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

The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

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

In Japan, School ‘Intruder’ Drills Are Full-Contact and Unpredictable

In response to safety concerns, teachers and staff are trained to subdue and disarm.
Allan Richarz May 13, 2022
food

Podcast: The Last Big Mac in Iceland

The burger’s existence reveals a story about economics and national identity.
The Podcast Team May 16, 2022
geology

The World Is Studded With Artificial Mountains

They’re fake, but they can be spectacular (and hazardous).
Dylan Taylor-Lehman February 3, 2020
Order our new book today!
Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide
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

Scotland: Highland Clans and the Trail of Tartan

Scotland
Sep 4–13, 2022
From $6,780 USD
+ 1 other date
wildlife & nature

Swim with the Singing Whales of Tonga

Tonga
Aug 2–9, 2023
From $6,970 USD
Accompanied by conservation experts, you’ll spend five full days swimming alongside humpback whales as their song fills the ocean.
+ 2 other dates
history

Festivals and Mountaintop Temples of Bhutan

Bhutan
Oct 4–14, 2022
From $4,235 USD
Explore the ancient traditions and contemporary culture of this Himalayan kingdom during its lively festival season.
+ 2 other dates
wildlife & nature

Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia

Chile
Nov 5–14, 2022
From $4,230 USD
Encounter an archipelago woven with ancient myths and breathtaking scenery.
+ 2 other dates
wildlife & nature

Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land

Iceland
May 23–Jun 1, 2022
From $2,980 USD
A land of folklore and myths on a backdrop of remarkable natural wonders.
+ 5 other dates
food & drink

Forest to Table in Alpine Slovenia

Slovenia
Jun 5–10, 2022
From $2,578 USD
Alongside local experts, we'll munch our way through Slovenia's stunning alpine pastures, forests, and lakes—gathering wild foods, making mountain tea, and crafting a charismatic cheese.
+ 2 other dates
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
21.0145, -101.2520
Don Quixote Iconographic Museum
The world's largest collection of Don Quixote-inspired art is in Guanajuato, Mexico.
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

87 Articles
425 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
157 Places
Destination Guide

New York

180 Articles
713 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

28 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

12 Articles
146 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.
Tamniah, Saudi Arabia

Al Yanfa

A network of tunnels runs underneath the buildings of this ancient village.
Gagnef, Sweden

Gagnef Flottbron

This unique bridge is one of the last of its kind in Sweden.
McLean, Virginia

Burling Cabin Site

The local community brought back this land to transform it into a nature preserve.
Portland, Oregon

Hollywood Theater

This airport "microcinema" where you can catch a film before you catch a flight.
Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Pico Basilé

It's been nearly a century since this volcano, the tallest mountain in Equatorial Guinea, erupted.
Budapest, Hungary

Mihály Kolodko's Mini Statues

From cartoon characters to tiny tanks, a guerilla sculptor's little bronze statues are hidden throughout the city of Budapest.
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

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Tue, May 24
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

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

Starts Tue, May 24
3 Sessions
$220 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Creating Crossword Puzzles With Brooke Husic & Natan Last

Starts Tue, May 24
4 Sessions
$70 per person
Online Course

Hidden Mythology: Decoding Everyday Symbols with John Bucher

Starts Wed, May 25
4 Sessions
$70 per person
Online Course

Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcón

Starts Sat, May 28
5 Sessions
$235 per person
Online Course

Think Like A Museum: Curate Your Personal Collection with Alexis Hyde

Starts Tue, May 31
4 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 1 other date
See More