Things to Do in Washington Dc

Located between Puerto Plata’s resorts and the surf town of Cabarete in the Dominican Republic, Sosúa Beach is a pristine stretch of sand famous for excellent diving and snorkeling. With white sand fringed with trees and calm waters ideal for swimming, it’s a relaxing spot popular with families and day-trippers. 

Protected by a coral reef, the waters around Sosúa Beach are filled with marine life and coral gardens. Snorkelers can expect to see schools of tropical fish including parrotfish and lionfish here. The horseshoe-shape golden-sand beach is the perfect spot to relax with a book, and the water is safe enough for children to swim. 

Many people visit Sosúa Beach as part of a full-day tour from nearby Puerto Plata, enjoying snorkeling, a catamaran trip, or a ride in a glass-bottom boat.

Sosúa Beach is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) east of Puerto Plata International Airport. You can reach the beach by boat as part of a snorkeling trip, by car, or by taxi. Public buses run to the beach frequently from Puerto Plata town. 

Sosúa Beach is temperate and open to the public year-round. It’s busiest on Sundays, when local families come to spend the day at the beach. The atmosphere in Sosúa Beach is family-friendly during the day, but nighttime brings out a grittier element in town.

At the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata town, you can see all kinds of ancient insects and plant life preserved in amber. Tree resin that’s naturally fossilized over thousands of years, the beautiful semi-precious stone is found in many places worldwide, but amber from the Dominican Republic is widely considered to be among the clearest and best in the world.

Located in Sokcho City in South Korea’s Gangwon Province, the Sokcho Jungang Market is a quintessential Korean market specializing in fish, chicken and fresh fruits. Locals come to shop for groceries, and even if you’re not planning to cook, the market is an entertaining place for a stroll. The seafood section of the market teems with live aquatic critters in large fish tanks, making it akin to a free aquarium, and the variety of fruits on offer are inexpensive and great to take back to the hotel for breakfast or a snack.

While most people come to Sokcho Jungang Market to shop, the typical traveler comes to eat. The market food stalls have earned a drool-worthy reputation for their mansuk, a traditional local dish made by deep-frying chicken and tossing it in a sweet and spicy sauce. Some two dozen of these stalls occupy the market, and while they might all look the same at first glance, the ones with the longer lines are usually the best bets.

Stretching from Triglav National Park to Nova Gorica in Slovenia, the Soca Valley is home to the outdoor adventure hotspots of Bovec and Kobarid. Bovec in particular is known as the adrenaline capital of the country, serving as a base for white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking. It is also home to a zip line that lets visitors soar at speeds up to 40 kilometers per hour more than 50 meters above the ground. Other options include mountain biking, bungee jumping, canyoning, fishing, horseback riding and, in the winter months, ice climbing.

Beyond the adventure activities, the Soca Valley is home to several historical sights, mostly relating to World War I, when millions of troops fought in the surrounding mountains. Those interested in the heritage of World War I can follow a well-marked hiking trail known as the Walk of Peace through the valley past several outdoor museums.

The Sofia Synagogue is the largest synagogue in southeastern Europe and third largest in all of Europe. It is also one of just two functioning synagogues in Bulgaria. Construction began on the synagogue in 1905 and it opened in 1909. Built in a Moorish revival style with Viennese Secession and Venetian elements and an octagonal dome, it resembles the Leopoldstadter Tempel in Vienna, Austria. The interior of the synagogue is richly decorated, with marble columns, colorful Venetian mosaics, decorative wood carvings and a 1.7-ton chandelier that is the largest in Bulgaria. The synagogue has operated continuously since it opened, aside from a period during World War II. Although it can accommodate up to 1,300 worshipers, services today are sparsely attended.

Since 1992, the building has also housed the Jewish Museum of History, which was founded to preserve items related to Jewish culture in Bulgaria. The museum has two permanent exhibitions: The Jewish Communities in Bulgaria and The Holocaust and the Rescue of the Jews in Bulgaria. 

Since 2011 artists, creators and visionaries have gathered at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park—an old renovated tobacco factory—to showcase work, engage in arts education and inspire industry insiders. 

