Home/

Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park

Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Anaheim & Buena Park

Jogyesa Temple

Established in 1910, Jogyesa Temple serves as the center of Zen Buddhism in South Korea. The temple complex is home to Daeungjeon, Seoul’s largest Buddhist shrine, as well as a garden area with a white pine tree that is more than 500 years old.

The Basics

Its location in the heart of Seoul makes Jogyesa Temple among the most visited in South Korea. Just about every sightseeing tour of the South Korean capital stops at the temple, along with other notable attractions like the Blue House, Insadong neighborhood, Bukchon Hanok Village, Myeongdong commercial district, and the Joseon Dynasty palaces of Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung.

Those who want to learn more about Korean Buddhism can participate in daytime Temple Life or overnight Temple Stay programs, which include activities like Zen meditation, a tea ceremony, and lessons in how to make lotus flowers or salt mandalas.

Things to Know Before You Go

Jogyesa Temple is a must-visit for spiritual travelers or those interested in the history and heritage of Korean Buddhism.
Remember to dress respectfully, as this is an active place of worship.
The temple and its main shrine (Daeungjeon) are wheelchair accessible.
Public restrooms are available on the temple grounds.

How to Get There

The temple’s central location makes it easy to reach via public transportation. The most convenient way to get there is to take the Seoul metro to Jonggak Station (Line 1), Anguk Station (Line 3), or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5).

When to Get There

The temple grounds are open daily year-round, though Temple Stay programs are only available on select dates and must be booked in advance. One of the best times to visit the temple is during the annual festival celebrating Buddha’s birthday, when the grounds are decorated with hundreds of paper lanterns.

The Trees of Jogyesa Temple

While the temple buildings only date back to 1936, two landmarks on the Jogyesa Temple grounds are much older. Baeksong is a lacebark pine tree that is more than 500 years old. A Chinese scholar tree growing near the main hall is believed to be more than 450 years old; these trees are often found near temples and palaces, as they’re believed to transform energy from negative to positive.

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Seoul, South Korea

From $ 33

Jongmyo

Seoul’s Jongmyo Shrine, one of the most important cultural sites in the country, originally served as the ancestral shrine for Joseon Dynasty kings. Built between 1335 and 1408 by Lee Seong Gye, the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Jongmyo was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995 based on its well-preserved and authentic Confucian architecture.

The shrine is divided into 19 rooms, each dedicated to a different Joseon king and has existed as is since the 1500s. On the first Sunday of May, Jongmyo hosts a memorial service called Jongmyo Jaery, a rite lasting around six hours and thought to be the oldest ceremony in the world. Attending the ceremony allows you to witness songs and dances dating back more than 500 years. No matter when you come, touring the world’s oldest Confucian sanctuary offers insight not only into Korean history, but into Confucianism as well.

South Korea

From $ 43

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Perched on the cusp of Europe’s largest glacier and separated from the Atlantic Ocean by just a narrow isthmus, the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon is the largest, deepest, and arguably most magnificent of Iceland’s many glacial lakes. Icebergs bob in glittering water framed by jagged peaks, rugged lava fields, and black sand beaches.

The Basics

Whether you hike around the shore, cruise around the lagoon on an RIB boat, or set sail on an amphibian boat tour, the Jokulsarlon lagoon is spectacular from all angles. Full-day tours from Reykjavik typically combine a visit to the lagoon with a glacier hike or ice cave tour in the Skaftafell National Park, or a visit to natural wonders such as the Seljalandsfoss or Skogafoss waterfalls.

Things to Know Before You Go

While the lagoon is accessible year round, boat tours are weather dependent and only in operation from April to November.
The icy landscapes can be chilly even if the sun is shining, so bring warm clothes, a hat, and gloves even on a summer trip.
There is a small café by the lagoon, where you can purchase hot drinks and snacks, or use the restroom.
While it’s possible for wheelchair users to view the lagoon, many of the activities on and around the glacier are not suitable for those with limited mobility.

How to Get There

The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is located on the southeastern border of the Vatnajökull National Park on Iceland’s south coast, about 230 miles (370 kilometers) east of Reykjavik. From Reykjavik, it’s roughly a 4.5-hour drive along the Ring Road.

