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The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

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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.
history

In the Footsteps of Pharaohs: Exploring Ancient Egypt

Egypt
Dec 29–Jan 7, 2023
From $5,480 USD
Discover ancient and modern Cairo then cruise along the Nile taking in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel.
wildlife & nature

New Zealand: Māori Traditions & Natural Marvels

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

Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure

Mexico
Dec 15–20, 2022
From $2,525 USD
Immerse yourself in the complex cultural identity of Mexico City through its street food, bustling markets, and well-seasoned history of gastronomic traditions.
+ 4 other dates
art & culture

Delhi and Rajasthan: Colors of India

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

Scottish Highlands: Clans, Castles, & Cèilidhs

Scotland
May 6–13, 2023
From $6,560 USD
+ 3 other dates
history

Cambodia: Angkor Wat & Beyond

Cambodia
From $3,925 USD
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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
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Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
161 Places
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New York

190 Articles
733 Places
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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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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
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