Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
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Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
science

How The Thames, Once a 'Zombie River,' Was Brought Back to Life

Sharks, beavers, and humans are all returning to London's iconic waterway thanks to decades of restoration work.
Mia Jackson August 8, 2022
art

How the Chinese Diaspora Feeds Itself, in 100 Dazzling Illustrations

What does home taste like?
Sam Lin-Sommer August 5, 2022
museums

Is This the End of Switzerland’s Chimney Sweep 'Mafia'?

The long history and new face of a sooty industry.
Oriana Pauli October 8, 2021
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Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide
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Unlock the World With Our Small-Group Trips
Our immersive, curiosity-driven experiences take you to the hidden side of the world.
food & drink

From Chocolate to Truffles: Italian Culinary Adventures

Italy
Sep 17–23, 2022
From $4,130 USD
Taste your way through Italy’s northwest region of Piedmont, sampling sweets, sipping local wine, and foraging for truffles.
food & drink

Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco

Morocco
Oct 4–15, 2022
From $4,820 USD
Tracking culinary wonders through mountains, deserts and granaries in Morocco
+ 5 other dates
history

Tunisia Through the Sands of Time

Tunisia
Sep 18–29, 2022
From $3,660 USD
Discover unique landscapes, wander through winding medinas, relax by ancient oases, and journey to the Sahara and back.
+ 2 other dates
art & culture

Discover Chile: From Santiago to Patagonia

Chile
Nov 3–10, 2022
From $7,765 USD
wildlife & nature

Natural Wonders of New Zealand’s North Island

New Zealand
Nov 18–28, 2022
From $5,750 USD
Experience stunning coastal vistas, native wildlife, glowworm caves, and geothermal wonders.
history

Turkmenistan and the Gates of Hell

Turkmenistan
Mar 19–28, 2023
From $3,970 USD
On this sweeping, eclectic adventure through Turkmenistan, marvel at the towering white-marble structures of Ashgabat, roam through barren deserts and a world-class canyon, and spend the night camped out beside the flaming Gates of Hell.
+ 7 other dates
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Place of the Day
-37.3760, 144.6148
Sanatorium Lake
This artificial lake was built to provide water for a planned facility that would treat tuberculosis patients.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

91 Articles
429 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
Destination Guide

New York

182 Articles
726 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

29 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

13 Articles
155 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.
Rømø, Denmark

Whale Jawbone Fence

Danish whalers once brought back whale bones to use as building materials in places where wood was scarce.
Round Spring, Missouri

Round Spring

An average of 33 million gallons of water pour out of the collapsed cave at the heart of this spherical spring.
Charles Town, West Virginia

Gibson-Todd House

This striking Victorian Home with its 113-foot turret is best known as the site where abolitionist John Brown was executed in 1859.
Birmingham, England

Black Sabbath Bridge

A bench and a bridge pay tribute to Birmingham's favorite heavy metal band.
Oslo, Norway

Hrimnir Ramen

A microbiologist-chef is slinging noodles with hyperlocal Nordic ingredients.
Glasgow, Scotland

Fairfield Heritage

A community museum celebrates Glasgow's mighty shipbuilding days.
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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

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Mon, Aug 15
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 4 other dates
Online Course

Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva

Starts Wed, Aug 17
4 Sessions
$225 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Designing Modern Floral Arrangements With Arrin Sutliff

Starts Wed, Aug 17
4 Sessions
$220 per person
Online Course

Most Wanted Art: Unrecovered Art of WWII With the Monuments Men and Women Foundation

Starts Thu, Aug 18
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

All the Small Things: Crafting a Miniature Abandoned Room With Amanda Kelly

Starts Mon, Aug 22
5 Sessions
$225 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Aug 22
3 Sessions
$210 per person
+ 4 other dates
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