The SBB, Swiss Federal Railways, used to print a special railfan brochure designating the trains on the system that were OK to ride right behind the "Fuhrerstand" (cab). Usually it is just a glass partition, but the view out the front is the same. I rode a local day train in that fashion once and the prestigious TEE Gottardo at night.
The old FSS (Italian) Settobello train set used to have a seating area right below the cab with a view up front, if I recall.

Postscript:
I forgot to mention one engine ride (outside the cab) I passed on: riding an Alco up the @#$%&'s Nose in Ecuador that had no handrails!

Another I did take advantage of: "doghouse" ride on the tender of T&NO 786.