Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in St John's
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Jerash
In ancient times, the Roman town of Gerasa grew rich from iron ore as well as agricultural products which flourished in this comparatively lush temperate region. This wealth in turn endowed the town with architectural treasures: the unique oval Forum, Hippodrome, Amphitheater, Agora, and the proud columns of the Temple to Artemis. The majestic Hadrian’s Arch dates from the eponymous Roman Emperor’s visit, an event which signaled the town’s importance.
Not long after the spread of Islam into the area, Gerasa was devastated by an earthquake and for centuries lay buried in sand. This accounts for the remarkable state of preservation in this, one of Jordan’s most important Roman sites. Significant sections of all the above-named sites can still be seen next to the modern town of Jerash, as well as colonnaded streets and city walls which precisely delineate the town’s contours, giving a vivid sense of life in an ancient Roman town.
Practical Info
The remains of Gerasa are adjacent to the modern town of Jerash, 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Amman and accessible by bus or taxi.
Address: Jordan
From $ 39
Jerez de la Frontera
Spanish culture shines bright in the southern city of Jerez de la Frontera. Once inhabited by Romans, Visigoths, Arabs and ultimately Christians, it’s a city now especially famous for three things: flamenco, horsemanship, and Sherry, the internationally known unfortified wine.
Indeed, the city, and region around it -- which is delineated by Jerez as well as two other cities, Sanlucar de Barrameda and Puerto de Santa Maria – make up the Sherry Triangle. This is where Sherry has its roots, and where you’ll want to sample the local libation, which can be found throughout the region, and even at bodegas in the center of Jerez de la Frontera itself.
The other local delights – flamenco and horses – can both be experienced during the town’s beloved spring festival, the Feria de Jerez. Other opportunities abound too, including the internationally acclaimed Flamenco Festival, taking place during the end of February and beginning of March. Meanwhile horse breeding gets a special spotlight at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, which is open to the public for visits.
There’s still more to see in this sweet southern city, though. Jerez’s old town is packed with tree-lined squares and avenues, an 11th-century Moorish fortress, and even a cathedral built on the ruins of a previous mosque. Indeed, it’s a city to get lost in, whether you wish to simply appreciate its beauty, or to become better acquainted with its rich culture and traditions.
Address: Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain, Spain
From $ 12
Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center
Moscow’s iconic, brick-and-glass Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage was designed by avant-garde Russian architects Konstantin Melnikov and Vladimir Shukhov in 1926. By the dawn of the 21st century it was in disrepair but was restored by Roman Abramovich to house the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. That then moved and the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center subsequently opened at the Bus Garage in 2012. Now firmly on all the tours of Jewish heritage in Moscow, it is dedicated to the backstory of Russian Jews from medieval times to present day, with displays walking chronologically through spacious galleries making clever use of the very latest technology.
Using personal narrative, film footage, holograms, multimedia touch screens and listening stations, this is a thoroughly modern museum with a surprisingly positive message. Yes, the subject matter deals thoughtfully with programs and the Holocaust but also dedicates space to the achievements of the Jews in Moscow and St Petersburg before World War I, when they successfully played a large part in civic and cultural life. There’s a small collection of Jewish ephemera and a permanent art exhibition as well as an animated 4D movie in the Beginnings Theater, which explains the beliefs fundamental to Judaism, but the heart of the museum lies with the panoramic film projected on to a massive, curved screen that combines wartime footage with testimonies from Holocaust survivors and deals with Jewish repression under Soviet rule.
The Tolerance Center is a place in which to reflect and look forward; it houses a children’s center and the Schneerson Collection, a library of priceless Jewish books and manuscripts.
Practical Info
Ulitsa Obraztsova 11, Building 1a, Moscow. Open Thur–Sun 12pm–10pm; Fri 10am–3pm. Closed Sat and Jewish holidays. Admission adults RUB 400; seniors, students & younger than 17 RUB 200. Take the metro to Novoslobodskaya and Tram No. 19 from there.
Address: Ulitsa Obraztsova 11, Building 1a, Moscow, Moscow Oblast 127018, Russia
Hours: Thur–Sun 12pm–10pm; Fri 10am–3pm. Closed Sat and Jewish holidays.
