From vibrant streets to stunning beaches, it’s no wonder many musicians and artists have chosen Puerto Rico as the breathtaking backdrop or focal point for their videos. Set jetters must add these iconic destinations, featured in popular music videos, to your vacation itinerary for an unforgettable vacation.
Horseback ride along the beach at Añasco Bay.
Añasco
Have you ever wondered where Boricua music superstar Bad Bunny filmed the 360° visualizers for his hit album "Un Verano Sin Ti"? The breathtaking beach where Benito sits on the golden sand, watching the clear blue waves with his friends, is Balneario Tres Hermanos in the town of Añasco. Make this a stop in your west side road trip, and don’t forget to pack your neverita (mini fridge), like the singer references in another song.
Luquillo’s al-fresco appeal extends beyond its powdery golden sand and azure ocean waves.
Balneario de Luquillo
It’s no secret that Puerto Rico’s beach vibes are unbeatable, with many stunning shores to choose from. For the video of the hit song “Calma Remix,” Puerto Rican artists Pedro Capó and Farruko dance to the beat and drink Medallas in front of the blue waves at Balneario de Luquillo.
5 Days in the East Region
Turquoise waters await you at the idyllic island of Palominito.
Palominito
While some scenes of Mariah Carey’s “Honey” video were filmed in the Antiguo Casino de Puerto Rico in Old San Juan, the iconic jet ski chase and fun beach scenes were shot on the idyllic small island off the shore of Fajardo known as Palominito.
Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis, a 19th-century oceanfront cemetery, is one of the world's most beautiful memorial parks.
Old San Juan
There is so much to do and many sites to visit in Old San Juan! With its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and historic charm, many artists have chosen it as the perfect location to bring their music videos to life. Wander the picturesque streets of Old San Juan, where many artists from Bad Bunny and J Balvin filmed scenes for "Yo le llego" to Rainao filmed “Tentretiene”, among many others.
Stop by the Mural de Doña Fela, a colorful mosaic at the entrance of the city dedicated to Doña Felisa Rincón, the first female mayor of San Juan, and where the trap artists Bad Bunny and J Balvin shot a great part of the video "Si tu novia te deja sola.”
In 1988, the English synth-pop duo Pet Shop Boys filmed the music video for their hit song “Domino Dancing” all around Old San Juan and even casted local talented. Keep your eyes peeled for a stunning shot of the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis cemetery, renowned as one of the most beautiful memorial parks in the world.
Five Centuries of History in Old San Juan
Music Videos Filmed in Old San Juan
Dance the night away and listen to music at El Boricua.
Río Piedras
Take a spin on the same dance floor where the legendary Puerto Rican salsa orchestra, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, filmed their “El Combo del Mundo” video at El Boricua. If you love listening or dancing to salsa music, this bar in Río Piedras is a must-visit. Be sure to stop by and enjoy live music, play some billiards, or throw a quarter in the jukebox featured in the video to dance the night away.
Delicious food, followed by salsa dancing await you at La Placita de Santurce.
La Placita de Santurce
The British band Sade chose various locations around Puerto Rico as the focal points for their “King of Sorrow” video. One of the most recognizable places is La Placita de Santurce during the day, where it functions as a marketplace with local vendors selling their produce, as seen in the video. Although not shown in the video, when the sun goes down, the market closes, and La Placita de Santurce transforms into a lively party scene with music, dancing, and drinks.
Guide to La Placita
View of colorful houses in La Perla neighborhood.
La Perla
Get to know the colorful barrio built outside Old San Juan's city walls known as La Perla, made infamous by the 2017 music video for Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee's megahit "Despacito." Prior to that, the song “La Perla,” named after the neighborhood, was a beautiful homage to the city by Boricua musician Calle 13, salsa singer Rubén Blades, and La Chilinga. Calle 13 also collaborated with pop star Nelly Furtado and filmed the video for “No Hay Igual” in La Perla, where they danced around and ate ice cream.
Note: For a safe visit to La Perla, join a daytime walking tour with a local guide or community leader, and avoid going alone, especially at night.
Visit La Perla Neighborhood
Music Videos filmed in La Perla
Calle Loíza is known for its colorful street art, delicious and bustling nightlife.
Calle Loíza
Calle Loíza is a hotspot in the heart of Santurce, known for its creative, gastronomic, and musical scene. It was the key location for Arcángel and Bad Bunny’s surprise concert on top of a gas station roof, and part of the music video for their collaboration “La Jumpa” was filmed here. Visit this vibrant street and make sure to snap a picture of what is now an iconic location.
Things to do in Santurce
Yaucromatic, a public art project in Yauco, is Puerto Rico's largest outdoor art gallery.
Yaucromatic
If you’ve seen the music video for the song “Luz Apaga,” you’ve witnessed Puerto Rican musicians Ozuna, Lunay, Rauw Alejandro, and Lyanno getting down to the beat in a brightly colored neighborhood. It's not a set; it’s the public art project known as Yaucromatic in the coffee town of Yauco, featuring colorful patterns, urban art, and murals depicting local traditions. This photo-ready location is a must-visit for capturing unbelievable photos and videos for your social media.
In addition to being a Top 50 Bar, La Factoría has served as the setting for many popular music videos.
Old San Juan’s Nightlife
Old San Juan’s nightlife is also a star in many music videos, with La Factoría not only being one of The World's 50 Best Bars but also serving as one of the filming locations for parts of "Despacito" and Lady Antebellum’s “Heart Break.”
Another popular spot is the dive bar El Batey, where graffiti from hundreds of visitors covers every inch of the walls. With billiard tables, a jukebox that mostly plays rock music, and walls covered in graffiti from hundreds of visitors, El Batey is a place full of character where singer Kany García and trap artist Young Miko brought to life the video for their collaboration “En Esta Boca.”
More Cocktail Bars in San Juan
Music Videos Filmed in Old San Juan's Nightlife
Piñones is a scenic ocean drive from Carolina to Loíza.
Piñones
Admire the same picturesque ocean views and beaches at Piñones in the town of Loíza that Boricua superstar Ricky Martin and singer Carlos Vives feature in the video of “Canción Bonita.” Even though they weren't featured in the video, while you're there, don’t miss the nearby kiosks offering delicious local fritters.
The famous Mar Chiquita beach in Manatí.
Mar Chiquita
Puerto Rican artists Ozuna and Pedro Capó teamed up for the vibrant and rhythmic song “Mar Chiquita.” The music video was shot at the stunning half-moon beach on the north coast town of Manatí that inspired the song’s name. This spot is a must-visit for set jetters looking to spice up their vacation itinerary with some iconic beach vibes!
More Things to do in Manatí
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