Festivals and Temples of Bhutan
Trip
Exploring Fantasy Writing With Kelley Skovron
Course
Inside Roman Emperors’ Outrageously Lavish Dinner Parties
ancient
From Nero's revolving dining room to Augustus’s rigged lottery.
Festivals and Temples of Bhutan
Trip
Exploring Fantasy Writing With Kelley Skovron
Course
More Stories
One of the boldest spy operations during the Civil War was led by Harriet Tubman.
Get wonder in your inbox
Wonder delivered to your inbox
Sign up for our Newsletter
Explore the Atlas
Hidden Wonders
Firing Point
Kent, Sierra Leone
On an idyllic island off the coast of Sierra Leone, remnants of the defense of the slave trade and its later abolition.
Join the Community
The Atlas is always evolving thanks to our community. Here’s how to get involved:
Add & Edit Places
Tell us about all the amazing places we don’t know yet. Anyone can contribute, anywhere in the world.
Become a Member
Join our community to see far fewer ads, get a members-only newsletter, receive credit toward your next Atlas Obscura trip, and more.
Download the App
Explore our guide to over 24,000 curious and unexpected places, right from your mobile device.
Discover Our Stories
Articles, Videos, and Podcast
maps
Were Egyptians Really the First to Domesticate Cats? Try Cave Men
A map shows the spread of felines by Egyptians, Romans, Vikings—and prehistoric ancestors.
Plan Your Adventure
Guides, lists, and itineraries
Top Countries
Explore the World
Trips, experiences, and courses
North America
Flavors of Oaxaca: Markets, Mezcal, & Home-Cooked MealsDiscover Our Trips
We travel to incredible, often overlooked places. Our global community of local experts grants you access to unique, small-group experiences.
View all TripsDiscover Our Courses
Atlas Obscura Courses offer opportunities for students of all ages to explore niche topics and skills, in both live and on-demand formats.
View all Courses