Admission: adults RUB 400; seniors, students & younger than 17 RUB 200
From $ 8
Jewish Museum (Zidovske Muzeum)
The Jewish Museum (or Židovské muzeum) operates over several sites, including the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Spanish Synagogue and the Maisel Synagogue. Together this cluster of sites - which you can visit as a tour with an English-speaking guide - gives you a rounded picture of the history of the Jewish people in Prague.
The various exhibitions center on Jewish customs, artifacts such as Torah covers and synagogue silver, and memorials to those lost in the Holocaust. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with its ancient tombstones all packed in together, is a reminder of the ghettoization of Jews in the medieval city.
The various exhibitions center on Jewish customs, artifacts such as Torah covers and synagogue silver, and memorials to those lost in the Holocaust. The Old Jewish Cemetery, with its ancient tombstones all packed in together, is a reminder of the ghettoization of Jews in the medieval city.
Practical Info
The Jewish Museum includes the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Maisel Synagogue, the Spanish Synagogue, the Ceremonial Hall, the Pinkas Synagogue and the Klausen Synagogue. These sites are all in the Josefov area of Prague.
Address: U Staéé školy 1, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Open Sun - Fri. Winter 9am - 4:30pm, Summer 9am - 6pm. Closed Saturdays and Jewish holidays
Admission: Adults: CZK 300, Children (under 15yrs): CZK 200. Other areas may have separate admission fees
From $ 58
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is Oman’s highest peak, and at around 10,000 feet (or 3,000 meters) it makes a cool contrast to the baking coast. The regular road runs out about two-thirds the way up, so from there on in it’s 4-wheel-drive or, for the adventurous, hiking. Either way you’ll have stunning views of Wadi Nakhr, a dramatic canyon whose sheer walls drop down to a valley floor of tiny villages and date palm plantations.
Colorful rugs made using goat hair and natural dyes are a specialty of the region. There are also a number of eerie village ruins which testify to the difficulty of living in this fascinating yet challenging area.
Practical Info
Jebel Shams can be accessed on a long day trip from Muscat, but a well-equipped campsite makes it a great place to stay over and enjoy the serenity of this remote area.
Address: Oman
Admission: Free
From $ 79
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Vienna explores the history of the Jewish people in Vienna and Austria. The first Jewish museum in the city was established in 1895, but it was closed by the Nazis in 1938. The collections were confiscated, and about half of the items have never been recovered. The present-day Jewish Museum was opened in 1988 and moved to its current location at the Palais Eskeles in 1993.
Many permanent exhibitions are on display at the Jewish Museum. Some explore the history and culture of the Jewish people who lived in Vienna from the early days up through World War II, while others look at how the Jewish community of Vienna recovered after the war, up until the present. Other exhibitions show visitors about Jewish traditions, like what a kosher kitchen looks like and how holidays and milestones are celebrated. The museum also has collections of donated items that tell of the history of Jewish culture.
Practical Info
The Jewish Museum is located at Dorotheergasse 11.
Address: Dorotheergasse 11, Vienna 1010, Austria
Hours: Sun-Fri 10am-6pm
Admission: Adults: € 10, Children: Free
From $ 23
Jewish Museum
The Jewish Museum in Odessa, Ukraine opened in November 2002. Though small, with an exhibition area of only 160 square meters, the museum features an impressive collection of more than 7,000 photographs, newspapers, books, documents, musical instruments and pieces of art from Odessa’s Jewish community, which was once the third largest in the world. Items have been donated by local leaders, ordinary citizens and members of Odessa’s diaspora. Highlights include fragments of gravestones dating back to the 1770s, pages from Jewish newspapers as far back as 1869, photographs of leading Jewish cultural figures and a collection of religious garments and objects. One exhibition room is dedicated to Yiddish culture during the Soviet period and another remembers victims of the Holocaust.
The museum also offers classes in Jewish tradition, history, literature, art and design, as well as Hebrew language classes.
