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“Escalators On The Sidewalks”: 50 Impressive Things Countries Implemented That Left People In Awe (New Pics)
It's peak travel season in the Northern Hemisphere. As many of us know, scenic nature, gorgeous architecture, and yummy food are the best parts of a well-rounded trip. But seasoned travelers also know a little secret: some cities might have unique little features that make them even cooler.
Feeling some serious travel FOMO, we've compiled the most interesting quirks that cities from all over the world have to offer. Whether they're practical hacks, impressive feats of city planning, or neat ecological solutions, we present them to you here in this list. If you're still looking for a last-second trip, maybe these could make your decision easier?
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
In Wroclaw, Poland, Each Cathedral And Even The Rivers Have A Tactile Model Nearby For Blind People To See Them Too
Pandemonium 4 months ago
What is this, a cathedral for ants? (Sorry for the reference to a wonderfully stupid movie. I should've instead referenced "All the Light We Cannot See" for its hero's full-city models like above that allowed her to navigate the world with confidence. But this is the internet so I went for the lower common denominator.)
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#2
In Finland You Pay Fines Based On Your Salary!
LillieMean 4 months ago
There are also other crimes for which fines can be imposed, such as shoplifting, minor a*****t, resisting the police or vandalism. The amount of daily fines is based on the seriousness of the crime, so the amount varies between 1-120 daily fines. If a person is sentenced to several fines for different crimes, they can receive a maximum of 240 daily fines. In addition, they can be imprisoned for, for example, aggravated drunk driving on top of the fines. If you are unable to pay the fines after a certain amount, an arrest warrant will be issued for you and your fine will be converted into prison time.
#3
In France, We Don't Have The Tooth Fairy, But The "Little Mouse". At The Dental Practice I Went To, There Is A Door For The Mouse In The Waiting Room
In a world where anti-billionaire sentiments are growing stronger with each passing day, Finland's income-based system for fines seems like a dream to many. And it's not just speeding that it's applied to. Shoplifting, breaking securities, and financial trading laws are also fined depending on the person's income. The logic is the same as with progressive taxes: if you earn more, you should be fined more.
In 2023, a multimillionaire Finnish businessman Anders Wiklöf, 76, was fined almost $140k for driving 18.6 mph over the limit. His speed was 82km/h in a zone with a 50km/h limit. It wasn't his first time getting fined like this: in 2018, he got a fine of $730k, and $110k in 2013.
That only made his third offence worse, but the businessman wasn't salty about it. "I have heard the government wants to save €1.5bn on healthcare in Finland, so I hope that my money can fill a gap there," he said.
#4
When You Turn 18 In Sweden, You Get This Guidebook For How To Be An Adult
#5
Projected Markings In Oulu, Finland, When Snow Covers The Ones Painted On The Street
LillieMean 4 months ago
Cycling is common in the winter and yes, we have winter tires available for bikes. I've seen these plus a bike lane sign projected onto the street where cars are not allowed.
#6
Everyone Knows Rocking Horses, But In Finland We Have Rocking Mooses
Tactile models of famous architectural sites like the one in Wroclaw are popping up in other parts of the world as well. The WHO estimates that about 2.2 billion people in the world have some kind of vision impairment. So, these tactile models really shouldn't be just "a cool feature" but the norm.
Recently, social media influencer James Charles went viral for his ignorant video about tactile pavement in the U.S. The YouTuber apparently didn't know that the yellow truncated domes help visually impaired people to detect key points in public areas. Charles was shamed by other netizens so much that he took his video down later.
#7
A Seat To Put Your Baby While You Use Stall In Japan Public Bathroom
#8
In Italy, Under The Trevi Fountain There's A Huge Roman House That's Been Excavated
Jrog 4 months ago (edited)
It's the Vico Caprarius (literally, the "Goat Road") museum. They found it during a cinema renovation in 1999 and it was opened as a museum 5 years later. The whole area is full of history. It started as an Insula (basically an apartment block for low-income workers); It burned down during the Great Fire of Nero in 64 CE and was bought by some rich family that turned it into a luxury villa. It was later sacked by the Visigoths, and while part of it was sacked by the rich Roman families for its remaining marbles and construction materials, remaining in use as a farmhouse until the XIII century, the most significant part is the large waterworks system built for the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, that started being used in the II century and is still in use today.
#9
I Am Not Plastic - Cassava Starch Bags That Returns To Mother Nature Within Months From Bali, Indonesia
The Roman house under the Trevi fountain in Italy was excavated in the late 1990s. Actually, there's an entire apartment complex under there! Called Vicus Caprarius, or the City of Water, it's an archaeological site that tourists can visit for around $4 only.
