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 Young Killer Whales Became Hooligans

Yes, orcas have viral cultural trends, too.
Shoshi Parks September 29, 2022
objects of intrigue

The Story Behind the World's Most Terrifying Haunted Doll

Robert the Doll is Key West's most cursed object.
Andy Wright October 25, 2021
libraries

The Famous Fight Over the Turn-of-the-Century Trend of Spirit Photography

In one corner: Harry Houdini. And in the other: Arthur Conan Doyle.
April White October 29, 2021
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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.
hidden cities

Hidden Florence: Private Palazzos & Secret Societies

Italy
Oct 10–16, 2022
From $3,220 USD
Unearth the secrets buried in the seedbed of the Renaissance—exploring secret rooms in palaces, discovering mystic messages hidden in paintings, and wandering magnificently frescoed cathedrals.
wildlife & nature

Iceland in Summer: Journey Through a Fabled Land

Iceland
May 20–29, 2023
From $5,770 USD
A land of folklore and myths on a backdrop of remarkable natural wonders.
+ 6 other dates
history & culture

Secrets of Italy: Rome to Venice

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

Guatemala: Ancient Cities to Modern Highlands

Guatemala
Oct 8–17, 2022
From $3,630 USD
Travel across dramatic landscapes and back in time through one of the most diverse countries in the world.
art & culture

Discover Chile: From Santiago to Patagonia

Chile
Nov 3–10, 2022
From $7,765 USD
history

The Kingdoms of Andalusia: Secret Gardens and Haunted Palaces

Spain
May 8–15, 2023
From $4,370 USD
+ 2 other dates
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Place of the Day
62.0500, -7.0882
Trøllkonufingur
Legend says this rock spire is the finger of a witch who wanted to throw the Faroe Islands towards Iceland.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
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Destination Guide

London, England

92 Articles
432 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
Destination Guide

New York

186 Articles
731 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.
Marietta, Ohio

Cawley & Peoples Mortuary Museum

What started as a display of antique hearses has grown into a museum exploring the history of the funeral industry.
International Falls, Minnesota

Smokey Bear Park

Home to a 26-foot-tall statue of an American icon.
Ironwood, Michigan

Giant Stormy Kromer Cap

A larger-than-life version of the hat beloved by hunters, outdoorsmen, and Holden Caulfield.
Denio, Nevada

Blue Lake

In the little-known Pine Forest Range in northwestern Nevada, a natural lake of glacial origin.
Bicheno, Australia

Wauba Debar’s Grave

The burial place of this Tasmanian Aboriginal woman is a memorial that remembers the atrocities of colonialism.
Shere, England

Cell of the Anchoress of Shere

In 1329, Christine Carpenter entered this small stone cell in the hopes of becoming a living saint.
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Our deep and dynamic online learning will expand your horizons.
Online Course

Close Encounters: Tracing the History of UFOs With Greg Eghigian

Starts Mon, Oct 3
5 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

How to Build A City: Making Manhattan with Keith Taillon

Starts Tue, Oct 4
4 Sessions
$75 per person
Online Course

When Walls Talk: Decoding a Building's History With Lauren Northup

Starts Wed, Oct 5
5 Sessions
$240 per person
Online Course

Secrets of Tarot Reading: History & Practice With T. Susan Chang

Starts Wed, Oct 5
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

The History of Color With Carolyn Purnell

Starts Thu, Oct 6
4 Sessions
$75 per person
Online Course

How to Make a Monster: Hollywood Special Effects Makeup With Morgan Muta

Starts Sat, Oct 8
3 Sessions
$205 per person
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