Condado, Puerto Rico (2024 Guide) – All You Need To Know

Condado is the trendiest neighborhood in San Juan! 

It’s a place where beach lovers, celebrities, night owls, luxury travelers, and foodies come together to experience Puerto Rico’s top restaurants and activities.

As a local, I’ve been to Condado hundreds of times and I can tell you that you should definitely visit!

In this article, I will cover everything that you need to know about Condado:

What is Condado?
Where is Condado located?
Is Condado Puerto Rico nice?
Why is Condado famous?
How much does it cost to visit Condado?
Can you visit Condado without a tour?
How much time do you need in Condado?
Is Condado worth visiting?

 

What is Condado?

Condado is a beachfront community within Santurce, one of the neighborhoods of San Juan. 

It’s known for being a beachfront area full of hotels, restaurants, and brand stores.

Many visitors compare Condado with Fifth Avenue in New York or Miami. 

image of Condado Beach
Condado Beach.

While Old San Juan is all about its historical looks and colonial buildings, Condado is much more modern and luxurious-looking. 

Below is a video that shows a driving tour of Condado:

Despite its appearance, anyone can stay at or visit Condado. This community mixes the best of the Caribbean vibe with the modern side of a city.

 

Where is Condado located?

Condado is located in the neighborhood of Santurce, in San Juan.

It’s right at the entrance of Old San Juan and surrounded by other parts of San Juan such as Puerta de Tierra, Isla Grande, Miramar, Ocean Park, and Calle Loiza.

image of a road sign going to Condado and San Juan
Road sign in San Juan directing you to Condado.

It’s 15 minutes away from the airport and 10 minutes away from Old San Juan by car or taxi. 

Below is a Google Map that shows Condado’s location:

 

Is Condado Puerto Rico nice?

Condado is one of the nicest places to visit in Puerto Rico. It offers plenty of entertainment for couples, families, and even solo travelers. 

The neighborhood is home to popular hotels such as the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, La Concha Renaissance Resort, and the San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino.

Condado also boasts a beachfront location, and it’s bordered by Condado Beach.  

image of a beachfront in Condado
Condado’s beachfront.

At the entrance of the community, you’ll find the Condado Lagoon where visitors can do paddleboarding and kayaking.

Below is a video that shows a walking tour of Condado:

Shopaholics will love exploring the brand stores, and foodies will never run out of restaurant options. 

The best of all? Condado is completely tourist-friendly. It’s safe and the majority of people speak English.

 

Why is Condado famous?

Condado is famous for being a beachfront resort area with top-notch hotels to vacation in Puerto Rico. 

It’s one of the top destinations for tourists in Puerto Rico because it offers both safety and entertainment. Any type of traveler can find something to do in the area.

Condado is also centrally located in San Juan, with easy access to all of the city’s main attractions. 

image of Condado's beachfront
Condado’s beachfront.

It’s a short ride from Old San Juan and the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

 

How much does it cost to visit Condado?

Visiting Condado itself is free! Most expenses in Condado will have to do with parking, eating out, and the hotel. 

If you’re staying in Condado, you’ll pay between $150 to $800 per night in a hotel. The prices vary depending on the hotel you choose and the season you’re visiting.

When it comes to eating, the restaurants in Condado are on the higher side of the budget.  

image of the food in Ropa Vieja Grill
Mashed plantains stuffed with meat at Ropa Vieja Grill.

A meal for two can cost anywhere between $25 and $300.

If you’re visiting Condado in a rental car, then consider private parking prices in your budget. Parking prices are between $10 and $30 for a day. But, on-street parking is free.

 

Can you visit Condado without a tour?

Visiting Condado without a tour is entirely possible. Although Condado offers many attractions, you are free to explore them on your own without a tour.

If anything, you could pay for optional watersports equipment or bicycle rentals. You can also take surfing and yoga classes in the area. 

image of a beachfront in Condado
Condado Beach.

But, if you just want to walk the area and explore it, you can do so on your own, without draining your budget with tours.

 

How much time do you need in Condado?

The time you need to visit Condado will depend on what you’re planning to do while visiting, but usually, a day is enough to explore the area.

Most visitors spend their time in Condado doing water sports at the lagoon, which can take between 2 and 3 hours. 

image showing the beachfront of Playita del Condado
Playita del Condado.

Swimming in Playita del Condado is a great way to start the morning.

And in the afternoon, most travelers relax at Ventana al Mar, an outdoor park.

Party enthusiasts will find multiple bars, casinos, and night pubs open until late in Condado.

 

Is Condado worth visiting?

Condado is worth a stop on every Puerto Rico trip! It offers something for every type of tourist and it promises a fun-filled day for everyone. 

Here is a quick rundown of the best attractions in Condado for you:

BEACHES

In Condado, families can enjoy Playita del Condado, a small natural pool located right after Puente Dos Hermanos. 

Couples can sunbathe in Condado Beach or take long relaxing walks. 

image of a beachfront in Condado
Beachfront in Condado.

