The Caribbean

Puerto Rico’s capital isn’t a cheap city, particularly compared to neighboring islands, like the Dominican Republic or Jamaica, which offer an abundance of all-inclusive resorts and a generous exchange rate. Still, there is plenty to do in San Juan here, including some free activities if you know where to look. Here are 14 of the […]

The roads of Puerto Rico serve as a stage. The performers are the rolling hills dotted with little country houses, the wild horses roaming freely through the forests, the fishing villages and beaches with tiny bars by the water. Travelers find these enchanting sights when they dare to venture outside of San Juan and into

San Juan, the rainbow-hued capital of Puerto Rico, is a vibrant hub for music, food and culture, and the best way to explore is to roam its fascinating, fun-filled neighborhoods. In Old San Juan, the sounds of salsa and reggaetón fill historic squares lined with Spanish townhomes. In arty Santurce, a passion for all things

As far as capital cities go, San Juan, Puerto Rico is a rare gem that has it all – beautiful beaches, a historic center with architecture dating back to the 16th century, a vibrant arts scene, an increasingly diverse population, and 18 neighborhoods with unique flavors, sounds and sights to discover.  Born and raised in

Smarttravelly has partnered with San Juan-based travel community Platea to provide comprehensive guides, curated lists and insider tips for your next trip to Puerto Rico. Riding a wave of culinary excitement and an emphasis on local ingredients and cultural heritage, the restaurant scene in Puerto Rico is thriving.  Over the past few years, Puerto Rico’s

The Malecon comes alive at sunset. This broad ribbon of cement curves around Havana’s waterfront, and as the sun wanes, the sky turns pink and the road is washed in coppery gold light. Orderly rows of fishermen perch on the sea wall, chatting as they cast their lines and hoping for a haul of bonito

It’s time to hail Havana as one of the world’s great art cities. The Cuban capital has never lacked artistic credentials, but a growing band of small private galleries, fresh interest in outlandish street art and the emergence of the extraordinary art collectives has sparked a creative renaissance that has truly put the city on

It doesn’t take much time to realize that Havana has almost no tranquil open-air areas – the city vibrates with children’s improvised pelota (baseball) championships, world-class boxing matches in roofless gyms and popular marathons for locals and foreigners of all ages. Whether you want to watch or partake, here’s the lowdown of the most popular

Smarttravelly Local Diana Rita Cabrera was born and raised in Havana, and she’s positive she could not be happier anywhere else. The timeworn glamor of a five-centuries-old city keeps her rooted to the colonial palaces and cobbled streets, the ever-present music, the friendliness of habaneros (Cubans)… and the refreshing cocktails. The streets of Old Havana

When the seemingly endless sunny days finally come to an end, locals take to the Havana streets. Nightlife in Cuba’s capital is best enjoyed under the moonlight, where cocktails include plenty of ice and fruity flavors with mint leaves. The Havana nightlife scene is filled with salsa dancing, cocktails and delicious tapas © Diana Rita