Bad Bunny Residency: 12 Things to Do in Puerto Rico During Your Visit

Bad Bunny really meant it when he said, “Voy A Llevarte Pa’ PR,” and this summer, he’s doing just that. The global superstar is coming home with a history-making residency at El Choli in San Juan, kicking off Friday, July 11, 2025. With 30 shows on the calendar, the first nine are exclusively for Puerto Rico residents (a love letter to la isla), and the rest are open to fans from everywhere. If he doesn’t add more dates, the residency will wrap on September 14. But let’s be real, we’re all secretly hoping Benito extends it through the holidays. After all, Puerto Rico does have the longest Christmas season in the world. Who wouldn’t want to see him in his full Santa Benito era?

So, if you’ve already secured your golden ticket to la Isla del Encanto and are mapping out the rest of your trip, we’ve got you. Here’s your ultimate list of things to do in Puerto Rico—because the only thing better than seeing Bad Bunny live is soaking up the magic of PR while you’re at it.

1. Hike through El Yunque like the main character you are

No trip to Puerto Rico is complete without a little rainforest magic. El Yunque is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System, and it feels straight out of a movie with its hidden waterfalls and incomparable views. Pack your sneakers, swim suit, (and maybe a poncho—it rains at least three days out of four), and get ready for a life-giving hike through the rainforest. The best part is that there are waterfalls, rivers and rope swings for when you’re feeling a little extra adventurous. Plus, the drive there is beautiful and gives you a chance to see the island beyond San Juan.

2. Kayak at the Bioluminescent Bay

Puerto Rico is one of the few places in the world where you can experience this natural phenomenon—and it’s pura magía. Imagine paddle boarding while the water lights up around you in an electric blue that takes over the water. Mosquito Bay in Vieques is the brightest, but there are other options like Laguna Grande in Fajardo if you want to stay closer to San Juan. Pro tip: opt for a night when the moon isn’t full so you can get the most out of this unreal experience. 

3. Sip the OG piña colada where it was born

If you’re going to drink a piña colada (and let’s be honest, you are), you have to try the original at Caribe Hilton. This is the spot where the iconic drink was first blended in 1954, and yes, it hits different when you’re sipping it oceanfront in its birthplace. This iconic beachfront hotel is widely recognized as the birthplace of the piña colada, first blended by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero. After three months of mixing and experimenting with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice, he struck tropical gold.

The drink became an instant classic and in 1978, it was officially declared the national drink of Puerto Rico. Today, you can still order Monchito’s original recipe at the Caribe Hilton, along with modern twists and fun variations at Caribar, the hotel’s lobby lounge. While you’re there, check out their Don Q rum tasting, which lets you sample and learn about the variations of Don Q.

4. Explore PR on two wheels with Loop Experience

If you want to dar una “WELTiTA” por la islita and see Puerto Rico like a local, book a motorbike tour with Loop Experience PR. Led by Adalberto Báez—a Puerto Rico-born tour guide, entrepreneur, and all-around hilarious human—you’ll get a mix of history, culture, and straight-up LOL’s. He’ll have you laughing while you’re learning, which is the best kind of tour, honestly.

Loop offers rides through San Juan, Santurce, and Isabela, with options for scooters, e-bikes, and motorbikes. It’s a fun way to cover more ground, see hidden gems, and live out your travel montage moment. Make sure to pack your sunscreen! 

5. Eat your way through Old San Juan on a food tour

Old San Juan isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it’s a literal feast. Cobbled streets lead you to crispy empanadillas, tender pernil, fresh mofongo, and pastelillos you’ll dream about long after you’ve left. A guided food tour is the move here. You’ll get the history behind the flavors, taste from spots you might’ve missed otherwise, and feel like a culinary insider by the end of it. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, or groups who can’t agree on where to eat… because now you don’t have to pick just one.

6. Dance, sip, and vibe the night away in Santurce

When the sun sets, head to Santurce for a night out that starts with craft cocktails and ends with dancing in the street (yes, literally). Start your night at Botánico, a lush, open-air bar (and local hotspot) with cocktails that look as good as they taste. Then, follow the music to La Placita, a plaza that turns into a party every weekend, where you can dance to reggaeton and salsa. 

Santurce’s nightlife scene is a mix of gritty and cool, where hole-in-the-wall bars serve up delectable frozen drinks and the energy definitely gives vacation. Though, we’ll admit it’s become much more of a tourist hotspot than a true local gem, but it’s still worth the visit purely for a fun night out. 

