Even though some of the buildings date back to the Victorian era, this research institute is still involved in cutting-edge astronomy research.

Poetic, metallic giraffes adorn a square off an Edinburgh thoroughfare.

Stonehenge has nothing on Castlerigg’s views.

This beautiful example of Victorian engineering is the oldest water-balanced funicular anywhere in the world.

A surreal paleontological sculpture garden pays homage to a fading industry.

This Georgian Gothic building was created to shelter and feed deer.

An unlikely link between a quiet English town and Sydney’s skyline.

This lonely bronze walrus celebrates a character in a Lewis Carroll poem.

A reminder of a long-gone community and way of life on the River Tyne.

This former burial ground, built atop discarded ballast from cargo ships, is now a public park.

Eat fish and chips in a striking Neoclassical building that once hid a public lavatory.

This sculpture made up of 22 bulbous bronze figures reminds locals of massive Weeble Woobles.

Royal burial place of the kings of ancient Britain.

Medicinal spa created from the mineral-rich runoff of a geothermal power plant

A favorite with sightseers and locals alike, this Norwegian funicular provides easy access to a stunning view of Bergen and its environs.

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.

This “grave” memorializes the 53 rakugo stories that were once banned by the national censorship.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

You can receive a blessing for your electronics at this Shinto shrine near Akihabara.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

This small Japanese street is lined with figures, sculptures and a shrine dedicated to frogs.

This traditional Japanese shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities.

This whimsical garbage disposal facility receives around 12,000 accidental tourists each year.

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.