Old doesn't mean stuffy and stodgy when it comes to Old San Juan, Puerto Rico — the old part of town is where the action is, particularly during the Fiestas de la Calle de San Sebastián, a raucous four-day festival that spills beyond the borders of this storied street.
This year's celebration begins January 17 and honors Puerto Rican native Ricky Martin. Calle de San Sebastián, known for its brightly painted buildings, fills with equally colorful booths displaying local arts and crafts, food hawkers and musicians. At any moment, the street may be taken over by a parade featuring dancers in Carnivale-esque papier maché heads. At night, the atmosphere is even more festive, with bigger parades, salsa dancing and drinking lasting into the wee hours.
Stay at the Sheraton Old San Juan and you're nearby — without being so close you can't fall asleep when you're done for the night. For a break — but no less of a good time — check out El Batey, a hole in the wall with a great vibe and an even better jukebox. Bring a marker to add to its patina of graffiti, or tape your business card to a lampshade.
