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.
libraries

Can Science Solve the Mystery of the Concrete Book?

When a sledgehammer isn't really an option.
April White September 22, 2022
food

Puzzle Monday: Indigenous Fare Crossword

Let your brain flex.
AO Puzzles June 27, 2022
List

10 Places to Fall in Love With Fall

Get into the spirit before winter closes its icy grip.
Jonathan Carey November 5, 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.
history

Slovakian Castles and Cold War Relics

Slovakia
From $3,230 USD
Explore medieval castles, the Communist legacy, and eerie ghost towns with local experts.
wildlife & nature

Coastal Wonders of Nova Scotia

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

Cambodia: Angkor Wat & Beyond

Cambodia
Feb 6–12, 2023
From $3,925 USD
wildlife & nature

New Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural Marvels

New Zealand
Apr 7–19, 2023
From $6,750 USD
+ 2 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
food & drink

Barnacles, Bluffs, and Brine: A Galician Seafood Pilgrimage

Spain
Sep 26–Oct 2, 2022
From $3,880 USD
On this week-long seafood pilgrimage, we’ll delve deep into the world of barnacle hunters, oyster fisherman, lobster trap builders, razor clam-diggers, and net menders, along with the local chefs who are harnessing the incredible offerings of their coast, transforming Galician cuisine into something new and exciting.
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
41.3682, -111.7740
Paper Airplane Trail
This massive metal sculpture in the shape of a folded paper airplane overlooks a Utah mountain.
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

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
Online Course

Raising the Bar: Chocolate's History, Art, and Taste With Sophia Contreras Rea

Starts Thu, Sep 29
3 Sessions
$220 per person
+ 1 other date
See More