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.
ruins

Should Casablanca's Iconic Buildings Be Saved?

Yes, says a group of Moroccans preserving—and reclaiming—the French-designed cityscape.
Lauren Schenkman August 11, 2022
churches

Podcast: Friendship Park

We visit a binational service at the Border Church at Friendship Park, which straddles the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Podcast Team August 11, 2022
List

15 Places That Put the Dog Back in the 'Dog Days'

Celebrate the amazing feats of some four-legged friends—all year long.
Gemma Tarlach August 11, 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.
wildlife & nature

Iceland in Winter: Natural Wonders & Ancient Legends

Iceland
Nov 5–12, 2022
From $3,685 USD
A land of folklore and myths on a backdrop of remarkable natural wonders.
+ 6 other dates
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 having swim encounters with humpback whales as their song fills the ocean.
+ 2 other dates
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

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.
history

Mexico City to Oaxaca: Tracing the Threads of Frida Kahlo’s Dresses

Mexico
Nov 11–19, 2022
From $3,870 USD
Learn about Frida's life, iconic aesthetic, and the cultural fabric of Central Mexico and Oaxaca.
+ 4 other dates
food & drink

Lisbon: Tracing the Roots of an Imperial Cuisine

Portugal
Oct 17–23, 2022
From $3,920 USD
Journey beyond the city’s tiled buildings and narrow streets to discover the long legacy and vibrant presence of culinary inventiveness in Lisbon.
+ 4 other dates
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
49.4212, 0.2322
Église Sainte Catherine
One of the oldest and largest wooden churches in France was very evidently constructed by shipbuilders.
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

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
728 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.
Alexandria, Virginia

Jackson M. Abbott Wetland Refuge

Dedicated to a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who was also a bird watcher and artist.
Chelyabinsk, Russia

Chelyabinsk Meteorite

The largest-known fragment of an asteroid that exploded over the southern Ural region in 2013.
Cedar City, Utah

Old Irontown

Irontown was founded in 1868, as a second attempt to mine iron from the nearby Iron Mountain.
Torpshammar, Sweden

Sweden's Geographical Midpoint

The "geometrical" center of the country, as calculated in 1947.
Kraków, Poland

The Living Obwarzanek Museum (Żywe Muzeum Obwarzanka)

Learn the fine art of making a centuries-old treat at this hands-on food museum.
McLean, Texas

1929 Phillips 66 Station

This refurbished gas station is one of the oldest in Texas, located on the original Route 66.
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, 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
See More