical concert.