San Juan, Puerto Rico

Why go? Founded in 1521, San Juan is the gateway to the compelling fusion of Hispanic, US and Caribbean cultures that is Puerto Rico. Don’t be put off by its heavy gearing to the cruise-ship market – this exuberant city wants to party with you and offers plenty to enjoy, from a battlemented historic core to arty neighbourhoods and fun-loving high-rise beach resorts.

Don’t miss: Old San Juan, a gorgeous ensemble of Spanish colonial buildings in bold colours with rampant flowers and blue-cobblestoned streets. It is set on a headland at the end of a peninsula and protected by the mighty Castillos San Felipe del Morro and San Cristóbal, both open for tours (nps.gov/saju).

Local flavours: No visit to Puerto Rico is complete until you’ve tried some mofongo (mashed fried plantains), lechón asado (spit-roasted pork) and a piña colada or two. Spoon offers various foodie experiences including a cooking class that begins with a market visit, or take things easy on an evening cocktail tour of Old San Juan (thespoonexperience.com).

Our tip: Puerto Ricans have boundless energy and creativity. For a taste, head to the arty neighbourhood of Santurce, which has an array of striking murals, cutting-edge galleries and the sophisticated Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico. Tours can be arranged through theartwalkpr (theartwalkpr.com).

Further afield: Puerto Rico’s second city, Ponce, lies 75km south-west of San Juan on the south coast and is well worth some time. The 19th century sugar boom brought great wealth that resulted in a neat grid of streets endowed with a colourful parade of colonial, Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings. Crowning this, the Museo de Arte de Ponce houses a thrilling and unexpected collection that includes major Pre-raphaelite works by artists such as Frederic Leighton and Edward Burne-jones (museoarteponce.org).