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Puerto Rico Adventures
My Travel Listicle Recommendations
- El Yunque – a rainforest with great hiking, waterfalls, ATV riding, and horseback riding.
- Toro Verde – an adventure park with the largest zip line in the Caribbean, featured on Jimmy Fallon. A reservation needs to be made in advance. A smaller zip line can be found at Distrito T-Mobile in San Juan.
- Sea Ventures – a Fajardo-based scuba diving company that will take you on a PADI-certified Discovery Scuba boat charter to Culebra, Vieques, and other beautiful beaches; this counts towards a full certification.
- Laguna Grande – a bioluminescent bay located in Fajardo (a 50-minute drive from San Juan). There are only 5 bioluminescent bays in the world, and Puerto Rico has 3 of them! There are plenty of nighttime kayaking and boating tours.
Other Islands Part of Puerto Rico
- Culebra – a small island off the east coast with one of the best and most beautiful beaches in the world, Flamenco Beach! Accessible by plane or ferry from Ceiba (about 45 minutes from San Juan).
- Vieques – the larger island off the east coast, accessible by plane or the ferry from Ceiba. Vieques is best known for Playa Negra, a beautiful black-sand beach, and Mosquito Bay, the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.
  - Important: Give yourself enough time to get to and on the ferry. You CAN get stuck on the island overnight. Additionally, the ferry ride can be rocky, so if you get motion sickness, plan accordingly.
Check my Best Beaches listicle for more adventures, or head into Old San Juan to explore the island’s history once you’re back on land.
June 26, 2022
Puerto Rico Restaurants & Bars
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

Viejo San Juan
- La Factoría – a bar in Viejo San Juan with 6 rooms/speakeasies; it also has live salsa on the weekends.
- Deshistoria: Birra & Empanadas – a local tavern in Viejo San Juan for great Puerto Rican beer and empanadas.
- EÑE – located in the heart of San Juan; great food and local beers.
- Deveradura – located in the heart of Viejo San Juan. This restaurant serves all the Puerto Rican classics.
Condado
- Orozco’s – a Puerto Rican food restaurant, cash only.
- Sobao by Los Cidrines – a Puerto Rican-style deli and bakery. Great coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and pastries. Outdoor patio with free WiFi! I recommend the pastrami sandwich!
- Bebo’s Café – open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with typical Puerto Rican breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Isla Verde
- La Lechonera de Diego – a great, affordable option, especially for large groups. No reservation is required, and the food is ready fast. Lechoneras and BBQ spots are great places to get a whole roasted chicken, ribs, or lechón (roast pork) and sides by the pound.
- Yamiko Sushi – Asian Puerto Rican fusion food. Get some fried rice, sushi, or teriyaki with a tropical twist. My recommendation is the Caribbean Dragon roll with maduros, eel, and mango. Reservations required for large groups only.
Other Areas Around San Juan
- La Placita – in Santurce, a plaza with a ton of bars and restaurants. Busy on Thursday and Friday, with great live music and karaoke.
- El Platanal – amazing mofongo and mojitos in Carolina, Puerto Rico.
- Los Pinos – a local 24/7 restaurant with a huge menu. There are many locations throughout the San Juan area.
- El Meson – an incredibly popular Puerto Rican fast food restaurant. They serve breakfast all day and make great coffee. Additionally, they are known for their surrollos, which you can request instead of french fries with your sandwich combos.
Want to know what you’re ordering? My Puerto Rico Cuisine guide breaks down the classic dishes and drinks, or head back to Puerto Rico Sightseeing for more of Old San Juan.
June 25, 2022
Madrid Sightseeing: The Best Things to Do, Eat & See
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

Things to Do
- Estadio Santiago Bernabéu – Real Madrid’s home soccer stadium. If you happen to be in Madrid between August and May, try to catch a game! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, but if there are no games, the stadium also offers tours so you can grab a picture with the Champions League trophy!
- Retiro – Madrid’s Central Park. Here you can find the Crystal Palace, a free art museum, and plenty of green space. You can also rent row boats for a truly unique and romantic experience.
  - Inside Retiro, check out the Crystal Glass houses for free art exhibits and great pictures.
- Museo del Prado – If you love art, this museum is a must. It’s the best collection of Spanish art, with works ranging from El Greco to Velázquez. All museums in Spain are required to offer free hours; the Prado has free admission every evening until close, as well as on Sundays.
  - If you are more into modern art, check out the Reina Sofía.
  - The Prado is located on the Paseo del Prado, which is a great place to find local art, souvenirs, and other museums and monuments.
- Must visit Plazas:
- Mercado de San Miguel
  - A food market located in the heart of Madrid. Here you can try all of Madrid’s delicacies and get a crisp copa (beer), all under one roof. Great place to get lunch!
- Templo de Debod
  - An actual Egyptian temple gifted to Spain from Egypt, located in Parque Oeste. During park hours, you can enter the temple for free to learn about Spain and Egypt’s history.
    