Travelers can wander the grounds, which include five old warehouses, a design museum and lab, a restaurant, garden and ecological pond. Public maps point visitors in the direction of popular shops, like the Liuligongfang glass store, as well as exhibit halls showcasing contemporary art, handmade designs and other local goods often available for purchase. 

Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Now a creative and cultural hub offering shows and activities year-round, the building is also known to have appeared in the Sherlock Holmes and James Bond films, among others.

 

Follow in the footsteps of movie stars on a cinematic tour, or visit on a walking or hop-on hop-off tour, according to your schedule. Travelers with more time can explore the grounds on a historical tour and gain insight into the royal, governmental, and public uses of the building over the years, or check out one of the events held here for an immersive experience of culture in the capital.

 

 

Somerset House is a 5-minute walk from Temple underground station, and 10 to 15 minutes from Covent Garden, Charing Cross, or Waterloo. Many local and hop-on hop-off buses serve the Strand, Waterloo Bridge, or Aldwych, while river bus and hop-on hop-off cruises serve nearby Embankment Pier.

 

Special events at Somerset House are popular with residents and visitors alike. In winter, the outdoor ice skating rink and Christmas arcade provide festive fun in the city, while film screenings, concerts, and DJ sets are enjoyed during warmer months.

 

Conclude your visit to Somerset House with a walk across Waterloo Bridge and head into one of London’s cultural districts. Wander east along the river and discover prime Thameside views, as well as unique architecture, theatres, galleries, and English pubs to boot.

Built in 1985, the Solar Boat Museum is home to one of the world's most unique finds—an ancient Egyptian solar barge that was buried near Khufu's tomb at the Great Pyramid of Giza as early as 2500 BC to help transport the pharaoh to the afterlife. It is one of the world's oldest and most remarkably preserved ships from antiquity.

After being exhumed in 1954 and painstakingly reconstructed from 1,224 pieces—a process that took over 13 years—the mighty ship is now on display for the public to see. The museum offers fascinating insight into the ancient ship's discovery and reconstruction, but the boat itself is, of course, the highlight. Constructed from cedar wood and measuring 143 feet (43.6 meters) long and 19 feet (5.9 meters) wide, the ship is an impressive sight. Three floors of walkways allow visitors to view it from all angles.

Part of Dubai’s luxe Madinat Jumeirah resort, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern re-creation of a traditional Arabian souk, with an upscale touch. In place of higgledy-piggledy stalls, a web of alleyways echoes a classic bazaar filled with boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants, and cafés.

 

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah replicates classic Arabian market architecture, with earth-toned wind towers, and carved timber ceilings and arches. Inside, about 75 outlets await, from gift emporiums to boutiques, jewelers, and international chains. Dozens of restaurants and bars serve an array of different cuisines, and their tables spill out beside the palm-lined waterways that lend the souk its “Little Venice” nickname. The final touch is the Madinat Theatre, which offers evening shows.

 

The souk appears on many Dubai city tours that include time to roam the shops and enjoy the Burj Al Arab views from the waterside terraces. Evening tours let you enjoy the complex at its prettiest, when its waterways and wind towers are illuminated and music adds to the ambience. The souk is also featured on many Dubai shopping tours as a contrast to glitzier malls.

 

 

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah lies south of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai’s Jumeirah district, where Jumeirah Street meets Umm Suqeim Street. Ride the metro to the Mall of the Emirates station—the nearest metro stop—and catch a cab or one of the regular buses that run to the souk.

 

The Souk is open all week, year-round, with its shops open 10am-11pm and its restaurants 8am–2am. Tourists flock here during Dubai’s winter (Dec. to March), so expect crowds at peak times. Things quiet down come summer, although the air conditioning makes the souk an ideal refuge from the heat.

 

Be sure to ride a wooden abra boat along the souk waterways while you’re here. Follow the signs to the abra station and hire a boat to cruise the turquoise channels, admiring the palms, wind towers, and views of the Burj Al Arab en route.

