40 Best Shopping in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Noted local designer Lisa Cappalli sells her feminine, sensuous designs in this elegant boutique, which specializes in ready-to-wear and custom fashions including a small collection of whimsical, lacy wedding gowns.

Family-run since the 1930s, this store is known for its large selection of pearls and precious stones, as well as for its jewelry design.

The Cigar House has an eclectic selection of local and imported cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. At the lounge and bar, you can enjoy your purchase with a glass of your favorite spirit.

Club Jibarito has a fantastic collection of high-end watches by Audemars Piguet, Chopard, H.Stern, Harry Winston, Panerai, and other designers.

Stylish, upscale handbags for men and women can be purchased at Coach for a discounted price.

Here designer Matilsha Marxuach, who is keen on sustainable fashion, sells her hip line of fair-trade messenger and handbags, as well as bathing suits, vintage clothing, and items made by other local designers.

This Old San Juan establishment has been in the Barquet family for four generations, and items from their Coquí el Original line—depicting the local tree frog—have become popular souvenirs. Choose from 14K-gold or sterling-silver coquí pendants, rings, bracelets, and more. If you’re looking for unique and high-end jewels, ask to browse the private back room.

Here the inventory, most of it Indonesian, ranges from bedspreads and furnishings to beaded jewelry and hand fans.

At El Galpón, knowledgeable owners Betsy and Gustavo will fit you with a Panama hat ($65–$900), and you'll learn that the genuine article is actually made in Ecuador. They also carry a large selection of Puerto Rican santos, hand-carved wooden saints.

For nearly three decades, Robert and Sharon Bartos have been selling antiques and objets d'art from all over the world, much of it from Europe.

This influential gallery displays art by the late Angel Botello, who was hailed as the Caribbean Gauguin as far back as 1943. (His works also hang in the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico.) His paintings often feature the bright colors of the tropics and usually depict island scenes. Also on display here are works by other prominent local artists, Puerto Rican santos, and sculptures by Botello.

Among those who have displayed their works at Galería Petrus are Dafne Elvira, whose surreal oils and acrylics tease and seduce (witness a woman emerging from a banana peel); Marta Pérez, another surrealist, whose bewitching paintings examine such themes as how life on a coffee plantation might have been; and Elizam Escobar, a former political prisoner whose oils depict typically dark subjects. Exhibitions change frequently and focus on local artists like Bobby Cruz and Carlos Dávila.

This shop carries Haitian masks, statues, paintings, and wooden works of art. The second floor houses a large selection of paintings from the Caribbean.

Puerto Rican couture designer Harry Robles specializes in elegant evening and bridal gowns.

Up-and-coming young designer Jean Cintrón has his appointment-only shop on Calle Cerra. Visit the website to schedule a visit.

The clever shop Magia carries what appear to be traditional crafts, but look more closely. Each work, most of which are done by artist-owner Manolo Díaz, is quite unique. A little wooden shrine, for example, might be sheltering an image of Marilyn Monroe. You can also find vintage costume jewelry and Puerto Rican santos.

You might find a reproduction of your hotel at this shop, which specializes in tiny ceramic versions of San Juan doorways. The works are created by hand in the shop, which also carries fine art prints.

The quality clothing at Monsieur is very sleek and stylish—everything for the well-dressed man.

This is a good place to shop for high-quality folk art from around the island. You can also pick up local coffee and other food specialty items like hot sauce.

The window displays are almost as daring as the clothes at this shop, which caters to trendy young ladies looking for party dresses, jumpers, accessories, and shoes.

Aficionados of the famous Panama hat, made from delicately handwoven straw, should stop at Olé. The shop sells top-of-the-line toppers for as much as $1,000, as well as more affordable options that can be custom-fit. Take a few moments to browse the other goods for sale like decades-old santos and used books.

Otto Bauzá stocks international lines of casual and formal wear for younger men.

About 15 minutes east of San Juan, you'll find Plaza Carolina, with locals shops, as well as chain stores like Clarks, Forever 21, and T.J. Maxx. Get there via Route 26.

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.

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 has an especially good selection of watches.

For one-of-a-kind santos, art, ceramics, and festival masks, head to Puerto Rican Arts & Crafts. All items are made by local artists.

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.