When to Get There

It’s possible to visit the lagoon all year round, but the summer months are the most popular, so expect crowds if you visit then. Winter visitors benefit from smaller crowds and better deals on tours and accommodation, but boat tours don’t run between December and March. During that time, it’s best to visit with a guide, as road conditions can be difficult. Budding photographers should time their visit for sunrise or sunset for the most impressive views.

Wildlife at the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

Iceland’s glacial landscapes harbor a surprising variety of wildlife and the Jokulsarlon lagoon is a haven for seabirds, especially Arctic terns and skuas. Look out for seals swimming between the floating icebergs, or, if you’re driving from Reykjavik, stop to admire the puffin colonies at Dyrholaey lighthouse or Reynisfjara beach along the way.

Iceland

Open daily

Free

From $ 137

John Lennon Wall

Starting life as a tribute to musical icon and peace activist John Lennon after his untimely death in 1980, Prague’s John Lennon Wall quickly became a symbol of peace and free speech for young Czechs angry and disillusioned with the country’s communist regime—much western pop music was banned under the regime, and some Czech musicians were even imprisoned for playing it.

The Basics

The original painted image of Lennon was quickly surrounded by political graffiti and Beatles lyrics, becoming an important part of the nonviolent rebellion of Czech youth and a constant source of annoyance for the police, who repeatedly painted over the wall, only to have the graffiti reappear just days later. Today, it is one of Prague’s most vibrant attractions, better known for its aesthetic appeal that as a symbol of resistance.

Many city tours, by bus, foot, or Segway, make time for a visit to (and photo opportunity at) the John Lennon Wall. Tours that are specifically focused on Prague’s Cold War history provide more in-depth insight into the wall’s significance within the dissident movement. Additionally, the wall features in tours of sites important to Prague’s musical history.

Things to Know Before You Go

John Lennon Wall is a must-visit for history buffs, Beatles fans, and photographers.
The wall is continuously changing, with new graffiti burying the old.
What is thought to be the largest sycamore in Prague grows behind the wall. According to legend, Beethoven loved sitting under it during his time in the city.
The wall is surrounded by coffee shops, and even a John Lennon–themed pub, making it a pleasant area to spend some time.
If the site is crowded, you will likely have to wait in line to take your photo.

How to Get There

The John Lennon Wall is located in Velkopřevorské Square, opposite the French Embassy, in the Malá Strana district. It’s a 10-minute walk from Malostranská metro station and a five-minute walk from the Charles Bridge.

When to Get There

As there are no opening hours, you can visit any time of day. However, throngs of tourists and selfie-takers are at their largest in the afternoon. Aim for early evening when the crowds are thinner and the golden light casts a favorable glow.

A Recent Controversy

The wall hit the headlines again on November 17, 2014, the 25th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution, when it was whitewashed by a group of art students and adorned with the simple statement “Wall Is Over.” The Knights of Malta, who own the wall, filed a complaint for vandalism against the students but later retracted it. The wall has since regained its colorful look with “Wall Is Over” changed to the more poignant “War Is Over.”

Velkoprevorske namesti, Mala Strana, Prague, Czech Republic

From $ 14

Joint Security Area (Panmunjom)

The Joint Security Area (JSA), aka Panmunjom, offers a look at the still simmering tensions that remain from the Korean War. The North and South technically remain at war, and the JSA, located deep within the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), is the only place where visitors can see the actual border and North Korean soldiers on the other side.

Within the town at the Military Armistice Commission (MAC) Conference Room, visitors can even cross the border without a visa. The blue building is still used for face-to-face negotiation between the two sides and is bisected by the border, meaning travelers can technically cross into North Korea by walking to the other side of the room.

The Basics

Due to the tension and security concerns involved, travelers are required to join an organized tour group in order to visit the truce village better known as the JSA. Day trips to the DMZ from Seoul include stops at the JSA, as well as other area attractions like Imjingak Park, the Freedom Bridge, the Third Infiltration Tunnel, Bridge of No Return, and an observation point where it’s possible to observe a North Korean village across the border through a telescope. Some tours also include a stop at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.

Things to Know Before You Go

The JSA is a must-see for history buffs and anyone looking for a better understanding of the Korean conflict.
All Panmunjom tour participants are required to carry a valid passport, be at least 10 years of age, and dress appropriately.
Refrain from wearing worn or faded jeans, exercise clothes, sleeveless shirts, collarless shirts, short skirts, shorts, tight fitting clothes, military clothes, or sandals.
A DMZ tour from Seoul can last six to nine hours, depending on the option chosen.
Many tours to the JSA require booking several days in advance.

