Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
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The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

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

In Southern France, Unique Boats Revive a Lost Way of Life

Provence's négo chin boats have made a comeback thanks almost entirely to one man in love with his local waterway.
Ashley Parsons January 26, 2022
science

The Surprising Science of Measuring Snowfall

When a winter storm wallops a region, an army of volunteers springs into action—but exact totals can be tricky.
Bill Syrett January 27, 2022
food

Wanted: A Platinum Pudding for Queen Elizabeth

A baking contest—judged by Mary Berry—seeks the next great British dessert.
Jenny Elliott January 27, 2022
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Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide
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Unlock the World With Our Small-Group Trips
Our immersive, curiosity-driven experiences take you to the hidden side of the world.
wildlife & nature

Chile’s Atacama Desert: Geology, Geoglyphs & Ghost Towns

Chile
Oct 28–Nov 4, 2022
From $5,830 USD
Incredible geologic formations, otherworldly desert landscapes, remnants of ancient cultures, and a resurrected beach mining town.
art & culture

Artisans & Exiles: Exploring the Hidden Traditions of Japan’s Sado Island

Japan
May 28–Jun 5, 2022
From $5,650 USD
Exploration through a history of exile, gold rush, and thriving cultural traditions.
+ 3 other dates
hidden cities

Hidden Berlin: Exploring the City’s Abandoned and Underground Spaces

Germany
Sep 12–17, 2022
From $3,270 USD
wildlife & nature

Lunar Landscapes & Quechan Culture in NW Argentina

Argentina
Oct 19–29, 2022
From $4,680 USD
Multicolored lunar landscapes, gaucho culture, Colonial charm, and high altitude vineyards in Argentina’s northwest
history

Seeking the Mysterious in Winnipeg

Canada
Jun 16–21, 2022
From $2,865 USD
Explore the hidden wonders of a place considered to be the spiritual heart of Mother Earth, and a city steeped in mystery, myth, and mysticism.
history

Tunisia Through the Sands of Time

Tunisia
Apr 17–28, 2022
From $3,660 USD
Discover unique landscapes, wander through winding medinas, relax by ancient oases, and journey to the Sahara and back.
+ 3 other dates
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Place of the Day
40.5975, -74.1019
Todt Hill
The highest natural point in New York City and all of the Atlantic coastal plain.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

87 Articles
417 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
147 Places
Destination Guide

New York

177 Articles
704 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

28 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

12 Articles
138 Places
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Explore Our Collection of Hidden Wonders Around the World
Our community-driven database of 22,000+ amazing places grows every day.
Bratislava, Slovakia

Prírodná Galéria Šrot Park (Scrap Park Nature Gallery)

Admire dozens of life-size animals made from old scrap metal, nuts, screws, and valves.
Leiden, Netherlands

Vrouwekerk

Only a few walls remain of the last church the Pilgrims used before they sailed to North America.
Seattle, Washington

Tashkent Park

This park celebrates a sister city relationship that survived the Cold War.
Uonuma, Japan

Tadami Train Line

Running through lush forests and across the Tadami River, this train line offers breathtaking views of rural Japan.
Birmingham, England

Needless Alley

A small alleyway with an unusual moniker.
Edinburgh, Scotland

'Woman and Child'

This statue stands as a message against the ills of Apartheid.
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Enroll in a Course to Explore New Skills and Niche Topics
Our deep and dynamic online learning will expand your horizons.
Online Course

Stories in the Stones: How to Read a Gravestone With Dr. Elise M. Ciregna

Starts Sat, Jan 29
4 Sessions
$265 per person
In this four-part course, learn how to decode the stories in gravestones and deepen your understanding of America’s cemeteries.
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

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

Starts Tue, Feb 1
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Storytelling Through Social Media With Dr. Earyn McGee

Starts Thu, Feb 3
3 Sessions
$75 per person
Online Course

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Tue, Feb 22
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

The Living Art of Dead Things: Fox Taxidermy With Allis Markham

Starts Tue, Feb 8
3 Sessions
$70 per person
Online Course

How to Make a Murder: Writing Your Own Murder Mystery Party With Abi Inman

Starts Wed, Feb 9
5 Sessions
$85 per device
See More