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.
List

11 Places for Noodle-Lovers Around the Globe

Shops, museums, and old-school factories perfect for those who love to slurp.
Diana Hubbell September 22, 2022
science

Podcast: America’s 'Quiet Zone'

We visit Green Bank, West Virginia, an area free of wifi and cell signals due to the massive telescope nearby that requires radio silence.
The Podcast Team September 21, 2022
animals

Can the Mighty Bankhar Dogs of Mongolia Save the Steppe?

These ancient guardians of the traditional nomadic way of life are making a comeback.
Shoshi Parks February 23, 2021
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.
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.
history

Subterranean Slovenia: Caves, Cellars, and Secret Tunnels

Slovenia
Oct 9–15, 2022
From $3,205 USD
Descend into the storied labyrinth of the Slovenian karst to explore winding caves, historic tunnels, cellar-like spaces, and even ancient bear fossils.
food & drink

Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure

Mexico
Oct 6–11, 2022
From $2,525 USD
Immerse yourself in the complex cultural identity of Mexico City through its street food, bustling markets, and well-seasoned history of gastronomic traditions.
+ 6 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
art & culture

Discover Chile: From Santiago to Patagonia

Chile
Nov 3–10, 2022
From $7,765 USD
history

Tunisia & the Sands of Time

Tunisia
May 7–19, 2023
From $4,890 USD
Discover unique landscapes, wander through winding medinas, relax by ancient oases, and journey to the Sahara and back.
+ 3 other dates
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
45.8986, 6.1274
Palais de l’Île
A fortified palace in the shape of a ship on the Thiou river.
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

92 Articles
432 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
Destination Guide

New York

184 Articles
731 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

29 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

13 Articles
155 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.
Fraserburgh, Scotland

St Drostan's Well

Believed to be the site where St. Drostan performed baptisms.
Cambridge, England

Snowy Farr Sculpture

An unusual artwork dedicated to a unique man that entertained people visiting Cambridge while raising money for charity.
New Harmony, Indiana

Working Mens Institute

Home to a collection of artifacts and specimens from one of the world's preeminent geologists
Chester, England

Bridge Of Sighs

Once the last route taken by condemned prisoners.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado

The Mother Spring

No one knows exactly how deep the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring is.
Las Rozas de Madrid, Spain

Welcome to Fabulous Las Matas Sign

An ode to the famous Las Vegas signage.
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

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

Starts Sun, Sep 25
4 Sessions
$245 per person
In this four-part course, learn how to decode the stories in gravestones and deepen your understanding of America’s cemeteries.
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Foods of Turtle Island: Indigenous Dishes of North America With Mariah Gladstone

Starts Mon, Sep 26
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Sep 26
3 Sessions
$210 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

When Walls Talk: Decoding a Building's History With Lauren Northup

Starts Wed, Sep 28
5 Sessions
$240 per person
Online Course

The History of Color With Carolyn Purnell

Starts Thu, Sep 29
4 Sessions
$75 per person
Online Course

Piecemaker: Sewing a Sampler Quilt With Aaron Sanders Head

Starts Thu, Sep 29
3 Sessions
$170 per person
See More