7. Bar hop through Old San Juan and end up at La Factoría (as one does)

Old San Juan during the day? Charming. Old San Juan at night? Una fiesta buenísima. The historic streets light up with music, mojitos, and a bar scene that keeps the party going ‘til the early hours. Weeeell, more like one to two AM depending on which night you go. 

One place you can’t miss is La Factoría, which gets its hype for a reason—it’s a whole experience. La Factoría is designed to take you through different versions of the night. You’ll start in a rustic, candle-lit cocktail bar sipping a lavender mule or espresso martini. Then suddenly find yourself in a salsa room with a live band, or a speakeasy-style bar tucked behind a secret doorway. Each of the six rooms has its own vibe and there’s so much to do in the bars that you’ll never want to leave the building.

… But when you do manage to step out, there are plenty of bars on the same street where you can get everything from a small, dive bar feel to a full-on reggaeton dance party vibe. It’s a must-go if you’re a fan of dancing the night away in any capacity. 

8. Tour a rum distillery and taste the spirit of the island

Puerto Rico is the Rum Capital of the World. Whether you’re a fan of it neat, in a cocktail, or as part of your “Me fui de vacaciones… don’t judge me” piña colada, there’s a distillery tour for you.

Start with Casa Bacardí in Cataño, the world’s largest premium rum distillery. The tour is sleek and interactive, and yes, you’ll get to taste. For a more artisanal vibe, check out Ron del Barrilito in Bayamón, the oldest Puerto Rican rum, still made using its original 1880 recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, Destilería Coquí in Mayagüez offers tastings of their popular pitorro (Puerto Rican moonshine)—a little stronger and spicier, but equally as much fun.

Pro tip: book ahead, bring a hat, and never say no to a tasting.

9. Hit the beach, then eat like a local in Piñones

You have to get at least one full beach day in and Piñones is the spot to do it right. Just east of San Juan, this stretch of coastline gives laid-back vibes, warm waters, and soft sand without the big hotel crowds. But what really makes Piñones iconic is the food.

This is the street food capital of your dreams. With food kiosks serving up Puerto Rican delicacies like alcapurrias, bacalaítos, pinchos, and ice-cold coconut water straight from the source. Don’t miss El Boricua food truck, a local fave known for juicy, flavorful eats that hit the spot after a swim or long walk on the boardwalk. It’s the kind of place where you’ll eat with your hands, probably get a little sand in your food, and love every minute of it.

10. Get your hands dirty (in the best way) at Liga de Arte de Puerto Rico

After you’ve eaten your way through the island, danced all night, and laid out on the beach, balance it all with something creative… and a little messy. Head to Liga de Arte de Puerto Rico, a cultural institution that’s been shaping the island’s art scene for decades.

Here, you’ll take a pottery class led by a local artist and learn to make Vejigante masks, those vibrant, spiky, folkloric masterpieces you’ve probably seen in photos of the San Sebastián Street Festival (aka SanSe). The masks represent the island’s rich Afro-Caribbean heritage and are central to one of the largest festivals in the world, marking the end of Puerto Rico’s famously long holiday season (November through late January!). It’s hands-on and a surprisingly meditative break from all the adventuring.

11. Taste test the island’s top-tier culinary scene

Puerto Rican food is soulful, comforting, and unforgettable, but the island’s restaurant scene is also stepping onto the global stage in a big way. If you’re looking for a night that’s less fried street food and more fine dining, book a table at Vianda—a James Beard-recognized gem known for its seasonal ingredients and Caribbean-meets-Mediterranean flavors.

Or go where the late-night talk show hosts do: Verde Mesa, a whimsical, intimate restaurant recently praised by Jimmy Fallon himself. Expect eclectic decor, fresh seafood, and a menu that changes depending on seasonal items. Please don’t leave without ordering all of the desserts for the table. They are truly a highlight of the night! 

12. Take a day trip to the mountains

If you want to slow things down and see a whole different side of the island, rent a car and head into the mountains. Places like Adjuntas, Jayuya, or Utuado offer a peaceful escape from the coastal heat with lush greenery, winding roads, and some of the best coffee on earth.

Stop by a local coffee hacienda (like Hacienda San Pedro) for a tour and a fresh cup straight from the source. You’ll learn how Puerto Rico’s coffee industry is making a major comeback. By the way, it’s a perfect day to wear that light sweater you packed “just in case.”