In the nearby Ocean Park, you can practice windsurfing or play volleyball.

Below is a Google Maps that shows beaches in and nearby Condado:

CASINOS

If you love trying your luck in blackjack, roulette, and poker, try visiting one of the two casinos in Condado. 

Casino del Mar in La Concha Renaissance Resort is the most popular in the area. But, you can also check out the casino at the San Juan Marriott Resort

image Casino del Mar in La Concha Renaissance Resort
Casino del Mar in La Concha Renaissance Resort.

BIKES AND SCOOTERS

image of a rental bike in Condado
Rental bike in Condado.

Condado has a bicycle lane that goes from Puente Dos Hermanos to the end of Ashford Avenue.

You can rent bikes in the Condado Tourism Center or rent scooters with the app Skootel and explore the best of Condado without exhausting yourself.

WATERSPORTS

One of the most iconic landmarks in Condado is the Condado Lagoon. 

image of a group of people canoeing at condado lagoon
Condado Lagoon.

You will find multiple businesses that rent equipment for paddleboarding and kayaking around it.

Below is a Google Map that shows the Condado’s Lagoon location:

SHOPPING

Condado is filled with boutiques that sell international and local luxury brands. 

Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Salvatore Ferragamo, Furla, and Hellmuth are among the brands present in Condado’s boutiques. 

Local designers like Nono Maldonado, Harry Robles, and Lisa Thon are also worth checking out.

Below is a Google Maps that shows the location of popular boutiques in Condado:

NIGHTLIFE

If you’re a party lover, you can choose between dozens of lounges and bars in Condado to get loose.

image of the Eter Rooftop & Lounge
Eter Rooftop & Lounge.

The AC Rooftop Bar, the Eter Rooftop & Lounge, and the Red Coral Lounge are great hangout spots.

Youngsters looking for a more lively atmosphere usually head to the nearby Calle Loiza or La Placita de Santurce, where shots, salsa, and food are the order of the day.

Check out La Placita in the following video:

Below is a Google Maps with the best places to enjoy Condado’s nightlife:

RESTAURANTS

From fine dining to beachside restaurants, foodies won’t starve in Condado with so many options.

image of the dining area in 1919 Restaurant
Dining area at 1919 restaurant.

If you’re looking for a five-course meal, 1919 is a popular fine-dining restaurant you can’t miss in Condado. 

image of a chef preparing food
Chef Juan Jose Cuevas, 1919.

Other popular places to eat at Condado include Mario Pagán, Ropa Vieja Grill, Yerba Buena, Jose Enrique, Tavola, and Cocina Abierta.

Below is a video that shows Condado’s restaurants:

Below is a Google Maps that shows the location of some of the top restaurants in Condado:

CLASSES

If you’re looking for something fun to do you can try out taking a class in Condado. 

Spectrum Surf School offers surfing classes in front of the Marriott Hotel.

If you rather try something more relaxing, try booking a yoga class with Artes Misiticas

But, if you want to immerse yourself in Puerto Rican culture, take a salsa class with Santurce Salsa Club.

PARKS

Condado is home to various parks and plazas where you can skate, read a book, or snap the perfect Instagram selfie. 

La Ventana al Mar is often home to gatherings, picnics, and even wedding photoshoots.

image of Plaza Ventana del Mar
Plaza Ventana del Mar.

Plaza Las Nereidas, Plaza Antonia Quinones, and Parque del Indio are other popular parks in the area.

Below is a Google Map with Condado’s parks:

HOTELS

Condado boasts a great number of hotels that go from luxury resorts to budget-friendly bed and breakfasts. 

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel
Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.

The Condado Vanderbilt for example is a historical hotel with a classy elegant lobby you’ll want to post on your social media. 

image showing the beachfront of La Concha
La Concha’s beachfront.

La Concha Renaissance Resort boasts beautiful pools and a unique-looking interior patio perfect for relaxing. 

Even if you’re not staying in the area, these hotels are worth a visit.

See our best hotels in Puerto Rico guide to find which from Condado are on the list.

 

Final thoughts

Thanks for reading! Condado is a place you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Puerto Rico.

The best beaches in the area are Playita del Condado, Condado Beach, and Ocean Park.

Visit the iconic Condado Lagoon for paddleboarding and kayaking experiences.

Your best nightlife options are the AC Rooftop Bar, the Eter Rooftop & Lounge, and the Red Coral Lounge. For a more lively experience, visit Calle Loiza or Placita de Santurce.

If you are looking for more fun activities, then continue reading our article about the top 45 Things To Do In Puerto Rico

Condado, Puerto Rico (2024 Guide) – All You Need To Know
Article by

Vanessa Ramos

Writer at PuertoRico.com. I’m an avid traveler and freelance writer from Puerto Rico. I love the outdoors, coffee, hiking, and letters. When I’m not inside typing letters on my laptop, I’m out exploring the hidden treasures that Puerto Rico has to offer!

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