Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
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Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
science

130-Year-Old Menus Show How Climate Change Is Already Changing What We Eat

Eating local doesn't mean what it used to.
Ian Rose July 5, 2022
dinosaurs

In Egypt's ‘Land of Death,’ Dinosaurs Were Supersized—and Hungry

Fossils unearthed in the Bahariya Oasis tell a story of giant predators hunting on land and in the water.
Abe Musselman July 5, 2022
beaches

How Cows Destroyed an Entire Marine Ecosystem in California

A researcher's quest to understand a mysterious mass extinction leads to cud-chewing culprits.
Jack Tamisiea June 21, 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.
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

Monuments of History: Journey Through Bulgaria

Bulgaria
May 6–15, 2023
From $4,370 USD
Dive into one of Europe’s oldest countries as we explore ancient civilizations and marvel at otherworldly relics of a communist utopia that never came to be.
+ 1 other date
history

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

Mexico
Oct 14–22, 2022
From $3,870 USD
Learn about Frida's life, iconic aesthetic, and the cultural fabric of Central Mexico and Oaxaca.
+ 6 other dates
history

Tunisia & the Sands of Time

Tunisia
Feb 12–24, 2023
From $4,890 USD
Discover unique landscapes, wander through winding medinas, relax by ancient oases, and journey to the Sahara and back.
+ 4 other dates
history

Chiseled in Stone: Armenia’s Ancient Roots and Soviet-era Relics

Armenia
From $2,725 USD
An overland journey to uncover the ancient, complex, and tragic history of one of the earliest Christian civilizations
history

Past Future Monuments of the Balkans

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia
Oct 4–16, 2022
From $3,860 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.
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Place of the Day
18.5186, 73.8553
Narayan Darwaja
In India, this formidable gate was renamed to commemorate the 10th Peshwa of the Maratha Empire.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

88 Articles
428 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
Destination Guide

New York

180 Articles
713 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

28 Places
Destination Guide

Tokyo, Japan

13 Articles
148 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.
Dundee, Scotland

'Ring O' Roses'

Each section of this public work of art represents one of the city's guilds.
Lee Vining, California

Black Point Fissures by Mono Lake

Deep vertical fissures like miniature slot canyons cut across the cemented volcanic rock of Black Point above Mono Lake.
Santa Barbara, California

'Wall of Frogs'

A unique local art exhibit that has continued to grow since 1989.
Newport, Rhode Island

Commodore Matthew Perry Monument

Dedicated to the explorer who opened Japan to the West.
Gallegos, Spain

Gran Telescopio Canarias

The world's largest single-aperture telescope resides in the Canary Islands.
Funchal, Portugal

'Plastic Mero'

Crafted from ocean litter, this sculpture highlights the ills of overconsumption.
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Our deep and dynamic online learning will expand your horizons.
Online Course

How We Dream: The Science, History & Future of Dreaming With Sidarta Ribeiro

Starts Wed, Jul 6
2 Sessions
$50 per person
Online Course

Tiny Ecosystems: Making Terrariums With the Terrorium Shop

Starts Wed, Jul 6
3 Sessions
$150 per person
Online Course

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

Starts Mon, Jul 11
3 Sessions
$65 per person
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Jul 11
3 Sessions
$210 per person
Online Course

The Truth About Sharks With Melissa Cristina Márquez

Starts Mon, Jul 11
5 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

Ask a Cemeterian: The Business of Burials With Dr. Elise M. Ciregna

Starts Tue, Jul 12
4 Sessions
$70 per person
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