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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.

St. Bernard's Well

A beautiful Greco-Roman structure houses a well once believed to have healing powers.

Added By SEANETTA ALLSASS

In Partnership with AppleTV+ Fountain of Youth: New Movie May 23

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Editor’s Picks

Destinations From Across the Atlas

Destinations From Across the Atlas

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Featured Trips

Wild Brazil: Rivers, Dunes & the Amazon

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Caucasus Road Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

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Dear Atlas: What Are Some Non-Touristy Things to Do in Paris?

travel

Go beyond the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre in the City of Lights.

Featured Trips

Wild Brazil: Rivers, Dunes & the Amazon

Trip

Caucasus Road Trip: Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia

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More Stories

7 Themed Eateries That Make Dining in Colorado an Experience

List

Does a Magician Really Never Reveal Their Tricks? AO Wants to Know.

magic

How a Wooden Duck Migrated From the California Wetlands to a Wine Label

wine

Where to Wander: Atlas Obscura Selects the Best Places to Visit in 2025

exploration

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Hidden Wonders

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Most Recent

São Miguel, Portugal

Lagoa das Sete Cidades (Lagoon of the Seven Cities)

Legend has it the lovelorn tears of a princess and a shepherd boy formed the blue and green twin lakes in the Azores archipelago.

Added By

Angela Ballard
Nefta, Tunisia

Lars Homestead

The original movie set for the home of 'Star Wars' hero Luke Skywalker.

Added By

Nate Robert
Louisville, Kentucky

Gallop to Glory

This hidden jockey “walk of fame” celebrates the winning riders of the Kentucky Derby.

Added By

ensleyj
Los Angeles, California

The Good Ship Grace

This ship-shape Streamline Moderne building was once the headquarters of a nautically inclined radio preacher.

Added By

Allegra Rosenberg
Forest Park, Illinois

Haymarket Martyrs Monument

Chicago’s incendiary role in the labor movement.

Added By

Tim Stafford
Leeds, England

Hyde Park Picture House

The last gas-lit cinema in the United Kingdom, and perhaps the world.

Added By

cheesetoastie
Matakana, New Zealand

Matakana Toilets

A serene, almost spiritual place to do one's business. Who knew a public toilet could inspire and awe?

Added By

bmc1213
Tokyo, Japan

Tetsugakudo Park

A bizarre philosophy-themed park founded by an occult expert.

Added By

Fred Cherrygarden

Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Uri Geller Museum

The spoon-bending sensation himself leads visitors on tours.

Added By

anthonysmall1994
Bristol, Virginia

Burger Bar

With roots dating back to 1942, this retro diner was where Hank Williams is said to have uttered his last words.

Added By

Mason Adams
Centro, Mexico

Murals of the Government Palace

Twenty-four works by the last great Mexican muralist tell the story of Tlaxcala.

Added By

Mario Yair T.S.
Barnsley, England

Tankersley Old Hall Ruins

The ruins of a significant 16th-century building once appeared in a 1969 film.

Added By

Jim F
Bartlett, New Hampshire

The Abandoned Train of Bartlett, New Hampshire

An old locomotive hides deep in the forest.
Hartford, Connecticut

Site of a Speech by Stephen A. Douglas

Commemorating the "Little Giant" who ran for the presidency.

Added By

EB Savage
Augusta, Georgia

Pexcho’s American Dime Museum

An authentic recreation of a 19th-century museum for "working class folks."

Added By

offwithyourtv
Roanoke, Virginia

Henry Street

In the 1920s, this stretch of Roanoke became home to a thriving Black community.

Added By

Mason Adams

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Articles, Videos, and Podcast

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Most Recent

dinosaurs

How Alligators and Humans Became Friends—Kind Of

A new museum delves into our cute and terrifying relationship with gators.

Written By

February 22, 2024

nature
How Camera Traps Capture Rare Wildlife Candids
By Cara Giaimo
sports
The Badass Female Gladiators of Ancient Rome
By Asia London Palomba
birds
A Field Guide to Exploring Florida’s Best Birding Spots
Sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA
bunkers
10 Places to Wait Out the End of the World
By Atlas Obscura
magic
Does a Magician Really Never Reveal Their Tricks? AO Wants to Know.
By Andrew Coletti

Wonder really is in your own backyard.

travel

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

You next adventure might be right outside your door.

Written By

Sarah Durn

May 6, 2025

tombs
In Ancient Bulgaria, the Tombs of the Elite Were Filled With Golden Treasures
By Nicky Nielsen
magic
Does a Magician Really Never Reveal Their Tricks? AO Wants to Know.
By Andrew Coletti
wine
How a Wooden Duck Migrated From the California Wetlands to a Wine Label
Sponsored by Decoy
poison
Are Some of Your Favorite Houseplants Poisonous? AO Wants to Know.
By Andrew Coletti
crime
In Norway, Easter Means Tucking Into Crime Stories
By Jessica Furseth
haunted
Dear Atlas: Can You Recommend Haunted Accommodations for Paranormal Enthusiasts?
By Danielle Hallock
islands
Cracking Open Evolution’s Black Box on 'Lizard Island'
By Partner Story

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Plan Your Adventure

Guides, lists, and itineraries

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Trips and Videos

Puglia Italy - Matera

Europe

Southern Italy: Castles, Caves & Coastal Treasures in Puglia

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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.

Video

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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