Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
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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.
history

In the Footsteps of Pharaohs: Exploring Ancient Egypt

Egypt
Sep 29–Oct 8, 2022
From $4,360 USD
Discover ancient and modern Cairo then cruise along the Nile taking in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
+ 3 other dates
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

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

Greece: Ancient Ruins to Modern Culture

Greece
Oct 24–Nov 3, 2022
From $6,570 USD
Discover the impact of Ancient Greece in today's modern-day culture by connecting the dots between legendary landmarks, such as the Oracle of Delphi, and local traditions still found today.
+ 1 other date
history

Chiseled in Stone: Armenia’s Ancient Roots and Soviet-era Relics

Armenia
From $2,725 USD
An overland journey to uncover the ancient, complex, and tragic history of one of the earliest Christian civilizations
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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
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Destination Guide

London, England

91 Articles
429 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
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New York

182 Articles
726 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

29 Places
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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.
South Elgin, Illinois

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve Burial Site

The final resting place of two unknown soldiers.
London, England

The Vincent Street Fireplace

A lasting remnant of The Blitz.
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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

Natural Dyes: Creating a Plant-Based Palette With Aaron Sanders Head

Starts Tue, Aug 9
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Looking for Lizards: Herping With Dr. Earyn McGee

Starts Tue, Aug 9
4 Sessions
$75 per person
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
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