22 Best Places to Shop in Old San Juan, San Juan

Noted local designer Lisa Cappalli sells her feminine, sensuous designs in this elegant boutique, which specializes in ready-to-wear and custom fashions including a small collection of whimsical, lacy wedding gowns.

Family-run since the 1930s, this store is known for its large selection of pearls and precious stones, as well as for its jewelry design.

The Cigar House has an eclectic selection of local and imported cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. At the lounge and bar, you can enjoy your purchase with a glass of your favorite spirit.

Club Jibarito has a fantastic collection of high-end watches by Audemars Piguet, Chopard, H.Stern, Harry Winston, Panerai, and other designers.

Stylish, upscale handbags for men and women can be purchased at Coach for a discounted price.

Here designer Matilsha Marxuach, who is keen on sustainable fashion, sells her hip line of fair-trade messenger and handbags, as well as bathing suits, vintage clothing, and items made by other local designers.

This Old San Juan establishment has been in the Barquet family for four generations, and items from their Coquí el Original line—depicting the local tree frog—have become popular souvenirs. Choose from 14K-gold or sterling-silver coquí pendants, rings, bracelets, and more. If you’re looking for unique and high-end jewels, ask to browse the private back room.

Here the inventory, most of it Indonesian, ranges from bedspreads and furnishings to beaded jewelry and hand fans.

At El Galpón, knowledgeable owners Betsy and Gustavo will fit you with a Panama hat ($65–$900), and you'll learn that the genuine article is actually made in Ecuador. They also carry a large selection of Puerto Rican santos, hand-carved wooden saints.

This influential gallery displays art by the late Angel Botello, who was hailed as the Caribbean Gauguin as far back as 1943. (His works also hang in the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.) His paintings often feature the bright colors of the tropics and usually depict island scenes. Also on display here are works by other prominent local artists, Puerto Rican santos, and sculptures by Botello.

This woman-owned shop in Old San Juan has a selection of sundresses, hats, accessories, and serves frozen rose while you shop.

This shop carries Haitian masks, statues, paintings, and wooden works of art. The second floor houses a large selection of paintings from the Caribbean.

You might find a reproduction of your hotel at this shop, which specializes in tiny ceramic versions of San Juan doorways. The works are created by hand in the shop, which also carries fine art prints.

Montadero Chocolate is a local chocolate shop that pays homage to its Puerto Rican roots both in its decor and in the mold of their chocolate bars, made to look like the mountains of the owner's hometown. The delicate chocolate truffles are hand painted and come in flavors like coconut with rum and dulce de leche. They have gift boxes that make for a scrumptious souvenir.

This is a good place to shop for high-quality folk art from around the island. You can also pick up local coffee and other food specialty items like hot sauce.

Sisters Bianca and Paola Muns sell sustainable clothing and jewelry under their own label at this pretty boutique. They also carry a curated selection of clothing, swimwear, and accessories by other Puerto Rican designers.

Aficionados of the famous Panama hat, made from delicately handwoven straw, should stop at Olé. The shop sells top-of-the-line toppers for as much as $1,000, as well as more affordable options that can be custom-fit. Take a few moments to browse the other goods for sale like decades-old santos and used books.

Portofino has an especially good selection of watches.

For one-of-a-kind santos, art, ceramics, and festival masks, head to Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts. All items are made by local artists.

Sylma Cabrera sells chic resort wear made of natural fabrics by local artists and under her own label, Pure Soul. You'll also find stunning handmade jewelry with semiprecious stones like quartz and lapis lazuli.

Ralph Lauren's shop in front of the piers has some of the best deals around. Stop here toward the end of your trip, as there are plenty of items (e.g., peacoats and scarves) that you won't be wearing until you get home.

Kitchen items, cookbooks, jams, spices, and sauces from around the Caribbean are on offer.