Berlin Zoological Garden, Berlin – photo by Amrat Patel
A lot of superlatives could be used to describe aspects of the Berlin Zoo. It's the oldest zoo in Germany (opened 1844), and with 1,500 species and 9,500 animals, holds the most comprehensive collection of species in the world and subsequently is one of the most visited zoos in Europe. It also houses the largest aquarium in the world, with more than 250 tanks on display. However, numbers and superlatives aside, the grounds of this zoo are simply stunning to walk around in, offering enchanting architecture, beginning with their giant scalloped Elephant Gate that looms over two elephant sculptures guarding the entrance. The Hippopotamus House, opened in 1997, comprises two freeform tessellated grid shells flowing like a glass canopy over the splashy mammals, allowing visitors to catch a few above and underwater. 