The pools still fill up with water thanks to the ingenious aqueduct system of Rome. Archaeologists say that it dates back to the first century and is a glimpse into the lives of upper-class Romans.
#10
Manhole Cover In Wiesbaden, Germany
#11
This Tunnel In Belfast Is An "Influencer Free Zone"
#12
Japanese Vending Machine Adapted To The Surroundings
The 'Influencer-free zones' in Belfast are not the only ones in the world. In 2019, there was an unofficial campaign in the NYC subway system where you could see the stickers titled "Influencer free zone" on the ticket machines.
The campaign was the work of artist Joseph Grazi and he titled it "Culture Cures." "With the rise of 'the influencer,' individual comparison is at an all time high, and thus, morale, at an all time low. Comparison is the chief destroyer of joy, and today's culture seems to show just that."
"And while we've always sought validation, it was usually for our achievements. Now the achievement IS the validation. Celebrity. Beauty. The coveted blue verified check that has become the cross of social media's religion. Just as worshiped. And the closer one is, the more special and validated they feel." Grazi's mission was to turn the attention back from the 'influencer' to the 'follower.'
#13
In Bilbao, Spain, There Are Escalators On The Sidewalks To Help Older People Up Steep Hills
#14
My Local Store Puts Out "Warning, Product Got Smaller!" Labels
Susie Elle 4 months ago
omg I just checked: they're now 90 grams instead of 100! I didn't know
#15
This Antique Door From 1380 In Regensburg (Germany) Helps Finding The Keyhole After You Drank Too Much Wine
Don't we all wish someone told us how to be adults once we've turned 18? Although the phrase is cliche, adulting really is hard. The book contains chapters on how to manage your finances (how to pay bills, take out loans, etc.), recipes for healthy meals, how to choose the right education and career path, and how to get a job or start a business.
There are also tutorials on how to wash your clothes, how to pass a driver's test and buy a car, how and when to move out of your house, and many more life lessons.
#16
A Little House For Ducks In A Small Marina In Galaxidi Greece
#17
In Japan, Baggage Scales Are Flat On The Ground, So You Don't Have To Lift Your Heavy Suitcases
#18
My Hotel In Switzerland Has Different Plug Sockets For Guests From Different Parts Of The World
The pic of the manhole cover in Wiesbaden, Germany, might look cool at first glance. But when you look at it closer, you notice that there are stairs leading underground. Unfortunately, it's not a Batcave; that's an entrance point to the city's waste water system. Here's a cool picture of what it looks like underneath!
#19
When You Land In Georgia (The Country) The Passport Police Give You A Bottle Of Wine
The Scout 4 months ago
Georgia has a long if unsusual winemaking tradition. The wine is stored not in barrels but in in so-called kvevri. These are egg-shaped clay vessels filled with crushed grapes and then placed in the ground. The kvevris are buried up to their necks in the ground, which ensures proper cooling.
#20
Knee-Activated Water Taps At A Supermarket, Italy
Michael P (Perthaussieguy) 4 months ago
Also gives you practice for kneeing someone in the b a l l s
#21
The Cost Of Giving Birth To A Child In Finland
The € is almost the same over a $. My wife and I spent three nights at the hospital, were served food four times a day, all three days, and while in labor she got every drug available. Epidural etc. The total cost of the whole process was under $300.
You don't have to be a germaphobe to be grossed out about sinks in public bathrooms. So, these knee-activated water taps at a supermarket in Italy look pretty neat. Sinks are the second dirtiest place in a public bathroom after the floor in front of the toilet. Yet, surprisingly, the toilet seat itself is the least gross area!
#22
These Street Lamps I Saw In Iceland Are Shaped Like People Doing Kung Fu
#23
This Road In Qld Australia Has Trivia Signs To Help Keep You Awake
#24
This Gas Station In Finland Has A Tiny Library
Which one of these little features did you find the most impressive, Pandas? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. And if you have a neat similar thing you saw during a vacation abroad, don't hesitate and share it with us too. While you're here, check out our previous lists of cool city features here and here!
Be careful though – some of them might make you seriously consider moving there!
