Things to Do in Napa & Sonoma

Travelers in search of Accra’s colonial past will likely find themselves in the streets of Jamestown, a densely-populated fishing village located to the west of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue. The towering lighthouse, built by the British in 1871, is a popular destination among visitors who flock to this part of town seeking a touchstone to history. But visitors say this once thriving neighborhood is now worn down—gripped by poverty, yet still vibrantly alive. 

Travelers can climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse, then wander the parameter of Fort James, a former prison built by the British in the 17th Century. These nods to the past prove popular destinations, but visitors say it’s the energy of the town and the sense of community that make this once colonial enclave truly worth a visit.

Situated smack in the middle of Man Sagar Lake, on the road that runs between Jaipur and Amber Fort (Amer Fort), the 18th-century Jal Mahal (Water Palace) is a gorgeous red sandstone palace that’s accessible only by boat. Though currently closed to visitors, the dreamlike structure is still an incredible sight to behold from shore.

This 5-story palace was built in 1799 by Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who integrated Rajput and Mughal stylistic features into its architecture. After centuries of disrepair, a refurbishment project began in the early 21st century, though it’s still not open for the public to explore. However, many tours of Jaipur stop at the lake’s shores (usually en route to nearby Amber Fort) for photographs, particularly in the monsoon season when the lake is at its fullest.

 

The Jal Mahal is located between Jaipur and Amber Fort, just before the turnoff to the Jaigarh Fort road. It’s a 10-minute drive from both Amber Fort’s parking lot and Jaipur’s top attractions such as the Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar observatory, and the City Palace.

 

While the Jal Mahal is viewable year-round, it is most attractive and photogenic during and immediately after the monsoon season (July and August), when the lake’s water level is high. Visit earlier in the year and you’ll see some of the lower floors, which are submerged when the lake is full.

Not much is known about the palace’s original intents, though many believe it was intended to be used as a summer getaway and duck hunting lodge for the royal family. After much neglect, it was restored as part of a public-private partnership, but has remained in a state of flux for years. There’s much speculation about the palace’s future fate, but for now the building remains closed to the public.

Janpath Market is located along Janpath Road, just off from Connaught Place in New Delhi. A shopaholic and bargain hunter’s dream, this small yet buzzing market is full of energy, not to mention clothing, jewelry, and a whole range of other goods at astonishingly low prices.

Popular with tourists due to its location and atmosphere, Janpath Market is busy, exotic, and lively, making it an attraction for those not even planning on purchasing anything. Beginning from the Connaught Place end, you’ll find some of the oldest shops in the market selling traditional Indian items. Moving onwards, you’ll find many more shops lining the road, selling all kinds of clothing, shoes, jewelry, furniture, handicrafts, carpets, and curios.

Janpath Market is the ideal place for keen shoppers, and can be enjoyed as part of a guided tour of Delhi's markets. As well as having an expert's opinion as you shop and haggle for bargains, this offers the added benefit of being privately transported to several of the city’s best-loved markets. A visit here can also be combined with a tour of Connaught Place and Delhi’s other key highlights.

Insider’s Tip: When shopping at Janpath Market, don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price. This is expected, so never accept the first price you’re offered by a vendor. The first rule of haggling is to keep it friendly and positive – a genuine smile goes a long way!

Jasna Góra Monastery is one of the largest Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. Located in Częstochowa, Poland, the monastery is home to the famous Black Madonna of Częstochowa, or the Our Lady of Częstochowa, a four-foot-high Gothic painting displaying the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that Luke the Evangelist completed the iconic painting, and it is further purported that the painting was done on a tabletop built by Jesus himself and that it was discovered by St Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine. 

On average, 14,000 people visit the monastery each day to see the Black Madonna, a painting credited with several miracles, including the saving of the monastery during a 17th-century Swedish invasion. It is believed that the original painting was a Byzantine icon dating back to sometime between the 6th and 9th centuries. During a 15th-century restoration, it was painted anew, as the restorers were not able to apply tempera colors over the wax paint.

Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid is the largest mosque in India and an unmissable stop on any Delhi itinerary. Built between 1644 and 1658 by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the mosque’s red sandstone and white marble domes, minarets, gateways, and arches are both grand in scale and elegance. Devout Muslims still come here to pray five times a day, while travelers stop by to marvel over the details. 