Slightly smaller than Yogyakarta, the conservative and traditional city of Solo is an ideal place for travelers to sample the best of Indonesia’s culture, food and spirit without the crowds or chaos. Visitors can wander through local markets selling handmade items like colorful batiks, or venture into modern-day malls with bright lights and contemporary shops. Solo is a study in opposition, since old meets new at almost every turn. 

Visitors can easily access Central Java from transportation hubs in Solo, and a number of impressive temples are located within city limits. Solo is an all-access pass to Javanese culture and the perfect spot to check out a live traditional dance or music performance. 

The Soswaewon Garden in South Korea dates back to the 1500s when it was constructed by Yang Sanbo. A stone and mud wall surrounds the garden, with three inscribed stone and wooden panels built into it, including a board at the entrance displaying Kim Inhu's poem praising the garden.

The garden itself is a scenic spot — a mixture of nature’s work and artificial features that blend well together. Amid the landscape are a pond, two pavilions, and a bamboo grove. Elsewhere, a variety of different types of trees line both sides of a stream, and translucent water flows down the foot of the garden walls.

With a stream of new bars, restaurants and nightclubs springing up along the waterfront, the island of Södermalm, or ‘Söder’ as it’s known to locals, is quickly earning a reputation as one of Stockholm’s hippest districts, popular among the city’s younger residents. Entering Södermalm from Gamla Stan, the lively areas of Slussen and nearby Medborgarplatsen are the center of island life, interlinked by the principal shopping boulevard of Götgatan, and further south the affectionately nicknamed ‘SoFo’ district is know for its fashion boutiques, vintage stores and atmospheric cafés.  

Although home to a cluster of museums, including the Stockholm City Museum, Södermalm has comparatively few tourist attractions and the scenic island is best known for its cliff-top lookouts and seafront promenades which offer dramatic views over the neighboring islands. Additional areas of interest include the charming coastal area of Fjällgatan, dotted with 16th-century wooden buildings, the 17th-century Katarina Kyrka church and the beaches of Tantolunden.

Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater at Pozzuoli, not far from Naples. Likely the most interesting of the 40 or more volcanoes that comprise the Campi Flegrei volcanic area, the Solfarata first formed about 4,000 years ago and last erupted in 1198. While dormant today, it still emits jets of steam with sulfurous fumes. Solfatara’s thermal waters were once believed to cure a variety of medical ailments and the crater was once home to a volcanological observatory, built in the year 900 by a German volcanologist. Ruins of the observatory can still be seen today.

Solfatara is now a popular tourist attraction with two unique phenomena to witness: the condensation of steam and the rumble of the ground when a rock is dropped just right. A walk around the crater floor takes you past the main fumarole known as Bocca Grande and the mud pit known as the Fangaia, as well as a variety of other fumaroles, mofettes and typical Mediterranean vegetation.

A popular weekend refuge from Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Šolta is a heavily wooded island paradise just 19 km (12 miles) in length and five km (three miles) wide, with a scattering of charming rural villages and unspoiled pebbly beaches interspersed with rocky coves. Hilly, clad with maquis, olive groves and pine forest, and largely built of limestone, the island has a reputation for producing fine olive oils, honey and grappas as well as local wines, which can be sampled at several family-run restaurants in time-warp inland villages constructed from pale limestone such as Gornje Selo and Srednje Selo. 

The largest beach is at Necujam on the north coast, while the cove at Maslinica on the west coast provides sheltered swimming thanks to the protection of a string of tiny islets. This tangle of terracotta-roofed cottages has a palm-lined promenade and plenty of seafront tavernas. 

Laidback Šolta is also a popular stopover for yachties, with the sheltered harbor at Stomorska being a favourite haven; this is one of the island’s prettiest villages, with a morning fish market, a charming waterfront and low-key restaurants.

