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 and we fill Hiram Birthorn Stadium with dancers for National Day of Zalsa (Salsa) every year. 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. We went to a local dance club in Naguabo which offered salsa/bachata dance lessons .

So if I can learn it, so can you!

NOTE- THINGS CHANGE SO QUICKLY- Call ahead to make sure info is still accurate. Check out this Viajando y Bailando Facebook site . or Danceus site They have info on all the latest Salsa places.

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!

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.

Monday

• LA Factoria – 148 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan. Call (787) 412-4251 for info. Latin music in the back room. After 9pm. Facebook page .

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

• Jueves de Salsa in Piso Viejo . Piso Viejo Facebook page Free salsa lession 7:30-8:30pm, then the fun begins with live Salsa music! 1917 Calle Loiza, SAN JUAN
• La Respuesta, Cafe Tonita, Delavida, and/or Taberna Los Vazquez or others in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras. Dance music begins after 7:00pm.
• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino in Red Coral Lounge. Red Coral Lounge Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Vaca Brava in Calle Recinto Sur in Old San Juan. DJ/Dance music begins at 8:30pm . (787) 723-3700

Friday

• Viernes de Salsa in Isabela Facebook page. Live dance music begins at 7:00pm in the town square Plaza de Recreo Manuel Corchado y Juarbe.
• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino Red Coral Lounge. Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras Call 787-725-4826 for info. Dance music begins at 7:00pm.
• Noches de Salsa at Intercontenental, in Isla Verde. Music from 9:00pm . Call +1-787-791-6100 for more info
• Hotel El San Juan in Isla Verde, lobby bar , different latin music, sometimes live salsa bands. Call for more info 787-791-1000.

Saturday

• Los Sabados pa la Plaza (Salsa Nights) live Music with Salsa Masters Every Saturday in the Plaza Santiago R. Palmer, Caguas. 6pm. Minicipailty of Caguas.
• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino Red Coral Lounge. Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras Call 787-725-4826 for info. Dance music begins at 7:00pm.
• Hotel El San Juan in Isla Verde, lobby bar , different latin music, sometimes live salsa bands> Call for more info 787-791-1000.

Sunday

• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino Red Coral Lounge . Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Courtyard by Marriot Picante Lobby Bar in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Latin music begins at 7pm.
• LA Factoria – 148 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan. Call (787) 412-4251 for info. Latin music in the back room. After 9pm. Facebook page .
• Delavida or others in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras. Dance music begins after 7:00pm.

Puerto Rico Day Trips LLC assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →