Shopping in Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a shopper’s paradise, offering a mix of unique souvenirs and duty-free deals that cater to all tastes. Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind keepsake or just love a good bargain, this island has got you covered.
Must-Have Souvenirs
When you’re shopping in Puerto Rico, you’ll find a treasure trove of unique items that make perfect souvenirs. Here are some must-buys:
- Butterfly Art: Gorgeous framed butterfly specimens.
- Cigars: Hand-rolled cigars, famous for their quality.
- Mundillo: Delicate lacework that’s perfect for gifts.
- Ceramics: Handcrafted pottery and ceramics.
- Pilon: Wooden mortars and pestles, essential for traditional cooking.
- Bags: Handmade bags with local flair.
- Vejigantes: Vibrant masks, a staple of local festivals.
- Wood Carvings of Saints: Known as ‘Santos’, these are religious figures carved from wood.
- Spices: Local spices to bring a taste of Puerto Rico to your kitchen.
- Rums: Top-notch Puerto Rican rums.
- Guiro: A traditional musical instrument.
- Hammocks: Comfy and colorful hammocks.
- Coffee: Premium coffee from local plantations.
| Souvenir | Description |
|---|---|
| Butterfly Art | Framed butterfly specimens |
| Cigars | Hand-rolled, high-quality cigars |
| Mundillo | Intricate lacework |
| Ceramics | Handcrafted pottery |
| Pilon | Wooden mortar and pestle |
| Bags | Handmade bags with local designs |
| Vejigantes | Colorful festival masks |
| Wood Carvings | Religious figures carved from wood |
| Spices | Local spices |
| Rums | Premium local rums |
| Guiro | Traditional musical instrument |
| Hammocks | Comfortable, colorful hammocks |
| Coffee | High-quality local coffee |
Don’t miss out on Caribbean Handmade Soap, known for its sweet scent, exfoliating properties, and moisturizing effects. Ingredients like coconut milk, oatmeal flakes, vanilla, goat’s milk, and Dead Sea mud make it a standout product ).
Duty-Free Shopping
Puerto Rico offers a fantastic duty-free shopping experience, especially for U.S. citizens. As a U.S. commonwealth, items you bring back to the mainland are duty-free. This makes shopping here even more appealing, thanks to the great bargains.
The fierce competition among shopkeepers means lower prices compared to other Caribbean spots like the U.S. Virgin Islands. Plaza Las Américas in San Juan, the island’s largest and most modern shopping mall, boasts over 200 upscale shops, restaurants, a Cineplex, art galleries, and food stores. For more info on shopping venues in San Juan, check out our section on Shopping Venues in San Juan.
Puerto Rico’s shopping scene is a blend of unique local crafts and modern malls, making it a dream destination for any traveler looking to bring home a piece of the island. For more travel tips, visit our articles on the best beaches in Puerto Rico and nightlife in Puerto Rico.
Shopping Spots in San Juan
San Juan, Puerto Rico’s lively capital, is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re wandering through the historic streets or hitting up the big malls, there’s a little something for everyone.
Old City Shopping Streets
The Old City of San Juan is a goldmine for history buffs and shopaholics alike. Key streets like Calle Fortaleza, Calle San Francisco, and Calle del Cristo are packed with unique shops. These streets are brimming with local artisan stores, offering a treasure trove of handmade crafts and souvenirs.
Calle Fortaleza is a standout, home to gems like Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts, Mi Pequeño San Juan, Olé, and The Handcraft Store. Nearby, you can also check out The Poet’s Passage, Artisan Corner, and El Galpón for more local goodies.
| Street | Cool Shops |
|---|---|
| Calle Fortaleza | Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts, Mi Pequeño San Juan, Olé, The Handcraft Store |
| Calle San Francisco | Various local boutiques |
| Calle del Cristo | Mix of artisan shops and local markets |
Plaza Las Américas
If you’re after a modern shopping spree, Plaza Las Américas is the place to be. It’s Puerto Rico’s biggest and most up-to-date mall, boasting over 300 stores, a bunch of dining spots, and entertainment options. The mall has everything from high-end fashion to everyday essentials, making it a hit with both locals and tourists.
Plaza Las Américas features upscale shops, restaurants, a Cineplex, art galleries, and food stores. With such a variety, you’ll find everything you need, whether you’re splurging or just window shopping.
| Mall | Number of Stores | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Plaza Las Américas | 300+ | Upscale shops, dining options, Cineplex, art galleries |
For those with a taste for luxury, The Mall of San Juan is another top spot, featuring stores like Anthropologie, Armani Exchange, Bulgari, and more.