How to Get There

Panmunjom sits less than 40 miles from Seoul. However, visits can only be made via organized tour groups, which include strict rules of conduct, dress codes, and restrictions on photography to avoid starting an incident with the North Korean soldiers.

When to Get There

The Joint Security Area is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and public holidays. While the site is open for tours throughout the year, expect temps in the 80s and high humidity in summer, and temperatures below freezing in the winter.

The Process of Entering the JSA

To enter the JSA, visitors must pass through multiple checkpoints before arriving at Camp Bonifas, escorted by either US or South Korean soldiers. Here, JSA tour participants receive a security and safety briefing and sign a release form in case something happens.

Kaesŏng, Seoul, South Korea

Varies

From $ 90

Joo Chiat

Joo Chiat is an eastern Singapore residential neighborhood noted for its Peranakan culture. Peranakans are descendants of 15th- through 17th-century Chinese and Indian immigrants who ultimately married non-Muslim natives from the Malay Archipelago. The neighborhood is named after Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy landowner who once owned most of the land in the area.

Today, Joo Chiat is best known for its rows of traditional Peranakan structures—colorful two-story shops and terrace homes with ceramic tiles, ornate facades and Chinese motifs. These shop-houses dominated the area back in the 1920s and 1930s. The Katong Antique House is a fully restored Peranakan family home with antiques and artifacts on display, and Rumah Bebe is a shop and restaurant noted for its well-preserved façade. This is an ideal place to purchase handicrafts and gifts to bring back home with you.

Joo Chiat is also one of the Singapore’s best food destinations. Be sure to sample local specialties like Katong Laska, white rice noodles in a spicy coconut milk broth, or Nynona dumplings, glutinous rice dumplings filled with pork cubes fried with coriander powder and wrapped in pandan leaves.

Practical Info

Joo Chiat is primarily located between Geylang Serai and Marine Parade Road. Katong is a neighboring area closely associated with Joo Chiat; you’ll often see it referred to as the Joo Chiat/Katong enclave. The heart of Katong is at the junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road.

Joo Chiat, Singapore

From $ 60

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Situated between the Potomac River and major city roadways is one of the nation’s foremost centers for performing arts, a cultural and entertainment hub for the city of Washington D.C. With more than 2,000 performances annually, it is the busiest performing arts center in the United States. World-class live theater, classical music, ballet, jazz and opera shows all take place at the venue. Three main theaters including a concert hall and opera house ensure a variety of shows offered. Free performances are held on the Millennium Stage in the Grand Foyer daily.

Outside of the performances and stages, the center also has a Hall of Nations and Hall of States to explore, with collections of American and international flags. Also see the many paintings and sculptures gifted to the center from other nations throughout. The building also has great views of the Potomac River and the Georgetown area from its windows and rooftop terraces.

Practical Info

Tickets for shows at the John F. Kennedy Center must be purchased in person at the Box Office. Shows take place nightly, year-round. The closest Metro station is Foggy Bottom, with a free shuttle between the station and the Kennedy Center departing every 15 minutes. Or, take bus 80 from Metro Center. Garage parking is also available.

2700 F St NW, Washington DC, USA

Varies

From $ 29

Jozef Mehoffer House

Often regarded as one of Poland’s finest artists, Jozef Mehoffer (who also happened to be a pupil of Jan Matejko) was a highly talented stained-glass artisan, whose works can now be admired in numerous churches in both Krakow and across Galicia. This is the house where he used to live and work until his death in 1946, along with other artists of the Young Poland movement at the turn of the 20th century.

The house is still decorated with Mehoffer’s tasteful Art Deco furniture, Japanese treasures, iconographic trinkets, and impressionist artworks; as such, it offers an authentic glance of what life was like in a bourgeois house at the time, kind of like a time capsule. The house itself is in remarkable condition and features hundreds of rose bushes; in fact, the Jozef Mehoffer House is known for its beautiful garden-café, Meho Café, one of Krakow’s best kept secrets.

