La Perla, Old San Juan’s vibrant barrio (neighborhood), is loved by residents and tourists alike. Its brightly painted houses and murals have even formed the backdrop to famous music videos.

La Perla, Puerto Rico lies between the renowned San Cristobal and El Morro forts, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It has an unsafe perception, but its residents and local organizations have helped transform it into a cultural hub. Let’s discuss La Perla’s history, attractions, and tips for visitors: 

The History of La Perla

The roots of La Perla (The Pearl) started in the 18th century with an abattoir (slaughterhouse) called El Matadero. It was located outside San Juan’s walls, next to the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery. During Spanish colonialism, enslaved people and people of color were forced to live outside the city walls, where they built their homes around El Matadero. 

In the 19th century, San Juan’s poor and recently arrived rural migrants from the countryside also settled there.. By the 20th century, La Perla was an established barrio neglected by the central government and labeled as unsafe. The community also had to resist gentrification efforts from private companies.

La Perla: Charting Its Path

In recent years, La Perla’s residents created the Junta Comunitaria de La Perla (La Perla Community Board). The Board and other local organizations work to preserve their history and launch restoration and tourist development projects. 

Their most popular project was “La Perla Pinta Su Futuro” (La Perla Paints Its Future) where they painted 375 houses in bright colors. The community group also developed a micro business where La Perla residents offer guided tours of their barrio. 

Other notable projects include a basketball court renovation (donated by former NBA player Carmelo Anthony), two community gardens, music and art classes for residents, and a 5K race. 

La Perla’s Transformation and Cultural Revival

La Perla has transformed into a thriving artistic and tourist hub, playing a significant role in the island’s culture. The poverty and marginalization also reflect its resilience despite the odds. Its lively murals and street art display Puerto Rican pride and community spirit. 

The barrio served as the setting for world-renowned pop music videos: “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, and “No Hay Igual” by Nelly Furtado and Residente Calle 13. The energetic music, creative art, and revitalization projects make La Perla an interesting destination.

La Perla and Puerto Rican Culture

La Perla plays a significant role in Puerto Rican culture. Some of the local events include:

• La Perla Chiringas Festival where participants make and fly traditional chiringas (kites). 
• Live music on the weekends at La 39, a popular chinchorro (or small bar).
• La Perla Cultural Tour (led by a local tour guide) covers the best spots and cuisine.

As you walk through the streets of La Perla, you will enjoy the sounds of reggaeton and bomba and even learn a few salsa moves!

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Things to See and Do in La Perla

La Perla has several fun things to explore. However, we strongly recommend you book a guided tour with Junta Comunitaria de La Perla. You can do so via their Facebook page called La Perla Impacto Comunitario.

Here are the top attractions in La Perla:

Colectivo Perlarte

Colectivo Perlarte is an art studio that displays and sells the works of local artists. You can explore their art and music workshops and book a private dinner event. It’s easy to locate as the pedestrian entrance to the studio is in front of the Museum of San Juan.

Malecón

Malecón is a cement boardwalk along the water’s edge, offering stunning ocean views. This is also a stretch of coastline called Guaypao (a phonetic spelling of “wipe out” in English), where surfers can catch the best waves. 

This scenic boardwalk ends at the beginning of Castillo San Cristobal’s fortification. From this vantage point, you can see the Garita del Diablo, an old guardhouse tied to a chilling legend of night-shift guards who vanished without a trace.

El Bowl

Even if you are not a skater, you must visit El Bowl for stunning photos. This skate park is shaped like a huge bowl and covered with vibrant street art. If you visit on a weekend, El Bowl becomes a community pool. 

Plaza de La Perla

Experience the heart of La Perla like a local. Plaza de La Perla is the barrio’s central meeting point where everyone gathers to relax and enjoy local food and beverages.

