Visiting Puerto Rico For Bad Bunny’s Residency?

I’ve been to Puerto Rico more than 15 times since 2008: for work, for leisure, and yes, at some point, even for love. Some trips were short escapes. Others shifted something in me. No matter why I go, each return to La Isla del Encanto feels like a reunion. The food, the rhythm, the warmth of the people, the weight of the history, all of it lands a little deeper each time. This time, though, is different, I’m here for something that feels both historic and personal: Bad Bunny’s residency, No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí.

Full disclosure: I’m not Puerto Rican. I’m a Miami born Colombian who has fallen in love with the island multiple times over the last decade and a half. My perspective is that of a frequent, devoted visitor who believes in traveling with respect and responsibility. Have questions about your trip or want more local recs? Hit reply or drop a comment—I’m always happy to share what I’ve learned.

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What Bad Bunny’s Residency Really Means

No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí  translates to “I Don’t Want to Leave Here.” And that sentiment is the heartbeat of this musical residency. Bad Bunny is re-centering Puerto Rico in the global conversation with his performance.

The residency includes 30 shows between July 11 and September 14, 2025, all at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot in San Juan, better known as El Choli. The first nine shows were exclusive to Puerto Rican residents. And this was an intentional move to prioritize his community.

According to a study by the Foundation for Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny’s residency is projected to generate more than $200 million in economic impact. Airbnb searches have surged by 140%, and over 30,000 hotel nights are expected to be booked. Additionally, more than 2,000 temporary local jobs are being created.. In short, this kind of momentum shows what’s possible when artists choose to lead with their roots.

Beyond the numbers, this residency is a cultural reset. By choosing to stay in one place, Bad Bunny is demonstrating a new path forward where artists can stay rooted in their countries’ of origin and still rise. His music, while globally enjoyed, is built on a foundation of Puerto Rican music and culture. You too can enjoy this musical heritage without the need to travel. But, exploring the island’s music scene during your visit, from salsa to bomba, will give you an unforgettable trip.

If You’re Visiting for Bad Bunny’s Residency: Do It Right

If you’re attending the show, please remember: Puerto Rico is someone’s home and it deserves respect.

Where to Stay

The Caribe Hilton offers beach access and a rich cultural legacy. It’s been around since 1949 and still hires mostly local staff. I recommend it for convenience and cultural significance.

While the Caribe Hilton is an icon, the San Juan area has some wonderful smaller properties where you can feel more connected to the neighborhood. Here are a few I’ve personally bookmarked and recommended to friends over the years

For a Local, Neighborhood Feel:

• The Dreamcatcher (Ocean Park): For visitors who want a truly unique, bohemian experience, I always suggest The Dreamcatcher. It’s a vegetarian guest house just steps from the beach with a beautiful, relaxed vibe. It’s not a traditional hotel; it’s more like staying in a friend’s beautifully curated home. They focus on wellness and local experiences.
  
  
• O:live Boutique Hotel — Condado/Santurce edge. This is an intimate gem with just 15 rooms—quieter, moodier, and perfect for those looking for a romantic stay that doesn’t scream resort. Hidden, sophisticated, and full of personality.

For Historic Charm in the Heart of the Action:

• Hotel El Convento (Old San Juan): For a truly immersive stay in Old San Juan, consider this hotel. Originally a 17th-century convent, the property blends elegance with deep-rooted history, offering a quiet escape in the heart of the city. While you’re steps away from shops and landmarks, the hotel itself feels like a peaceful retreat. It’s ideal for special occasions and supports the preservation of one of San Juan’s most iconic historic landmarks.
  

On a Budget or Solo Traveling as a Woman:

For those interested in being at the center of the city’s evolution, Juliette Hostel is spot in Puerta de Tierra. It’s part of a large-scale redevelopment project called San Juan 901, which is focused on restoring historic buildings throughout the neighborhood.

What makes it an interesting choice is the project’s stated commitment to the community, with initiatives focused on hiring locally and supporting Puerto Rican artists. The hostel offers a modern, stylish base for travelers who want to be close to Old San Juan but experience a neighborhood that is in a deep moment of transition. Choosing to stay here is a way to engage directly with the future of San Juan, while being mindful of the area’s rich past. Please note: it is a women only hostel.

How to Travel with Care

• Learn before you land.  Puerto Rico’s political status, economic instability, and history of colonization shape daily life. Knowing a little goes a long way.
  