San Juan’s shopping scene is a mix of old and new, making it a perfect destination for shopping in Puerto Rico. Whether you’re exploring the historic streets or the modern malls, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye. For more tips on what to do in Puerto Rico, check out our guide to top attractions in Puerto Rico.
Local Handicrafts and Artisanal Finds
Native Handicrafts
Puerto Rico is famous for its colorful and unique native handicrafts. These treasures reflect the island’s rich cultural heritage and make perfect keepsakes. Some of the most popular native handicrafts include:
- Needlework: Delicate embroidery and lacework passed down through generations.
- Straw Work: Hats, baskets, and mats made from locally sourced straw.
- Ceramics: Beautiful pottery and ceramic pieces showcasing Puerto Rican artistry.
- Hammocks: Handmade hammocks woven from sturdy materials, ideal for lounging.
- Papier-Mâché Fruits and Vegetables: Bright and realistic representations of local produce.
- Santos: Carved wooden religious idols representing saints, considered Puerto Rico’s greatest contribution to the plastic arts. These Santos have been crafted since the 1500s and are highly sought after by collectors.
| Handicraft Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Needlework | Delicate embroidery and lacework |
| Straw Work | Hats, baskets, mats made from straw |
| Ceramics | Beautiful pottery and ceramic pieces |
| Hammocks | Handmade, sturdy hammocks |
| Papier-Mâché | Fruits and vegetables |
| Santos | Carved wooden religious idols |
For those interested in Santos, the best collection can be found at Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts.
Local Artisan Shops
Exploring local artisan shops in Puerto Rico offers a peek into the island’s creative soul. These shops are scattered throughout various neighborhoods and provide an array of one-of-a-kind crafts made by talented local artisans. Key areas and shops to visit include:
- Old San Juan: This historic district is a hub for traditional crafts and artwork. Popular souvenirs include vejigante masks, woven hammocks, ceramics, serigraphs, paintings, and sculptures by Puerto Rican artists. Notable galleries in the area include Galería Éxodo and Galería Botello.
- Calle Fortaleza: A key street in Old San Juan known for its local artisan shops. Some must-visit spots include Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts, Mi Pequeño San Juan, Olé, and The Handcraft Store. Nearby, you’ll find The Poet’s Passage, Artisan Corner, and El Galpón.
| Shop | Location | Notable Items |
|---|---|---|
| Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts | Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan | Santos, ceramics |
| Mi Pequeño San Juan | Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan | Local crafts |
| Olé | Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan | Hats, crafts |
| The Handcraft Store | Calle Fortaleza, Old San Juan | Artisanal items |
| The Poet’s Passage | Old San Juan | Poetry-inspired crafts |
| Artisan Corner | Old San Juan | Various local crafts |
| El Galpón | Old San Juan | Masks, crafts |
Puerto Rico’s artisan shops offer a unique shopping experience, allowing travelers to take home a piece of the island’s culture. For more things to do in Puerto Rico, including exploring its best beaches and nightlife, visit our related articles.
Flea Markets in Puerto Rico
Checking out flea markets in Puerto Rico is like diving into a treasure hunt. These lively spots are perfect for soaking up local vibes and finding everything from handmade crafts to quirky vintage items.
Arecibo Flea Market
Arecibo Flea Market is the big kahuna of flea markets in Puerto Rico. It’s a bustling place where you can snag souvenirs, jewelry, clothes, auto parts, DVDs, and music. Open from Friday to Sunday, it kicks off at 2 p.m. and wraps up around 10:30 p.m. The real action starts around 5 p.m.
| Day | Opening Hours | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Saturday | 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Sunday | 2 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. |
With its wide range of goodies and buzzing atmosphere, Arecibo Flea Market is a must-see for anyone looking to shop in Puerto Rico.
Pulguero de Las Piedras
Pulguero de Las Piedras is for the early birds. It runs on Saturdays and Sundays from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m., but vendors start packing up by noon. So, get there early to catch the best deals. During the week, it’s just an empty lot, but come the weekend, it’s a hive of activity.
| Day | Opening Hours | Peak Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 4 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
| Sunday | 4 a.m. – 3 p.m. | 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. |
Pulguero de Las Piedras is the spot for unique finds and a taste of local culture. You can browse handmade crafts, fresh produce, and antique treasures. For more fun things to do in Puerto Rico, make sure to swing by this flea market.
These flea markets offer a shopping experience that’s as colorful as Puerto Rico itself. Whether you’re hunting for a unique souvenir or just want to soak up the local scene, these markets have got you covered. For more info on nightlife and other activities in Puerto Rico, check out our detailed guides.
