Custom House Tower, Boston

Say hello to the diva of Boston's architecture scene, the Custom House! This stunning 1847 creation has a flair for the dramatic and loves to channel its inner Greek Revival temple with a whopping 32 Doric columns. And don't even get it started on that thirty-story tower – it's like the skyscraper version of a fashion makeover that didn't happen until 1915. Back then, it was the talk of the town, strutting around as the crown jewel of New England, the tallest in all the land! But, well, time flies, and today it's merely Boston's 23rd-tallest building. Still, it's hanging in there, serving up heaps of character and fantastic views, like the grand dame it is.

Once upon a time, this place was all about inspecting and cataloging cargo for ships that pulled up at Long Wharf. But oh, how the times have changed! Now it's living the high life as a luxury hotel and vacation club. Who knew a cargo-checking building could have such a glow-up?

The Custom House is throwing a viewing party on its recently spruced-up 26th-floor observation deck. Get ready for unparalleled views of Downtown and Boston Harbor, served daily at 2 PM, except on Fridays. And guess what? They won't even charge you a pretty penny to partake in this visual feast. But here's the catch – they're a tad stingy with space, so you better call ahead to snag a ticket at least 48 hours in advance. Because nothing says "I'm cultured" quite like a rendezvous with a Greek Revival temple-turned-luxury hotel with a tower complex.