Atlas Obscura - Curious and Wondrous Travel Destinations
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The definitive guide to the world’s hidden wonders.

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Our fascinating articles will transport and inspire you.
medieval

The Heraldic Rebus, Born in Battle and Embraced by Tudor England, Lives on in Your Smartphone

Expressing your identity in a clever string of images was a thing long before emojis.
Blair Mastbaum August 17, 2022
science

When Every Ketchup But One Went Extinct

The main casualty of the catsup war was flavor.
Sam Lin-Sommer August 16, 2022
music

Podcast: The Guy Who Sings

Meet Matt Farley, who has written dozens of songs about cities and towns across the United States.
The Podcast Team August 16, 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.
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.
wildlife & nature

Iceland in Winter: Natural Wonders & Ancient Legends

Iceland
Nov 5–12, 2022
From $3,685 USD
A land of folklore and myths on a backdrop of remarkable natural wonders.
+ 6 other dates
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.
+ 3 other dates
art & culture

Artisans & Exiles: Exploring the Hidden Traditions of Japan’s Sado Island

Japan
Oct 15–23, 2022
From $5,650 USD
Exploration through a history of exile, gold rush, and thriving cultural traditions.
+ 5 other dates
food & drink

Los Angeles: America’s Culinary Frontier

Los Angeles
From $3,325 USD
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
35.7019, 139.7410
Secret Cobblestones of Hide-and-Seek Alley
A few hidden stones are said to bring fortune and love.
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Find Wondrous Places on Every Continent
Our guides will surprise and delight you.
Destination Guide

London, England

91 Articles
429 Places
Destination Guide

Marrakesh, Morocco

15 Places
Destination Guide

Mexico City, Mexico

15 Articles
160 Places
Destination Guide

New York

182 Articles
728 Places
Destination Guide

São Paulo, Brazil

29 Places
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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.
Olten, Switzerland

The King of Olten

A bronze statue commemorating his royal meowjesty, Toulouse.
Tirana, Albania

House of Leaves

A museum dedicated to secret surveillance.
Bécal, Mexico

Fuente de los Tres Sombreros

This hat-shaped fountain pays tribute to a centuries-old textile tradition in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Sainte Rose, Réunion

Formica Léo

On one of the world's most active volcanoes, a pebble-filled crater changes color with the wind.
Fairfield, Australia

Charles Grimes Expedition Cairn

A neat pile of shale marks an early English trip to the Yarra River.
Washington, D.C.

D.C.’s Floating Chandeliers

Mysterious installations bring levity and light to a sometimes stodgy city.
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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

Most Wanted Art: Unrecovered Art of WWII With the Monuments Men and Women Foundation

Starts Thu, Aug 18
4 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

All the Small Things: Crafting a Miniature Abandoned Room With Amanda Kelly

Starts Mon, Aug 22
5 Sessions
$225 per person
+ 1 other date
Online Course

Playing Ancient Games: History & Mythology With John Bucher

Starts Mon, Aug 22
3 Sessions
$210 per person
+ 4 other dates
Online Course

Historical Nonfiction: Research-Based Writing With Hadley Meares

Starts Wed, Aug 24
4 Sessions
$195 per person
+ 4 other dates
Online Course

Making Her Mark: Women of Abstract Expressionism With Regina Mamou of Art Muse LA

Starts Thu, Aug 25
5 Sessions
$80 per person
Online Course

School of Rocks: Minerals, Fossils, Meteorites With Yinan Wang

Starts Thu, Aug 25
4 Sessions
$75 per person
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