Hagåtña

The Plaza de España sits at the heart of Hagåtña, framed by what remains of the old Spanish government complex. The Palacio, the governor's palace, survives only in partial ruins after World War II, but its standing arches and the small Chocolate House, where tradition has it that chocolate was served at official receptions, still give a clear sense of the old layout. The plaza hosts community events and stands a short walk from the Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica, Guam's Catholic cathedral and a reminder of how deeply the Catholic calendar still shapes Chamorro life.

Latte Stone Park preserves a set of ancient latte stones — two-part stone pillars, a haligi topped by a tasa, that carried the houses of Chamorro villages during the Latte Period — relocated here from their original site. The latte is the emblem of the Chamorro people, repeated across Guam's public art and official seals, and in the park original stones stand in the middle of town.

Chamorro Village, near the Hagåtña Marina and across the street from Skinner Plaza and the Guam Museum, is open every day of the week with shops and food vendors, but it is best known for its Wednesday night market. On Wednesday evenings the smell of barbecue meets you at the entrance, local dance groups perform in the centre court, farmers set out their produce, stalls pour fresh fruit juices, and there are carabao rides. Its purpose is to promote made-on-Guam products and small local businesses, and for a short-stay visitor it is an easy single evening in which to meet Chamorro food, music and dance together.

Much of old Hagåtña had to be rebuilt after the fighting of 1944, and in the decades that followed much of the island's population and commerce moved to Tamuning and other villages. Every 21 July the capital hosts Liberation Day, marked by a mile-long parade along Marine Corps Drive, with floats, marching groups and the US military, followed by a carnival and fireworks into the evening. The landing beaches and memorials of War in the Pacific National Historical Park begin along the coast at Asan.