The large Jama Masjid complex consists of a courtyard, a prayer hall, arched entrance ways, two minarets, and three domes. Around the outside of the mosque, hawkers sell all kinds of clothes, snacks, and textiles, but inside, the atmosphere is calm. It’s possible to climb the southern minaret (outside of prayer time) for a small fee. From there, the views over the tangled streets of Old Delhi are among the best you’ll find.

Many travelers opt to visit the Jama Masjid on a half- or full-day tour of Old and New Delhi, either on foot or by customizable van tour. In addition to a stop at the Jama Masjid, most tours also visit other Old and New Delhi highlights such as the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, and the Qutub Minar.

The Jama Masjid is in Old Delhi. The Delhi Metro is the easiest way to get around the city, and the nearest metro station is Chawri Bazaar. The streets of Old Delhi are very congested, so getting a taxi is not very practical, but you can take a cycle or auto rickshaw from other parts of Old Delhi.

Non-Muslims are only allowed to enter the Jama Masjid outside of prayer times. As Muslims pray five times a day, this means the mosque is closed quite frequently. Non-Muslims should also avoid visiting on Fridays (the Islamic holy day) and during Islamic festivals, when it is also very crowded. 

Much of Old Delhi was planned and built by the Mughals, who ruled Delhi (and much of India) from the 16th to 19th century. Delhi’s Mughal monuments are among its finest and most distinctive—the Red Fort is across the road from the Jama Masjid and the Chandni Chowk market is also nearby. All of these Mughal Delhi highlights can easily be visited in one day.

Located between the Dome Square and the Town Hall Square in Riga’s Old Town, Jauniela is said to be one of the most beautiful streets in the city. Lined with colorful old buildings and paved with cobblestone, it has been the site for filming several movies and is home to a number of hotels. In addition to the rainbow of Art Nouveau buildings, the appearance of flowers nearly everywhere on Jauniela is notable, from the windows to the balconies. 

Jauniela is popular with locals and visitors alike, with a variety of shopping, dining and nightlife options. Enjoy dinner in the Riga residence of a former Russian tsar, stay at the regal Neiburgs Hotel or visit the Riga Kino Museum, showcasing the history of Latvian and word cinema.

Jardín, a town in the mountains just four hours to the south of Medellin, preserves a colonial appearance that seems unchanged by the modern advances of this century. 

The town’s name is no mystery—its beautiful garden-like atmosphere and lush green landscapes enchant visitors. Enjoy the peace and calm in this laid-back town that is not on the typical tourist trail. The beautiful tree-lined plaza is perfect to relax and observe daily life. The main square is lined with cafes and restaurants with colorful tables and chairs, and the striking neo-Gothic Basilica Menor de la Inmaculada Conception is close by. Whitewashed colonial houses in town have brightly painted doors, balconies and hanging baskets.

There’s also plenty of scenery to take in. There are trout farms for fishing and an old-fashioned cable car above the river that extends across the valley and up into the mountains. At the lookout point there are views of the town and a café to have something to eat. Visitors also have the opportunity to walk around the farms. 

The Cave of Splendor (La Cueva del Esplendor), a waterfall within a cave, is a six-hour roundtrip trek along narrow, steep, mountain paths. Along the way, admire the mountains with their banana and coffee plantations. It’s recommended to go with a guide who knows the terrain.

But the hidden surprise within the borders of this small principality is its many public green spaces, perhaps the most surprising being the Japanese Garden on Avenue Princesse-Grace. It lies at the bottom of the mountain, just across from the Mediterranean Sea, a location that adds to the almost surreal tranquility of the garden.

It's a bit small, which has its merits – after all, there's plenty to do and see in Monaco. But there's so much in the country that is just over the top – the flashy cars, the James Bond-style casino, the yachts that are bigger than most people's dream homes – that a visit to the Japanese Garden can be just the respite you're looking for.

And the best part? It's a public park, which means it's free to enter and you can stay as long as you’d like. Spend time at the waterfall, listen to the babbling brook or watch the sunset at the end of a long day.