Practical Info
The Jewish Museum is located in the center of Odessa, not far from Cathedral Square. It can be reached on foot from many centrally located hotels, or by taking marshrutka (shared taxi) 105, 215 or 237, or tram 3 or 12, to Tyraspolska Square.
Address: Nejinskaya Street, 66, Odessa, Ukraine
Hours: Monday to Thursday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Jewish holidays.
From $ 116
Jesuit Sacred Art Museum (Museu de Arte Sacra dos Jesuitas)
Housed in one of Brazil’s oldest churches, the Jesuit Sacred Art Museum is small but filled with history. The church, Nossa Senhora do Rosário was built in 1690 and is representative of many Catholic churches constructed by the Portuguese at this
time, with its simple, white exterior and windows in neat blue frames.
The interior has an intricately decorated altar and some items used by priests centuries ago like candlesticks, crosses and religious scriptures. It holds an impressive collection of religious artifacts and baroque pieces, some dating as far back as the 17th century. This includes paintings of angels, saints, and biblical characters portrayed in various mediums, like woodcarvings, terracotta sculptures and paintings in ornate gilded frames. Another highlight is an 18th-century organ, the second oldest in Brazil.
Practical Info
The Jesuit Sacred Art Museum is located at Largo dos Jesuítas, 67 in the historic center of Embu das Artes in the state of São Paulo. It is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is R$8 for adults and R$4 for students.
Address: Largo dos Jesuítas, 67, Embu das Artes, Brazil
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission: R$8 for adults and R$4 for students
From $ 260
Jermyn Street
Located in the heart of St. James in the City of Westminster in London, Jermyn Street is one of London’s most historic and fashionable districts. Dating back to 1664, it was dominated by the Church of St. James and lined with houses, hotels, schools and taverns. Today, it has developed a reputation for high quality British artistry and craftsmanship and is home to the finest tailors, shirt makers, leather suppliers, food and wine merchants and art galleries in the city. It is also where you will find the 70 seat Jermyn Theatre, the smallest in the West End.
Named after Henry Jermyn, who is widely regarded as the founder of London’s West End, Jermyn Street has been home to notable Brits such as Sir William Stanley, Sir John Churchill, Sir Isaac Newton, William Pitt, Sir Walter Scott and William Gladstone.
Practical Info
To reach Jermyn Street, take the Underground to either the Piccadilly Circus or Green Park stations.
Address: London, England
From $ 101
Jewish Cemetery
The Jewish cemetery in Nevis is a poignant reminder of the once-thriving Jewish community that lived on the island. Found in Charlestown, the island’s capital, the cemetery has headstones dating back to the late 17th century, when a number of Jewish families lived on the Caribbean island.
The Basics
In the 17th century, the island of Nevis (part of the Leeward Islands) was a thriving sugar-growing region of some 20,000 inhabitants and was under British rule. It also had a sizable Jewish population, some of whom came to the island from Brazil after being expelled by the Portuguese, while others moved from nearby Barbados. The Jewish cemetery is a lasting reminder of their legacy, although only 19 tombstones remain, with inscriptions in English, Hebrew, and Portuguese.
The cemetery is located in what would formerly have been Charlestown’s Jewish neighborhood, and although there was once a synagogue and Jewish school, there are no traces left of these buildings today. Visitors can learn more about Charlestown’s Jewish history on a bike tour of the island’s most historic sights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The cemetery is open to the public and free of charge.
- From the cemetery, you can take the walking path known as “Jews Walk,” which is believed to have led to the Jewish school.
- The clapboard house diagonally opposite the cemetery is built on the location of the former synagogue.
- Nevis library houses several books about the area’s Jewish history.
How to Get There
The Jewish cemetery is located off Government Road in Charlestown, on the island of Nevis. There is parking available in the town, and the site is accessible on foot from other locations in Charlestown, or via taxi or guided bike tour of the area.
When to Get There
The cemetery is open to the public year-round, and there is no entry fee. The site is not usually busy. There is very little shade, so consider visiting earlier or later in the day for cooler temperatures.