  
• Support Puerto Rican-owned businesses.  Look for locally owned restaurants, bars, hotels, and tours.
  
  
• Respect La Perla.  If you want to visit, make sure to take a tour. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CLOSELY. If a local tells you to not take pictures or put away your camera, you follow directions immediately!
  
  Don’t question it, don’t argue back. I am not playing about this, follow directions immediately. A tourist was killed a few years ago for not following directions and then arguing about not being able to take video.
  
  
• Be mindful.  Loud, rowdy tourist behavior isn’t just annoying, it’s disrespectful. You’re a guest in someone else’s home, so show up like one.
  
  
• Understand cultural boundaries.  Some communities may not want outsiders during sensitive times. Always ask, don’t assume.
  
  
• Practice humility.  I make it a point to ask local friends, tour guides, and small business owners how I can better support and not harm the community with my presence. That includes tipping fairly, and asking before taking photos.

Where to Eat

• Santaella (Santurce): Garden setting, upscale Puerto Rican food, and standout cocktails. My go-to for special nights.
  
  
• El Mesón: Puerto Rican breakfast classics, sandwiches, and the best mallorca with ham you’ll find at a fast-casual spot.
  
  
• Piñones: My favorite for street food. Alcapurrias and Medalla on the beach? Can’t be beat. You can take a food tour like this one.
  
  
• Marmalade: I went here on a date many years ago. They served a white bean soup that I have never forgotten and have wanted to recreate at home.
  
  
• Metropol: this restaurant has multiple locations around the island. If you are in San Juan, try the location near Distrito T-Mobile. Metropol has been serving Cuban–Puerto Rican favorites since the 1950s, blending savory tradition and friendly service in one of the island’s most enduring dining spots.
  
  Their tostones with shrimp, congrí-stuffed hen, and skirt steak consistently draw praise for comfort and taste. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of place locals love and visitors should experience. If you’re exploring Puerto Rico during Bad Bunny’s residency, Metropol remains a reliable classic with real flavor.
  
  
• The Spoon Experience: I was able to take the walking tour of San Juan during my visit to Puerto Rico for Wanderful’s WITS 2023 as an included experience. By the middle of the tour we had already tasted so much delicious food that I was quickly getting filled up. We went to historical restaurants and casual modern restaurants.
  
  We visited restaurants that I had never even seen during my multiple trips. The Spoon Experience claims to support Puerto Rico’s agricultural revival by partnering with small, independent businesses that use locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. The businesses fit the description.

What to Expect at Bad Bunny’s Residency:

You’ve got your tickets and flights confirmed. Now comes the best part: the show itself. A concert at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot (known everywhere as El Choli) is an unforgettable experience. The energy inside the arena is unmatched, and the crowd, well they are true fans who know every lyric and will sweep you into the moment.

Here’s how to make sure your concert night runs smoothly.

Getting There & Back: The Smartest Routes

The area around El Choli in Hato Rey clogs up fast on concert nights.

• Uber/Ride-Share: Expect long waits and higher prices, especially once the show ends. Meeting your driver can be tricky with thousands of people spilling out at once.
  
• Tren Urbano (Urban Train): This is the most reliable option. The Hato Rey station sits right next to the venue, and the walk is only a few minutes. Trains often extend their hours on concert nights, but check schedules in advance.
  
• Arrive Early: Plan to be there at least at 5:00pm to clear security and enjoy the pre-show experiences and activations located outside El Choliseo.
  
• Parking: If you arrive early enough, you can find Parking across the street from El Choli on Av. Arterial B at West Marine and it was $15. If you don’t arrive early… good luck! Best to take the train or a ride share.

Inside the Venue: The Atmosphere

El Choli is a modern arena, but the crowd gives it a uniquely Puerto Rican energy.

• The Fans: The audience is part of the performance. People sing at the top of their lungs, dance in the aisles, and celebrate every song. Go with it—you’ll have more fun.
  
  A note about safety:
  During the Bad Bunny’s residency concert I attended on Aug 10, we had an incident.
  
  We were in nosebleed seats because those were the tickets that my friend was able to get during the ticket sale. We were in section 216 row R. We don’t know exactly why this happened but during the first song of the concert, in a matter of seconds, people came rolling down the seats from above us.
  
