1. Tokyo Ramen Street, Tokyo, Japan: With a variety of shops in one underground location, Tokyo Ramen Street offers visitors the experience of Japan’s famous dish – ramen. Introduced in 2009 inside Tokyo Station, it showcases eight of the best ramen shops in Tokyo, allowing tourists to try different ramen styles in one spot.
2. Sir John Soane’s Museum, London, UK: This hidden gem in London was once the home of the architect Sir John Soane. Today, it serves as a museum that showcases his collection of sculptures, paintings, and architectural models. The uniqueness of the museum comes from its preserved original interiors including his inventive use of space and light.
3. Thermes of Caracalla, Rome, Italy: Often overlooked due to its more famous counterparts (like the Colosseum), the Baths of Caracalla were the city’s second largest public baths constructed between AD 212 and 217. Despite being ruins now, their majestic grandeur is worth witnessing. Plus, occasionally it serves as a majestic backdrop for operas and concerts.
4. Le Comptoir Général, Paris, France: This bar and restaurant celebrates global ghetto culture with a mix of African, Caribbean, and American influences. Inside a seemingly nondescript barn along Canal Saint-Martin, it also hosts a range of events, from fashion pop-ups, art exhibitions, to DJ sets.
5. Roosevelt Island Smallpox Hospital Ruins, New York, USA: Far from the bustling NYC’s tourist-filled streets, lies the Smallpox Hospital, a hauntingly beautiful Gothic Revival structure. Built in 1856, it’s considered one of the most significant examples of the style. Now in ruins, the structure remains a symbol of NYC’s heroic battle against disease.
6. Neon Muzeum, Warsaw, Poland: This unique museum is dedicated to the preservation of Poland’s cold war era neon signs. The museum is off the tourist beaten track but worth the detour for its retro signs that tell a different narrative about the city’s history.
7. Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai, China: Although Shanghai is known for its futuristic skyscrapers, it is home to the Yuyuan Garden, a classical garden over 400 years old. It offers visitors a chance to experience tranquility in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. With its historic buildings, beautiful scenery, and cultural significance to Shanghai’s history, the Yuyuan Garden is certainly worth visiting.
8. El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Buenos Aires, Argentina: A theatre turned bookstore, El Ateneo Grand Splendid is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. It retains its century-old ornate architecture and a visit here is a unique experience for book lovers.
9. Teufelsberg, Berlin, Germany: This former US listening station turned urban graffitied art gallery stands atop an artificial hill made of wartime rubble. The echoes of the Cold War, the epic views of the city, and unusual artwork make Teufelsberg an appealing visit.
10. Nina’s Dandy, Alexandria, USA: This fancy dining cruise is often overshadowed by Washington’s major attractions. From Nina’s Dandy, capture impressive views of iconic landmarks and enjoy an exquisite meal while cruising along the Potomac River. A romantic and unusual experience away from the common crowd.