Condado is one of the most popular strips of the metropolitan area. It is primarily a middle to upper class, tree-lined street, vibrant pedestrian-oriented community located east of the historic colonial district of Old San Juan. There are taxis and public buses running continually from Old San Juan into Condado. Geographically it is one 40 sub-barrios of Santurce. The eastern border is marked by De Diego Avenue and its straight extension towards the Atlantic coast. On the south, the district is bounded by Wilson Street, Aldea Street, Expreso Baldorioty de Castro, Piccioni Street and Delicasse Street, and by the Condado Lagoon (from east to west). The westernmost point is Condado Bridge (which real name is Puente Dos Hermanos) where Ashford Avenue ends and leads into Old San Juan. A very interesting architectural sightseeing area for its combination of some of the old luxurious homes which still remain nestled between the high-rise condominiums have been converted into small Inns, shops, museums or restaurants.
Condado is one of the hottest tourist destinations thanks to its eclectic combination of fine dining, boutiques, beaches and hotels. For the palate a culinary adventure awaits, from pizzerias to seafood and everything in between. The shopping is superb, featuring the best of the international and local boutiques. Your shopping adventure will be endless, featuring gourmet chocolates, hip clothing for the young and older, the most sophisticated in fine jewelry and footwear and other pleasurable surprises.
Nightlife in Condado features all kinds of experiences. From early, late and very late dining (some restaurants open till 3 am) to pubs, clubs, casinos at most of the hotels, and discotheques. There is something for everyone to do at night on the strip. It is usually safe to walk on the street, with the usual precautions of a cosmopolitan city.
Many of Condadoís outdoor activities revolve around the beach. One of the most popular beaches of the area is locally known as Playita de Condado, a small but cozy strip of sand right next to the ocean west of el Condado Plaza hotel. It features a couple of nice reefs for snorkeling. Other nearby beaches are the larger Balneario de Escambrón, where surfers get their daily dose of juice on winter months, and the many other beaches between the buildings all over the strip on your way to Ocean Park and Isla Verde.
Some of the new improvements to the Condado area include enhanced social pedestrian spaces, a new park, La Gran Ventana al Mar or Grand Window to the Sea where the old convention center used to be, (A newer bigger convention center with better access has been built just outside of the district). Other projects such as the Condado Beach Trio aim to restore historic hotels, among these, the Condado Beach (also known as The Vanderbilt) and La Concha hotel.
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