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February 12, 2026 Team Contibutor

Bad Bunny’s spectacular Halftime Show served as an undeniable love letter to Puerto Rico, firmly placing Boricua spirit on the global stage. To soak up the palpable energy sparked by the show, plan a trip to the Island, where mouthwatering street food, buzzing nightlife districts and verdant natural beauty awaits.

Similarly to Bad Bunny’s performance, the vibrancy of Puerto Rico’s culture truly comes alive in its irresistible street food offering. Start off by sampling deep-fried tostones, garlicky and bursting with flavour, or amarillos, which are riper, softer and sweeter. Top spots to try the favourites include Bebo’s Café Loíza, known for its generous portions and El Barril de la Mulata in Ponce, where the side is plated up on every dish.

Rice and beans is another staple street food, defined by seasoned rice and pink beans stewed with onions, ham hock, calabaza squash, and sofrito. The classic is served almost everywhere, although La Casita Blanca and Café Manolín in San Juan are two standout spots.

Frituras are another must-try delicacy, comprised of deep-fried ground beef, crab meat, chicken, or seafood, commonly served in open-air, beachside restaurants. Other iconic deep-fried snacks include torpedo-shaped alcapurrias, made of shredded root vegetables and stuffed with meat, and flour-based, coconut-tinged arepas – also stuffed with seafood.

Much like the Halftime Show’s energetic set, Puerto Rico bursts with joyous celebrations and infectious dancing. One of the Island’s best nightlife spots is La Placita de Santurce: a farmer’s market by day, but electrifying party hub by night. Stop by Mijani The Club for live salsa, Club Vibra for a reggaetón vibe, or TŪLŪM nightclub for a mix of addictive genres. Santurce Café, Trifongo Taíno, Taberna Los Vázquez and Garabatos are other notable hangouts where live bands play salsa, merengue, hip hop, and reggaetón several nights a week. Elsewhere, dance the night away in the buzzing district of Condado, whose endless trendy lounges and clubs attract night owls.

With Bad Bunny’s outfit garnering almost as much attention as the performance itself, the Halftime Show firmly planted Puerto Rico’s fashion scene on the map. To experience the fashion culture firsthand, visit Plaza Las Américas – the Caribbean’s largest shopping mall – for endless luxury brands, or The Mall of San Juan where a similarly upscale experience beckons. For a local shopping experience, the capital’s metro area teems with neighbourhoods selling handmade goods, whilst in Old San Juan, historic buildings brim with jewellery stores and artisans selling handicrafts.

Lastly, viewers may have noticed the verdant, floral-adorned Halftime Show set, designed as an ode to Puerto Rico’s eye-catching natural beauty. To experience the greenery in real life, trek through El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the US National Forest System. Also, from late June to early July the Island’s annual Aibonito Flower Festival takes place, showcasing Puerto Rico’s best flower-growers alongside jubilant live music.

For the ultimate Island stay, look no further than O:live Boutique Hotel, a stylish retreat set in the heart of Condado, providing effortless access to San Juan’s nightlife. From O:live’s roof terrace, unwind with a cocktail in hand, as the melodies of nearby bars fill the air.

For more information, please visit: Discover Puerto Rico