Its town washed away centuries ago, this lonely tower by the sea tells the tale of a mermaid and a curse.

It appears as if a man is standing behind this giant airport clock, painting the hands in real time.

Go inside a revolutionary, cage-less zoo where 70 species of monkeys roam free alongside their human visitors.

These slanted cubic abodes are a creative if odd solution to a zoning pickle.

Crouch down, stretch tall, and be sure to flail your legs to pay homage to the Monty Python classic.

This centuries-old gothic monster has been converted into a sprawling, glossy bookstore.

A former plague hospital turned medical museum.

An ancient passage filled with stalls selling used books, once frequented by Vincent Van Gogh.

This 22-floor tower's Skydeck offers panoramic views of Amsterdam.

Peek through a transparent pyramid and drink in the mountain made of books.

Established in 1638 to battle the Black Death, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is a treasure trove of rare flora.

Cat art as far as the eye can see.

The world's only museum devoted to the wonders of fluorescence.

One of Belgium's oldest hospitals saw patients from the 13th to 20th centuries before becoming a museum.

This Belgian palace was long the domain of priests and aristocrats but is now being turned into an art commune.

The patron of this extravagant Art Nouveau confection insisted that nothing less than a boat should project from its facade.

Petting this mysterious iron monkey supposedly brings good luck.

This collection of solar timekeepers includes the world's first digital sundial.

The Belgian royal family's private depot now stands abandoned and forgotten alongside the tracks.

Each time a baby is born in Ghent, these streetlights flash in silent celebration.

Most prolific publishing house in the 1600s open to the public.

A visionary precursor to the Internet made of index cards.

A fantastical bed and breakfast with magically unique rooms.

The highest point in Belgium is a staircase to nowhere.