There are plenty of wonderful panoramic vistas in Edinburgh, but not many are hidden smack in the middle of the Old Town.

One of the oldest scientific gardens in Britain, containing more than 13,302 plant species in its core collection.

Ruined 11th century abbey built by King David I in Edinburgh, Scotland.

17th century streets hidden under Edinburgh were once a breeding ground for the black death.

This otherwise ordinary close on the Royal Mile constituted the end of the world for Edinburgh’s poorest residents.

Elevated freight railway turned wildly successful urban park.

Back in the day everyone who was anyone played this historic western theater.

Eastern zen meets Western grit in these four little trees growing out of a rock on Lake Tahoe’s Nevada shore.

An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

There are lots of hands and feet stamped in the cement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, but Mel left behind something extra.

This star-studded Old Hollywood restaurant is where fettuccine Alfredo made its United States debut.

Historic funicular railway, believed to be the shortest railroad in the world.

After starting as a whimsical tourist attraction that eventually found its way to ruin, these renovated canals offer a lush and exotic locale on the Pacific Coast.

The legendary building that needed ghostly approval before being built.

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

A walk through the historic city center, under the streets of Seattle.

This small-town Connecticut restaurant gives each diner a free book from its vast library.

It's not hard to see why the historic Peabody Conservatory of Music's library has been described as a "cathedral of books."

The colorful stairs are made with marble from the world's major quarries.

An 18th-century lighthouse built on a 16th-century castle is now a monument to the maritime beacons of Scotland.