OLD SAN JUAN. Bohemian attitude shows in the name and in the irreverant way Sanjuaneros and visitors alike lounge on the outdoor patio, linger at the bar and collect at the tables in this cafe. Though part of the fabled El Convento, it is operated independently of the hotel. The menu is varied, containing a little bit of a lot of different cuisines from sushi to ceviche. The drinks are storied and the clientele is as likely to come for drinks and the live music served up after 11pm every Tuesday through Friday.

CONDADO. This Latin lounge is very popular with the fashionably elegant over-40 set of visitors and locals alike who flock here to dance to some of the best live salsa and merengue in San Juan. Sit on the terrace and sip a salty margarita while catching your breath to dance again. No cover charge.

OLD SAN JUAN. Gallery Café serves up a different theme each night and live bands on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. This is an excellent stop for a dinner that you can linger over ­ eat your meal then stay for a nightcap and some live rock 'n roll.

CAGUAS. The city of Caguas is a well-marked, 25-minute trip on the highway out of San Juan where you can't miss the Hacienda at the side of the road. Stop in on a weekend night, mingle with the young crowd and sway to the beat of some of the best and brightest Latin groups in the Caribbean. The performance space is outdoors and ringed by mountains, a refreshing change from hotel salsa bars.

OLD SAN JUAN. Guests, locals and the staff get up and dance ­ especially on the weekends when live bands play salsa and merengue. Don't know how? Fear not, if you would like lessons, the front desk can set them up for you.