    Near the Templo, in Parque Oeste, there is a Teleférico that takes you to an overlook with a bar and a small theme park.
- Palacio de Cibeles
  - Great view of the city from the rooftop!
Food
- Restaurante Colosimo – One of the best Tortilla Españolas
- El Tigre – Fun bar with large tapas portions
- El Sobrino de Botin – The oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Record, also mentioned in a Hemingway novel
- Museo de Jamón – for Jamón Ibérico at a reasonable price. You can find one on every corner, and it’s 100% worth the experience.
Shopping
- Casa de Diego – Handmade Spanish fans right in the heart of Plaza Sol
Continuing on to Spain’s coast? Check out my Valencia Sightseeing guide, or read my Spain Travel Tips for advice on tapas culture, transportation, and free museum hours.
March 10, 2024
Philadelphia Restaurants & Bars
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

Restaurants
- Suraya – my favorite restaurant in Philadelphia
  - Go at lunch, pay less for the same delicious menu, and yes, get the lamb.
- Parc – a famous French bistro in Rittenhouse. They bake their bread in-house, and you can order fresh baguettes to go.
- Tabachoy – a delicious BYOB Filipino restaurant in South Philly with the best tasting menu.
- Charlie was a Sinner – amazing vegan food!
- El Coqui – a traditional Puerto Rican bakery and restaurant in North Philly
- Don Barriga – Mexican food with a menu that will make everyone happy. My takeout spot!
- Sabrina’s Café – a cozy and popular no-reservation brunch and lunch spot
- Vista Peru – great Peruvian food! Try the ceviche and pisco sour
- Estia Restaurant – Greek food, and a great place to have dinner before seeing a show at the Kimmel
- El Rey – Mexican food with a great happy hour
  - Travel Listicle secret: if you ask your waiter for “The Ranstead Room” after dinner, they’ll take you to a cocktail speakeasy with some of the greatest cocktails in the city!
- Victory Brewing – a brewery with great food and location-exclusive brews across its four spots. It has an amazing terrace with City Hall views.
- Vernick Coffee Shop – located in the Comcast Technology Center lobby (the tallest building in Philly); great coffee and pastries
  - Check out the Universal Sphere, home to a special ride designed by Steven Spielberg and the DreamWorks Animation team.
Cheesesteaks
- Angelo’s – a Michelin Guide cheesesteak! One of my favorites. Amazing cheesesteak and pizza, but be ready for long lines unless you drive to the South Philly location.
- Uncle Gus’ – the best cheesesteak in Center City! A collab between Angelo’s and Dinic’s.
Happy Hours
Must Try Things in Philly
- Wawa. Wawa. Wawa. Wawa. – it’s an experience! Get a coffee and a hoagie
- Philly Pretzel Factory – the spot for a soft pretzel
- Rita’s – wooder ice
- Reading Terminal Market – try literally anything! There are no wrong answers here.
November 4, 2022
Valencia Sightseeing
My Travel Listicle Recommendations (by Neighborhood)

Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences)
- Walk around this area. There are some beautiful sculptures and buildings that are marvels of engineering and architecture. There’s also an elevated walkway with some great views of the reflective pools.
- Go to the art or science museum. It’s the largest aquarium in Europe. Tickets can be pricey, but if you purchase a tourist card, it comes with discounts.
El Carmen
- A neighborhood with many murals and street art, plenty of bars and restaurants as well.
- Quart Towers – towers from the 1400s that were once part of a series connected by walls that protected the city. If it’s not raining, you can climb to the top for some great views and pictures.
El Centro
- The Central Market of Valencia – the biggest market in Valencia. Yes, people buy their groceries here, but you can also grab small plates and try different wines or tapas. Great place to try a ton of different foods for 1–2 euros.
- The Silk Exchange – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you can take a self-guided audio tour of the building and gardens.
- Tons of plazas, winding roads, little restaurants, and cobblestone-lined streets. Great area to explore.
Colón
- Mercado de Colón – market with shops and cafés. A little pricey because it’s a tourist attraction, but still a beautiful visit.
Beach Area
- Amazing paella restaurants in this area, and beautiful beaches.
- Take a catamaran on the Mediterranean and enjoy the Valencian sunsets.
Exploring more of Spain? Don’t miss my Madrid Sightseeing guide and my Spain Travel Tips for tapas culture, transportation, and more.
November 3, 2022
Spain Travel Tips: How to Live Like a Local
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

One of the most wonderful things about Spain is that they truly know how to relax. Everything moves at a leisurely pace. Dinners and lunches might take 2–3 hours, even during work hours. You’ll see the relaxed mindset in every facet of life in Spain.

Eating
- Eating at a restaurant in Spain takes time, so if you’re in a rush, it might be best to stop at a café or panadería to grab a quicker bite.
- At many restaurants during lunchtime (La Comida), they will have a “Menú del Día,” aka the special of the day. The daily special is a 3–4 course meal, often served with wine, for 10–15 euros. It has always been the biggest bang for your buck in terms of food. Often, the Menú del Día will be posted on a chalkboard outside, which makes it easy to see the options.
- Cafecito is a way of life in Spain. It’s meant to be sipped at a leisurely pace, so it may be hard to find coffee to go. If you want American-style coffee, you’ll have to order an “Americano,” or else they’ll just serve you an espresso.
- Tipping isn’t required, but you can still tip if you’d like. All hospitality-related jobs are well paid.
Tapas
- If you buy a drink at any bar, they’ll give you tapas, a small snack. Tapas can be anything from olives, potato chips, or bread and cheese to something heavier, like a plate of paella. Each bar has its own assortment, and they’ll bring you a new tapa with each drink you order.
Public Transportation
- In Spain, the high-speed rail called the AVE (Alta Velocidad España) is operated by a company called RENFE. These trains take about half the time it would take to drive the same distance. It’s also very affordable and easier than flying if you’re planning to travel within the country.
- The metro and buses are also a great way to get around locally and to get to and from all the airports. The last metro usually runs around midnight to 1 a.m., and it starts back up around 6 a.m.
Museums
- Most museums have free hours. Check online before buying tickets. For specific recommendations, see my Madrid and Valencia sightseeing guides.
August 12, 2022
Puerto Rico Beaches
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

Puerto Rico is unique because in the same day you can go to beaches on the Atlantic Ocean (northeast coast) and the Caribbean Sea (southwest coast). The Atlantic is generally a bit cooler, and the Caribbean Sea is warm like bath water. Guests at the El Conquistador hotel can access the beach on Palomino Island, where the Atlantic and Caribbean meet.

Atlantic Ocean Beaches
- Flamenco Beach – located on the island of Culebra. Flamenco is regarded as one of the top 5 most beautiful beaches in the world, with miles of white sand and water as still as ice. It’s a beautiful spot.
- Condado Beach – great due to its proximity to San Juan. Plenty of food and restaurants line the beach, making it a good option if you’re trying to stay in the metro area. The rip current can be strong here, so beware.
Caribbean Sea Beaches
- Playa Sucia – aka “Dirty Beach,” but don’t let the name fool you. Set behind preserved salt flats and wetlands, Playa Sucia is a beautiful oasis protected by a cove. There is a small hill you can climb to an old lighthouse, but beware: the road leading to this hidden beach is seriously bumpy and a little smelly thanks to the salt flats.
- Jobos – a surfer’s paradise in Isabela. This beach in Isabela is a great beach for surfing, snorkeling, and swimming. The water is warm, crystal clear, and shallow. There are awesome restaurants right on the beach, as well as a great surfing school for people who want to learn. If you plan to swim or surf, check out the rip current signs at the entrance for safety.
  - If you follow the path by the Acai Shop, it will take you to a great picture spot where you can admire the power of the ocean, called el Pozo de Jacinto!
- Domes Beach – another great surfing spot in Rincón, where many international surfing competitions take place.
Before you head to the beach, check my Puerto Rico Travel Tips for rip current and sun safety advice, or keep the adventure going with my Puerto Rico Adventures guide.
July 19, 2022
Puerto Rico Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

