The city of Rockford, Illinois is symbolically protected by a quartet of fittingly stony sentinels.

Structure built from the skulls of vanquished foes.

This trio of Dominican cave lakes comprise a colorful biosphere of natural life.

One of São Paulo's tight urban intersections has become a haven for graffiti artists ever since a single Batman started the trend.

Natural cathedral designed by Italian artist Giuliano Mauri.

An eccentric artist's abode in this small Italian town has been transformed into a surreal temple of mosaic madness.

More than half of this Indian palace is drowned but it looks all the more spectacular for it.

The old Niles Canyon Aqueduct in the San Francisco Bay Area is a bemusing and secret trail through nature for wayward travelers.

A winding path built in secret on the edge of the continent.

Secret hideaway for an alternative beach experience.

An artsy hidden staircase leads to breathtaking views of San Francisco.

This upscale streetwear store is hidden behind a fake Snapple machine in the back of a deli.

A battle between nature and architecture in the Cambodian jungle.

This iconic Parisian bookstore doubles as the "Tumbleweed Hotel" for traveling writers.

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

This Parisian café sticks almost exclusively to an ethos of reuse.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

A taste of the macabre Tokyo's ritzy shopping district.

The world's smallest commercial theater is set up in what was once a urinal for Victorian men.

On stormy days debris from this unfinished and abandoned skyscraper rains down on the Bangkok streets.

An enormous dragon scales the walls of this 17-story temple.

Order scoops of pandan, lychee, and black sesame at this family-run institution.

Try not to get slimed in Tribeca.

Numerous impressive carvings are embedded in the trees lining this street in Marrakech.