Carmelo Anthony’s Basketball Court 

La Perla’s community court, donated in 2010 by former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, is a basketball court like no other. Its vibrant, one-of-a-kind artwork celebrates both Puerto Rico and the roots of the basketball legend, blending sport with cultural pride.

Colorful Streets and Ocean Views

La Perla has a unique vantage point above the Atlantic Ocean, so you can enjoy the ocean views. As you walk along the Malecón, you can take beautiful photos of the Castillo San Felipe del Morro in the distance. 

Every street in La Perla offers a lively display of colorful murals showcasing the local talent. Among these murals is a sobering series called “Ofrenda” (Offering) memorializing those who lost their lives in Hurricane Maria.  

Since you’re in the area, you can also explore things to do in San Juan. 

Food and Drinks: Where to Eat in La Perla, San Juan

Here are the top food spots and local dishes to try in La Perla:

Local Food and Beverage Spots

• La Garita restaurant serves traditional Puerto Rican dishes with outdoor seating. As you feast on the local cuisine, you will enjoy the best views overlooking La Perla and the Atlantic Ocean. 
• Barrachina is a traditional indoor-outdoor restaurant located within walking distance from La Perla where you can sample Puerto Rican specialties and the familiar international cuisine.
• La Perla Waterfront is a local dive bar serving great cocktails, live music, and a great view. 
• La 39 is a chinchorro to be! Soak in live music on the weekends and let the locals teach you their dance steps. 

Your guide will also show you new spots as La Perla’s entrepreneurial spirit offers increasing opportunities to enjoy local food and beverages. 

Signature Dishes

• Mofongo: Puerto Rico’s most iconic dish consists of mashed fried plantains stuffed with tasty meat or seafood. 
• Arroz con Gandules: Puerto Rico’s national dish features rice cooked with pigeon peas and seasoned with sofrito. Sofrito is a vegetable, herbs, and olive oil puree.
• Lechon Asado: Enjoy the feast of a whole roasted pig! But this dish is only served on special occasions, especially around the holidays. 
• Pastelón: Do you love lasagna? Then you’ll enjoy the layers of fried plantains, ground beef, and cheese in a pastelón. 
• Alcapurrias: Revel in these deep-fried fritters made from a dough containing plantain and yuca, stuffed with meat or seafood. 
• Carne Frita: Munch on these small pieces of fried pork seasoned with garlic and oregano. 
• Tostones: Do you love chips? Then you’ll enjoy these crispy, twice-fried plantains. 
• Bacalaitos: These are deep-fried fritters made from salted cod and flour mixture. 
• Asopao de Pollo: Everyone loves a chicken dish! You’ll love this hearty chicken stew paired with rice and vegetables.

How to Get to La Perla and What to Expect

La Perla is east of the Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery and lies between Norzagaray Street (Calle Norzagaray) and the Atlantic Ocean. 

You can enter La Perla via the neighboring cemetery. Also, the pedestrian entrance in front of the Museum of San Juan leads you to the Colectivo Perlarte. Norzagaray Street also offers some entrances into La Perla. This is a walkable destination due to its narrow streets that can’t accommodate two cars at a time. 

Visiting La Perla during the day offers relatively quiet exploration; you may still hear some reggaeton and bomba from homes and businesses. But from the evening and into the night, the barrio comes alive with music, live performances, and social gatherings.

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Tips for Responsible Travel

La Perla residents welcome visitors, but you should also be a good guest. Please don’t take photos of people and their houses unless you get their permission. Remember this is not just a tourist attraction; it’s home for the residents. Don’t worry, your guide will let you know what you can photograph. 

We recommend that you travel in groups, led by your local guide. Day tours are best as you can better appreciate all the attractions. Please also support the local businesses because when you do so, you support families in La Perla and help them grow their community. 

Visit La Perla, PR

La Perla, Puerto Rico has a rich historical and cultural legacy reflecting the resilience and artistic soul of the island. There are unique and colorful attractions, traditional cuisines to sample, and ocean vistas for miles. 

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