#25
This Cafe In A Giant Tree On Top Of A Mountain In Chiang Mai, Thailand
#26
McDonald's In Finland Serves Burgers On Rye Bread, Hot Wings, Sweet Potato Fries And Banana Milkshakes
WindySwede 4 months ago
Sweet Potato Fries are quit bland to me? Ordinary potatoes taste much better/more. Sorry 🙃
#27
Oslo, Norway Has Mobile Charging Stations That Are Powered By Solar Panels
#28
Sidewalks In Helsinki Are Heated From Under
#29
Tokyo Train Station Has A Face-To-Face “Live” Translation Window With 12 Languages
Johnnynatfan 4 months ago
HA! THat would have been nice to have when I lived in Japn back in the 90's
#30
In Sweden, If You Work For The State For 30 Years You Receive A Gold Medal
Riley Quinn 4 months ago
Here in the US you get a clock so you can be fully aware of every stinking minute you're spending in retirement waiting for the sweet release of death.
#31
This Robot Uses Cameras And Machine Learning To Identify And Sucking Up Cigarette Butts. It Has Been Built To Clean Italian Beaches
#32
Wine Vending Machine On German Hiking Route (Ahr)
#33
Crossing In Spain Tells You Which Way Vehicles Are Coming From
nottheactualphoto 4 months ago
At first I thought the arrows were pointing in the direction traffic is moving. But maybe they show pedestrians which direction to look? Spain drives on the right, do they not?
#34
Vending Machine That Super Cool The Drinks In Seconds
#35
In South Korea, China, And Germany, They Have Specific Painted Parking Spots For Women
#36
Krzywy Domek (“Crooked House”) Is An Actual Building In Sopot, Poland
#37
A Half Pipe Table Tennis Table In Munich, Germany
#38
Just A Few Thousand Bikes At The Rotterdam, Netherlands Train Station
#39
Self Cleaning Roads In South Korea
#40
Hotel I Stayed At In Greece Had Wooden Bikes For Guests To Use
Paul Doswell 4 months ago
I tried a wooden bicycle once. It had a wooden frame, wooden handlebars, even a wooden seat. Guess what? It wooden move! 😂 I'll see myself out.
#41
Keyhole On A Side Door Of The Bourdeux Cathedral, France
Anthony Elmore 4 months ago
This is boss-tier lockpicking work. I don't even know where to begin with this keyhole. Probably easier than it looks, but that's a hell of a way to throw burglars off.
#42
My Irish Pub In Germany Has A Designated Sink For Vomiting
#43
A Finnish Prison Cell
#44
Machine Themed Restaurant, You Call The Waiter By Turning On A Light. Cambridge, UK
#45
Chefchaouen, Morocco. Almost Everything In This City Is Painted Blue!
Jrog 4 months ago (edited)
It started out with Jewish refugees painting some of their walls blue as in jewish tradition, as a connection to the biblical "Tekhelet" color. It was took up by the local muslim community, where blue is traditionally connected to God's protection, peace an reflection. In the 1970s the town was in the midst of an economic downturn, so local businesses started painting the facades blue to make the otherwise unremarkable city stand out as a tourist spot. Now it's just another tourist gimmick (and the city is a tourist trap).
#46
A House Covered In Sea Shells In Saint Cougat, Spain
#47
A Machine To Test If Your Avocado Is Ready To Eat
#48
Tokyo’s Subway Tunnel Clean Floodwater So Clear, It Looks Like A Pool
#49
There Is A 23 Storey Building In Duisburg, Germany With Absolutely No Windows (German National Archives)
#50
This Is A Self-Heating Bento Sold On The Train Of Japan!
#51
Found A Trashcan For Pizza Boxes In Italy
#52
In Portugal We Have Cellphone Towers Disguised As Trees
#53
In Shanghai, China Has Autonomous KFC Cars That Roam Around And Allow You To Buy Food Without Human Interaction
#54
This Public Bathroom In Norway Has One Toilet For The Parent And A Smaller One For Their Child
For All Pedernity 4 months ago
I remember my kindergarten had a separate kid's toilet, and I refused to use it.
#55
Benches In Sweden Are Very Friend And Couple Friendly
#56
There’s A Candy In Spain Called “Piedras De Rio”(River Stones), As It Name Says, Looks Like A Stone
Janissary35680 4 months ago (edited)
AKA "çakıl taşı" (pebbles) in Turkey. The insides are milk chocolate in a thin shell of hard candy. Kind of like M&Ms but bigger and more fun to look at.
#57
Rest Stop In Outback Australia With A Holder For Your Phone To Help It Get Better Signal
#58
Jacket Hotel At Oslo Airport For People Travelling To Warmer Countries
#59
There Is Fully Operating McDonald's Inside Giant Snow Globe In Poland
#60
Went To See A Volcano That Is Only A Couple Of Kilometres Away From My Home. This Volcano Has Been Erupting For The Past Months In Iceland
#61
Five Guys In France Use Stainless Steel As Tray
#62
This Department Store In Germany Has A Surf Wave
#63
A 4.7€ Lunch At The University Of Luxembourg Canteen
#64
This Is The Road Sign You Pass As You Enter The Sahara In Morocco
Margaret Wartime 4 months ago
Lol it doesn’t tell French speakers to use respect? Maybe they already respect the water?
