Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in St John's
Blue Grotto
- Be sure to wear a lifejacket while on a boat, and be aware that the walk down to the boats in the harbor is steep.
- Before descending to the harbor, stop and enjoy the panoramic view that includes a large limestone arch.
- Boats to the Blue Grotto will not run if the sea is too rough.
- Scuba diving is available from Wied Iz-Zurrieq.
Albert Cuyp Market
Located on Albert Cuypstraat in the city’s characterful De Pijp district, the market is open every day except Monday and is an easy tram ride from the city center. Here, about 260 market stalls offer just about everything imaginable. Share some jovial banter with the notoriously chatty stallholders as you bargain over books, clothing and electronics, then fill your shopping basket with fresh fruit, vegetables and fish, all at very reasonable prices. The melting pot of local residents brings an ethnic flavor to proceedings; Turkish, Moroccan and Surinamese foods and furnishings add a flash of color to the market but, of course, there’s plenty of traditional Dutch fare on sale too.
If all that shopping leaves you feeling peckish, the area surrounding the market is crammed with international restaurants with curry houses, Asian noodle bars and street food providing a myriad of choices. Just don’t forget to sample local specialty – freshly baked Stroopwafels, dripping with syrup.
Not finished shopping, yet? Check out Amsterdam’s Waterlooplein flea market, the famous floating flower market on the Singel canal or the Black Market Bazaar, Europe’s largest indoor market
Alanya Castle
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Al Hazm Castle
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Alabaster Mosque (Mohammad Ali Mosque)
The citadel of Saladin - and indeed, the Cairo skyline - is dominated by the Alabaster Mosque, or Mosque of Mohammed Ali. Modelled along classic Turkish lines, it took 18 years to build (1830 - 1848) although later the domes had to be rebuilt. It was commissioned by Mohammad Ali, ruler of Egypt from 1805 - 1849, who lies in the marble tomb on the right as you enter.
Perhaps the most evocative description of it is in Olivia Manning's The Levant Trilogy: "Above them Mohammed Ali's alabaster mosque, uniquely white in this sand-coloured city, sat with minarets pricked, like a fat, white, watchful cat." It has never found much favor with writers, who have criticized it for being unimaginative, lacking in grace and resembling a great toad. Note the chintzy clock in the central courtyard, a gift from King Louis-Philippe of France in thanks for the Pharaonic obelisk that adorns the Place de la Concorde in Paris. It was damaged on delivery and has yet to be repaired.
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The easiest way to travel around Cairo is by organized tour or private car and guide. If you choose a private car, just be firm that you do not want to visit all the perfume and carpet shops!
Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae)
- The Blue House is a must-see for history buffs and architecture lovers.
- Bring a camera to capture the Blue House with Bugaksan Mountain in the background.
- Tours of the grounds must be approved by a formal application sent via mail or email; applications must be submitted at least three weeks in advance.
- A passport is required to tour the grounds.
Al-Azhar Mosque
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Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
- At the cave entrance, you must purchase a ticket from the floating ticket office and board a rowboat to enter. This is included in most boat tours.
- Due to the low cave entrance, the Blue Grotto is only open when weather conditions permit.
- You’ll have to wait to enter the cave aboard small, open-air rowboats, so bring a hat and sunblock.
- The journey to the Blue Grotto is not recommended for those who suffer from seasickness.
- Once inside the cave, many rowboat skippers will treat you to a serenade for a small tip.
Blue Bay Marine Park
Al Jalali Fort
Al Mirani Fort
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
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Blue Hole National Park
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Albert Einstein Memorial
The 4-ton bronze statue of Einstein depicts him holding a paper inscribed with his three most important contributions to science: the photoelectric effect, the theory of general relativity, and the equivalence of energy and matter (e=mc2). The uniquely mottled texture of the statue’s bronze is the signature style of its sculptor, Robert Berks, who also created the famous bust of JFK found in the lobby of the nearby Kennedy Center.
The memorial’s 28-foot-wide black granite base is inlaid with over 2,700 metal studs, which were mapped out by astronomers from the U.S. Naval Observatory and meant to represent the stars, planets and more as they appeared on the dedication date..
Albert Memorial
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Al Jahili Fort
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Al Bithnah Fort
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Albert Memorial Clock Tower
- The 150-year-old landmark is a must-see on any city tour.
- Don’t forget an umbrella or raincoat on rainy days, as Queen’s Square is unsheltered.
- It is not possible for visitors to enter the tower’s interior.
- The wide, paved footpaths around the tower are wheelchair accessible.
Al Hamra
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Blue Hole
- A bathing suit and water shoes are a must. In order to enjoy the Blue Hole without worrying about your belongings, be prepared to leave phones and wallets in the tour vehicle or with your tour guide.
- Swimming and cliff jumping at the Blue Hole is not recommended for kids under 10 years old.
- There are land-based walk-around options for those who don't wish to jump the cliffs.
- Life jackets are available for loan at the site.