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.
animals

The Once-Extinct Auroch May Soon Roam Europe Again

After a decade, scientists are getting close to bringing back the massive wild cattle.
Diana Hubbell January 26, 2022
science

The Surprising Science of Measuring Snowfall

When a winter storm wallops a region, an army of volunteers springs into action—but exact totals can be tricky.
Bill Syrett January 27, 2022
castles

Podcast: Gorgeous Grotesques with the Places Team

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
The Podcast Team January 26, 2022
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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.
food & drink

The Culinary Crossroads of Marseille

France
Jun 6–12, 2022
From $5,130 USD
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.
history

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

Mexico
Feb 25–Mar 4, 2022
From $3,215 USD
Learn about Frida's life, iconic aesthetic, and the cultural fabric of Central Mexico and Oaxaca.
+ 1 other date
history

Solo Only: Chernobyl by Day, Kyiv by Night

Ukraine
Oct 9–15, 2022
From $2,625 USD
Explore Ukraine's complicated past and fascinating present through hidden passages, towering monuments, lively meals, and living history.
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

In the Cradle of Wine: A Georgian Culinary Adventure

Georgia
May 16–22, 2022
From $2,880 USD
Come with us to Tbilisi, Georgia, on a one-of-a-kind culinary expedition filled with wine tastings, workshops, market tours, and much more.
+ 1 other date
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Place of the Day
15.3437, 38.9448
Medeber Market
Scrap material from around Eritrea finds a new life at this outdoor market, where upcycling is a lifestyle.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

87 Articles
417 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
147 Places
Destination Guide

New York

177 Articles
704 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

28 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

12 Articles
138 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

Prírodná Galéria Šrot Park (Scrap Park Nature Gallery)

Admire dozens of life-size animals made from old scrap metal, nuts, screws, and valves.
Leiden, Netherlands

Vrouwekerk

Only a few walls remain of the last church the Pilgrims used before they sailed to North America.
Seattle, Washington

Tashkent Park

This park celebrates a sister city relationship that survived the Cold War.
Uonuma, Japan

Tadami Train Line

Running through lush forests and across the Tadami River, this train line offers breathtaking views of rural Japan.
Birmingham, England

Needless Alley

A small alleyway with an unusual moniker.
Edinburgh, Scotland

'Woman and Child'

This statue stands as a message against the ills of Apartheid.
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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

Stories in the Stones: How to Read a Gravestone With Dr. Elise M. Ciregna

Starts Sat, Jan 29
4 Sessions
$265 per person
In this four-part course, learn how to decode the stories in gravestones and deepen your understanding of America’s cemeteries.
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

How to Read a Landscape: Botany & Ecology With Annie Novak

Starts Tue, Feb 1
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Storytelling Through Social Media With Dr. Earyn McGee

Starts Thu, Feb 3
3 Sessions
$75 per person
Online Course

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Tue, Feb 22
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

The Living Art of Dead Things: Fox Taxidermy With Allis Markham

Starts Tue, Feb 8
3 Sessions
$70 per person
Online Course

How to Make a Murder: Writing Your Own Murder Mystery Party With Abi Inman

Starts Wed, Feb 9
5 Sessions
$85 per device
See More