Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
What's near me? Random Place Icon Random Place

The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

Discover the Unexpected With Our Stories
Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
secret

The Dirty Secret of ‘Secret Family Recipes’

Surprisingly often, they're copied from mayo jars and famous cookbooks.
Alex Mayyasi February 27, 2018
List

A Tour of the Wondrous and Weird World of Apples

They may be available year-round, but this is the season to celebrate them.
Jonathan Carey September 22, 2022
beer

Why Archaeologists Are Brewing Ancient Beers

Scientists are partnering with brewers to taste ancient recipes and sip their way into the past.
Sara Toth Stub December 1, 2020

In Search of Sanctuary

Sponsored by Lincoln
Give the ultimate holiday gift!
The Explorer's Library box set
See More
Unlock the World With Our Small-Group Trips
Our immersive, curiosity-driven experiences take you to the hidden side of the world.
history

Pyramids and Petroglyphs of Sudan

Sudan
From $5,680 USD
Journey along the Nile, across the Sudanese desert, and discover the pyramids and archaeological treasures of ancient civilizations.
history

The Kingdoms of Andalusia: Secret Gardens and Haunted Palaces

Spain
May 8–15, 2023
From $4,370 USD
+ 2 other dates
history

India: The Living Root Bridges of Cherrapunji

India
Nov 17–26, 2023
From $2,870 USD
Discover the architectural wonders of India’s living bridges and learn about the communities that maintain this unique tradition.
wildlife & nature

Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia

Chile
Dec 30–Jan 8, 2023
From $4,230 USD
Encounter an archipelago woven with ancient myths and breathtaking scenery.
+ 2 other dates
history

Scottish Highlands: Clans, Castles, & Cèilidhs

Scotland
May 6–13, 2023
From $6,560 USD
+ 3 other dates
history

Festivals and Mountaintop Temples of Bhutan

Bhutan
Dec 6–16, 2022
From $4,235 USD
Explore the ancient traditions and contemporary culture of this Himalayan kingdom during its lively festival season.
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
38.2651, -77.4403
Slaughter Pen Farm
The site of one of the deadliest skirmishes during the Battle of Fredricksburg.
Get Even More From Atlas Obscura
Join the Atlas Obscura Membership Program
Membership is your passport to even more wonder and curiosity, no matter where you are!
Become a Member
Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

96 Articles
440 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
161 Places
Destination Guide

New York

190 Articles
733 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

29 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

13 Articles
164 Places
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Explore Our Collection of Hidden Wonders Around the World
Our community-driven database of 22,000+ amazing places grows every day.
Helsingør, Denmark

'Han' ('He')

The shiny silver little brother to Copenhagen's Little Mermaid statue.
London, England

Stoke Newington Town Hall

You can still see bits of the camouflage used to hide this Art Deco building from bombers during World War II.
Chinook, Montana

Bear Paw Battlefield

This remote Montana battlefield is the site of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877.
Orto Say, Kyrgyzstan

Great Emptiness Museum

Where you'll find anything but nothing.
Petite-Rivière-de-l'Ile, New Brunswick

The Candy Church

Inside the simple black-and-white exterior of Église Sainte-Cécile hides a pastel wonderland.
Vihals, Norway

Jutulholet

Local legends say that a giant who tried to destroy a nearby church lived in this rock cave.
See More
Enroll in a Course to Explore New Skills and Niche Topics
Our deep and dynamic online learning will expand your horizons.
Online Course

Bee-licious: Taste Honey Like a Sommelier With Marina Marchese

Starts Mon, Nov 28
3 Sessions
$220 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Demystifying Artisanal Cheese With Jasper Hill Farm

Starts Tue, Nov 29
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

Making Upcycled Travel Journals With Bel Mills

Starts Tue, Nov 29
4 Sessions
$210 per person
Online Course

How to Read a Landscape: Botany & Ecology With Annie Novak

Starts Thu, Dec 1
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Spoken Stories: Recording Oral History With Meral Agish

Starts Thu, Dec 1
4 Sessions
$220 per person
Online Course

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Mon, Dec 5
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 3 other dates
See More