10 Best Places to Go Shopping in San Juan

Old San Juan is a wonderful place to stroll along cobbled streets and step into charming little boutiques. Calle de la Fortaleza is a beautiful, narrow street lined with small shops, cozy eateries, and high-end jewelry stores. It’s a popular spot with tourists looking for souvenirs and you can purchase everything from handmade soaps to folk art along this stretch.

If you’re looking for authentic, local products, you can shop for amazing gifts, including painted masks and colorful sculptures, in the art galleries along Calle de la Fortaleza and Calle del Santo Cristo. Shop at the unique little stores selling spices and hot sauces, so you can make your own delicious Puerto Rican cuisine once you get home.

Ashford Avenue, Condado is often compared to New York’s 5th Avenue thanks to its array of luxury boutiques. But with its palm-tree-lined avenues and gleaming, white-walled condos, this San Juan avenue is clearly Puerto Rican. Stroll along this main street through the Condado neighborhood and admire the pristine rows of designer bags, jewelry and high-end clothing on display.

You’ll find a good mix of international and Puerto Rican fashion designers along this avenue. There are also lots of restaurants to choose from after you’ve explored all the upscale boutiques. Enjoy a quick pizza or take your time to indulge in Greek, Asian, or local cuisine as you watch the world go by in this busy district.

Plaza Las Américas is home to over 250 stores and around 50 eateries, so it’s an excellent choice for those who love to spend the day shopping. Browse department stores and shops selling everything from books and gifts to sporting goods and electronic gadgets. Then, relax a while in the food court or head to the cinema to enjoy a movie.

This huge mall is known for its events, whether it’s showcasing Hollywood cars or raising funds for charity. Be sure to bring your camera with you too. The mall has stunning water fountains but it’s the Puerto Rican works of art throughout the mall that take your breath away. So, aim your camera at the spectacular hanging sculptures of local fauna, which make Instagram-worthy photos.

The Mall of San Juan is close to the international airport. It’s an immaculate shopping center with a light, modern feel to it, thanks to sleek and contemporary decor and a beautiful glass ceiling. You’ll love the relaxed pace in this pristine mall. There’s plenty of plush seating and locals come to take their time browsing the stores.

You can choose from a good mix of affordable and upscale brands, with more than 100 retailers in total. The coffee shops serve freshly baked pastries, so you can enjoy a decadent treat whilst resting your feet. If you’re looking to dine in the mall, visit one of the restaurants offering seafood and vegetarian options, with live music too.

The Poet’s Passage is a unique blend of art, poetry, and crafts in the heart of Old San Juan. As soon as you see the vivid red facade of this building, painted with small, brightly colored houses, you know you’re in for a delightful and original treat. Step inside and discover inspirational works of poetry and spectacular pieces by local artists.

Enjoy coffee and a light bite in the cozy cafe, then browse the coloring books, fine art prints, ceramic tiles, and hand-crafted souvenirs in the wonderful gift shop. If you’re looking for an original night out, head here on Tuesday nights for poetry readings and jamming sessions that attract locals and visitors alike.

La Placita de Santurce is known for its electric nightlife when crowds fill the bars around the square after dusk. But come to this market square during the daytime and you’ll find it’s still busy, but with a different crowd. The square comes alive at dawn with vendors arranging colorful displays of tropical fruit, vegetables, and homeware.

Stroll along the rows of fresh produce and sample the mouthwatering pineapple as you inhale the tempting aromas from the food vendors preparing delicious local dishes. There are lots of cafes to enjoy too. Watch elderly men sipping coffee as they banter over a friendly game of dominoes, and locals winding their way between the stalls shopping before the sun gets too hot.

El Mercado Urbano is a monthly market in the western side of Condado. Head to La Ventana al Mar, the large park overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, on the first Sunday of each month to delight your senses. Showcasing some of San Juan’s finest local artists and producers, this farmer’s market has over 50 vendors selling a wide variety of items.

If you love natural beauty products, homemade honey, fresh produce, local flowers, sweets, and vinegar, then this is a wonderful choice for a Sunday outing. Inhale the aroma of freshly baked bread infused with coconut and sample local cheese and baked goods as you weave your way through the market. Shop for unique, artisanal gifts in this popular market.

Plaza del Mercado de Rio Piedras is a fantastic place to go shopping in San Juan if you’re looking for authentic local products at bargain prices. Located just a couple of blocks from the university campus, this huge indoor market is extremely popular with students and locals who come here for fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat. But you’ll also find clothing vendors and souvenir stalls too.

Make time to visit the busy food court area. It’s a great spot to snack and drink a cool, refreshing fruit juice whilst people-watching. Enjoy the friendly bartering between locals and vendors, and the hustle and bustle of a traditional farmer’s market away from the tourist hotspots.

The Outlet 66 Mall lies approximately 20 minutes’ drive east of San Juan. You’ll find an excellent choice of outlet stores where you can buy children’s clothing, men’s and women’s fashion, and sportswear at bargain prices. But families flock to the vast indoor entertainment complex adjoining the mall.

Kids will love the adrenaline rush of go-karting and zip lining, whilst adults will love the throwback to vintage arcade games. Enjoy some competitive family fun with a bowling match or settle down for a movie in the comfortable cinema. The food court offers a good variety of local and international dishes but be sure to arrive before the lunchtime rush as it can get extremely busy.

The Outlets at Montehiedra combine a wide choice of traditional shops and a good selection of outlet stores, with over 100 retailers to choose from. Whether you’re looking for clothing, beauty products, accessories, or jewelry, you’ll find it in this huge mall. Head south on the highway from San Juan and you’re just 10 minutes’ drive away from this shopping mecca.

You’ll love the choice of eateries that range from fast food kiosks in the food court to upscale restaurants where you can indulge in a leisurely meal. There’s also a fantastic IMAX cinema too for an evening of movie relaxation after a day’s shopping. Check the website before arriving for special offers and the latest promotions.