San Juan, Puerto Rico
The Caribbean island’s capital San Juan is clearly influenced by Puerto Rico’s rich melting pot of cultures; European, African and Taino. This city offers an energetic array of festivals, gracious colonial architecture, quaint cobbled streets and food that will tantalise the taste buds. Centuries of Spanish rule left an indelible imprint on the city, particularly in the walled area now known as Old San Juan. In the old capital, history buffs can visit the San Juan National Historic Site Castillo, home to the Castillo San Cristóbal and El Morro — which are age-old sister fortifications that used to protect the walled city from land and sea attacks. The cobblestone streets are lined with brightly-coloured houses and shaded plazas, alongside hip cocktail bars and Caribbean fusion restaurants. San Juan captivates residents and visitors alike with its vibrant lifestyle, as well as its balmy beaches, pulsing nightclubs, globe-spanning restaurants, and world-class museums. Once you set foot in this city, you may never want to leave.