This museum is housed inside a working replica of the 19th-century Jeanie Johnston, a tall ship that carried Irish emigrants to North America on 16 journeys undertaken between 1847 and 1855. Tours of the re-created interior reveal what the transatlantic passage was like for those fleeing the devastation of the Great Irish Famine.

 

The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum can be visited only as part of a guided tour. Visitors learn about the original vessel and the construction of the replica ship, and guides take participants below deck to show the cramped living conditions endured by the ship’s passengers. Some Dublin sightseeing passes also include a tour of the Jeanie Johnston.

 

The Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum is docked at Custom House Quay on the north bank of the River Liffey. Ride the Luas Red Line tram to George’s Dock. The ship is less than five minutes’ walk from the station. 

 

Tours take place six times daily between April and October, and four times daily between November and March. During the peak summer months of July and August, book in advance to reserve your spot.

 

Upon exiting the Jeanie Johnston, walk west along the riverfront for a few minutes and you’ll reach the Famine Memorial, a series of bronze sculptures that represent the starving Irish citizens forced to emigrate during the Great Famine. Next to the Jeanie Johnston is EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, which traces the stories of the 10 million Irish people to have left Ireland for foreign shores, including more than a million who fled the famine.

The name Jebel Akhdar means “green mountain,” but this scenic area is less of an individual mountain and more so the incredible limestone massif centered on the Saiq Plateau, 2,000 meters above sea level. The region falls in the northern section of the Hajar Mountains, with cooler temperatures and more rainfall than the rest of the country. These conditions are ideal for the growth of rich agriculture, shrubs and trees that are unique to the area. Peaches, pomegranates, apricots, walnuts, saffron and the roses that make the area’s famous rosewater all perfume the air here.

Due to conditions, this area was restricted to military use until recently. Now it’s possible to reach the top without a permit, though a 4x4 vehicle is required. You’ll be rewarded with the sight of massive drop-offs, ancient villages steeped into the mountainside and expansive views of the valley below.

Housed in a meticulously restored Georgian townhouse, this museum is devoted to one of Ireland’s greatest literary figures. The house once hosted the dance academy of Denis Maginni, a minor character in Joyce’s Ulysses, and now showcases Joycean artifacts including furniture from his Paris apartment and displays on his life and writings.

Visitors can explore the three floors of the 18th-century building with the aid of a free audio tour. Exhibits include the door or 7 Eccles Street, where Ulysses characters Leopold and Molly Bloom lived; a re-creation of Joyce’s study; and documentary films focusing on topics such as the controversy surrounding Ulysses.

The center runs guided walking tours inspired by Dubliners and the movements of Leopold Bloom that cover sights with Joycean connections. Hop-on hop-off tour buses stop at the center, while some sightseeing-pass ticket holders are entitled to free skip-the-line entry. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• James Joyce Centre is a must for literary fans and Joyce enthusiasts.
  
• In addition to the permanent exhibits, special Joyce-related exhibits are often shown at the house.
  
• The ground floor of the building is accessible via ramp, though the exhibition spaces on the upper floors are accessible only by stairs. 

The James Joyce Centre is situated on North Great George’s Street. The Parnell Luas stop, served by the Luas Green Line tram, is just a 2-minute walk away, and several Dublin bus routes stop nearby. 

James Joyce Centre is open daily, April–September, and from Tuesday through Sunday, October–March. Tours run more frequently during summer. One of the best times of the year to visit is during the annual Bloomsday festival celebrating Joyce, which takes place June 16 and features special tours, Bloomsday breakfasts, and other events at the center. 

Though Joyce left Dublin in his early twenties, the city remained a big inspiration for the writer, featuring heavily in his fiction, from Dubliners to Ulysses. In the seaside suburb of Sandycove, Joyce fans can visit the Joyce Tower and Museum, a Martello tower where Joyce stayed in 1904. Other Joyce-connected sights include the Gresham Hotel on O’Connell Street, which features in the Dubliners short story “The Dead”; Belvedere College, the Jesuit-run secondary school Joyce attended; and Sweny’s, a Victorian-era chemist mentioned in Ulysses.

During the sixteenth century the Ottoman Turkish sultan Suleiman rebuilt the Old City walls of Jerusalem and included six different gates into the Old City. Jaffa Gate (Bab al-Khalil) is one of the originals, named after its orientation, pointing toward the harbor of Jaffa in Tel Aviv.