How to Get Around
- Uber works, but only in the metropolitan area, like San Juan, Condado, and Isla Verde.
- Parking in Viejo San Juan is difficult, so Uber, taxi, or a hotel shuttle is best.
- If you aren’t a confident driver, stick to the highways and main roads. The roads towards the interior of the island can be very dangerous for people not accustomed to tiny roads at high elevations.
Enjoying the Beaches
- The Caribbean heat is intense, and to avoid turning into a lobster, I suggest going to the beach early in the morning (7–10 a.m.) or late in the afternoon, from around 3 p.m. until sunset. It will still be hot, but the UV won’t be as strong.
- The beaches in Puerto Rico are beautiful but dangerous. BEWARE of dangerous riptides and white-capped water (like the one in the image gallery). If the locals aren’t jumping in, you probably shouldn’t either.
- Please respect the power of the ocean and subscribe to Swim Safe Puerto Rico for the latest on the strength of the rip currents and their advisories for swimming.
- Recommendations for swimming year-round are:
  - Playa Escambrón in San Juan
  - Luquillo Beach
  - Piñones Beach
- For a full list of my favorite beaches, see my Puerto Rico Beaches guide.
Other Tips
- Don’t let mosquitos ruin your trip. Make sure to pack bug spray for any adventures!
- FUN TIP: The little frog pictured in the gallery below is called a Coquí, Puerto Rico’s national animal. These tree frogs are unique to Puerto Rico and earn their name from the noise they make. They can mainly be heard at night, very loudly, like crickets. They are very hard to spot, but if you do, it’s good luck!
June 26, 2022
Puerto Rico Sightseeing
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

Viejo San Juan (VSJ)

The oldest city in the U.S., dating back to 1521.
- El Morro National Monument – a national park, museum, and fortress. Also a great place to fly a kite!
- Castillo San Cristóbal – a smaller fortress and national park
- La Fortaleza – the Governor’s Mansion; guided tours are available.
- Paseo de la Princesa – a tree-lined promenade along the ocean, built in 1853. Great place to go for a run.
- Old San Juan Trolley – a free trolley that runs every day and makes 12 stops in different historical areas of VSJ. The schedule and stops can change, so check out the trolley schedule and map in the link above.
Greater San Juan
- Plaza las Américas – the largest shopping mall in the Caribbean.
- Casa BACARDÍ – Bacardi Rum Distillery with factory tours and mixology classes.
If You Rent a Car
- La Ruta Taína – a driving route that leads to various Taíno historical sites across the island. The Taínos are the indigenous people who occupied Puerto Rico before Columbus. Today, a lot of Puerto Rican culture, including the term “Boricua,” stems from this ancestry.
  - Read more about the Taíno here.
Worked up an appetite touring the forts? See my Puerto Rico Restaurants & Bars guide for where to eat next, or check my Puerto Rico Travel Tips for getting around the island.
June 25, 2022
Puerto Rico Cuisine
My Travel Listicle Recommendations

Food to Try
- Mofongo – mashed green banana stuffed with a protein
- Pernil – roasted pork
- Empanadillas – meat turnover
- Tostones – fried and smashed unripe plantains, often served with mayo-ketchup for dipping
- Alcapurias – green banana fritter stuffed with meat
Drinks to Try
- Medalla, La India and Magna – beer made in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Don Q – rum made in Ponce, Puerto Rico. The Coco flavor is a must-try.
- Gasolina – like an alcoholic Capri Sun. Parcha (passion fruit) is the best flavor! It can be purchased at any corner store or grocery store to bring to the beach.
- Piña colada – the national drink. It can be found at any restaurant.
  - Fun Fact: The Piña Colada was invented in San Juan in 1954!
Food Tips
- Stop at any panadería for a sandwich on freshly baked traditional bread called pan sobao, or delicious pastries like pastelillos de guayaba (flaky guava pastries covered in powdered sugar)!
- On a hot day, try piragua, a Puerto Rican snow cone usually sold in little carts on the street or at the beach.
Ready to eat? My Puerto Rico Restaurants & Bars guide has my top picks by neighborhood, and my Puerto Rico Travel Tips cover everything else you need to know before you go.
June 25, 2022

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