Get Out on the Water in Nevis
From snorkeling to sailing to guided kayaking tours, enjoying the wild blue yonder is all part of the experience on the island of Nevis. Waters are calm along the beaches for the most part, making the island ideal for swimming and snorkeling, while a number of sailing operators offer tours or yacht rentals if you want to explore further afield.
Address: Charlestown, St. Kitts & Nevis, St Kitts and Nevis
From $ 84
Jim Thompson House
American-born Jim Thompson settled in Thailand after World War II and became famous for reviving the art of silk-weaving in the country before mysteriously disappearing in the 1960s while vacationing in Malaysia. Today, Thompson’s former residence in Bangkok serves as a museum dedicated to the artist, featuring his personal collection of Southeast Asian art and a display of his various personal effects.
Made up of six teak wood houses imported from different parts of Thailand, the Jim Thompson House incorporates traditional Thai architecture with a few Western twists, all located within a lush garden on the bank of the Saen Saeb canal. In addition to wandering the various rooms, including the library, painting pavilion, drawing room and the gold pavilion, visitors can also view silk-making demonstrations or stop into the on-site Thai restaurant and the museum shop, which sells quality silk products to take home as souvenirs.
Travelers can choose to fully experience the museum on a half-day tour that includes admission and roundtrip transportation in Bangkok, or opt for a tour that takes in the Jim Thompson House plus some of the city’s other major sights via various means of transport, including tuk tuk, khlong boat and the Skytrain.
Practical Info
The Jim Thompson House can be reached via subway by alighting at the National Stadium station and using exit 1, or by taking a khlong boat to Hua Chang Pier. Entrance costs 150 Baht for adults and 100 Baht for visitors under 22 years old. The site is open daily from 9am to 6pm.
Did You Know? Thompson's disappearance has fueled many conspiracy theories over the years, and although the mystery has gone unsolved, an American journalist later suggested links between Thompson's disappearance and the CIA, making a visit to his former residence all the more intriguing.
Address: 6 Soi Kasemsan 2, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
Hours: Daily 9am–6pm
Admission: 150 Baht
From $ 23
Jewish Historical Museum
Amsterdam is justly proud of its long-standing reputation for tolerance and with Ashkenazi Jews finding refuge in its borders throughout the 17th century, Jewish traditions have played an important part in the city’s heritage.
To honor this, the award-winning Joods Historisch Museum (Jewish Historical Museum) opened in the 1930s, and despite being shut down during the Nazi occupation of WWII, reopened in 1955. Its present location sprawls throughout the 17th-century buildings of 4 Ashkenazi synagogues on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein; as impressive outside as it is inside. Today, it remains the country’s only dedicated Jewish museum, exploring the history, culture and religion that have shaped so much of its population.
A vast collection of artwork, short films and photography accompanies the three permanent exhibitions, which showcase over 11,000 objects and focus on ‘Jewish traditions and customs’, the ‘history of Jews in the Netherlands’ and the harrowing tales and written testimonies of persecution under Nazi rule.
The modern museum also puts a twist on the storytelling in the adorning ‘JHM Children’s Museum’, where all ages are welcome to take part in Jewish-themed activities – if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to bake matzo, play traditional Jewish music or write in Hebrew, this is the place to learn. There’s even a café onsite, where you can recover from the day’s explorations – all kosher, of course.
To honor this, the award-winning Joods Historisch Museum (Jewish Historical Museum) opened in the 1930s, and despite being shut down during the Nazi occupation of WWII, reopened in 1955. Its present location sprawls throughout the 17th-century buildings of 4 Ashkenazi synagogues on Jonas Daniël Meijerplein; as impressive outside as it is inside. Today, it remains the country’s only dedicated Jewish museum, exploring the history, culture and religion that have shaped so much of its population.
A vast collection of artwork, short films and photography accompanies the three permanent exhibitions, which showcase over 11,000 objects and focus on ‘Jewish traditions and customs’, the ‘history of Jews in the Netherlands’ and the harrowing tales and written testimonies of persecution under Nazi rule.
