La Calle Loiza
La Calle Loiza, San Juan, PR
La Calle Loiza has become a destination for travelers in search of authentic Puerto Rican cuisine, local arts and crafts, and contemporary music. Visitors can wander the streets of this eclectic neighborhood and find open galleries, artisan workshops, unique food stalls, live music, and local theater. It’s the heart of San Juan’s cultural scene, offering plenty of sights and smells.
The basics
La Calle Loiza is considered the center of the revitalized Santurce neighborhood. Whether it’s combing through tiny boutiques in search of rare Puerto Rican finds, tasting some of the vegetarian cuisine that’s made this street a popular destination for foodies, or purchasing some handmade art, La Calle Loiza is the perfect place to spend an afternoon experiencing the island’s old and new culture. Guided culinary walking tours that explore the area are available.
Things to know before you go
- Santurce is considered the “hipster” neighborhood of San Juan.
- This is a must-visit spot for foodies and for anyone looking to discover the latest trends in Puerto Rican cuisine.
- In addition to food tours, street art tours are also popular here.
- Be sure to try a coquito mini loaf, which is sweet frosted bread named after the local frog.
How to get there
Located within the Santurce neighborhood, Loiza Street starts at Gallery Plaza and stretches between the tourist hubs of Condado and Isla Verde. Travelers suggest grabbing an Uber to reach Old San Juan, which is about a 19-minute drive from Santurce. The neighborhood is about a 15-minute drive from the cruise ship terminal.
When to get there
Since La Calle Loiza is known for its thriving culinary scene, meal times are the best times to visit the area, but expect the biggest crowds then. Puerto Ricans tend to eat dinner late, with many restaurants not opening until 6pm; they will start to get busy starting around 8pm.
Old San Juan
Located about 20 minutes from La Calle Loiza by car, the Old San Juan neighborhood of Puerto Rico is filled with colorful Spanish colonial houses and boasts historical attractions like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. Plus, it’s another prime location for authentic island cuisine, like fried plantains.
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