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San Juan is the capital of Puerto Rico's after hours nightlife. Most clubs, discotheques, and casinos are located in the Isla Verde, Old San Juan and El Condado areas. In Ponce and Mayaguez, you will find some additional excitement, albeit less intense as the big city. Tipping is a must. The laws for drinking alcoholic beverages are the same as the United States. Only adults over 21 are permitted.
While San Juan's entertainment options shouldn't be compared to Las Vegas or New York, but there is still plenty to do here. Sanjuaneros, or the people of San Juan, are serious partygoers, and they know how to keep the party scene alive and well. Playing hard seems to be part of the island's culture.
Activities range from the arts (check out the galleries in Old San Juan), to the late night festivities in Isla Verde's wild clubs. A pub crawl is a must in Hato Rey's pub district. San Juan has something suitable for every taste from simple pleasures to the most energetic.
Old San Juan/Puerta de Tierra
Old San Juan is without a doubt the place for those who love classic and contemporary culture. The art, music, and fine dining are available at every turn in this historic pocket of the big city. San Juan is inviting to the night owls who want to groove in hot clubs such as Club Lazer, where you can party till dawn. Or, find fun at lively bars like Nono's and Don Pablo's. The best place to have a festive cocktail is along San Sebastián and Cristo Streets. During the day, the City Hall offers several free concerts on the many plazas such as de Armas and Colón. On the first Tuesday of the month there are Gallery Nights where you can exposed to cultural expositions. In Puerta de Tierra, entertainment is featured at the Bahía Club in the Pier 10 Complex and the Caribe Hilton and Normandie Hotellobbies.
Condado
Condado attracts an upscale party crowd who flocks to its clubs and ubiquitous small cafés and bars. Stargate, with its wild bashes, is a prime choice for the party-hearty crowd. Among the pubs, Dunbar's in the Ocean Park sector stands out for its fun-loving people and tantalizing food. Take to the dance floor and learn the latest salsa moves at any of the hotel lobbies that provide this type of entertainment for visitors. And for those that prefer Lady Luck to Latin rhythms, visit one of San Juan's famous casinos!
Isla Verde
Isla Verde in recent years has been converted into a mega-party district, housing super clubs like Babylon and Area 51. There are plenty of cafés and street-side bars along this strip. The lobbies of the InterContinental San Juan and the Ritz-Carlton have excellent entertainment, but the ever popular El San Juan Hotel & Casino is, without question, THE! place to be.
Hato Rey
Some think the business district is dead at night, but that's far from true. Roosevelt Avenue lights up with an assortment of pubs and bars frequented by flocks of mature, professional patrons. Catch a movie at the Plaza Las Américas Caribbean Cinemas complex for a real escape.
Miramar/Santurce
This district has limited upscale entertainment but is rather important because it houses the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center. The center is considered the axis of the local theatre scene with famous local and international performers visiting regularly. There are plenty of traditional bars lining Fernández Juncos Avenue for a pre or post theater treat. Movies can be seen at the Fine Arts Cinema or at the Metro, both on Ponce de León Avenue.
Río Piedras
The University City has many bars and party venues catering to the local student community. Among them, Shannon's, an Irish pub, stands out. Most of the business is obviously targeted toward a younger crowd.
