If there’s one thing San Juan has a lot of, it’s souvenir shops, but there’s a good reason for it: Souvenir shopping in Puerto Rico goes far beyond a tropical t-shirt and a shot glass with a logo on it. You can find expertly crafted products here that are unique to the island, ranging from cheap miniature figurines of saints to huge, elaborate papier-mâché folkloric vejigante masks. These stores are good bets for quality, authentic products.

La Casa de Las Casitas

The name of the store means “House of the Little Houses,” and here you’ll find a variety of arts and crafts, folkloric vejigante masks, wall hangings, and accessories. Notably, this store features handmade hammocks and offers a clean restroom for public use, enhancing the shopping experience.

Located at 250 Cristo Street in Old San Juan.

El Galpón

At this small but well-stocked shop, owner Gustavo Lerner is always available to help you choose your favorite vejigante mask from his impressive collection adorning the walls. He also carries santos, which are wooden figurines of saints and among Puerto Rico’s most popular handicraft products. Additionally, the store features guayabera shirts, Panama hats, hand-rolled cigars, and old photographs.

Located at 154 Cristo Street in Old San Juan.

Máscaras de Puerto Rico

True to its name, Máscaras de Puerto Rico specializes in vejigante masks. These unique wall-hangings range from small, inexpensive, crudely made miniatures to fantastic, vivid creations filled with teeth, horns, and grimaces. The two broad styles include an oval-shaped mask made from a gourd or coconut shells and the demon-mask made from papier-mâché.

Located in “La Calle” Mall at 105 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan.

Mi Pequeño San Juan

This small shop carries a variety of handmade reproductions of Puerto Rico’s buildings and architecture. The ceramic miniatures are produced with remarkable detail and vibrant colors, making them charming souvenirs that truly represent the originals.

Located at 107 Calle Cristo Street in Old San Juan.

Mi Rincón

Tucked away at the end of Cristo Street, Mi Rincón offers more artistic souvenirs that stand apart. Owner Cuca del Rincon displays her work here, including digitally treated photographs of Old San Juan landmarks, hand-painted Christmas ornaments, and other decorative art pieces.

Located at 251 Cristo Street in Old San Juan.

Olé

While not exclusively Puerto Rican, the quality of products at Olé is commendable. The store features an assortment of photographs, ornaments from Peru, santos, handmade puppets, and various gifts. Particularly noteworthy are the handmade Panama hats, ranging from approximately $40 to over $1,000, all custom-fitted to your preference while you wait.

Located at 105 Fortaleza Street in Old San Juan.

Patchouli

Patchouli exclusively features Puerto Rican artists. Among their offerings is a beautiful collection of ceramic vases and candleholders depicting clusters of Old San Juan buildings. They also carry Puerto Rican music, ethnic clothing, stuffed toys, and a DIY line of jewelry. A cute item to note is the wood-carved mini back massager shaped like a turtle.

Located at 152 Cristo Street in Old San Juan.

Café Yaucono

Underrated compared to more famous coffee-growing regions, Puerto Rico produces exceptional coffee. Established in 1896, Café Yaucono’s Yaucono Select is their standout product, known for its rich, bold, and aromatic flavor, making it a terrific choice for coffee enthusiasts.