Known as the Emerald Beauty thanks to its sparkling green waters, the Soca River in western Slovenia is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Flowing from the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps, the river connects 12 cities as it makes it way to the Adriatic Sea. The river is best known for water sports, including kayaking, paddle boarding, rafting and fly-fishing. The fly-fishing season stars in April and rafting is popular April through October. The valley surrounding the Soca River offers a wealth of activities for visitors, from hiking and mountain biking to paragliding and canyoning. It is also home to the Walk of Peace, a well-marked hiking trail that follows the heritage of World War I and includes stops at several outdoor museums along the way.

One of the most popular towns along the Soca River is Bovec, which has been called the adrenaline capital of Slovenia. It is the perfect jumping off point for your active vacation in the mountains, but especially white water rafting, kayaking, paragliding and hiking.

A deep and narrow canyon formed by the powerful Rio Coco, Central America’s longest river, Somoto Canyon National Monument offers thrilling excursions for adrenaline junkies and scenic views of northern Nicaragua’s remote territory. The protected area covers 420 acres (170 hectares), including a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) stretch of canyon.

Unparalleled adventure in a rarely visited portion of Nicaragua’s lush north rewards those who make the 3-hour drive to Somoto Canyon from Managua. Peer into the canyon on a hike, or ride horseback through fields of wild orchids and stop to explore the natural caves dotted along the rim. Scramble along the rocky riverside, cool off in secluded swimming holes, or join a guide for cliff jumps, rappels, and rock climbing. Be sure to pre-book a Somoto Canyon tour if you plan on taking any thrills, as uncertified guides often try to sell excursions at the park entrance.

Somoto Canyon is located in Nicaragua just south of the Honduras border and nine miles (15 kilometers) north of the town of Somoto. Those traveling on public transit can take a bus from Managua to Somoto and then transfer at the bus station to a second line toward the Honduras border, while those with private transport can drive all but the last 1.2 miles (two kilometers) to the riverbank (unless in a 4x4 vehicle). The canyon is roughly a 2-hour trip from the closest major city of Esteli.

The Somoto Canyon is open all year, although closures are possible in October due to the rising water level of the river.

A group of geologists researching the area discovered Somoto Canyon in 2004. It has quickly grown into a worthwhile destination for its beauty, protected status, many activities, and remote location.

Centuries ago the Bedouin came to Souq Waqif to trade their sheep, goats and wool for other essentials. Today, the souq—one of the oldest in Doha—has been rejuvenated to look like it did in the 19th century, complete with several painstakingly restored Qatari buildings.

While Souq Waqif has enjoyed a bit of a renaissance in recent years, it remains one of Doha’s most traditional marketplaces, making it a great place to buy traditional Qatari clothing, incense, perfumes and spices. Hamali, porters equipped with wheelbarrows, still transport shoppers’ purchases through the alleys, and officers at the local police station still dress in 1940s era uniforms. Shops are interspersed with restaurants and shisha lounges where hungry shoppers can find refreshment.

The hillside town of Sonargaon is one of the oldest capitals in Bengal and is home to diverse history that spans time, across Hindu, Mughal and British rule. Visitors can see evidence of this eclectic past while wandering the streets, where ancient ruins of a rich past juxtapose more modern European structures.

Travelers can explore the villages and towns that make up this stunning destination aboard a local rickshaw, which can be hired for a single low daily fee. Drivers will transport visitors to some of the areas key sites, including the Goaldi Mosque, Tomb of Sultan Ghiyasuddin Azam Shah and the Shiva Shrine. Those looking for memorable items to take home will do well on a stop to the Folk­Art and Craft Museum Gift Shop inside the Sadarbari museum, which sells dozens of handmade, local items.

Hong Kong’s trendy Soho District is known for its contrasting architecture and vibrant nightlife, blending natural features, traditional Chinese culture, and colonial design. Popular with locals and internationals alike, the entertainment district offers bars, restaurants, and clubs with a range of cuisine and amusements.

Soho’s streets are best explored on foot, with many walking tours passing through the area on a citywide itinerary. Opt for a private tour for a more personalized experience, or take advantage of hop-on hop-off services that stop nearby to discover the district’s many boutiques, cafés, and eateries at your own pace. Those with an interest in Soho’s contemporary-art scene should consider a gallery- or street-art-focused tour.