Practical Info

The biographical museum is located at Krupnicza 26 within the historical center and very close to Krakow’s main market square, Rynek Glowny. It is therefore easily reachable by foot from anywhere within the city center. Jozef Mehoffer House is open every day except Monday between 10 AM and 4 PM. Admission is 9 złoty per adult, and 1 złoty per child and student under 26 years old. Family tickets are available for 18 złoty. There is no entry fee on Sundays.

Krupnicza 26, Kraków 31-123, Poland

Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, Closed Mon

Adult 9 złoty, Child & Student 1 złoty

From $ 3

Jordan Archaeological Museum

This rather rambling but fascinating museum is perched on the Citadel Hill in Amman, just northwest of the Temple of Hercules. Built in 1951, the Jordan Archaeological Museum displays artifacts in chronological order from archaeological sites all over Jordan, dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century.

A stand out attraction is the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of 972 texts from the Hebrew Bible that were discovered in the 1940s. You can also see ancient sculpture, preserved skulls and rhinoceros teeth that date back 200,000 years.

Also housed here are several jewelry and coin collections and ancient items of daily life such as pottery, glass, flint and metal tools. Inscriptions and statuaries are also on display.

Amman, Jordan

Open Sat - Thurs 8:00am - 6:00pm, Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm

From $ 24

Joya de Cer en Archaeological Site

A pre-Columbian Mayan farming village dating back to A.D. 600 and El Salvador’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the impressive ruins of Joya de Cerén were discovered in 1976 and have since become one of the country’s most visited archaeological sites.

Smothered by ash during an eruption of the Laguna Caldera volcano, the buried village was preserved in near-perfect condition, earning it the nickname of the ‘Pompeii of the Americas’ and offering a unique insight into the life and culture of the region’s ancient Mayan communities. Today, the remains of around 70 structures have been uncovered at the site, 10 of which have been excavated and are open to the public, including storehouses, kitchens, workshops, a worship area and a temezcal (ceremonial bath).

Practical Info

The Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site is located about 3 km north of San Salvador and can be reached by public transport. The site is open every day except Mondays from 9am to 4pm, and adult admission is US$3.

Carretera Panamericana (CA-1), San Salvador, El Salvador

Open every day except Mondays from 9am to 4pm

US$3 (adults)

From $ 41

Jos e Saramago Foundation (Fundacao Jos e Saramago)

Housed in the suitably quirky Casa dos Bicos, the José Saramago Foundation (Fundacao José Saramago) is devoted to its namesake, Portuguese writer and Nobel Prize winner José Saramago. The 15th-century building is now home to the Portuguese Literature Nobel collection and a fascinating exhibition of Saramago’s life and work. The main hall also hosts cultural events, workshops and book readings.

The legacy of Saramago is kept alive at the foundation, with the sizable permanent exhibition displaying his books and manuscripts, personal organizers and notebooks, and photos, alongside his Nobel Prize medal and a screening of the documentary ‘José and Pilar’.

Practical Info

The José Saramago Foundation is located in the Casa Dos Bicos in Lisbon’s Alfama district and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-6pm.

Adult admission is €3.

Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 10, Lisbon, Portugal

Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

Adult €3

From $ 21

Jonker Street

Jonker Street runs through the heart of Chinatown in Melaka’s city center and was once known primarily for its antique dealers. Those on the hunt for Malaysian artifacts and relics—authentic and otherwise—will still find these rare items, but the area has evolved to include clothing boutiques, craft shops, and restaurants as well.

The Basics

For foodies, bargain hunters, and people watchers, Chinatown’s Jonker Street—aka Jonker Walk—deserves a prominent place on the itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage–listed city (sometimes spelled Malacca) is a popular day trip destination from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and most sightseeing tours include a visit to Jonker Street. Evening tours on the weekends include a visit to the street when it’s in full night-market mode and often feature an evening cruise along the Melaka River as well.

Things to Know Before You Go

Jonker Street is a must-see for foodies, shoppers, and people watchers.
Don’t forget to bring cash, especially for purchasing food at the night market.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend some time on your feet.
Jonker Walk is accessible to wheelchair users though some small shops and narrow aisles are tricky to get into, especially when crowded.

How to Get There

Most travelers coming to Melaka arrive at Melaka Sentral Station. From there, bus 17 departs regularly from the domestic bus terminal to Jonker Street. The trip takes anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

When to Get There

Lively throughout the week, Jonker Street truly comes alive on Friday and Saturday nights during the must-see night market. Complete with street performers and hawker stalls, you can easily piece together a satisfying meal and fun night out on the cheap.