  We don’t know if people in the rows above us were drinking and jumping / dancing or if there was fighting. It was pretty euphoric at El Choli. The space for you to dance is very limited. We think someone fell on the young woman in front of them and it formed a sort of snowball that kept going 4-5 rows below them and also enveloped an older tourist. They landed on our row and knocked down one of my friends.
  
  She held the snowball with so much strength. If it wasn’t for her holding it down, I truly believe that it would have continued down a few further rows. As for me, I was hit by the young lady on my hip and showered in beer.
  
  This honestly put a bit of a damper on the beginning of the concert but about 15 min later were yelling and enjoying the concert.
  
  As for my friend that held the snowball of people, she is OK. She had to go to the hospital where she found out she had Covid and a walking pneumonia, but overall she is back to herself again after a few weeks.
  
  As for me… I was out of commission for a few days because – I also caught Covid 🙁
  
  
• What to Wear: Choose comfort over style. Lightweight clothing and sneakers will make it easier to dance and move with the crowd.
  
  
• Food and Drinks: You’ll find everything from snacks to cocktails inside, so you won’t need to eat beforehand unless you prefer local food outside the arena.

Logistics & Security

• Bag Policy: Only clear bags (plastic, vinyl, PVC) no larger than 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed. Small clutches up to 4.5” x 6.5” are fine. Leave backpacks and oversized purses at your hotel.
  
• Security Check: Expect metal detectors and bag inspections. Leave prohibited items at home to avoid being turned away. My small electric fan was taken away by security.
  
• No Outside Food or Drink: Everything must be purchased inside.

Tickets & Seating

• Buy Officially: Stick to vendors like Ticketera to avoid counterfeit tickets.
  
• Views: El Choli was designed with good sightlines. Whether you’re close to the stage or higher up, you’ll still feel immersed in the music.

A Bad Bunny concert at El Choli is a landmark experience for fans. Go prepared, enjoy the the experiences, and safely let yourself get carried by the music and the crowd.

Other Cultural Experiences Worth Your Time

• Santurce es Ley: Santurce es Ley is an art initiative that transformed the Santurce neighborhood into an open-air gallery. What started as a street art festival has evolved into an ongoing celebration of Puerto Rican creativity, resistance, and cultural pride. The murals and installations speak to local issues, identity, and joy. The murals are there not for the tourists’ gaze, but for the community that lives and breathes there. Walking through it feels like being part of an active, living conversation.
  
  
• Afro-Caribbean walking tours: Especially in Loíza. These tours ground your understanding of Puerto Rican history.
  
  Here’s another great tour that you can take that will help you see and experience Afro Caribbean culture in Loiza (close to Old San Juan).
  
  
• La Placita: La Placita de Santurce is where Puerto Rican culture shows up loud, proud, and unfiltered. By day, it’s a traditional market with fresh produce and local vendors. By night, it turns into a block party, fully packed with music, dancing, and people from all walks of life. It’s one of the few places in San Juan where locals and visitors mix naturally, over cold drinks, classic salsa or reggaeton y perreo.

Which beach to go to

San Juan is one of the few Caribbean capitals where you can stay in the city and still enjoy easy access to the ocean. Many hotels and resorts sit right along the shoreline, and if yours doesn’t, you can still reach the sand within minutes. Sometimes you will have to walk, other times, you will be able to reach a beach with a short Uber ride.

The beaches near San Juan are varied: some are calm and family-friendly, others draw surfers, and a few stretch wide enough for a long afternoon stroll.

For first-time visitors or travelers without a rental car, these three spots are the easiest and most reliable to enjoy.

• Escambrón Beach (Playa El Escambrón)
  Part of the San Juan National Historic Site, Escambrón is a Blue Flag-certified beach just a short Uber ride from Old San Juan. Protected reefs create calm swimming areas, and you’ll also find shaded picnic spots and easy snorkeling. It’s a great choice for families or anyone looking for more than just a strip of sand.
  
  
• Condado Beach
  is one of the easiest options for visitors staying in San Juan hotels and resorts. It’s right in the Condado neighborhood, meaning you can walk there from many properties or grab a quick Uber. The waves can be strong, so it’s better for sunbathing, people-watching, or enjoying the nearby restaurants than for casual swimming.
  