The modern museum also puts a twist on the storytelling in the adorning ‘JHM Children’s Museum’, where all ages are welcome to take part in Jewish-themed activities – if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to bake matzo, play traditional Jewish music or write in Hebrew, this is the place to learn. There’s even a café onsite, where you can recover from the day’s explorations – all kosher, of course.
Address: Nieuwe Amstelstraat 1, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 11am - 5pm.
Admission: Adults, €12; Teens 13-17, €6; Children, 6-12 €3; Under 6, free
From $ 16
Jerusalem Jewish Quarter
This religious and spiritual destination is one of four historic quarters that make up the famed city of Jerusalem. Travelers seeking a touchstone to the past will find just what they’re after on a visit to this place that dates back to the Roman Empire.
Ancient ruins uncovered by archaeologists from Hebrew University are in a handful of museums and parks in the Jewish Quarter, including a 2,200-year-old image of a Temple menorah and portions of the Israelite Tower. A stunning pool built by the Romans was discovered in 2010. Travelers will find this homage to another lifetime filled with terracotta roof tiles, mosaic floors and regal steps.
Ancient ruins uncovered by archaeologists from Hebrew University are in a handful of museums and parks in the Jewish Quarter, including a 2,200-year-old image of a Temple menorah and portions of the Israelite Tower. A stunning pool built by the Romans was discovered in 2010. Travelers will find this homage to another lifetime filled with terracotta roof tiles, mosaic floors and regal steps.
In addition to archaeological ruins, visitors can tour several of the other historic and religious sites that are scattered across the Jewish Quarter. The famous Western Wall, several synagogues, a handful of Yeshivas and an abandoned mosque offer insight into the culture and traditions of this diverse city. The eclectic stalls and contagious energy of Cado market and Hurva Square offer travelers a taste of local life, too.
Practical Info
The Jewish Quarter covers approximately 116,000 square meters, between Zion Gate, the Armenian Quarter, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 49
Jewish Museum of Rome (Museo Ebraico di Roma)
Rome has been home to Italy’s most vibrant Jewish community for over 2000 years. The Jewish Museum of Rome records their history in seven ornate rooms displaying precious textiles, manuscripts, and silver, as well as a section dedicated to the Nazi occupation of Rome and tombstones moved from the catacombs beneath the city.
The Basics
Located in the lower level of the Great Synagogue of Rome (Tempio Maggiore di Roma)—built in the former Jewish ghetto (Ghetto di Roma) and inaugurated in 1904—the Jewish Museum of Rome (Museo Ebraico di Roma) opened in 1960. A gallery displays marble fragments from the 16th to the 19th centuries that record elements of Roman Jewish life, from the purchase of cemetery plots to the wills of wealthy families. The highlight is the 3D virtual tour through the Jewish ghetto, which re-creates the original streets and buildings from historic prints and artworks.
Rome’s former Jewish ghetto is one of the most storied corners of the city, offering a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities. Small-group Jewish ghetto tours generally include a guided tour of the main synagogue, the smaller Spanish Synagogue (Tempio Spagnolo), and the Jewish Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jewish Museum is steps from the charming backstreets, markets, and restaurants of the former Jewish ghetto and, across the river, Trastevere.
- Rome Jewish ghetto tours require a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The Jewish history museum is accessible to wheelchair users.
- Photography is not allowed inside the museum.
How to Get There
The Jewish Museum is located in the Great Synagogue complex on Lungotevere de' Cenci, just across the Tiber River from Rome’s historic center. Take bus 40 from the Termini train station or walk across Ponte Garibaldi.
When to Get There
As part of the synagogue complex, the Jewish Museum of Rome is closed on Jewish holidays, so be sure to check the calendar before planning a visit.
The Jewish Ghetto
Rome’s historic Jewish ghetto is now one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the city, with tiny alleys and squares lined with kosher restaurants, bakeries, and shops.
Address: Lungotevere de’ Cenci, Trastevere, Rome 00186, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 99
Jedburgh Abbey
The most complete of the four great medieval abbeys in the Scottish Borders, Jedburgh was founded in the mid-12th century by Augustinian canons; the town that grew up around it played an important role in the historic border struggles between England and Scotland. Repeatedly attacked by invading armies, the abbey was destroyed several times down the centuries before loosing its status during the Protestant Reformation in 1560.
