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.
meteorites

Meet the Meteorite Hunters Who Rush In When Space Rocks Crash to Earth

For this community of “space cowboys,” entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts, a fireball streaming across the sky offers big risks and bigger rewards—and new tech is heating up the competition.
Sarah Durn September 29, 2022
List

The Ultimate Guide to Wondrous Independent Bookstores

We think book havens are heaven.
Jonathan Carey September 30, 2022
wunderkammers

Was René Descartes a Victim of Skull Blasting?

Centuries after the philosopher’s death, lingering controversy over his remains highlights a macabre practice of profiting from the dead.
Gemma Tarlach October 25, 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.
history

The Balkans: Landscapes and Memories of Yugoslavia

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia
Mar 27–Apr 8, 2023
From $4,965 USD
Take a road trip across Serbia, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina with Atlas Obscura as we explore the Balkans in search of Yugoslav memorial sites.
+ 1 other date
history

Scottish Highlands: Clans, Castles, & Cèilidhs

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

Tunisia Through the Sands of Time

Tunisia
Oct 9–20, 2022
From $3,660 USD
Discover unique landscapes, wander through winding medinas, relax by ancient oases, and journey to the Sahara and back.
+ 1 other date
food & drink

New Orleans: Roots of a Creole Kitchen

New Orleans
Oct 10–14, 2022
From $3,475 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.
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.
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Place of the Day
49.9482, 15.2676
Sedlec Ossuary "Bone Church"
A church of bones, decorated with 40,000 human skeletons.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
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
157 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.
Nanjing, China

Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum

One of the largest, grandest imperial mausoleums was built as the founder of the Ming Dynasty's final resting place.
Atlanta, Georgia

The Plaza Theatre

This Art-Deco movie palace is the oldest independent cinema in Atlanta.
San Sebastián, Spain

Montaña Suiza

The oldest operating roller coaster of its kind, the Montaña Suiza been thrilling riders since 1928.
Yanakie, Australia

Yanakie Station Cemetery

Only five people are buried in this tiny cemetery in Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Gyeongju, South Korea

Bunhwangsa

This grand temple complex from the Old Silla era of Korea is home to a stone pagoda that was build in the 7th century.
Medford, Massachusetts

Wright's Tower

Dedicated to "the father of U.S. life insurance."
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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

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
Online Course

In Graphic Detail: Making Horror Comics with Mel Gillman

Starts Sun, Oct 9
4 Sessions
$225 per person
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