What to Eat on Jonker Street

Many a visitor comes to Jonker Street to fill up on delicious, inexpensive street food. While many dishes are inspired by cuisines from around Asia, they almost always have a Melaka twist. Chicken rice balls put a spin on a traditional Malaysian dish, while the Nyonya-style laksa is a fiery version of the national favorite. For a lighter snack, grab a skewer of grilled corn flavored with curry, black pepper, or wasabi. On a hot night, cool down with some cendol, an Indonesian-style shaved ice made with coconut milk and local sugar.

Jalan Hang Jebat, Melaka, Malaysia

From $ 28

Johann Strauss Museum

Found in the apartment where he wrote the world-famous ‘Blue Danube’ waltz, the Johann Strauss Museum was home to Austria’s best-loved composer for seven years between 1863 and 1870. Born in Vienna in 1825, the be-whiskered ‘Waltz King’ was part of a musical dynasty that included his father Johann the Elder and brothers Josef and Eduard; although they all enjoyed comparative success in their careers, Johann’s talent eclipsed them all. The museum showcases his pianos and violins and his work as a conductor and composer but also highlights Strauss the (much-married) family man, who played billiards and drew cartoons of his contemporaries.

Practical Info

Praterstrasse 54. Open Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm. Admission adults €4, seniors & students €3 (also for ticket holders to Haus der Musik and the Mozarthaus Vienna), free aged 18 or under, free first Sun of month. Metro U1 to Nestroyplatz.

Praterstrasse 54, Vienna, Austria

Open Tue–Sun 10am–1pm, 2pm–6pm

Adults €4

From $ 139

Jiron de la Union

Downtown Lima’s most lively and colorful street is pedestrianized Jiron de la Union.

Lined with boutiques and stores for window-shopping, restaurants and cafes for bar-hoppers, and thronged with locals for people-watching, taking a stroll along this atmospheric thoroughfare is the best way to experience Lima in a nutshell.

Taking up five blocks of prime city-center real estate, Lima’s most important boulevard was planned by Pizarro back in 1535, when the city was founded.

A walk along this thoroughly commercialized car-free route takes you past City Hall, monuments, squares and the La Merced Cathedral, with its pretty square in front.

Practical Info

Jiron de la Union is in the historic city center. The pedestrianized street runs southwest from Plaza de Armas to Plaza San Martin, linking the city’s two main squares.

Jiron de la Union, Lima, Peru

From $ 26

Jiufen Village

Located in northeast Taiwan, the mountainside village of Jiufen was once the gold mining center of Taiwan. Today it’s a popular tourist destination known for its quaint streets and alleyways, traditional teahouses, myriad food stalls and souvenir shops, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

The Basics

Rich with culture and history, Jiufen is one of the most popular day trips from Taipei. Most visitors head straight to Jiufen Old Street, which winds through most of the village and is full of shops, cafés, and traditional food stalls. Must-try Jiufen dishes include taro balls, glutinous rice cakes, and peanut ice cream rolls. Wash down these treats with a cup of tea from one of the many teahouses in town. Other top attractions include Shengping Theater, Taiyang Co. Ruifang, Songde Park, and Wufan Tunnel. More active visitors may want to set their sights on hiking Mount Jilong.

Guided full-day tours from Taipei typically include other villages and attractions such as Pingxi, Jinguashi, Shifen, or Yehliu National Geopark. Alternatively, opt for a biking tour of Jiufen and nearby areas like Houtong.

Things to Know Before You Go

Jiufen is ideal for travelers interested in history, culture, and shopping.
Wear sturdy and comfortable shoes. There are a lot of stairs and cobblestone streets in Jiufen.
Bring sun protection, rain protection, and water if visiting in summer, which is also the wet season.
Full-day tours from Taipei can last upwards of eight or nine hours.

How to Get There

Jiufen is located in northeast Taiwan, near Keelung. The easiest way to visit Jiufen is on a guided tour. Otherwise, take the train from Taipei to Ruifang Station and transfer to the Keelung bus; the ride is about 15 minutes. Or take the MRT to Zhongxiao Fuxing (Exit 2) and take bus 1062 for about 90 minutes to Jiufen. There is also a shuttle bus that leaves from Ximen in the morning and returns in the evening.