  
  
• Ocean Park Beach
  Less crowded than Condado but still close to San Juan, Ocean Park Beach is popular with locals, especially on weekends. You can reach it quickly by Uber, and it stretches for nearly a mile—perfect for walking, jogging, or just finding your own spot to relax. It’s breezier than Condado, so you’ll often see kitesurfers and paddleboarders out on the water.

Beyond the Metro Area

• Vega Baja: Vega Baja is a small coastal town on the north side of Puerto Rico, not far from San Juan. It’s best known for Playa Puerto Nuevo, where a natural rock wall calms the waves and makes the beach feel accessible even when the ocean’s rough. The town has its challenges, like many rural areas, but it’s also where locals go to unplug without going too far. If you’re heading to Puerto Rico for Bad Bunny’s residency, Vega Baja offers a slower, more local break from the city.
  
  
• El Yunque: No first trip to Puerto Rico feels complete without a visit to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Just 45 minutes east of San Juan, El Yunque National Forest is the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. It deserves its own blog post.
  
  Even without a rental car, you can join guided tours that include hotel pickup from San Juan and drop-off inside the forest, making it easy to explore this natural wonder. I took this tour in 2023 and loved the experience. Here’s a less expensive tour that you can take to El Yunque.
  
  On my first visit in 2010, I hiked up to Yokahú Tower, a stone lookout that resembles a castle. From the top, I spent a few quiet minutes taking in views visible all the way to the coast. I quickly learned another truth about the rainforest: bring strong mosquito repellent. Within minutes, I was covered in bites.
  
  The hike back down was unforgettable for a different reason. Just as we started descending, rain poured from the sky. My ex-boyfriend and I met two other hikers along the way, and the four of us navigated the slippery trail together, laughing nervously as mud rose midway up our calves. By the time we reached the road, we were drenched, exhausted, and exhilarated. That’s the kind of unpredictable magic El Yunque delivers and that you should be aware of. It is a rainforest so a downpour shouldn’t be an unexpected event.
  
  According to the USDA Forest Service, El Yunque receives more than 120 inches of rain each year, which explains both the lush biodiversity and the sudden storms. Reservations may be required during peak months, so it’s best to book early. You can check trail maps and current safety alerts on the official USDA Forest Service site.
  
  Today, tours still include stops at spots like Yokahú Tower and waterfalls such as La Coca and La Mina. Trails can be slick, so wear comfortable shoes with good traction and pack a poncho instead of an umbrella (winds at higher points make umbrellas useless).
  
  
• Caguas: Underrated stop for live music, art, and local museums.. Caguas sits just south of San Juan and offers visitors a chance to explore Puerto Rican culture beyond the beach. The city is home to the Museo de Artes Populares, which celebrates local artisanship, and the Jardín Botánico y Cultural William Miranda Marín, a peaceful spot that blends nature and history. Caguas also has strong musical roots, particularly in bomba and plena, which tie back to Afro-Caribbean heritage. It’s a great option if you want a fuller picture of the island.
  
  
• Ponce: Ponce, often called “La Perla del Sur,” is known for its historic architecture and strong cultural identity. The city’s Museo de Arte de Ponce is one of the most important art museums in the Caribbean, housing both European and Puerto Rican works. Walking through Plaza Las Delicias or visiting the iconic Parque de Bombas gives you a different pace than San Juan.
  
  
• Cabo Rojo: Dramatic cliffs, pink salt flats, and secluded beaches. It’s home to Las Salinas, the island’s salt flats, which have supported the local economy for generations. Between its seafood spots and low-key pace, Cabo Rojo shows what coastal life looks like without the filter.
  
  
• Aibonito: sits in Puerto Rico’s central mountains and is known for its cooler climate and the annual Festival de las Flores, which draws plant lovers and artisans from across the island. The area’s elevation gives it a break from the coastal heat, making it a popular weekend retreat. It’s also part of the Ruta Panorámica, a scenic mountain route that cuts through lesser-known inland towns. Aibonito reflects a quieter, land-based Puerto Rico that many travelers overlook.

A Few Logistics to Know

• Getting Around: Rent a car if you plan to explore. Uber is fine in San Juan but scarce outside it. Expect long waits on late nights but especially after concerts.
  
  
• Cash is Still King: Cards work in most areas, but you should still carry some cash for small shops, and tipping, bring USD. Also if you end up experiencing a blackout, it is best to have cash to be able to purchase things. Visa is # 1, Mastercard is #2 – many places don’t take AMEX 🙁
  
  
• Island Time is Real: Delays happen. Be patient, be kind.
  
