In the telecasting showAn Idiot Abroad , Ricky Gervais sends his brother Karl to the Petra Monastery in Jordan , where Karl teach that the best view is n’t actually stand in front of the monastery but from a cave across the direction . Andwhat he saysupon realizing this is in reality freakin ’ enlightening : “ You ’re better off livin ’ in the hole look at the castle , than living at the castle looking at the fix . ”
Karl ’s right : sometimes the good advantage point is where you least expect it ( or rather , where you will encounter the fewest figure of selfie sticks ) . Which is why we tracked down eight lesser - known spots for hear some of the macrocosm ’s big magnet .
St. Peter’s Basilica
Rome , ItalyViewing spot : The Knights of Malta KeyholeUnfortunately , there ’s no other way to marvel at Michelangelo ’s handcraft than to go at heart of St. Peter ’s Basilica , but you wo n’t require to miss seeing it from this other stealthier spot . It ’s a teeny keyhole that perfectly frames the Renaissance Christian church ! Get there by climbing Aventine Hill and find The Knights of Malta construction , HQ to the world ’s erstwhile society of knighthood .
Wat Arun
Bangkok , ThailandViewing spot : The DeckThis Buddhist temple is a must - visit in Bangkok , but can be a literal infliction to get to – we ’re talk jumping gravy boat and dodging tourist . If you do n’t really care about climbing the temple , book a table at The Deck eatery for sunset potable ( by Western prices , it ’s reasonable ) . You ’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of Wat Arun fizz on the water , with a walkover and cocktail give in for dependable measure .
Acropolis
Athens , GreeceViewing spot : Filopappou HillSo Acropolis admission is go up this year ( because , Greek debt crisis ) , but restrain onto your Euros : one of the best spots to admire the ruins is actually totally gratis . wax up Filopappou Hill , you could get an awesome panorama of Athens , the Aegean , and even a full shot of the Acropolis – no backdrop of tour groups necessary .
Berlin Wall
Berlin , GermanyViewing stain : Invalids ’ CemeteryGo ahead and get that necessary selfie against someEast Side Gallery graffiti , but also take sentence to check out Invalids ’ Cemetery where a decrepit , lesser - known bit of the Berlin Wall still remain . Here in what was once “ no man ’s land ” between East and West , you ’ll also find the resting places of WWI veterans and Nazi leaders .
Christ the Redeemer
Rio de Janeiro , BrazilViewing spot : From a helicopterOK , OK , so not really a secret spot ( or even an approachable one really ) , BUT if you ’re only die to splurge $ 150 on a tokenish tourer chopper ride once in your life , trust us – Rio ’s the spot . Four thousand foot in the air is where you ’ll get the most epic view of Christ the Redeemer , let in the bottom part , which ca n’t be assure from basis entry .
Hollywood Sign
Los AngelesViewing spot : Lake Hollywood ParkHiking Hollywood Ridge and Beachwood Canyon are the most popular agency to set eye on this all important American landmark , but your honest opinion is actually ( perhaps too sanely ) from underneath . local anaesthetic fuck to disagree about where that prize real estate is , but when it comes to overall experience , there ’s Lake Hollywood Park . It ’s one of the well-heeled spots to ascertain with a percipient vista of the sign , and a pretty location on its own jactitation greenery and a adjacent reservoir .
Cliffs of Moher
County Clare , IrelandViewing spot : come from DoolinGoogle Ireland ’s most famous attractiveness , and you ’ll pull up words like “ tourist trap ” and “ overrated ” pretty quick . But blogger Shannon O’Donnell incur aroute through pasturesstarting in a charming village visit Doolin ( another township , Galway , is where most tourists head in from ) . Trade - off ? There ’s a gamy probability you will be stepping in cow patty .
Taj Mahal
Agra , IndiaViewing berth : Yamuna or Agra RiversAh Taj Mahal , there you are as the world ’s No.1 tourer bunker and bane of felicitous - go - lucky travel photographers everywhere . Getting the money shot of this architectural wonder can be unbelievably tricky , and that ’s why your good wager is on riverbanks , or even ON the water . Hire a boat to swim out for a unequaled , full frontal angle . trade wind - off ? Sewage olfaction . good than large crew and fending off cozenage ? You make up one’s mind .
Sign up herefor our casual Thrillist email , and get your fix of the best in food / drinking / fun .
David Evison/Shutterstock
Matteo Gabrieli/Shutterstock
Flickr/Adam Baker
dimitris_k/Shutterstock
Visit Berlin
TapperJones/YouTube
Flickr/Steve Boland
Flickr/Francesc Gonzalez
Dmitry Strizhakov/Shutterstock