This gate on the western wall comprises the original dog-legged pedestrian tunnel leading into the Old City, as well as a car-friendly passage constructed in 1898 to allow German Kaiser Wilhelm II to ride into the city.

As the main entrance into the Old City, the gate makes a perfect starting point for modern-day explorations. Just inside the gate sits a lively souk which leads into the Christian and Jewish quarters.

Founded in 1364, Jagiellonian University is the second oldest university in Central Europe. While it has survived to celebrate its 650th jubilee in 2014, its history has been turbulent. After briefly collapsing in 1370, it was revived in 1400, and in the early 16th century, it enjoyed a golden age in the midst of the Polish Renaissance. However, the prestige of the university eventually declined as Poland’s position in Europe got worse and the country was partitioned multiple times. After nearly closing in the 19th century, the university then hosted major scientific achievements. It was then targeted by the Nazis, who sent dozens of faculty members to concentration camps and destroyed university libraries and laboratories. Jagiellonian continued to suffer under Communism, and it wasn't until Poland’s Communist government was overthrown that the university once again began to flourish. Today it is considered one of the top universities in all of Europe.

Most notable for visitors to the university is the Collegium Maius building, home to the Jagiellonian University Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of old scientific instruments, university memorabilia and a portrait gallery of professors.

Nicknamed the “Zagreb Sea” by the locals, Jarun Lake is a pleasant oasis just outside the city center. This popular year-round recreation area offers city dwellers a break from the bustling urban center with pebble beaches, cycling paths, and a range of outdoor activities. Take a day trip and relax by the beach, try your hand at windsurfing or paddleboarding, or just people-watch at one of the waterfront cafes.  

Jarun Lake features activities for the whole family. Young children will enjoy splashing in the shallow waters of the lake and exploring the many beachside playgrounds. Water sports enthusiasts can canoe, windsurf, stand-up paddleboard, and more. You can also take a stroll along the lakeside paths or simply sunbathe along the shore. In the evening, Jarun turns into a nightlight hotspot with some of Zagreb’s most popular dance clubs and bars. 

Located in the southwest corner of Zagreb, Lake Jarun is easily reached from the city center. Simply take tram number 5 or 17 to the Jarun stop, then follow the signs to the lake. You can also visit Lake Jarun by car or bike or visit as part of a hop-on hop-off tour of Zagreb.  

Lake Jarun can be visited year round, but summer is best for swimming and water sports such such as canoeing and windsurfing. You can enjoy a jog or cycle around the lakeside path anytime of the year. Most bars and cafes are only open during the warmer months, so winter is an especially peaceful time to visit; plus, it’s a great time to view swans, ducks, and other birds.

Jarun is comprised of two connected lakes: the Large Lake, marked off for rowing, kayaking, and canoeing competitions, and the Small Lake, which is intended for swimming. Life guards are found along the beach, and showers and changing areas are also available. Each beach also features its own sports courts, playgrounds, and other recreation opportunities.

On Jan. 16, 1969, a student named Jan Palach set himself on fire in Wenceslas Square to protest the Soviet Union’s invasion of Czechoslovakia. Today, a truly unique memorial comprised of a horizontal weather-worn wooden cross rising up from cobblestone streets pays homage to Palach and his friend, Jan Zajic, who killed themselves as an act of political protest.

Today, visitors can stop at this quiet square and reflect on the changes that have taken place in this Eastern European country. While travelers agree that the memorial isn’t well marked, or very well-explained, its significance in Czech history is great and certainly worth a visit.

For nearly 200 years, this distillery produced one of Ireland’s leading whiskeys, before Jameson—together with other producers—moved operations to a purpose-built facility in Middleton, County Cork, in the 1970s. Now, the Jameson Distillery Bow St. has been revamped as a visitor center showcasing the history and heritage of the brand.

Entry to the Jameson Distillery Bow St. is by guided tour only. Many visitors opt for the 40-minute distillery tour, which includes an explanation of the ins and outs of whiskey making, a tour of the recreated distillery facilities, a whiskey tasting session, and a free drink at the onsite JJ’s Bar. Whiskey enthusiasts may want try a whiskey-blending masterclass, a whiskey cocktail-making workshop, or a premium whiskey-tasting session, during which they can compare and contrast four different Jameson whiskeys. 

