Exploring Old San Juan in a Day • The Blonde Abroad

Exploring Old San Juan in a day can be summed up in a single word: colorful. With only one day to spend in OSJ, I wanted to see and do as much as possible. With the help of readers and lots of travel tips, I had an incredible day exploring the best of Old San Juan.

For starters, breakfast at Caficultura is a must. It’s an institution in the Puerto Rico foodie scene – serving up world class coffee and all-day breakfast. I highly recommend the Cafi Coco and Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. You also can’t miss their roasted potatoes.

They’re to die for!

I stopped at the tourism office for a map and discovered just how small and explorable Old San Juan really is. With just 7 square blocks of historic buildings and sights, you can easily see everything in a day.

My first stop was El Castillo San Felipe del Morro, more commonly known as El Morro. Built in the 1500s as a military structure, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most picturesque destinations in all of Puerto Rico.

After exploring El Morro, I let myself get lost in the colorful streets. My all time favorite street was Calle San Justo. Beautiful historic buildings in every color of the rainbow line the street and at the ends is a beautiful vista overlooking the sea. It’s super photogenic and quintessentially “Old San Juan.”

My last stop of the day was at Señor Paleta for an artisanal popsicle made from fresh coconut. I think half of it melted as soon as I stepped outside and before I got a chance to taste it, but it was SO good and definitely a must when visiting Old San Juan in a day.

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THIS is my travel sidekick I cannot fly without 👇
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Did you know that 1 in 4 flights are delayed or canceled? It’s enough to make you go mad… unless of course you have @airhelp!

AirHelp is a flight & claim tracker app that is a complete lifesaver on travel days helping me...

✔️ Track unlimited flights (no ads, no limits)
✔️ Get real-time updates for gates, terminals, and baggage claim details
✔️ Receive automatic alerts if I’m eligible for flight compensation
✔️ See my travel history log with a built-in travel map (my favorite part)

Honestly, I wish I had this app sooner! It would’ve been a game-changer on long-haul flights with my toddler. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next adventure, this is one of the smartest tools you can have on your phone.

Download the @airhelp app today and fly with peace of mind.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#AirHelpApp #TravelSmart #StressFreeTravel

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THIS is my travel sidekick I cannot fly without 👇
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Did you know that 1 in 4 flights are delayed or canceled? It’s enough to make you go mad… unless of course you have @airhelp!

AirHelp is a flight & claim tracker app that is a complete lifesaver on travel days helping me...

✔️ Track unlimited flights (no ads, no limits)
✔️ Get real-time updates for gates, terminals, and baggage claim details
✔️ Receive automatic alerts if I’m eligible for flight compensation
✔️ See my travel history log with a built-in travel map (my favorite part)

Honestly, I wish I had this app sooner! It would’ve been a game-changer on long-haul flights with my toddler. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next adventure, this is one of the smartest tools you can have on your phone.

Download the @airhelp app today and fly with peace of mind.
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#AirHelpApp #TravelSmart #StressFreeTravel

Paris is always a good idea 🍷🇫🇷 🥐
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Summer might be winding down, but it’s quite literally impossible for Paris to have a bad season.

Whether you’re marveling at the Christmas decor during Winter, enjoying the cherry blossoms of Spring, celebrating Bastille Day in Summer, or embracing a crisp walk in Autumn, there is always a reason to visit Paris.

Here are just some of my favorites in Paris—be sure to save this for your next visit!

Let me know if you want my Ultimate Paris Guide below (with more tips on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do!) and I’ll send you a link!
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#paris #eurotrip #visitfrance

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Paris is always a good idea 🍷🇫🇷 🥐
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Summer might be winding down, but it’s quite literally impossible for Paris to have a bad season.

Whether you’re marveling at the Christmas decor during Winter, enjoying the cherry blossoms of Spring, celebrating Bastille Day in Summer, or embracing a crisp walk in Autumn, there is always a reason to visit Paris.

Here are just some of my favorites in Paris—be sure to save this for your next visit!

Let me know if you want my Ultimate Paris Guide below (with more tips on where to stay, where to eat, and what to do!) and I’ll send you a link!
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#paris #eurotrip #visitfrance

This might be the last car seat you’ll ever need 👇
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We’ve trusted @cybex_usa since Ollie was a newborn. Through flights, road trips, and every adventure in between, @cybex_usa has been with us around the world.

As a first-time parent, I admittedly went through more car seats than needed. Now, there’s the Callisto G 360. 🙌

It’s designed to work from newborn up to double digits, which means no more swapping seats at different stages.