Today the abbey sits in the middle of the town of Jedburgh and is surrounded by herb gardens, a gently dilapidated graveyard, a picnic area and tranquil views over the Jed Water. The nave and bell tower of the abbey church are still standing, built in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles; visitors can climb the spiral staircase at the west end of the nave for impressive views over its arched avenue of arcades. A visitor center displays artifacts discovered during various restorations; the most important of these are the ivory Jedburgh Comb, dating from the early 12th century, medieval biblical carvings and an eighth-century shrine, thought to be from the Anglo-Saxon monastery on the island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland.
Today the Borders abbeys (the others are at Dryburgh, Melrose and Kelso) are all connected by a 64.5-mile (103-km) walk that takes in the towns of Hawick and Selkirk. Jedburgh is also within easy reach of Hadrian’s Wall and the museums of Roman Britain.
Practical Info
Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh. Open daily Apr–Sept 9.30am-5.30pm; Oct–Mar 9.30am–4pm. Admission adults £5.50, seniors & students £4.40, children younger than 18 £3.30. Best accessed by car, Jedburgh is 50 miles (80.5 km) south of Edinburgh on the A68 and 10 miles (16 km) north of the border with England.
Address: Abbey Bridge End, Jedburgh, Borders TD8 6JQ, Scotland
Hours: daily Apr–Sept 9.30am–5.30pm; Oct–Mar 9.30am–4pm
Admission: adults £5.50, seniors & students £4.40, children younger than 18 £3.30
From $ 40
Jehangir Art Gallery
Located in the heart of the historic district of Mumbai, the Jehangir Art Gallery is the most prestigious venue for Indian artists in the city—and a great stop on any museum or city walking tour. Internationally recognized as the center of contemporary Indian art, the gallery is frequented by artists and art lovers alike, and is considered an important point of cultural interest.
The gallery features four large exhibition halls and is equipped with the latest audiovisual technology for its various multimedia exhibitions. Those looking to refuel can stop by the gallery's 1970s-themed restaurant or visit the oldest licensed antique dealer in India, also located inside the gallery.
A visit to the gallery is best enjoyed as part of a heritage walking tour of Colaba, or combined with a Mumbai museums tour, with visits to the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Prince of Wales Museum included.
Practical Info
The gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda near the Gateway of India and behind the Prince of Wales Museum in south Mumbai.
Did You Know? The Jehangir Art Gallery, and Cafe Samovar in particular, is featured in the 1975 Bollywood movie, Chhoti Si Baat.
Address: 161 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mumbai 400023, India
Hours: Daily 11am–7pm
From $ 42
Jefferson Memorial
Set on the south bank of the Tidal Basin amid the cherry trees, the Jefferson Memorial honors the third president of the United States, drafter of the Declaration of Independence and founder of the University of Virginia: Thomas Jefferson. Designed by John Russell Pope to resemble Jefferson's library, the memorial's columned rotunda is similar in style to the Pantheon in Rome.
On the Tidal Basin side, a sculptural group above the entrance depicts Jefferson with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston, all of whom worked to draft the Declaration of Independence. Inside, travelers will find a 19-foot (6-meter) bronze likeness of Jefferson, along with excerpts from his writings etched into the walls. Visit in late March or early April to see the cherry blooms outside in shades of pink.
Practical Info
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial sits on the south shore of the Tidal Basin, in East Potomac Park, just south of the National Mall. The memorial is accessible by metro. Nearby are the Smithsonian museums and the Lincoln Memorial. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for a visit.
Address: 900 Ohio Drive SW, National Mall, Washington D.C. 20024, USA
Hours: Open 24 hours a day
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Jeita Grotto
Lebanon’s spectacular Jeita Grotto makes an exciting day trip from Beirut. Once considered as a finalist for the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, this dramatic cave is divided into two levels: a lower grotto and an upper grotto, which contains the White Chamber, home to the world’s largest stalactite.
