One thing you will quickly learn about Puerto Rico is that the people here like to dance! And they can really move! There are all different types of dance clubs, but you will always find Salsa music being played somewhere. And where there’s music, there’s almost always dancing!

Salsa is so popular in Puerto Rico that the World Salsa Congress & Salsa Open is held here every year in July. Salsa is a sexy and fast dance — it is amazing to watch couples, who know what they are doing do this dance.

What? You Say You don’t know how to Salsa?

Then you need some lessons! Bars and clubs offer lessons at different times throughout the week. They’re open to everyone — from beginners to experienced salseros — and you don’t have to worry about making a fool of yourself.

Let me tell you a little about myself …

• I have no rhythm and am a horrible dancer!
• I have lived in Puerto Rico a number of years now, and have attended a number of parties where people assume I know how to Salsa — which I don’t!
• I finally got tired of sitting it out at parties, looking like a party pooper and decided to find some dance lessons and at least learn some of the basics.

So if I can learn it, so can you!

Lessons in the San Juan / Old San Juan Areas?

There are a number of places in the tourist areas that have Salsa music and bands on different nights of the week, but not too many lessons are offered for beginners. You may want to try lessons by renting a DVD or downloading from YouTube before arriving in Puerto Rico, just to brush up on your steps!

Every Tuesday, Oceano lounge in Condado offers free salsa classes at 8pm. In San Juan- The Courtyard by Marriott in Isla Verde has free Salsa lessons on Saturdays from 3pm. The Marriott Stellaris in Condado also has free lessons on Friday nights. The lessons are very popular, so get there on time.

Sometimes Nuyorican Cafe in Old San Juan has salsa lessons on Wednesday from 9p-11p. Live salsa music at 11pm. . Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. And Celebrate Puerto Rico in OSJ has a salsa night with lessons at 8pm followed by dancing, currently Friday nights, but call 787-725-7400 for current schedule.
Happy Bananas Cafe on Calle Loiza in Puntas Las Marias has Salsa every Friday nights with free lessons from 9-10pm. Live music and DJ t follow. 787-728-4800

Clubs & Bars with Salsa Music

For all you salseros out there, who know what you are doing and are looking for some Salsa music, try these clubs. Remember to dress to impress (i.e no sneaker, shorts, etc.).Also note that things change all the time, so CALL FIRST for current information.

Saturday and Sundays

• Guavate in Cayey. A number of lechonerias that all have live Salsa music during the day- from around 1pm -??. Lots of locals dancing, very casual.

Wednesday

• Buffalo Wings at the SJU airport in Isla Verde (across from terminal C & adjacent to the parking deck). Call 787-253-2111 for info. Live music after 9:00pm.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info.Sometimes salsa lessons from 9pm-11pm. Dance music begins 11:00pm.
• Tardes de Salsa con Aroma de Café (Salsa Nights) Music with Salsa Masters and
  friends. First Wednesday of the month at Plaza Santiago R. Palmer, Caguas. 6pm. Tel.
  787-744-8833 ext.1833/1840.

Thursday

• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. from 8pm
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras. Dance music begins after 5:00pm.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.

Friday

• Celebrate Puerto Rico 201 Calle San Justo in OSJ at 8pm. Call 787-725-7400 for info. Free lessons!
• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Happy Bananas Cafe in Punta Las Marias , Isla Verde (by Shell Station). Call 787-728-4800 for info. Doors open at 7pm.
• Konga Salsa Temple- #9 Calle Oliver Chardon Plaza, Hato Rey . Call 787-903-6399 for info. Dance music begins at 9:30-10pm.
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras Call 787-725-4826 for info. Dance music begins at 5:00pm.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.
• Hotel El San Juan in Isla Verde, lobby bar , different latin music, sometimes live salsa bands. Call for more info 787-791-1000.
• El Livin at Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera at entrance to Old San Jaun. DJ starts at 9pm, Latin dance music- Salsa Fridays. Call for info:787.977.6500.

Saturday

• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Konga Salsa Temple- #9 Calle Oliver Chardon Plaza, Hato Rey . Call 787-903-6399 for info. Dance music begins at 9:30-10pm.
• Viva San Juan 203 Calle Tanca in Old San Juan. Call 787-674-7214 for info.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.
• Hotel El San Juan in Isla Verde, lobby bar , different latin music, sometimes live salsa bands> Call for more info 787-791-1000.
Sunday
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.
• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Latin music begins at 3:00pm and band at 7pm.
• El Balcón del Zumbador in Piñones (rt 187). They have Bomba/ Salsa music every sunday from 3:00pm until 12 midnight.
• Cafe la Princesa on Paseo la Princesa in Old San Juan. Call 787-724-2930 for info. Dance music from 3:00pm until 5:00pm