Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
What's near me?

The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

Discover the Unexpected With Our Stories
Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
architecture

Southern Spain's Ancient Water Network Sustains Life but Faces an Uncertain Future

"Sowing water" in this mountainous region has been crucial for people, crops, and biodiversity for more than a millennium.
Kira Walker May 17, 2022
science

Inside a Queen Conch Nursery in Puerto Rico That May Help Save the Iconic Species

The region's first and only locally-run hatchery provides a boost for both fishers and the imperiled royal sea snail.
Cynthia Barnett May 16, 2022
food

The Chef Recreating 18th-Century Recipes From a Thrift-Shop Find

Bake an old-timey cake from this handwritten cookbook.
Reina Gattuso January 5, 2021
Order our new book today!
Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer's Guide
See More
Unlock the World With Our Small-Group Trips
Our immersive, curiosity-driven experiences take you to the hidden side of the world.
wildlife & nature

Natural Wonders of New Zealand’s North Island

New Zealand
Nov 18–28, 2022
From $5,750 USD
Experience stunning coastal vistas, native wildlife, glowworm caves, and geothermal wonders.
history

Slovakian Castles and Cold War Relics

Slovakia
Sep 17–24, 2022
From $3,230 USD
Explore medieval castles, the Communist legacy, and eerie ghost towns with local experts.
wildlife & nature

Chiloé & the Fjords of Northern Patagonia

Chile
Nov 5–14, 2022
From $4,230 USD
Encounter an archipelago woven with ancient myths and breathtaking scenery.
+ 2 other dates
food & drink

Los Angeles: America’s Culinary Frontier

Los Angeles
Oct 13–17, 2022
From $3,325 USD
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.
+ 4 other dates
history

Romania: Castles, Ruins, and Medieval Villages

Romania
Jun 17–27, 2022
From $3,350 USD
Take in towering gothic churches, stunning palaces and monasteries, and a former salt mine that's been turned into an underground wonderland.
+ 3 other dates
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Place of the Day
-8.4158, 115.3152
Pura Tirta Empul
One of the holiest places in the region, devotees come to Indonesia's Tirta Empul to bathe in the holy spring water.
Get Even More From Atlas Obscura
Join the Atlas Obscura Membership Program
Membership is your passport to even more wonder and curiosity, no matter where you are!
Become a Member
Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

87 Articles
425 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
157 Places
Destination Guide

New York

180 Articles
713 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

28 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

12 Articles
146 Places
See More
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Explore Our Collection of Hidden Wonders Around the World
Our community-driven database of 22,000+ amazing places grows every day.
Tokyo, Japan

Ningyocho Mechanical Clock Towers

When this clock strikes a certain time, puppets showcase a story of life in Edo Japan.
Es Migjorn Gran, Spain

Cova des Coloms

The largest cave on the island of Menorca was likely the site of Iron Age rites and rituals.
Guanajuato, Mexico

Don Quixote Iconographic Museum

The world's largest collection of Don Quixote-inspired art.
New Brunswick, New Jersey

Lawrence Brook Carvings

A mixture of strange symbols, ciphers, words and cryptograms carved in 1876 remain unsolved to this day.
Mâcon, France

Foundling Wheel, Mâcon

During the 17th-century, orphaned infants were placed in this barrel to be cared for by the hospital.
Blasdell, New York

Penn Dixie Fossil Park

More than 350 million years ago, western New York was covered in a vast sea. Today, you can dig up the remains of the plants and animals that lived there.
See More
Enroll in a Course to Explore New Skills and Niche Topics
Our deep and dynamic online learning will expand your horizons.
Online Course

Tiny Ecosystems: Making Terrariums With the Terrorium Shop

Starts Wed, May 18
3 Sessions
$150 per person
Online Course

Making Scents: Experimental Perfumery With Saskia Wilson-Brown

Starts Tue, May 24
3 Sessions
$215 per person
+ 3 other dates
Online Course

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

Starts Tue, May 24
3 Sessions
$220 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Creating Crossword Puzzles With Brooke Husic & Natan Last

Starts Tue, May 24
4 Sessions
$70 per person
Online Course

Hidden Mythology: Decoding Everyday Symbols with John Bucher

Starts Wed, May 25
4 Sessions
$70 per person
Online Course

Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcón

Starts Sat, May 28
5 Sessions
$235 per person
See More