La Calle Loiza is considered the center of the revitalized Santurce neighborhood. Whether it’s combing through tiny boutiques in search of rare Puerto Rican finds, tasting some of the vegetarian cuisine that’s made this street a popular destination for foodies, or purchasing some handmade art, La Calle Loiza is the perfect place to spend an afternoon experiencing the island’s old and new culture. Guided culinary walking tours that explore the area are available.
Located within the Santurce neighborhood, Loiza Street starts at Gallery Plaza and stretches between the tourist hubs of Condado and Isla Verde. Travelers suggest grabbing an Uber to reach Old San Juan, which is about a 19-minute drive from Santurce. The neighborhood is about a 15-minute drive from the cruise ship terminal.
Since La Calle Loiza is known for its thriving culinary scene, meal times are the best times to visit the area, but expect the biggest crowds then. Puerto Ricans tend to eat dinner late, with many restaurants not opening until 6pm; they will start to get busy starting around 8pm.
Located about 20 minutes from La Calle Loiza by car, the Old San Juan neighborhood of Puerto Rico is filled with colorful Spanish colonial houses and boasts historical attractions like Castillo San Felipe del Morro and Castillo San Cristobal. Plus, it’s another prime location for authentic island cuisine, like fried plantains.