The Basics
The Jeita Grotto is a sprawling cave complex, divided into upper and lower levels. Guided tours take in all the highlights. Visitors enjoy a boat cruise through the lower grotto, a walking tour of the upper grotto, a cable-car ride, and a scenic train ride between the two grottoes. Most travelers visit on a day tour from Beirut, often in combination with nearby attractions such as UNESCO-listed Byblos or the pilgrimage site of Harissa.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A complete cave tour takes two hours, and the entrance fee covers all attractions.
- The cave complex has a restaurant, gift shops, gardens, a video presentation about the caves, and even a small zoo.
- Photography is not allowed within the caves.
- The caves are not wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
The cave complex is located 11 miles (18 kilometers) north of Beirut, or about 20 minutes’ drive. There is no direct public transportation to the caves, but buses from Dawra will drop you off at the Jeita exit along the Beirut–Jounieh Highway, and from there it’s only about five minutes’ journey to the Jeita Grotto by taxi.
When to Get There
Tours of the Jeita Grotto run Tuesday through Sunday year-round, and the sight is open from 9am until 5pm. However, the lower grotto is often closed during the winter months due to high water levels.
History of the Jeita Grotto
Though evidence suggests the Jeita Grotto was inhabited during ancient times, the caverns were rediscovered in 1863 by an American missionary. The subterranean Nahr el-Kalb river runs through the Lower Grotto, making it accessible via boat at certain times of the year. During the Lebanese Civil War the grottos were closed to the public and used as munitions storage, but in 1995 the Jeita Grotto was reopened to the public.
Address: Lebanon
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Jebel Hafeet
Just outside the city of Al Ain, straddling the border of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, Jebel Hafeet rises 4,068 feet (1,240 meters) above the desert landscape. It’s the highest peak in the emirate and the second highest in the country, making it one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular natural attractions.
The views, once you reach the top of the sandstone mountain, are well worth the journey. You’ll have unobstructed views of Al Ain below and Oman in the distance. The caves winding through the mountain have yielded abundant fossil discoveries and the foothills have served as a burial ground dating back more than 5,000 years—some of which you can still see.
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, known as one of the most scenic roads in the world, is also a popular training site for road cyclists working on their ascents. The Green Mubazzarah park at the base of the mountain houses a complex of natural hot spring pools for both men and women where you can relax after conquering the mountain.
The views, once you reach the top of the sandstone mountain, are well worth the journey. You’ll have unobstructed views of Al Ain below and Oman in the distance. The caves winding through the mountain have yielded abundant fossil discoveries and the foothills have served as a burial ground dating back more than 5,000 years—some of which you can still see.
The Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, known as one of the most scenic roads in the world, is also a popular training site for road cyclists working on their ascents. The Green Mubazzarah park at the base of the mountain houses a complex of natural hot spring pools for both men and women where you can relax after conquering the mountain.
Address: Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
From $ 115
Jelacic Square
The living heart around which Zagreb beats, Jelačić Square was built in the mid-19th century when Croatia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and it marks the boundary between Gornji Grad and Kapitol (both in the Upper Town) and Donji Grad (Lower Town). The huge, paved piazza is named after a military leader of the 19th century, whose equestrian statue by Austrian sculptor Anton Dominick Ritter von Fernkorn was erected in 1866; it has great sentimental value to the Croatian people as it was removed from the square in 1947 by the Communists, and only replaced in 1990 during the breakup of Yugoslavia.
Surrounded by elegant and arcaded Baroque buildings – many swathed in advertising hoardings – the vast square is crossed by several of the city’s great boulevards, including Illica and Radićeva. It is lined with bars and cafés that move outdoors in the summer, when locals and visitors jostle for space with buskers, beggars and the trams that constantly rattle around its perimeter. A Christmas market takes place during Advent, and Jelačić Square is where the people of Zagreb see in the New Year with fireworks and live music.
Practical Info
Trg bana Josipa Jelačića. Open all hours, Jelačić Square is pedestrianized and is on several tram lines.
Address: Trg bana Josipa Jelačića, Zagreb 1000, Croatia
From $ 23