Things to Do in Monterey & Carmel

Dominating the Gothic and Baroque mansions of Brussels’s glorious cobbled Grand-Place from the south side, the spectacular City Hall has a flamboyant Gothic façade and more restrained classical additions lying around a courtyard behind it.

Begun in 1402, this beloved local landmark was largely designed by Flemish architect Jacob van Thienen, but its distinctive lacy central belfry is the work of his compatriot Jan van Ruysbroeck and doubles the height of the façade, reaching up to 320 feet (97 m). It is adorned with a copper statue of St Michael – the patron saint of Brussels – killing a dragon; the belfry is useful to navigate by when lost in the charming tangle of streets of Brussels old city, especially when gloriously floodlit at night. The entire building is encrusted with 294 sculptures of saints and public figures, which were added by 91 different artists during the late 19th century.

A tour of the interior begins with a stunning marble staircase lined with busts of the mayors of Brussels from 1830 onwards and incorporates visits to the Gothic Chamber, Marriage Chamber and College Chamber. They are all largely neo-Gothic in style, thanks to the 19th-century restoration of the town hall, and are decorated with burnished wood paneling and ornate tapestries depicting ancient trades.

The coral reefs of Tobago, so crucial to the island’s economy and the biodiversity of the region, are under threat. But sensitive tourism needn’t harm the environment as the island’s largest such site, Buccoo Reef, demonstrates. It is one of the most spectacular reefs in the world, now under protection as a marine park, and is a magnet for scuba diving, snorkeling and sustainable fishing.

Tours in a glass-bottomed boat ensure that even the less active will be able to marvel at this undersea wonderland of colorful coral and tropical fish. The warm, shallow waters of the natural “Nylon Pool”, named by Princess Margaret for its translucent waters, make for one of the great swimming spots of the Caribbean.

The quintessential white sands, turquoise water and colorful architecture of the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) have long been part of every Caribbean cruiser’s dream. There are 60 islands in all, but the most popular for a day in port are the main island of Tortola, Virgin Gorda with its famous rock formations known as the Baths, and the laidback beach-bum favorite, Jost Van Dyke.

Snorkeling, sailing, fishing and beach shore excursions can take you from one island to another. Alternatively, explore the island you dock at on your own, checking out local markets and historic attractions from the time of European settlement, or doing absolutely nothing on one of those perfect beaches.   

How to get to Tortola

You’ll most likely dock in Road Harbour, Tortola (depending on your cruise line, you may end up at Virgin Gorda or even Jost Van Dyke). From there, you can walk to Road Town and visit most of its sights on foot. To go elsewhere on Tortola, take a taxi from the dock area; to visit Virgin Gorda on your own, take a ferry from the ferry terminal just south of the Folk Museum.

One Day on Tortola

Before hitting the beach, start with a little bit of Caribbean culture and history in Road Town. Browse the gift and souvenir offerings at the Crafts Alive market, next to the cruise pier area, and then head across Main Street to the Folk Museum.

Next, either take a cab to Sage Mountain National Park (named after the highest peak in the BVIs) for some hiking with sea views, or walk to JR O’Neal Botanical Garden for a flatter walk amid orchids and other tropical plants.

Spend the rest of the day at Smuggler’s Cove, one of the many beaches that line the north side of the island. Grab a bite to eat from the snack bar and sip on a frothy, fruity rum concoction as you dig your toes in the soft white sand. Now, you’re in heaven.

Named after Catalonian expatriate Andres Brugal, a visit to the Brugal Rum Center offers visitors a chance to see the magic of turning sugarcane into one of the Dominican Republic’s chief exports – rum. From golden brown to crystal clear, the rum you’ll see, smell, and taste at the Brugal rum center will open your eyes to the possibility of what a refined drink rum can be.  Families enjoy the wondrous automated distilling and bottling process and marvel at the mechanics of turning sugarcane into the nectar of the gods. An excellent escape from the ordinary while in Puerto Plata, take some time to explore a local icon and learn a bit about distilling in the process.

Topping off the western side of Amsterdam’s plush Canal Ring and crossing into the bohemian enclave of the Jordaan, Brouwersgracht is an enticing canal lined with narrow, gabled townhouses and former warehouses with façades that tilt precariously forwards. Connecting the canals of Singel and Singelgracht, it has been voted the prettiest street in the city and its length is home to hundreds of houseboats moored chaotically along the bank. In the 17th century known for its tanners and brewers, the canal has lost little of its tranquil atmosphere even though many of its houses have been converted into luxurious apartments and boutique hotels. It also has some architectural highlights: Brouwersgracht 2 has one of the best examples of 16th-century step gables in the city; the row at Brouwersgracht 188–194 were formerly warehouses storing leather, coffee and spices, and sport a series of identical spout gables dating from the 17th century; and several houses, including no 162, have graphics of fish above their doors, indicating that they were once premises dedicated to the processing of herring and other fish caught locally. 

Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence and administrative office of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Access for the public is limited and exclusive but worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.