And if you thought skyscrapers were just concrete giants, meet the Vertical Forest. Covered in lush greenery, it snagged the 2014 International Highrise Award for being the most beautiful skyscraper globally.

Pink flamingoes might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Milan, but the exclusive garden of Villa Invernizzi hosts a dozen of these elegant creatures. Unfortunately, the garden is off-limits to the public.