When to Get There

Jiufen is visitable year-round, though its popularity makes it extremely crowded on weekends and public holidays. Go during the week for smaller throngs. Jiufen is at its most scenic at and after sunset, when the village is alight with a sea of red lanterns.

Movie Setting and Inspiration

Jiufen has been the setting for several well-known films. It was featured in 1989’s Taiwanese historical drama A City of Sadness, which won the Golden Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival that year. It is also said to have greatly influenced Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s acclaimed Spirited Away. Fans of the movie have flocked to Jiufen—and in particular A-Mei Teahouse, said to be the inspiration for the bathhouse in the movie.

Jiufen, Taiwan

From $ 33

Jongno

The district of Jongno constitutes the northern half of Seoul’s main historic area. As the cultural and financial heart of the city, the area is home to a wealth of shrines, temples, parks and historic sites, including four of the five Grand Palaces of Seoul, including Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung.

Travelers shouldn't miss the Jongmyo Shrine, the Jogyesa Temple, the Presidential Palace of Cheongwadae or Hyehwa—a neighborhood filled with small, independent theaters. Also worth a visit is the historic Bukchon Hanok Village, where many of Seoul’s socialites and politically important families live among 900 traditional Korean hanok houses. Meanwhile, the Samcheongdong neighborhood is comparable to New York City's Soho with its cafes, boutique shops and numerous art galleries.

The best way to experience Jongno is by taking an organized walking tour, which may include visiting Gyeonghuigung Palace, witnessing the changing of the guard at Daehamun or strolling along the Cheonggyecheon stream. Foodies can indulge while also seeing the district on a dedicated food tour, available by day or night. Those more interested in Seoul’s royal and political history can learn about the area as part of a historical city tour, taking in the sights with an informative guide.

Insider's Tip: The district's 33-story Jongno Tower features a top-floor bar and restaurant, from where travelers can take in sweeping views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows. The tower is located near Jonggak Station on Line 1 of the subway.

Practical Info

Jongno is a large area served by several subway stations—Jongno 3-ga Station is serviced by lines 1, 3 and 5, while the western end of the district can be reached via Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5.

Seoul, South Korea

From $ 35

John Knox House Museum

The medieval John Knox House is one of the oldest buildings on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Knox, a prominent Reformation leader, is thought to have lived here in the 16th century, and the building now hosts tours chronicling the life of Knox and the houses’ other famous resident, James Mossman, goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Basics

Many visitors catch a glimpse of the exterior of the 15th-century house during sightseeing tours, walking tours, and hop-on hop-off bus tours of Edinburgh. For those who want to take a closer look at the historic property, both self-guided tours and guided tours of the house are available. Opt for an audio guide or join one of the guide-led tours, which are run by the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Guided tours focus on historical topics, such as the Scottish Reformation and the former inhabitants of the house.

Things to Know Before You Go

John Knox House Museum is a must for history enthusiasts.
A café can be found at the adjoining Scottish Storytelling Centre.
The house features a spiral staircase, making it inaccessible to wheelchair users.

How to Get There

John Knox House Museum is located in Edinburgh Old Town on the Royal Mile, an historic thoroughfare connecting Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. From Edinburgh Waverley railway station, it is just a 5-minute walk away via North Bridge and the Royal Mile.

When to Get There

The house is open from Monday through Saturday year-round, and daily during July and August. July and August are the busiest time; to avoid the crowds that wander in off the Royal Mile, go in early morning or late afternoon.

The Famous Residents of John Knox House

Though the house is replete with period features, including the painted ceilings and wood paneling of the Oak Room, it’s the history of the famous inhabitants that truly makes the attraction so intriguing. Guides recount facts about former resident James Mossman, the goldsmith to Mary, Queen of Scots, who was ultimately arrested and executed after the Marian civil war.

John Knox, the founder of Scotland’s Presbyterian Church and a leading figure in the Reformation is also associated with the property, though no concrete historical evidence is available to confirm this claim.