#65
Public Bench In Swiss Train Station Has USB Ports
#66
The 3'5€ Lunch That Is Offered In My Spanish University. The Red Glass Is Red Wine
#67
Found This Carrot Sharpener On My Visit To Norway
Jrog 4 months ago
It's from FlyingTiger, a chain of stores selling cheap novelty items. They change their merchandise monthly, so there is always something interesting, and they have unusual stuff for hobbies, house decor, stationery etc that it would be difficult to find elsewhere, as long as you don't mind the low quality.
#68
Germany: A Vomit Station Installed Right Next To A Baby Changing Table In A Brewery-Restaurant’s Men’s Restroom
Jrog 4 months ago (edited)
While it's not mandatory by federal law in Germany (not sure about local laws) it's become common to have changing stations installed in public toilets, as a way to address parental discrimination. People using the vomit sink would likely NOT be the same people using the changing station, but in Germany going to dinner to a brewery it's a very common family activity, as well as a very common party outing.
#70
This Parmesan Cheese With A Security Lock In Italy
Giles McArdell 4 months ago
Not surprising, they literally have bank vaults full of Parmesan cheeses.
#71
The Coffee In Morocco Always Comes With A Water Bottle. :)
#72
An Asparagus Peeling Machine For White Asparagus In A Supermarket In Germany
#73
Bahrain Airport Offers Actual Functional Strollers For Kids!
#74
Trying Out The Work Sleep Pod At A Tokyo Station
Pandasizing World Peace 4 months ago
I keep asking our HR people to install nap pods in our offices. They could have timers so no one would over nap….So far, no go.
#75
This Gun Range In Australia Has A Bar And Cables To Keep The Gun Pointed Forward
#76
Coca-Cola Flavours In Japan
nottheactualphoto 4 months ago
Flavours... What does Vitamin taste like? Or Clear, for that matter?
#77
A Toilet In Estonia Had A Glass Floor To Show The Underlying Carved Out Rock
#78
Where I Live In Germany, You Can Still Buy Beer At McDonald's
#79
This Public Toilet In Italy Gives You A Floor Plan Of The Toilets And Sinks
#80
In Good Weather Conditions, You're Sometimes Allowed To Go 10 Km/H Faster In Madeira
#81
In Japan, How Smartphones Are Disinfected At Local Fast Food Restaurants
George Costanza 4 months ago
Somehow I've lived a long healthy life without once disinfecting my phone. Amazing, I know.
#82
In Thailand McDonald's Sell A Little Picnic Box Takeaway Caddy
#83
In Finland You Can Flush The Cardboard From The Toilet Paper Roll Down The Toilet
#84
A 107 Cm Narrow House In València, Spain
#85
A Balloon Vending Machine In Japan
#86
Egg Vending Machine In Ireland
#87
This Circular Pingpong Table In Germany
#88
Transparent Toilets Of Tokyo, Japan
#89
In Spain, Some Tobaccos Come With A Mini Bottle Of Olive Oil
#90
The Neon-Draped Skyscrapers Of China
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What do you think ?
marianne eliza 4 months ago
Notice how these other countries have perqs and freebies that in the US would be stolen or destroyed within days of installation. Think that wine vending machine would be safe here?
Cronecast AtTheRisingMoon 4 months ago
I always love lists like this, and it’s fun to see what other countries are doing. I particularly a couple of the entries about Poland. Some of these aren’t innovations necessarily but they were fun to read about, thank you for sharing these!
Mimi M 4 months ago
I never take the polls, but your comment made me curious. I'm in the least 5%.
Load More Replies...
Der Kommissar 4 months ago
The airport in Tokyo has an escalator that can hold on to your airport baggage cart
marianne eliza 4 months ago
Notice how these other countries have perqs and freebies that in the US would be stolen or destroyed within days of installation. Think that wine vending machine would be safe here?
Cronecast AtTheRisingMoon 4 months ago
I always love lists like this, and it’s fun to see what other countries are doing. I particularly a couple of the entries about Poland. Some of these aren’t innovations necessarily but they were fun to read about, thank you for sharing these!
Mimi M 4 months ago
I never take the polls, but your comment made me curious. I'm in the least 5%.
Load More Replies... Der Kommissar 4 months ago
The airport in Tokyo has an escalator that can hold on to your airport baggage cart
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