Hello, this is Ron.
In this blog, “Future Atlas by Ron,” I write realistic travel diaries of the places I have visited based on my experience of traveling to more than 15 countries, as well as my impressions and insights from my travels.
I usually travel on my days off while working full time in Tokyo, and I am active in my efforts to share the charm of international travel with everyone.
Hagatna, the capital of Guam, is a 15-minute drive from the resort area of Tumon. Although it is a compact town that can be visited on foot in half a day, it is actually a hidden tourist area where you can enjoy everything from historical spots to local cuisine.
This article introduces a half-day model course in Hagatna, starting with breakfast.
We have compiled a list of spots you can easily visit, including an acai cafe popular on SNS, ruins from the Spanish colonial period, a photo-worthy church, and a donut shop with a local flair.
👇The entire trip and cost details can be found in the [Guam Trip Summary Article]
What kind of city is Hagatna?
The political and administrative center of Guam, Hagatna is the capital city located on the west side of the center of the island.
There are few modern buildings, and the atmosphere is somewhat rustic and quiet.
- 🚗 15 minutes drive from Tumon area / 10 minutes drive from the airport.
- ⛪️ Dotted with buildings and historic sites from the Spanish colonial period
- 🚶 Easy to get around Tourist attractions are densely located within a 5-10 minute walking distance
- 🕛 Perfect for a half day to a few hours of sightseeing
Recommended spots
① Mighty Purple Cafe
Mighty Purple Cafe is a popular cafe that is highly recommended for breakfast and is very Instagrammable.
The American-sized acai bowls are great for sharing. You can also enjoy the stylish interior and limited-edition goods.
- Location: Hagatna City, free parking available (behind the store)
- Order the Mighty Berry Bowl and the Mighty Purple Bowl (12oz/$9 each).
- Both look and taste satisfying!
- Original goods such as T-shirts and caps are also available.
Click here for the detailed review article 👉 [Mighty Purple Cafe Review]
② Guam Museum
This relatively new facility opened in 2016 and is a great place to learn about Hagatna’s history and culture.
Originally, a $3 admission fee (cash only) was required, but this time, although we did not have cash to enter the exhibits, there was a free exhibit area to visit. It was an interesting array of exhibits about the life of the indigenous Chamorro people and the history of the war, which gave us a deeper understanding of Guam.
- 💰Admission Fee: $3 (*Cash only)
- Cashless people should be careful!
- The exterior architecture is magnificent and a great photo spot ◎.
③ Plaza de España
Across the street from the museum is “Plaza de España,” dotted with buildings from when Guam was a Spanish colony.
The Governor’s Palace of those days and the famous Camarines Chocolates (a.k.a. Chocolate House).
The Chocolate House is a small dome-shaped building with a cute shape that makes it a popular photo spot. However, it is currently not well managed, and there are homeless people inside, and trash and graffiti can be seen in some places…. It made me feel a little sad, but that may be another real aspect of this land.
- Ruins and murals dot the landscape.
- Chocolate Houses are photo-worthy…but their management is a bit disappointing
- Homelessness and litter can be a concern, so stroll with caution
④ Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park
Just across the road from Plaza de España is Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park.
Here, stone pillars called “latte stones” that supported the traditional dwellings of the Chamorro people, the indigenous people of Guam, stand side by side. Their unique shapes are indispensable to Guam’s culture and history. Although the park itself is not large, it is a must-see spot for history buffs.
- Free admission, open 24 hours a day
- Sacred place, so walk around with respect.
- The park is a leisurely 10-15 minute walk
⑤ Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica
Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral-Basilica is a beautiful white Catholic church adjacent to Plaza de España.
The contrast between the blue sky and the pure white church is very striking, making it a great photo spot. It can be a highlight of your visit to Hagatna.
- Admission free (please do not disturb the worship service)
- The outer wall decorations and ceiling paintings are magnificent.
- May be in use for weddings, etc., so please visit quietly.
⑥ Winchell’s Donuts
Winchell’s is a long-established doughnut chain well-known in the mainland United States. It is a popular chain in the mainland U.S., and also has strong popularity in Guam.
The store interior has a somewhat local feel and is not very clean, but there is a wide variety of doughnuts, many of which can be purchased for around $1. It is a great place to eat and enjoy the local atmosphere.
- The store is a little old-fashioned, but the local feel is fun.
- There is a wide variety of sandwiches in addition to doughnuts.
- Perfect for strolling around and enjoying a light meal.
Model Course (Half-day Plan)
If you have time to spare, take a morning drive from Tumon!
9:00 AM Breakfast at Mighty Purple Cafe
→ Light breakfast with acai bowl. Enjoy the stylish interior.
10:00 AM Guam Museum (exterior & free exhibits)
→ Even if you don’t have cash, you can visit the free area.
10:30 AM Spain Square – Lattestone Park Walk
→ Historical walk within walking distance. Get a taste of Guam’s culture at Lattestone.
11:00 AM Take pictures & visit Cathedral Basilica
→ If it is not in service, a tour inside is recommended.
11:30 AM Donut break at Winchell’s for a snack
→ Return to Tumon area after a short break or continue shopping
Notes and Advice
- Tourist attractions are within walking distance of each other. The sun is strong, so water and a hat are essential.
- Be aware that some facilities, such as museums, accept cash only.
- While there are many photo-worthy spots, some places are not well managed.
Take a leisurely stroll while paying attention to security and hygiene.
Finally
Hagatna, the capital of Guam, is not the most glamorous tourist destination, but it is the perfect area for those who want to take the time to appreciate Guam’s history and culture. It is compact enough to get around on foot and packed with diverse attractions such as churches, ruins, and cafes. Please enjoy the half-day course to see a different side of Guam from the beach resorts around Tumon. You will surely discover the depth of Guam.
🔗 Related Links
- [Summary of tips and cautions for driving a rental car in Guam]
- [United Airlines Flight Experience Review]
- [Detailed article on advance preparation]
- [Guam Basic Infomation]
- [Frequently Asked Questions Q&A]
- [Travel Diary of Day 1] [Coming soon]
- [Travel Diary of Day 2] [Coming soon]
- [Guam Gourmet Guide]
- [Guam Shopping Guide]
The atmosphere of this trip and what I felt on the ground is left in a video on
YouTube.
Rather than a record, I would be happy if it could be a trigger for someone else’s journey.
▶︎ YouTube ‘UYUTABI’ channel here
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