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

Discover the Unexpected With Our Stories
Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
science

How Scientists Are Using Cake to Share Their Research

Transforming PhDs into pastries.
Anne Ewbank August 8, 2022
puzzles

Puzzle This: Warrior Women Crossword

Our latest brainteaser comes from independent crossword constructor Brendan Emmett Quigley.
AO Puzzles August 8, 2022
animals

When Squirrels Were One of America's Most Popular Pets

Benjamin Franklin even wrote an ode to a fallen one.
Natalie Zarrelli April 28, 2017
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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.
wildlife & nature

Wings & Wonders: Birds of New Zealand

New Zealand
Nov 7–17, 2022
From $5,450 USD
Explore the spectacular birdlife, biodiversity, and natural wonder of Aotearoa alongside seasoned conservationists.
food & drink

Spain: Avant-Garde Winemaking in Catalonia

Spain
Oct 3–9, 2022
From $3,970 USD
Discover the unique tastes and traditions of Catalonia, tasting unusual wines of Spain’s smallest winegrowing regions and fresh farm-to-table dining.
+ 1 other date
history

The Balkans: Landscapes and Memories of Yugoslavia

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia
Mar 27–Apr 8, 2023
From $4,965 USD
Take a road trip across Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina with Atlas Obscura as we explore the Balkans in search of Yugoslav memorial sites.
+ 1 other date
hidden cities

Hidden Berlin: Exploring the City’s Abandoned and Underground Spaces

Germany
Sep 12–17, 2022
From $3,270 USD
art & culture

Delhi and Rajasthan: Colors of India

India
Mar 2–14, 2023
From $3,760 USD
+ 4 other dates
wildlife & nature

Chile’s Atacama Desert: Geology, Geoglyphs & Ghost Towns

Chile
Oct 28–Nov 4, 2022
From $5,830 USD
Incredible geologic formations, otherworldly desert landscapes, remnants of ancient cultures, and a resurrected beach mining town.
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Place of the Day
34.1016, -118.3295
Cahuenga Building
This bank is widely believed to be the inspiration for the offices of Philip Marlowe, the hardboiled detective featured in a number of Raymond Chandler's stories.
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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.
Bratislava, Slovakia

Posmievačik

No one knows the origin of this creepy little stone man with an oversized phallus.
Killeshin, Ireland

Killeshin Church

An elaborate Romanesque archway, built right before the British occupation of Ireland.
Buffalo, New York

Calasanctius Mural

A Byzantine-style concrete artwork pays tribute to a 17th-century saint.
Tokyo, Japan

Secret Cobblestones of Hide-and-Seek Alley

A few hidden stones are said to bring fortune and love.
London, England

The Vincent Street Fireplace

A lasting remnant of The Blitz.
South Elgin, Illinois

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve Burial Site

The final resting place of two unknown soldiers.
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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
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Designing Modern Floral Arrangements With Arrin Sutliff

Starts Wed, Aug 17
4 Sessions
$220 per person
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

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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