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

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Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
islands

Remembering the World War II Frogmen Who Trained in Secret off the California Coast

Recruits learned the arts of infiltration, sabotage, and survival at a hidden base on Santa Catalina Island.
Andrew Dubbins June 30, 2022
trees

How Baghdad’s Backyards Are Bringing Back Iraqi Dates

A company is using garden trees to revive an ancient industry.
Charlie Metcalfe July 1, 2022
outsider art

Podcast: Tiny Doors ATL

Why are these mysterious mini-doors scattered throughout Atlanta, Georgia?
The Podcast Team June 27, 2022
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Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide
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Our immersive, curiosity-driven experiences take you to the hidden side of the world.
art & culture

Peru: Machu Picchu and the Last Incan Bridges

Peru
Apr 25–May 4, 2023
From $5,740 USD
+ 4 other dates
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
food & drink

Los Angeles: America’s Culinary Frontier

Los Angeles
From $3,325 USD
wildlife & nature

Rewilding: Tracking Wolves in the Forests of Sweden

Sweden
Jul 4–9, 2022
From $3,450 USD
Experience Sweden's special connection with nature and learn first-hand how to observe and track local animals.
+ 2 other dates
hidden cities

Hidden Florence: Private Palazzos & Secret Societies

Italy
Oct 10–16, 2022
From $3,220 USD
Unearth the secrets buried in the seedbed of the Renaissance—exploring secret rooms in palaces, discovering mystic messages hidden in paintings, and wandering magnificently frescoed cathedrals.
wildlife & nature

Into the Wilds of Costa Rica

Costa Rica
Oct 15–22, 2023
From $4,180 USD
+ 5 other dates
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Place of the Day
35.1541, -85.9232
Sewanee Natural Bridge
A natural sandstone bridge hidden in a Tennessee forest.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
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Destination Guide

London, England

88 Articles
428 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
Destination Guide

New York

180 Articles
713 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

28 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

13 Articles
148 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.
Tokyo, Japan

Transparent Toilet

These unique toilets feature transparent glass covered in PDLC film.
New York, New York

Bryant Park Escape Hatch

A commemorative plaque hides a door that leads down to the New York Public Library's underground book bunker.
New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans Photo Alliance Gallery

A building that was once a general store, a speakeasy, and a newspaper office now holds a small gallery filled with New Orleans photography.
Grafton, New Hampshire

Ruggles Mine

Generations of rockhounds got their start at this beloved, historic mine.
Silver Peak, Nevada

Silver Peak

The precious-metals strikes dating back to the 1860s are now mostly inactive, but this area has become the United States' only domestic source of lithium.
San Francisco, California

Gregangelo Museum

A 1920s home transformed into an immersive art experience, where every room is a portal to another realm.
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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

Nature Printing With Latifat Apatira

Starts Tue, Jul 5
3 Sessions
$140 per person
Online Course

How We Dream: The Science, History & Future of Dreaming With Sidarta Ribeiro

Starts Wed, Jul 6
2 Sessions
$50 per person
Online Course

Tiny Ecosystems: Making Terrariums With the Terrorium Shop

Starts Wed, Jul 6
3 Sessions
$150 per person
Online Course

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

Starts Mon, Jul 11
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Jul 11
3 Sessions
$210 per person
Online Course

The Truth About Sharks With Melissa Cristina Márquez

Starts Mon, Jul 11
5 Sessions
$80 per person
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