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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.
holiday

Unusual Gifts for Book Lovers

A giving guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
Atlas Obscura November 28, 2022
science

Canada's First Indigenous-Led Research Station Is a Symbol of Hope—And Our Climate Crisis

The Scotty Creek facility was part of an unprecedented First Nations effort to study and save the Arctic. Then the fire came.
Ed Struzik November 28, 2022
Itinerary

The Explorer's Guide to Hudson Valley, New York

A drive upstate includes eclectic charms, luxurious food, and stunning views.
Give the ultimate holiday gift!
The Explorer's Library box set
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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

Coastal Wonders of Nova Scotia

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

Secrets of Italy: Rome to Venice

Italy
Sep 16–26, 2023
From $5,860 USD
+ 2 other dates
wildlife & nature

New Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural Marvels

New Zealand
Apr 7–19, 2023
From $6,750 USD
+ 2 other dates
history

Underground Greece: Ghost Cities & Sinking Ships

Greece
Oct 9–17, 2023
From $3,974 USD
Explore the ghost cities, abandoned industrial buildings, and mountain villages scattered throughout the rugged region of Peloponnese in search of a truer, more contradictory Greece.
history

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

Mexico
Oct 20–28, 2023
From $4,470 USD
Learn about Frida's life, iconic aesthetic, and the cultural fabric of Central Mexico and Oaxaca.
history

Festivals and Mountaintop Temples of Bhutan

Bhutan
Dec 6–16, 2022
From $4,235 USD
Explore the ancient traditions and contemporary culture of this Himalayan kingdom during its lively festival season.
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Place of the Day
35.8677, -83.5660
Dolly Parton Statue
An ode to "The Queen of Appalachia."
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Destination Guide

London, England

96 Articles
443 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
161 Places
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New York

190 Articles
733 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

29 Places
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13 Articles
164 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.
Lamar, Colorado

Petrified Wood Building

Once named the “world’s oldest gas station” due to its unusual construction material.
Cessford, Scotland

Cessford Castle

The ruins of a 15th-century castle that has seen its fair share of bitter feuds.
Movatn, Norway

Dornier Do 17M-1 Crash Site

The remains of a German plane still sit in the Norwegian wood where it crashed in 1942.
Mexico City, Mexico

Plaza Valentín Gómez Farías

Named after a Mexican president, who once lived nearby, this park in a residential Mexico City neighborhood packs a whole lot of history into a small space.
Krakow, Poland

Kraków Pinball Museum

A collection of modern and vintage pinball machines housed in the cellar of a 15th-century building.
London, England

Long John Silver Figurehead Collection

The world's largest collection of ship figureheads includes figures from legends and history alike, from Sir Lancelot to Abraham Lincoln.
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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, Dec 5
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Dec 5
3 Sessions
$210 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Demystifying Artisanal Cheese With Jasper Hill Farm

Starts Tue, Dec 6
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

Designing Soft Circuits & E-Textiles With Linh My Truong

Starts Wed, Dec 7
4 Sessions
$245 per person
Online Course

Historical Nonfiction: Research-Based Writing With Hadley Meares

Starts Sun, Dec 11
4 Sessions
$195 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

Bee-licious: Taste Honey Like a Sommelier With Marina Marchese

Starts Mon, Dec 12
3 Sessions
$220 per person
See More