How to capitalize on the surge of Puerto Rican pride after the Super Bowl halftime show

Like Bad Bunny's performance, the intensity of Puerto Rican culture is felt in its irresistible street food offerings. Start by trying tostones fritos (twice-fried green plantain slices), which are garlicky and bursting with flavor, or amarillos, which are riper, softer, and sweeter. Some of the best places to try them include Bebo's Café Loíza, famous for its generous portions, and El Barril de la Mulata in Ponce, where these side dishes often accompany practically every meal. Arroz con habichuelas is another must-try classic: seasoned rice and pink beans stewed with onions, ham hock, squash, and sofrito. It's served almost everywhere, though La Casita Blanca and Café Manolín in San Juan are particularly noteworthy.

Fried foods are another must-try: deep-fried bites of ground beef, crab meat, chicken, or seafood, commonly served at open-air restaurants by the beach. Other iconic snacks include torpedo-shaped alcapurrias, made with shredded root vegetables and filled with meat, and arepas, made with flour and a hint of coconut, also filled with seafood.

Must-See Nightlife Spots:

The halftime show only offers a small taste of what's to come; Puerto Rico vibrates with joyful celebrations and infectious dancing. One of the best places to go out at night is La Placita de Santurce: a farmers market by day and an impressive party spot by night. Stop by Mijani The Club for live salsa, Club Vibra if you're looking for a more reggaeton vibe, or the TŪLŪM nightclub for a mix of many genres that will get you going.

Santurce Café, Trifongo Taíno, Taberna Los Vázquez, and Garabatos are other notable venues featuring live bands playing salsa, merengue, hip hop, and reggaeton several nights a week. Elsewhere in the city, dance the night away in the vibrant Condado neighborhood, with its endless array of lounges and trendy clubs that attract night owls.

Shopping Hotspots:

With Bad Bunny's outfit generating almost as much buzz as the performance itself, the halftime show put Puerto Rican fashion on the map. To experience this culture firsthand, visit Plaza Las Américas (the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean) with its countless luxury brands, or The Mall of San Juan, where an equally exclusive experience awaits. If you prefer something more local, the capital's metropolitan area is full of neighborhoods with handcrafted goods, and in Old San Juan, historic buildings house jewelry stores and artisans selling jewelry and crafts.

Places brimming with flora and nature.

Finally, many noticed the show's set: green, floral, and designed as a tribute to Puerto Rico's stunning natural beauty. To see it in real life, visit El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest within the U.S. National Forest System. Also, from late June to early July, the Aibonito Flower Festival takes place, bringing together the island's best flower growers along with live music and a festive atmosphere.

Where to stay:

For an ideal stay on the island, consider O:live Boutique Hotel, a stylish retreat in the heart of Condado, with easy access to San Juan's vibrant nightlife. From O:live's terrace, relax with a cocktail in hand as the sounds of nearby bars fill the air.

For more information, visit: Discover Puerto Rico