This seat features 360° rotation, a one-time install, and SensorSafe alerts, making travel days and everyday drives so much easier (and safer!) 💛
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#CYBEX #TravelWithKids #travelsafe

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18054714116174992

This might be the last car seat you’ll ever need 👇
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
We’ve trusted @cybex_usa since Ollie was a newborn. Through flights, road trips, and every adventure in between, @cybex_usa has been with us around the world.

As a first-time parent, I admittedly went through more car seats than needed. Now, there’s the Callisto G 360. 🙌

It’s designed to work from newborn up to double digits, which means no more swapping seats at different stages.

This seat features 360° rotation, a one-time install, and SensorSafe alerts, making travel days and everyday drives so much easier (and safer!) 💛
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#CYBEX #TravelWithKids #travelsafe

Night dives are scary… until they’re not. 🌙🤿
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I used to think they were terrifying—it actually took me almost 50 dives before I built up the courage to do my first one. But now? I’m convinced there’s nothing more magical underwater.

What makes them so amazing is how different the ocean feels at night—you’ll see a whole new cast of marine life, from squid glowing like shooting stars in the dark to nocturnal creatures like octopus and lobsters emerging from their hiding places, and even manta rays depending on where you are in the world. ✨

On a recent trip to the Maldives with @tbaescapes, I had the chance to do a night dive with manta rays—easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life. You drop torches into the water, squid glowing like stars shimmer in the glow, and then the mantas come swooping in. They flip, spin, and dance above you in the dark… it honestly feels otherworldly.

Safe to say, I’ll never pass up a night dive again. 🖤
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#Maldives #ScubaDiving #NightDive #MantaRays

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Open post by theblondeabroad with ID 18098849836527194

Night dives are scary… until they’re not. 🌙🤿
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
I used to think they were terrifying—it actually took me almost 50 dives before I built up the courage to do my first one. But now? I’m convinced there’s nothing more magical underwater.

What makes them so amazing is how different the ocean feels at night—you’ll see a whole new cast of marine life, from squid glowing like shooting stars in the dark to nocturnal creatures like octopus and lobsters emerging from their hiding places, and even manta rays depending on where you are in the world. ✨

On a recent trip to the Maldives with @tbaescapes, I had the chance to do a night dive with manta rays—easily one of the most incredible experiences of my life. You drop torches into the water, squid glowing like stars shimmer in the glow, and then the mantas come swooping in. They flip, spin, and dance above you in the dark… it honestly feels otherworldly.

Safe to say, I’ll never pass up a night dive again. 🖤
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
#Maldives #ScubaDiving #NightDive #MantaRays

From toddler to big boy, this year’s birthday gift called for something a little extra special. Something that builds confidence and a love for adventure.

That’s why I went with the EZ Bike from @royalbabybikes. 🚲
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It’s designed to help little ones learn real balance with their “slide before ride” philosophy.

@royalbabybikes believes training wheels inhibit kids from learning real balance, creating a false sense of mastery whereas the EZ Bike helps kids learn proper balance faster. It starts as a balance bike so kids build confidence without relying on training wheels, and with the quick-release crank, it easily transforms into a pedal bike when they’re ready!

@royalbabybikes’ slogan “Once a RoyalRider, always a Loyal Rider” means their mission is all about inspiring kids to embrace biking and enjoy the outdoors from a young age. They’ve been Amazon’s top-selling kids’ bike brand for years, with award-winning designs built on research and development, it’s lightweight, easy to ride, and actually fun for kids to use.

Ollie was absolutely in love with his birthday gift and was off exploring within minutes — safe to say we’re officially along for the ride!
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#royalbabybike #EZbike #royalbaby

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Mari Marcano

I am so glad you liked it, Puerto Rico is a beautiful place. Many places to go visit, hope you can go back and explore all the beauty Puerto Rico has to offer. There is so much more than San Juan although, it is my favorite part of the Island!!! I would suggest next time you go try food trucks, they are amazing and inexpensive.

January 23, 2016 at 6:42 am · Reply

Kiersten Rich

I would love to go back soon! Thanks Mari 🙂

January 24, 2016 at 10:21 am · Reply

Sarah W

Hi!! I’m heading to San Juan in February and looking to figure out my wardrobe for the trip. I tried clicking on your link for your dress but I was looking to see what the brand was exactly to narrow down my search for cute dresses! What would you recommend for going out wear? Thanks!

November 25, 2016 at 12:03 pm · Reply

Kiersten Rich

Hey Sarah! The dress was MINKPINK. Comfy dresses and sandals were my go-to in Puerto Rico 😉

November 28, 2016 at 10:51 am · Reply

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