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The Definitive Guide To

The World’s
Hidden Wonders

From ancient relics to roadside oddities, we connect you to the best of what’s out there.

Is the tree in the way of the shop, or was the shop built in the way of tree?

The Tree Growing Inside a 7-Eleven

This store may be part of a well-known chain, but it stands out due to the tree growing through the middle of it.

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Destinations From Across the Atlas

Destinations From Across the Atlas

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Featured Trips

Wild Borneo: Secrets of an Ancient Rainforest

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Flavors of Oaxaca: Markets, Mezcal & Home-Cooked Meals

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Dear Atlas: How Can I Explore My Hometown Like a Tourist?

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You next adventure might be right outside your door.

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Wild Borneo: Secrets of an Ancient Rainforest

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Flavors of Oaxaca: Markets, Mezcal & Home-Cooked Meals

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Dear Atlas: Where Can I Explore Witch History Without the Kitsch?

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How to Turn Your Road Trip Into a Nature Scavenger Hunt

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How to Take the Ultimate American Stargazing Road Trip

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Hidden Wonders

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Dublin, Ireland

Sweny's Pharmacy

The 19th-century pharmacy (now a used bookstore) was featured in James Joyce’s "Ulysses," and has changed very little to this day.

Added By

Noel Donnellon
İkizler Köyü, Turkey

Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross

An ancient church on a tiny island covered in stone bible stories has controversially been turned into a museum.

Added By

philoursmars
Washington, D.C.

Flag Office Elevator

The elevator that makes it possible to fly American flags in bulk over the U.S. Capitol

Added By

Elliot Carter
Rufisque, Senegal

Lake Retba

This deceptively salty lake looks like blushing pink lemonade.

Added By

Rachel James
Durham, England

Finchale Priory

The former "holiday home" for monks at the Durham Cathedral.

Added By

katielou106
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument

A memorial to the monk who set himself on fire to protest the persecution of Buddhists in Vietnam.

Added By

Michael Inscoe
Salem, Massachusetts

The Witch House of Salem

The only structure left with direct ties to the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692.

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Dylan Thuras
Sønderborg, Denmark

'Støvlen' ('The Boot')

This colossal hiking boot, once built for a scout jamboree, serves as an observation tower and barbecue area.

Added By

Johan SWE

Toyooka, Japan

Genbudo Park

A dramatic landscape of ancient lava, carved into hexagonal columns by nature itself.

Added By

Hiroshi Akiyama
Birmingham, Michigan

Hunter House Hamburgers

Classic burger joint that’s been serving up sliders since 1952.

Added By

Hal Koss
Vilnius, Lithuania

Jesus Backpacker

A unique, playful portrayal of Jesus as a backpacking traveler.

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bi506115
Hann. Münden, Germany

Dr. Wolf’s Wunderkammer

This cabinet of curiosities contains many special and fantastical objects from around the world.

Added By

Zar Antonov
Toledo, Iowa

Butter Cow Statue

Bronze sculpture paying homage to Norma “Duffy” Lyon, famous for creating a life-size cow made of butter at the state fair.

Added By

Bill Schrier
Stonehaven, Scotland

Stonehaven Boardwalk Sculptures

A series of mysterious metal artwork adorn this harbor walkway.

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SEANETTA ALLSASS
Kandapola, Sri Lanka

Heritance Tea Factory

This 19th-century tea factory turned hotel showcases restored machinery from the era.

Added By

Max Cortesi
Hokuto, Japan

Yamataka Jindai Zakura

One of Japan’s oldest and largest cherry trees is said to have been planted by an ancient, heroic prince.

Added By

cdanesh

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Articles, Videos, and Podcast

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Most Popular

Most Recent

The 17th-century blood jam recipe recommended using fluid drained from “persons of warm, moist temperament.”

vampires

The Strange Endurance of Consuming Human Blood for Our Health

From draining slain gladiators to modern-day "sangs," people have long looked to blood as a panacea.

Written By

Mark Hay

October 31, 2022

restaurants
The Fantastic, Fading Retro Diners of Hong Kong
By Austin Bush
botanical gardens
The Secret Gardens Saving the World’s Rarest Plants
By Julie Zigoris
cemeteries
What Lies Beneath the Gravestone of a Fictional It Girl?
By Allegra Rosenberg
The Atlas Obscura (Audio) Guide to the National Parks
Sponsored by GMC Terrain
Podcast
This Man Rebuilds the Last Inca Rope Bridge Yearly
By The Podcast Team
games
The Hidden Worlds of Monopoly
By Adrienne Raphel
Podcast
How the Rocky Mountain Locust Plague Spawned Federal Disaster Relief
By The Podcast Team

This event showcasing the bounty of the Traverse City region’s amazing agriculture, craft, and creativity culminates with a Grand Tasting on August 23.

Sponsored by Traverse City Tourism

The Atlas Obscura Guide to Traverse City’s Event Season

Celebrating cherries, fireworks, horses, and more on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Written By

Luke Fater

June 17, 2025

witchcraft
Dear Atlas: Where Can I Explore Witch History Without the Kitsch?
By Sarah Durn
nature
How to Turn Your Road Trip Into a Nature Scavenger Hunt
By Vanessa Chakour
Podcast
Prowling for Coyotes in Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery
By The Podcast Team
astronomy
How to Take the Ultimate American Stargazing Road Trip
By Rebecca Boyle
geology
How to Read a Roadcut and Decode the Earth’s History
By Atlas Obscura
Podcast
How Elise Wortley Climbed Mont Blanc in 1830s Women’s Attire
By The Podcast Team
recipe
The Sweet Second Life of Creole Cream Cheese
By Sarah Lohman

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Guides, lists, and itineraries

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Trips and Videos

Tunisia - Sahara desert at night stargazing

Africa

Tunisia: The Sahara, Mosaics & Star Wars Relics

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We travel to incredible, often overlooked places. Our global community of local experts grants you access to unique, small-group experiences.

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Sea Critters of Charlotte Harbor

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Complete Your Bookshelf

Books and Box Sets

The Wild Life book lays on a bright blue surface next to a pair of binoculars and a foldable field guide for small critters.

Our Newest Book: Wild Life

An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Living Wonders

Two Atlas Obscura books with book sleeve lay on a light wooden table surrounded by spices and dinnerware.

The Explorer’s Library

Combination of Two Bestsellers

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