Hollywood's most famous landmark, the "temporary" sign that has stood for decades longer than intended.

Life in this isolated, hilltop lighthouse was lonely, but it sure was lovely.

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

For centuries young Thai men used this Giant Swing as a slingshot to heaven.

A tall karst islet popularized by 007.

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

This enormous sports car themed amusement park is home to the world’s fastest roller coaster.

Whitewashed mosque contains the world's largest carpet.

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

This seemingly random 30-foot statue of an oryx in Qatar's capital was a mascot for the 2006 Asian Games.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

The first piece of public art dedicated to LGBT rights.

A reminder to choose water over wine since 1888.

The 28-foot granite map plots the locations of 40 theaters in New York City.

Beautiful mosaics cover the first stations opened on New York City's newest subway line.

The most confusing clock in New York.

An artist's cute bronze subway sculptures belie his violent artistic past.

The "Seinfeld" diner.

Great place to have a drink and a bite to eat in an atmosphere laden with New York's Bohemian past.

Wall Street has a new heroine, a bronze statue of a small but fierce girl.

Elevated freight railway turned wildly successful urban park.

Manhattan’s Battery Park has a whimsical carousel full of spinning, glowing fish.

A terrific purveyor of natural history objects and curios.

The very first subway station in New York City is beautiful, decked out in chandeliers, and ... abandoned?