13 Must-Buy Items in San Juan

Cruising to San Juan offers a wonderful chance to discover the city’s treasures, from its historic cobblestone streets and colonial buildings to its lush jungles and beautiful beaches. As a vibrant cosmopolitan center, San Juan is brimming with galleries, boutiques, and local crafts, making it easy to fill your suitcase with unforgettable souvenirs. To help you find the ideal mementos, here’s our curated list of the top 13 things to purchase during your visit to San Juan.

1. Mundillo

Mundillo is a prized souvenir for shoppers in San Juan, referring to exquisite handmade lace. Traditionally, this delicate lace was crafted into tablecloths, handkerchiefs, and blankets. Today, it adorns everything from baby apparel to wedding gowns and jewelry pieces.

2. Pilón

For cooking enthusiasts, this is a must-have item on your San Juan shopping list. Pilones are traditional Puerto Rican wooden mortar and pestles that serve as both practical and decorative kitchen tools. In local cuisine, they're commonly used for mashing plantains in Creole dishes. You can use one for grinding spices or brewing fresh coffee, or simply as a charming memento from your Puerto Rican cruise.

3. Vejigante Masks

Originating from folklore, the vejigante is a symbol from medieval Spain representing the battle between good and evil. Today, vejigante masks are widely available in souvenir shops, featuring a vibrant local flair. Crafted from papier-mâché and coconut shells, these masks are adorned with unique decorative elements like beaks, teeth, oversized lips, and horns, showcasing the artistic style of Puerto Rico.

4. Ceramics

San Juan boasts a vibrant community of ceramic artists. Whether you’re in the market for cups, plates, vases, bowls, or charming dolls, you’ll discover a colorful selection perfect for gifting to loved ones. For a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir, look for hand-painted ceramic wall hangings that capture the colonial architecture of Old San Juan, featuring scenic depictions of its historic streets.

5. Santos

In San Juan, you can find a variety of hand-carved wooden or ceramic representations of saints known as santos. These religious figures often depict the Three Kings, who hold a significant place in Puerto Rican traditions. You can choose from both exquisite pieces created by skilled artisans and more budget-friendly options available at souvenir shops, available as either wall art or standalone figures.

6. Rum

Puerto Rico is undoubtedly one of the finest destinations worldwide for purchasing rum. In San Juan, you can taste local distilleries' offerings and experience delightful tropical flavors such as coconut and lime. You may find it challenging to choose just one bottle to bring home!

7. Jewelry

Numerous cruise destinations showcase a dazzling selection of jewelry to help you shine during your next formal night at sea. San Juan is no different, with its quaint streets lined with jewelry shops. While silver and gold are popular choices, you can also discover unique pieces made from natural materials like sea glass and coconut. Be sure to look for locally crafted items with distinctive designs that you won’t find back home.

8. Spices

You’re sure to encounter a variety of exotic flavors during your Caribbean cruises. San Juan is an excellent place to purchase some to bring back home and recreate your favorite dishes. Some popular spices you can find include cilantro, recao, and various peppers. Additionally, there are jams and sauces made from seasonal limes, mangoes, and oranges.

9. Güiro

Music is the lifeblood of Puerto Rican culture, and in San Juan, you’ll experience a rich variety of sounds, from reggae to salsa. The güiro is a percussion instrument commonly used in folk music, crafted from a hollowed gourd. Available in various sizes, it allows you to bring home a piece of San Juan's vibrant musical spirit to enjoy whenever you like.

10. Hammocks

What complements tropical breezes, swaying palm trees, and gentle waves? You might think of a refreshing rum punch, but a hammock comes in a close second! Weaving hammocks is a cherished tradition, with cozy designs crafted by local artisans throughout Puerto Rico.

11. Guayaberas

Guayaberas are a staple in Caribbean fashion, including San Juan, and there's a great reason for their popularity. These iconic shirts, featuring front pockets and two vertical pleats, are lightweight and breathable, making them ideal for San Juan's warm climate and perfect for relaxed evenings onboard.

12. Coffee

Enjoying coffee is a cherished ritual in San Juan at any hour of the day. The city is home to local roasters crafting distinctive brews to satisfy your taste buds. You can grab a bag or two to bring back a taste of your vacation for those coffee breaks at work.

13. Sweets

In Puerto Rico, traditional sweets, or dulces típicos, are made with seasonal fruits that deliver a delightful burst of sweetness. Gift shops showcase local treats made from oranges, pineapples, coconuts, cherries, limes, guavas, papayas, and sweet potatoes. Be sure to look for pilones, the Puerto Rican lollipops that children adore.

With everything from local artworks to traditional musical instruments and mouthwatering island delicacies, shopping in San Juan is sure to enchant shoppers from all over the world.

Please be aware that the activities available on board, shore excursions, and dining choices may differ depending on the ship and the destination.