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Salsa — the music is in our blood, the rhythm is in our soul, and the sounds of a live salsa band will draw us from far and wide. Puerto Ricans love to dance, and the smooth, sensual salsa is our dance of choice.

Every visitor should be forewarned that a trip to a salsa club carries the inherent risk (or is that reward?) of being whisked off your feet and taken for a spin on the dance floor. The good news is that you don’t have to be a professional to have a wonderful experience. Salsa is a six-step routine that you can learn on the fly, especially if you have a good partner. Give it a chance, don’t be shy, and let the music take control. You’ll be a salsero or salsera in no time.

Featured Salsa Places

All Salsa Clubs

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    Nuyorican Café

    There is no more hallowed institution of salsa in Old San Juan than the Nuyorican Café. This smoky, intimate, bohemian club in an alleyway off San Sebastián Street has been attracting outstanding salsa bands for decades. The small stage, checkerboard dance floor, and loyal crowd make it the quintessential place for salsa in the city.

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    • Live music nightly

      Unlike many popular late-night venues in Puerto Rico, the Nuyorican is open six days a week, with a variety of bands on hand to keep the flavor fresh.

    • Owner-Musician

      One reason to love the Nuyorican; you’ll often find owner Juanra playing with his band on stage.

    • Da House

      If you like the Nuyorican Café, you’ll love staying next door at Da House, a boutique hotel owned by the same people and sharing the Nuyorican’s artistic soul.

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    The Latin Roots

    Located in Old San Juan, the Latin Roots blends the tastes and sounds of Puerto Rico. The restaurant and lounge serves authentic Puerto Rican food and doubles as a dance hall with a large stage, live bands and plenty of room to groove.

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    • Lessons

      For newbies, The Latin Roots offers frequent group salsa lessons. These are free, and offer a great way to learn the six basic steps of the dance.

    • A Busy Calendar

      Check out the event calendar at the Latin Roots; there’s something going on at this restaurant almost every night.

    • Central Location

      If you want to try lechón, or roast suckling pig, any Puerto Rican will tell you to go to the town of Guavate; for those who can’t make the trip, the lechón at The Latin Roots is a worthy and authentic substitute.

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    Soleil Beach Club

    A San Juan restaurant located away from San Juan in the rustic neighborhood of Piñones, Soleil Beach Club is a unique destination that invites you to sample gourmet Puerto Rican cuisine, explore a lovely beachfront neighborhood, and enjoy frequent live bands including merengue and, of course, salsa.

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    • Free transportation

      Soleil Beach Club may be a decent drive from San Juan, but it’s a drive you won’t have to make. The restaurant offers free transportation to and from the city.

    • A Day in Piñones

      While the food is excellent at Soleil Beach Club, Piñones is worth exploring for its collection of rustic, waterfront kiosks and eateries.

    • Plan for a Full Day

      When you visit Soleil Beach Club, make sure to bring your bathing suit. The restaurant is located on a pristine stretch of beachfront, with a wide boardwalk that’s perfect for sunset walks.

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    La Plaza del Mercado

    Located in Santurce, La Plaza del Mercado, or La Placita, is a local hotpot. On weekend nights, this marketplace comes alive with revelers, as bars and clubs throw their doors open. You’ll often hear salsa music pumping from somewhere, and an impromptu dance is never far behind.

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    • A taxi away

      Bounded by Dos Hermanos and Capitol Streets, La Placita gets going on weekends, and parking is often an issue. Your best bet is to take a taxi here.

    • Don’t forget the food

      No visit to La Placita would be complete without sampling the authentic cuisine of its many delicious fondas, or local eateries.

    • La Placita by day

      It might be a roaring open-air party on weekend nights, but La Placita is a quiet market by day, where many locals come to get vegetables and other produce. Visit the sleepy square during the day for a different slice of Puerto Rican life.

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    El Balcón del Zumbador

    Politically themed posters drape the wood-paneled walls; cramped spaces invite elbow rubbing; and the awesome salsa sets keep locals coming back for to this rustic and fun Piñones hangout.

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    • A car ride away

      Piñones lies east of the city of San Juan, beyond Carolina. Your best to get here is to rent a car for the day, but it’s an easily accessible destination from the capital.

    • Salsa pedigree

      For an unassuming place, El Balcón has hosted some of the island’s best salsa bands, including Latin Grammy winners. The music here is guaranteed to be good.

    • Don’t forget the food

      No visit to Piñones would be complete without sampling the fried snacks and foods at the kiosks lining the beach.