Things To Do

 

 

Discover the best things to do in Puerto Rico

 

Puerto Rico moves to its own rhythm, one that savvy travelers have been discovering for decades. From the cobblestone lanes of Old San Juan to the contemporary galleries of Santurce, La Isla del Encanto (“The Island of Enchantment”) is full of pleasant surprises for those who know where to look.

Sure, you’ll find world-class beaches and historic towns and tourist attractions. But dig deeper and you’ll discover artisan workshops in Caguas where craftsmen still hand-weave traditional mundillo lace, or stumble upon a hidden cenote that locals have kept to themselves for generations. It’s this authentic island culture, mixed with world-class luxury, that makes Puerto Rico so magnetic a place for discerning travelers.

Whether you’re here to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces, explore art galleries that rival those on mainland USA, or experience adventures that can’t be found anywhere else in the Caribbean, this beautiful island delivers with a refreshing authenticity that sets it apart.

 

Luxury Shopping and Cultural Discoveries

 

Old San Juan’s Calle del Cristo is where serious collectors come to hunt. Galería Petrus stocks museum-quality Taínoartifacts alongside contemporary works by island masters like Rafael Tufiño and Myrna Báez. Just down the street, Bóveda specializes in high-end Puerto Rican artisans like Raúl Ávila‘s architectural jewelry and handwoven textiles by María Elena González that have months-long waiting lists.

The Plaza Las Américas in San Juan might surprise you with its Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo boutiques, but the real finds are at the smaller, local ateliers. Designer Stella Nolasco‘s flagship on Avenida Ashford creates custom resort wear that’s become the unofficial uniform of San Juan’s social set. For cigars, Casa Blanca Premium stocks rare vintage Cohibas and offers private tastings with island rum pairings that would make Havana jealous.

Art lovers should also carve out time for the contemporary scene in Santurce. Galería Nacional showcases emerging Caribbean artists whose work is just beginning to command attention from collectors worldwide. The neighborhood itself has become an open-air gallery where commissioned murals by international artists turn every block into a discovery.

 

Beyond the Usual Things To Do

 

The real magic in Puerto Rico, however, happens when you venture beyond the usual tourist experiences. El Yunque offers more than waterfalls, with private guided night walks where bioluminescent fungi light your path, an altogether otherworldly adventure. And the Camuy Caves system includes VIP tours of chambers closed to day-trippers, where you’ll find cathedral-sized spaces decorated with formations that took millennia to create.

For those seeking culinary adventures, forget the usual resort fare at least once or twice. Instead, book an unforgettable dining experience with Chef José Andrés‘ protégés who are quietly revolutionizing island cuisine in their own kitchens. You could even join a coffee plantation tour in the mountains where single-origin beans are still processed using century-old techniques.

But whatever your fancy, be sure to regularly visit LuxuryPuertoRico often for the latest news on the best things to do in this island paradise.