Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations

The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

Introducing Atlas Obscura's Wonder From Home—a link from your living room to the world

Atlas Obscura’s mission has always been to inspire wonder about the incredible world we all share. Now, more than ever, we must stay connected, not only to our sense of wonder, but to each other.

Follow #wonderfromhome for inspiring stories, incredible online experiences, and live streams with the Atlas Obscura community.

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Lose Yourself in a Mesmerizing, Meticulous Map of the Met

The beloved New York museum comes alive in this massive and mysterious illustration.

Place of the Day

Ottoman Bird Palaces

The ornate miniature mansions were built for Istanbul's feathered residents.

Is Saint Corona a Guardian Against Epidemics?

Well, she might be now, at least.

European Plague Doctor Garb Was Black, Beaked, and Very Bleak

This Is a Great Time to Busy Yourself With Bees

The spirit of discovery and community

Wonder From Home

How the Man Who Invented Xbox Baked a 4,500-Year-Old Egyptian Sourdough

A Look Back at Franklin, America's Lost State

Top Countries

Top Cities

Essex, Connecticut

The Griswold Inn

British troops and Prohibition couldn’t stop this spot from becoming one of the United States' oldest continuously-run taverns.

Tony Dunnell

Added by Tony Dunnell

Kamakura, Japan

Sixteen Wells

This mysterious medieval grotto holds a grid of sacred wells of unknown purpose.

Phlizz

Added by Phlizz

Havana, Florida

Shade Tobacco Museum

This small museum is dedicated to the history of Havana and Florida's once-booming tobacco industry.

Mom0ja

Added by Mom0ja

Hakone Checkpoint

A recreation of the historical checkpoint that once served as the gateway to Tokyo.

Phlizz

Added by Phlizz

Lyons, Illinois

Hofmann Tower

A source of civic pride, though the reason for its construction is unknown.

timstafford78

Added by timstafford78

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Top Place Tags

history & culture

Scotland: Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

From $6,780 USD

culinary adventures

Forest to Table in Alpine Slovenia

From $2,865 USD

Alongside local experts, we'll munch our way through Slovenia's stunning alpine pastures, forests, and lakes—gathering wild mushrooms, making mountain tea, and crafting a charismatic cheese.

art & performance

Santa Fe Weekend: New Art, Ancient Traditions

From $1,280 USD

Spend a weekend immersed in the rich history, deeply rooted tradition, and constantly evolving art-scape of northern New Mexico.

science & nature

Wildlife of the Ecuadorian Amazon

From $4,635 USD

Delve into this equatorial paradise for a week-long journey full of adventure and learning in some of the wildest corners of the Amazon basin.

Atlas Obscura's Wonders of FiDi

New York, New York

From 'Hell' to The High Line

New York, New York

White House Tales of Scandal & Intrigue

Washington, D.C.

Walking the Hidden Wonders of Midtown

New York, New York

Exploring a Secret Fort

Washington, D.C.

Studio Visit With Juan Alonso-Rodríguez

Seattle, Washington

Inside Look at The Bunny Museum

Altadena, California

The Abandoned Zoo Ruins of Griffith Park

Holllywood, Los Angeles, California

Scent-Making and Hollywood History

Los Angeles, California

The World of Beekeeping & Native Bees

Chicago, Illinois

New York City Clock Walk

New York, New York

Urban Parks Playdate

San Francisco, California

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Let Your Mind Wander With These Gloriously Detailed Maps

Satisfy your urge to roam and while away some time with these picks from cartographic collectors, curators, and scholars.

Jessica Leigh Hester March 31, 2020

To Save Madagascar’s Wildlife, an Entomologist Is Helping Revive a Bug-Based Cuisine

Local insect farms could save lemurs, baobabs, and more.

Andy Isaacson March 31, 2020

7 Historic Dishes Born From Tough Times That You Can Make at Home

Use every last crumb with these feats of culinary creativity.

Sam O'Brien March 30, 2020

What Do California Otters and Virginia Opossums Have In Common?

A pathogen that doesn't care about social-distancing rules.

Jennifer S. Holland March 30, 2020

3 Transportive Documentaries That Can Take You Away

Around the world and back in time from the comfort of your couch.

Jessica Leigh Hester March 30, 2020

Are the Great Outdoors Off-Limits During a Pandemic?

"Obey the f***ing law and do what public health authorities tell you to do."

Erin Beresini March 27, 2020

How 'Shoebox Lunches' Made Black Travel Possible During Jim Crow

Humble shoeboxes allowed African-Americans to dine with dignity.

Nicole Taylor March 27, 2020

The Chef Bringing Native American Flavors to Communities in Quarantine

For Brian Yazzie, the COVID-19 pandemic evokes a history of smallpox, European colonization, and indigenous resilience.

Reina Gattuso March 27, 2020

Silent Films, Flower Festivals, and Cooking Classes to Enjoy at Home

Feast your eyes or sharpen your brain, from a distance.

Jessica Leigh Hester March 27, 2020

See Europe’s Ruined Medieval Castles Come Back to Life

Seven virtual reconstructions offer a glimpse at the fortified past.

Isaac Schultz March 26, 2020

Found: The Cold War Wreck of a World War II Submarine

A training exercise in 1958 sent the USS Stickleback to the ocean floor.

Isaac Schultz March 26, 2020

Balconies, Windows, and Rooftops Are the New Public Squares

The power of seeing and being seen, hearing and being heard.

Winnie Lee March 26, 2020

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