10 unexpected but interesting places in the most popular cities in the world (11 photos)
Bird palaces, abandoned underground aquariums and an island covered in doll heads - all this is hidden in noisy megalopolises that seem to have been studied far and wide. 
But behind the famous landmarks and bustling shopping streets and tourist centers, amazing places are hidden that can amaze even seasoned travelers. A mysterious severed hand, a musical instrument that plays to the sound of the waves, and other strange finds await in dark alleys, secret caves and even in plain sight.
1. Decur's Sculptures, Paris, France 
These miniature carvings, with their exquisite detail, tell the story of the men who toiled underground to build the beautiful city above ground. Before the catacombs became home to some 7,000 Parisians, the tunnels were quarries. Decur, a former soldier in Louis XV's army, discovered a secret room here. From 1777 to 1782, he secretly came here to carve three sculptures, inspired by memories of the war.
2. Mushizuka at Kan'eiji Temple, Tokyo, Japan 
Not far from Ueno Park stands the quiet pagoda of Kan'eiji Temple, which is rarely visited by tourists. Most visitors come here because of the historical significance of the place: in 1869, supporters of the emperor attacked the troops of the last Tokugawa shogun here. Bullet marks are still visible on the wooden walls. But if you look closely, you can find another unusual object - a stone with an inscription dedicated to the souls of insects that died in the name of science.
3. The Hand in the Byward Tower, London, UK 
The first building that visitors to the Tower see after passing security is the Byward Tower, built in the 13th century by order of Henry III. One of its most mysterious features is hidden in plain sight: behind a cloudy glass brick is a human hand. No one knows how or why it got there. Even the guards guarding the fortress cannot give an answer.
4. Island of the Dolls, Mexico City, Mexico 
More than 50 years ago, Julian Santana abandoned his family and settled on an island in the canals of Xochimilco. According to one version, he dedicated his life to the memory of a drowned girl, although relatives claim that the tragedy was a figment of his imagination. Either way, Santana began collecting dolls and hanging them all over the island. Over time, this place turned into an eerie doll labyrinth.
5. Brooklyn Grange Farm and Apiary, New York, USA 
Since 2010, Brooklyn Grange has been supplying New York City with rooftop vegetables. The main farm is located in Queens, and the second is in Brooklyn. Together, they occupy about 10,000 m² and produce up to 18,000 kg of crops per year. The largest urban apiary is also located here, and the farm itself is considered the largest soil farm on a roof in the world.
6. Ottoman Bird Palaces, Istanbul, Turkey 
If you look up while walking around Istanbul, you will notice miniature palaces built into the walls of mosques and madrassas. These bird houses have been built for centuries, and the Ottomans turned them into true works of art. It was believed that caring for birds helped to earn God's favor, and at the same time protected the buildings from bird nests.
7. Batman Street, Sao Paulo, Brazil 
In a city where graffiti is everywhere, Beco do Batman (Batman Alley) stands out. It all started with a picture of the famous hero, and now it’s a whole block of street art. Every inch of the walls is covered in drawings, including the sidewalks. Artists from all over the world come here to leave their mark – even if only for a short time.
8. Wave Organ, San Francisco, USA 
In 1986, an unusual musical instrument appeared on the San Francisco Bay Pier. Artist Peter Richards created an acoustic sculpture that amplifies the sounds of the waves. More than 20 PVC and concrete pipes are submerged in water at different depths. When the tide comes in, they emit mysterious gurgling melodies.
9. Garden with a grotto-aquarium, Cairo, Egypt 
On the island of Zamalek, in the middle of the Nile, there is a shady park with grottoes. Once there were aquariums with live fish, but now only abandoned tanks, preserved exhibits and stuffed animals remain. Today, this place has become a quiet refuge for couples in love, hiding from the noise of Cairo and vigilant parents.
10. Giant Swing, Bangkok, Thailand 
The 28-meter swing next to Wat Suthat temple was built in 1784 by order of King Rama I. For centuries, it played a key role in a ceremony symbolizing the Hindu myth of Shiva, who stood on a mountain while snakes tried to push him down. Participants in ornate headdresses swung so high that they could grab a bag of coins suspended 25 meters above with their teeth. Success meant that the world was as stable as the legendary Shiva.
