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.
food

Delicious Gifts for the Food-Obsessed

A gift guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
Atlas Obscura November 30, 2022
nature

Thoughtful, Surprising Last-Minute Gifts

A gift guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
Atlas Obscura December 2, 2022
museums

Podcast: Fluorescent Rocks of Sterling Hill

A light show, courtesy of a historic New Jersey mine.
The Podcast Team November 30, 2022

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.
wildlife & nature

Coastal Wonders of Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia
Jul 1–8, 2023
From $5,370 USD
+ 2 other dates
art & culture

Small Wonders and Good Eats Along Spain's Orange Blossom Coast

Spain
May 19–25, 2023
From $4,575 USD
In the true spirit of the Mediterranean lifestyle, we’ll take the time to truly connect with each other and also with the people we meet along the way.
+ 2 other dates
history & culture

Secrets of Italy: Rome to Venice

Italy
Sep 16–26, 2023
From $5,860 USD
+ 2 other dates
art & culture

India: Desert Festivals of Rajasthan

India
Jan 31–Feb 10, 2023
From $6,570 USD
Experience the traditions and customs of desert culture in Northern India.
food & drink

Springtime in Eastern China: Exploring the Birthplace of Tea

China
From $4,540 USD
From bustling night markets to fine-dining institutions, this journey down China’s east coast reveals the story of countless delicious dishes and culinary traditions. 
history

Ancient Wonders: Egypt & The Nile

Egypt
Jan 25–Feb 4, 2023
From $5,130 USD
Discover ancient and modern Cairo then cruise along the Nile taking in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
+ 10 other dates
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
49.0839, -118.6844
Greenwood Stack
This former smelting facility in British Columbia is a crumbling ruin, with the exception of its towering smokestack.
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
443 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.
London, England

Kaspar the Savoy Cat

This black cat was actually designed to ward off bad luck.
Rockville, Maryland

Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine

This one-room doctor's office has been moved twice, and now lives on as a museum.
London, England

Remains of the Old London Bridge

Only a few pieces remain of the structure that carried people and goods across the Thames for some 600 years.
Kodër Spaç, Albania

Spaç Prison

This abandoned prison was so notorious that its name has become a metaphor throughout Albania.
Lagro, Indiana

Hanging Rock National Natural Landmark

This rock formation above the Wabash River is part of an ancient coral reef.
Robertsport, Liberia

Robertsport Ghost Ship

After several weeks of radio silence, this abandoned oil tanker washed up on a remote beach in Liberia.
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 Mon, Dec 5
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

Demystifying Artisanal Cheese With Jasper Hill Farm

Starts Tue, Dec 6
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

Designing Soft Circuits & E-Textiles With Linh My Truong

Starts Wed, Dec 7
4 Sessions
$245 per person
Online Course

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

Starts Thu, Dec 8
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Historical Nonfiction: Research-Based Writing With Hadley Meares

Starts Sun, Dec 11
4 Sessions
$195 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

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

Starts Mon, Dec 12
3 Sessions
$220 per person
See More