Upplev Puerto Rico genom Bad Bunnys ögon – En musikalisk guide till öns dolda pärlor

If you’re a fan of Bad Bunny, you already know he’s more than a global superstar — he’s a walking, rapping love letter to Puerto Rico. And now, he’s inviting the world to experience the island that shaped him, but not like tourists looking for photo ops — more like friends who want to understand the heartbeat of his home.

Let’s rewind a bit. Since July 2025, Bad Bunny — or Benito Martínez Ocasio, if we’re getting formal — has been performing his residency show, “No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí” (“I Don’t Want to Leave This Place”) every weekend at the iconic El Choli arena in San Juan. Until now, these shows have been just for locals. But starting August 1, international fans are being welcomed in for 21 dates through mid-September.

At the center of it all is his latest album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” (“I Should’ve Taken More Photos”). It’s part love letter, part lament — a poetic reflection on his island’s beauty, culture, and the creeping impact of over-tourism. But it’s also a guidebook. Each track feels like a breadcrumb trail leading to the real Puerto Rico — the places he eats, chills, and finds inspiration. So, if you’re planning a pilgrimage not just to see the shows but to feel the soul of the island, here are the spots to explore — with heart.

Farm-to-Table in the Jungle: Bacoa Finca y Fogón, Juncos

Tucked into the lush eastern hills near El Yunque rainforest, Bacoa is no ordinary restaurant. Run by a trio of chef friends, it’s part farm, part kitchen, and a total show of defiant deliciousness in a place where most food is imported. Dishes like Arroz Jaquita — a hearty combo of rice, bacon, blood sausage, and a fried egg cooked in fragrant sofrito — aren’t just meals, they’re declarations. Stay for the evening sounds of coquí frogs and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a dream — or at least track 7.

Añasco Beach: Where the Album Came Alive

This low-key beach on the island’s west coast is where pieces of Un Verano Sin Ti came to life. Think soft golden sand, long stretches without resorts, and a soothing soundtrack of ocean breeze and Caribbean jazz. If you can’t make it that far, Ocean Park in San Juan or the chill vibes of Posita de Piñones in Loíza offer similar sandy serenity.

Coffee Meets Culture: Café Con Ron, Old San Juan

Once a high-end cocktail bar, now a cozy community haven, Café Con Ron is that perfect intersection of caffeine and culture. Try the “cococcino” — a cappuccino kissed with coquito, Puerto Rico’s creamy coconut holiday liqueur — or sip on an espresso-spiked cocktail while someone three tables over chats love or politics. It’s all under $15, and it buzzes with the exact type of everyday magic Benito weaves into his songs.

Queer Joy and Karaoke: La Cantina, Santurce

Santurce isn’t just the art and nightlife center of the city — it’s home, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. La Cantina turns it up with drag shows, bilingual karaoke nights, and a welcoming vibe that feels miles away from anything mainstream. Flash your concert ticket and you’ll even get 10% off — glitter definitely included.

Vinyl Vibes: La Disquera, Calle del Parque

Ever wondered what a Tokyo-style listening bar with a Puerto Rican soul feels like? La Disquera is your answer. Once the site of the legendary Fania Records offices, this listening lounge lets you don noise-canceling headphones and sip righteous sake cocktails while classic salsa spins on original vinyl. Nostalgia and neon — what more do you need?

Dance the Night Away: La Factoría, Old San Juan

You haven’t truly danced until you’ve made your way through the maze of rooms at La Factoría. It’s one of the world’s best bars for a reason — each corner unveils a new musical world, whether it’s smooth salsa or bumping electronica. Come for the drinks, stay for the dawn.

Benito’s Favorite Bites

Lala – Mall of San Juan

This is where global flavors meet Benito’s boundary-pushing taste buds. One night it’s handmade gyoza, the next it’s creamy agnolotti. Think sophisticated, but never snooty.

Manzana de Java – Rincón

A little bit Caribbean, a little bit Southeast Asian, and all incredible. The ceviche arrives in cacao pods. The goat stew comes laden with tamarind and tradition. This place is a menu and a passport rolled into one.

Street Music, Real Life: La Placita de Santurce

By far the most electric night scene starts and ends at La Placita. Picture this: dominoes clack on tabletops, reggaetón pulses from every corner, the scent of fried street food lingers in the air, and a wall mural of Bad Bunny smiles like a local deity. Come ready to move – and maybe even cry happy tears.

A Love Letter, Not a Resort

Bad Bunny wants the world to see Puerto Rico — but not just through the lens of vacation filters and cruise ship itineraries. His latest album asks listeners to look deeper: at what’s being lost, what’s worth saving, and how to honor it all through food, art, community, and love.

So if you’re coming, come with intention. Support local businesses. Taste what’s grown on the island. Don’t just stream the music — feel it live, out loud, on the streets, in the cafés, at the edge of the waves.

As Benito sings so simply, yet powerfully:

“Puerto Rico is not a souvenir.”

Got your own hidden gems from Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico? Drop us your stories — the best tours are always mutual.