  
• Emergency Numbers: Dial 911 in emergencies. Pharmacies like Walgreens are everywhere and can provide basic care if needed.
  
  
• Language: English is widely spoken in tourist zones, but for decency, learning a few words in Spanish and making an effort goes a long way.
  
  HUGE CULTURAL NOTE: Greet people as you walk into businesses. One of the things that Latinos notice first and can set the tone for a positive (or negative) interaction is if a person will greet you before you start to conduct business with them. It is extremely rude and ill-mannered to just go into what you need without saying Buenos Días, Buenas Tardes, or Buenas Noches. This is one of the minimum ways to not be that tourist… you know which tourist I am talking about. Also, this applies to any Latino country (and should apply all around the world).

Read and Watch This Before You Land

Books and films give cultural insight. These are worth your time:

? Books

• When I Was Puerto Rican by Esmeralda Santiago
• The Taste of Sugar by Marisel Vera
• Puerto Rico: What Everyone Needs to Know by Jorge Duany
• War Against All Puerto Ricans by Nelson A. Denis
• Puerto Rico A National History by Jorell Meléndez-Badillo

I compiled an Amazon list of books that I’ve read, or were recommended by my local librarian and by my Puerto Rican friends on Puerto Rican history and culture.

? Films

• La Guagua Aérea (The Flying Bus)
• We Still Here / Nos Tenemos (documentary)
• Cuentos de Abelardo
• Antes que Cante el Gallo
• Your Attention Please: Initiative 29 – Loíza | Hulu

Learn from Local Voices

If you’re serious about traveling with respect, start by listening to Puerto Ricans who are sharing their truths, talents, and stories every day.

Here are a few creators and journalists doing that work:

• Bianca Graulau (@biancagraulau): Independent journalist telling Puerto Rican stories through deeply reported visual storytelling.
  
  
• Carlos (@travelcarlitosway): Puerto Rican travel content creator showing the beauty of the island. I asked Carlitos to recommend a few other content creators and he mentioned::
  
  
• Luis (@backpackingluis) Explains aspects of the island like why this is called a Greca.
  
  
• Dr. Regner Ramos (@regnerama): Do you want to learn about architecture? Check out this creator’s instagram. He has created a short film called Once Upon Three Femisites.
  
  
• @CallejiandoPR: learn about internal Puerto Rican tourism. This is an example of things to do in Ponce, created by @CallejiandoPR
  
  
• Merlien from @soymerlienpr: A creator that wants to share her jibara mix culture.
  
  
• Brenda from @profesora.brendagisselle shares about cultural tourism. Check out her route through Rio Piedras.
  
  
• @DialectoBoricua shares information about the dialect in Puerto Rico and why certain words are used.
  
  
• Stephanie Rojas Rodríguez is a freelance photojournalist based in San Juan. Stephanie shot Techos Pa Mi Gente, a non profit helping Puerto Ricans recover after Hurricane Maria. You can see her work on IG @camarar0ja.
  
  
• Gabriella Baez is a Puerto Rican writer, photographer, and strategist whose work explores the intersection of identity, memory, and place. Drawing on a background in journalism and public history, she creates content for major publications like National Geographic and The New York Times.

If you know of any other creators that should be included in this list, please leave a comment below.

Why This Isn’t Just a Concert

Bad Bunny’s residency challenges the idea that global success means that artists need to leave home behind. By centering the production in Puerto Rico, he’s created an opportunity for local talent to work on a world-class stage without needing to relocate. It puts Puerto Rican culture at the center without diluting it for outside audiences. This approach shows that staying rooted can be a source of strength, not a limitation.

Final Thoughts

Puerto Rico gives a lot. Don’t just take. Travel here with care.

Tip generously. Listen deeply. Be present. Learn something. And don’t forget to dance. Also don’t forget to share this with someone headed to the island soon.

Resource List

? If music is part of why you’re visiting Puerto Rico, don’t stop at Bad Bunny’s concert. This guide covers where to experience live salsa, plena, bomba, and the local rhythms that carry the island’s history

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? If this is your first time considering solo travel, you might find my Guide to Solo Travel helpful. It covers everything from picking your first destination and even Travel Hacking 101.