In every part of the world, there are hidden gems and points of interest that can be easily missed by guide books and travel companies – unless you know where to look.

The incredible, the unique and the downright bizarre are documented in Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders, with entries including a temple of insects, an art museum dedicated to human hair, the UK bridge where dogs commit suicide, and chapters devoted to abandoned spots, strange architecture, mummies and bones and “very large things”, among many, many others.

In celebration of the weird and the wonderful, we picked out seven urban curiosities you might not know about. From secret city railways to explosive churches to eggs you probably don’t want to pack in your lunchbox, here are seven of the world’s most curious city wonders.

Extracted from Atlas Obscura by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton (Workman). Copyright © 2016

Main image: Moonspenders

Urban curiosities: the weird and wonderful hidden gems to seek out on your travels