43-45 High St, Edinburgh, Scotland

Varies

From $ 19

Joseph Stalin Museum

Dedicated to the life of one of the world’s most prolific mass murders, the Stalin Museum in his birthplace Gori is little changed since its last update in the late 1970s, when Leonid Brezhnev was the Soviet premier. It glorifies Stalin’s life and career, omitting any mention of genocide, gulags, megalomania, repression or mass starvation, and is a fascinating glimpse into the propaganda-machine that was the Soviet Union before its downfall in 1989.

Central to the museum complex is a vast, Soviet-Realist take on a Gothic palace; in front of it stands a Neo-classical pavilion that shelters the wooden shack in which Stalin was born in 1878. The exhibition is divided into six chronological halls and displays thousands of photos, documentation, paintings and newspaper cuttings charting Stalin’s rise from Gori to the Kremlin, via stories of his early bank-robbing days and his several jail terms under tsarist rule.

Highlights include Stalin’s green, private railway carriage, in which he traveled around the Soviet Union in heavily armored seclusion, the dictator’s bronze death mask and the desk from his study in the Kremlin.

Practical Info

Stalin Avenue, Gori. Open daily Apr–Sept 10am–6pm; Oct–Mar 10am–4pm. Admission adults 10 GEL, students 3 GEL, children younger than 18 1 GEL. Gori is 54 miles (87 km) west of Tbilisi; regular buses run from the capital’s central Didube market and a regular train service from the main railway station.

Stalin Avenue, Gori, Shida Kartli 1400, Georgia

daily Apr–Sept 10am–6pm; Oct–Mar 10am–4pm

adults 10 GEL, students 3 GEL, children younger than 18 1 GEL

From $ 44

Jordaan

Conveniently located right in central Amsterdam, Jordaan is one of the city's most important, and most interesting districts. Never short of things to do, it is the location of the famous Anne Frank house, where renowned holocaust victim Anne Frank hid from the Nazis during WWII.

Currently, the district is bustling with life, with tons of opportunities to visit one of its many specialty shops, soak in Dutch culture at an art gallery, or try some of the local delicacies at its street markets.

Prideful of its early 20th-century music culture, this central district also features wonderful music festivals and has scattered statues throughout, commemorating the likes of local hero and Dutch patriot Johnny Jordaan. Not dead, you can go check out Jordaan's lively modern music scene at many of its bars and club venues, these days mainly featuring alternative, punk and grunge music.

Practical Info

This highly accommodating and lively part of Amsterdam is quite easily navigated, and with hotels scattered about, there is no difficulty finding a place to stay close-by. Many travel by bicycle, however, trams number 13 and 17 both land right smack in the heart of the action, from other populated stops in the city. If all else fails, the Dutch are renowned English speakers and are generally more than happy to help out a lost traveler.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

From $ 21

Juanillo Beach (Playa Juanillo)

A former fishing village on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, Juanillo Beach is today one of the region's most desirable stretches of white-sand beach. Wide open, powdery soft, and lined with palm trees, this stretch of sand runs from Cap Cana Marina to the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa Resort. While open to the public, the beach is only accessible through Cap Cana Resort, making it a calm and quiet place to soak up some rays.

The Basics

A hidden gem in Punta Cana, Juanillo Beach is far less frequented that more popular stretches of shore in the area, meaning it's a nice spot to avoid the crowds. Travelers based in Punta Cana without a rental car can visit this sleepy beach on a full-day catamaran cruise, which includes a chance to swim or snorkel in the crystal clear waters of one of the nation's hidden cenotes.

Things to Know Before You Go

This beach is a must-visit for sun seekers and families.
Remember to bring your ID; you might need it when entering Cap Cana Resort.
Cabanas and loungers are available for rent along the beach.
Public restrooms are not available on the beach.

How to Get There

Juanillo Beach is located in Cap Cana, about 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport by road. The easiest way to reach the beach is by taxi or on a catamaran ride from Punta Cana.

When to Get There

There isn't really a bad time to visit Juanillo Beach, though it can get lively when special events are taking place, usually on the weekends. The weather is warm and beach-worthy year-round, though hurricanes are somewhat of a threat in the Caribbean between June and November.

Things to Do at Juanillo Beach

Warm, shallow, blue waters create a natural swimming pool at this beautiful beach, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It's also a destination for windsurfing when the weather allows. If you plan to windsurf, snorkel, or partake in any other water sport, be sure to join a guided excursion or bring your own equipment, as rentals are not available on the beach.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

From $ 169