Located in Central, Soho derives its name from the moniker South of Hollywood Road. From MTR Central Station, walk along Queen’s Road Central, then board the Mid-Levels Escalator to Shelley, Staunton, or Elgin Street; it’s about a 15-minute walk. Alternatively, bus 22 stops on Shelley Street, though it takes a little longer.

By day, Soho’s many boutiques, stalls, cafés, and galleries are the district’s main draw, ideal for culture vultures and city photographers. By night, the district’s bars, restaurants, and clubs come to life, and visitors looking to experience authentic Hong Kong nightlife can take their pick from the wealth of entertainment on offer.

Soho is home to a range of inclusive LGBTQ spaces, with plenty of opportunities to catch a late-night drag show, stop by a friendly bar for relaxed drinks, or hit the floor and dance the night away in safe, supportive space in the city center.

This London neighborhood has it all: theaters, live music, eclectic nightlife, shopping, historical sites, and a quirky food scene. Located in the West End District popular with actors, artists, musicians, and fashionistas, Soho is also the epicenter of London’s gay scene. 

The Basics

Covering just one square mile (2.6 square kilometers), Soho is best explored on foot. Taste your way around Soho’s diverse food scene on chocolate tours, English tea and dessert tours, modern British food tours, or excursions featuring international cuisine. Walk in the footsteps of The Beatles on Abbey Road and learn about the city’s other rock ‘n’ roll legends, or visit the area’s best-loved pubs and brewhouses on a bar-hopping tour. If history is your thing, Soho walking tours offer an education on London’s hidden gems and historic artifacts. 

Set in Central London in the middle of the West End, Soho is easy to visit via guided tour or public transportation. Travel by bus or tube (subway) to any of these stations that are close to Soho: Leicester Square, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, or Tottenham Court Road. If you plan to stay in London for several days, it’s a good idea to pick up a visitor Oyster card. Driving is not recommended as this area is very busy and there can be limited parking.

Soho is thriving day and night. To avoid crowds, visit mid-morning on a weekday to miss commuters on the tube and beat the lunchtime rush at restaurants. The place comes alive at night, so be sure to check out some bars, comedy clubs, and live music venues like Ronnie Scott’s.

Soho is a bustling shopping district—the department store Liberty is a London institution and if you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the famous toy shop Hamleys. For boutiques, go to Berwick Street, Carnaby Street and Kingly Court, and for flagship stores, go to Oxford Street and Regent Street. If you love chocolate, don’t miss the Paul A. Young store on Wardour Street.

Built in 1611, Amsterdam’s South Church (Zuiderkerk) was the city’s first Protestant church and remains one of its most memorable landmarks. The church’s striking facade and distinctive bell tower have been painted by Monet, while Rembrandt reputedly painted The Night Watch there. 

Amsterdam walking tours often make a stop to admire the South Church and the quintessential photo spot is looking out across the Groenburgwal canal—the same angle from which Monet painted his Zuiderkerk painting. After admiring the 17th-century church from outside, continue your sightseeing tour to nearby attractions including the Rembrandt House, the Royal Palace, Waterlooplein Market, and the Red Light District.

The South Church sits just south of Amsterdam’s Nieuwmarkt, within the central canal loop. The closest metro station is Nieuwmarkt, and the church is just a short walk from Waterlooplein and many of central Amsterdam’s attractions.

For photographers, the most flattering light can be found at dusk, but for a crowd-free shot, aim to get there early in the morning. 

The South Church is one of a series of ecclesiastical masterpieces constructed by Dutch Renaissance architect Hendrick de Keyser, who helped shape the face of the Grachtengordel (Canal Ring) by designing the West Church (Westerkerk) on Prinsengracht and the North Church (Noorderkerk) in the Jordaan district. The church’s architectural highlight is its ornamental wooden spire, which looms 246 feet (75 meters) above the surrounding gabled houses and stands out thanks to its ornate gilding and balustrading. De Keyser died in 1621 and is buried in the church along with three of Rembrandt’s children and Ferdinand Bol, who was the artist’s most famous pupil.