Plaza del Sol
Plaza del Sol has Old Navy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Home Depot, and H&M, among other stores. It's about 30 minutes west of San Juan.
Jen Ruiz
43 Best Places to Shop in San Juan, Puerto Rico
In Old San Juan, Calle Fortaleza and Calle San Francisco have everything from T-shirt emporiums to jewelry stores to shops that specialize in made-to-order Panama hats. Running perpendicular to those streets is Calle Cristo, lined with factory-outlet stores, including Coach, Dooney & Burke, Guess, and Tommy Hilfiger. On weekends, artisans sell their wares at stalls around Paseo de la Princesa.
With many stores selling luxury items and designer fashions, the shopping spirit in Condado is reminiscent of that in Miami. Avenida Ashford is considered the heart of San Juan's fashion district. High-end chain stores such as Ferragamo and Gucci huddle together in a formerly derelict shopping strip, betting that the newly renovated luxury hotel La Concha will attract people ready to plunk down their platinum cards. A little farther west along Avenida Ashford are the one-of-a-kind clothing retailers that make this neighborhood worth a visit.
Just as in most other American cities, however, the real shopping occurs in the mall, and Plaza Las Américas—the largest in the Caribbean—is not to be missed. Known to locals simply as "Plaza," it's often host to artisan crafts fairs, art exhibitions, antiques shows, live Latin music, and pageants, depending on the time of year. For high-end shopping at stores like Saks and Louis Vuitton, head to the newer Mall of San Juan.
Thanks to Puerto Rico's vibrant arts scene, numerous galleries and studios are opening, and many are doing so in Santurce, Puerta de Tierra, and other neighborhoods outside the walls of Old San Juan.
Plaza Las Américas
For a complete shopping experience, head to the massive Plaza Las Américas, which has more than 300 retailers, including Zara, Gap, Macy's, Sephora, and Kiehl's, as well as multiple restaurants and movie theaters.
Portofino
Portofino has an especially good selection of watches.
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Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts
For one-of-a-kind santos, art, ceramics, and festival masks, head to Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts. All items are made by local artists.
Pure Soul
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
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.
Reinhold Jewelers
Reinhold Jewelers sells designs by Stephen Dweck, David Yurman, Tiffany & Co., and others.
San Patricio Plaza
Off Avenida John F. Kennedy, about 15 minutes south of San Juan, San Patricio Plaza has a T.J. Maxx and a Bed Bath & Beyond, a movie theater, and several restaurants. For the best dining in the area, head to Bottles or Avocado.
Spicy Caribbee
Kitchen items, cookbooks, jams, spices, and sauces from around the Caribbean are on offer.
Stella Nolasco
Celebrated local designer Stella Nolasco has showcased her creations in both New York and Paris. You'll find bold colors, lace, and intricate beading in her luxurious pieces. Stella also designs one-of-a-kind wedding gowns.
Suola
Fittingly for a shop named after the Italian word for "sole," the boot-shape country is the origin of many of the mile-high heels that it sells. Look for designs by Christian Louboutin, YSL, Roberto Cavalli, and John Galliano.
T Playa
Owner Tanamá sells an array of vintage straw hats and handbags in her tiny boutique.
UNBOX
Here you'll find a selection of handmade hats, bags, and other accessories made by artisans from Latin America, particularly Colombia.