Cask draw experiences, during which visitors get to taste unblended pot still whiskey straight from a cask in the maturation warehouse, are also available. Fans of Irish alcoholic drinks can pair a tour of the Jameson Distillery Bow St. with a tour of the nearby Guinness Storehouse, where Ireland’s popular malty stout is produced. Jameson Distillery Bow St. entry is included in the Dublin Pass.

The distillery is located on Bow Street in Dublin’s city center. Take the Luas tram (Red Line) to Smithfield station, which is just a 2-minute walk from the distillery. Hop-on hop-off buses also stop near the Jameson Distillery Bow St.

Tours take place at least every 30 minutes and even more regularly during busy periods. On weekends, tours frequently sell out by mid-afternoon, so book in advance or arrive earlier in the day to ensure a spot.

The Jameson Distillery Bow St. is just one of several whiskey-related attractions in Dublin. Fans of the triple-distilled tipple can also visit the Irish Whiskey Museum, which chronicles the rise, fall, and resurgence of the Irish whiskey industry. Consider touring working distilleries such as Teeling and Pearse Lyons, as well as sampling even more Irish whiskeys in bars such as the Victorian-era Bowes and the Palace Bar on Fleet Street. 

Welcome to Jan Matejko’s universe! The famous artist, counted among the most famous Polish painters, is celebrated for his vivid depictions of political and military events inspired from Polish history. Some of his most famous works include the Battle of Grunwald, Union of Lublin, Rejtan, as well as several portraits of Polish kings, which are exposed in various National Museums across Poland.

The three-story town house is where the painter used to work and live, and has been transformed into a biographical museum in the late 1800s, shortly after his death. The house is still adorned with artwork commissioned by Matejko himself, which is now particularly valuable, seeing as he was quite the collector. Hundreds of objects and trinkets that belonged to Matejko, collected throughout the years, make up the relatively small but highly significant collection – from his reading glasses to Renaissance furniture, and from antique firearms to books documenting his fascination for gargoyles.

A great attraction for families or those interested in science, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium features a 49-foot-diameter (15 meter) dome with projections of the night sky, allowing visitors a better view of stars and planets. There are also daily shows in English and Kannada for travelers interested in learning more about our solar system.

 

While the night sky shows and projections are the main draws of the planetarium, it offers much more. There's a science center and a science park with sundials, kaleidoscopes, and models of rockets as well as a number of projectors and telescopes for public use. It's also a great place to head to for viewings of astronomical events, such as eclipses. It's possible to arrange a private tour to see the planetarium as well as nearby sights like Anjaneya Temple.

 

Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is located in the heart of Bangalore, right on Raj Bhavan Road. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Cubbon Park and a 10-minute drive from the main railway station. The area is easy to get to by taxi or auto rickshaw, and parking is available. The nearest metro stations are Dr. BR Ambedkar station and Cubbon Park.

 

The planetarium is a year-round attraction, and as much of it is indoors, travelers just interested in seeing shows and projections won’t have to worry too much about weather considerations such as monsoons. However, there are some science activities in the garden, so those coming in the rainy season (June–September) should pack an umbrella. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday. English-language shows take place daily at 12:30pm and 4:30pm, but check ahead for any changes.

 

Along with regular projections and night sky shows, the planetarium offers a host of special events, from regular monthly science movies, most of which are family-friendly, to special workshops for educators. A number of lectures are also held throughout the year, often on advanced topics in astronomy and physics.

South Korea has become famous among travelers for its freshly caught seafood, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better place to sample it than at the Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan. The largest seafood market in the country, Jagalchi is unique in that its run largely by women who are known as Jagalchi Ajumma. This tradition dates back to the Korean War, when many of the men were off fighting and their wives took over the family businesses.

Walking through the market is like visiting an exotic aquarium, as many of the wares are kept live in tanks to maximize their freshness. You’ll find nearly any type of seafood you could want, including more varieties of shellfish than you knew existed. The market also houses a collection 

of seafood restaurants where you can bring your purchases to have them cooked up and served to you on the spot.