The World's 12 Most Haunted Places - Ghostly Getaways 2024

For those fascinated by the paranormal and spine-tingling tales, the world is full of haunted destinations that promise to send shivers down your spine. These sites are not for the faint-hearted, from eerie castles with dark histories to abandoned asylums and ghost-infested hotels. This guide takes you on a chilling journey to some of the most haunted places around the globe, each with its own story of unexplained phenomena and spooky encounters. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or just love a good scare, these destinations offer an intriguing glimpse into the unknown.

1. The Tower of London, England

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The Tower of London isn’t just an iconic historical site; it’s also a hotspot for ghostly encounters. With a history spanning over a thousand years, including use as a prison and execution site, it’s no wonder that it’s considered one of the UK’s most haunted locations. Visitors often report eerie feelings, sudden chills, and even sightings of former prisoners like Anne Boleyn. Exploring the Tower’s ancient stones and dark dungeons, you can’t help but feel the weight of history and the stories of those who once walked its halls.

Insider’s Tip

Join a Yeoman Warder tour for chilling tales and hidden spots.

When To Travel

Visit in the fall for a less crowded experience.

How To Get There

The Tower is located in central London, easily accessible by the Tube, bus, or a walk along the Thames.

2. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, USA

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Eastern State Penitentiary’s crumbling cell blocks and vacant guard towers stand as eerie reminders of its past. Once a revolutionary institution, it’s now an abandoned relic where visitors report strange sounds, shadowy figures, and feelings of being watched. The penitentiary’s history of solitary confinement and harsh conditions contributes to its haunted reputation. Walking through its echoing corridors, you can sense the despair that once permeated these walls, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the paranormal.

Insider’s Tip

Take the “Terror Behind the Walls” tour for a truly spooky experience.

When To Travel

October is ideal for Halloween-themed events.

How To Get There

The penitentiary is located in central Philadelphia and is easily accessible by public transport.

3. The Catacombs, Paris, France

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The Catacombs of Paris offer a macabre journey through the city’s history. This underground ossuary holds the remains of millions, their bones neatly arranged along the walls of the narrow tunnels. Walking through these dimly lit passageways, you’re surrounded by the silent watchers of history, making it a profoundly haunting experience. The air is heavy with the presence of the past, and it’s easy to feel a connection to the long-gone Parisians whose final resting place lies beneath the bustling city streets.

Insider’s Tip

Book tickets in advance to avoid long waiting lines.

When To Travel

Visit in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall to avoid peak tourist crowds.

How To Get There

Located in the 14th arrondissement, the Catacombs are accessible via the Paris Metro.

4. Poveglia Island, Italy

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Poveglia Island, shrouded in mystery and tragedy, is an eerie reminder of Venice’s past. Once a quarantine station for plague victims and later a mental asylum, the island is now abandoned, leaving behind tales of suffering and hauntings. Although it’s off-limits to tourists, its sinister silhouette visible from Venice stirs the imagination. The island’s dark history and the legends of mistreated patients contribute to its reputation as one of the most haunted places in the world.

Insider’s Tip

Visiting Poveglia is tricky as it’s off-limits to tourists, but you can see it from a boat tour around the Venetian Lagoon.

When To Travel

Spring or early fall for the best weather in Venice.

How To Get There

While direct access to the island is restricted, boat tours from Venice offer views from the water.

5. Aokigahara Forest, Japan

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Aokigahara Forest, at the base of Mount Fuji, is a place of serene beauty but with a somber reputation. Known for its dense trees and quiet atmosphere, it has become infamous as a site for suicides. The forest’s association with Japanese mythology and its eerie quietness enveloping it adds to its haunting aura. Visitors often speak of a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, and it’s a place that commands respect and sensitivity.

Insider’s Tip

Stay on the marked trails, as the forest is very dense and easy to get lost in.

When To Travel

Visit in the early summer for mild weather.

How To Get There

The forest is located near the town of Kawaguchiko and can be reached by train from Tokyo.

6. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA

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The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, is not only famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining” but also for its own paranormal activities. Guests and staff report unexplained piano music, laughter, and ghostly figures, particularly in the infamous Room 217. The hotel’s grand architecture and stunning mountain backdrop add to its eerie charm. Whether you’re a fan of King’s work or interested in the paranormal, the Stanley Hotel offers an intriguing stay.

Insider’s Tip

Book a night tour for a chance to experience the hotel’s supernatural occurrences.

When To Travel

Visit in the off-season for a quieter experience.

How To Get There

The hotel is in Estes Park, an hour’s drive from Denver.

7. Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

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Edinburgh Castle’s imposing presence atop a volcanic rock in Scotland’s capital is as haunting as it is historic. Visitors often report ghost sightings, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained phenomena, especially in the castle’s dungeons and old chambers. The castle’s long history, marked by battles and sieges, has left an indelible mark on its walls, making it a hotspot for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike.

Insider’s Tip

Explore the castle’s dungeons and the Stone of Destiny for a chilling experience.

When To Travel

Late fall or early winter to avoid the crowds and experience the Scottish mist.

How To Get There

The castle is in the heart of Edinburgh and is easily accessible on foot or by public transport.

8. The Myrtles Plantation, Louisiana, USA

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The Myrtles Plantation in Louisiana is often cited as one of America’s most haunted homes. With a history of murder and mystery, it’s known for ghostly children, a woman in a green turban, and mysterious handprints in mirrors. The plantation’s beautiful setting belies its chilling past, and staying overnight is an experience in itself, with many guests reporting strange occurrences.

Insider’s Tip

Stay overnight for a full experience of the plantation’s eerie atmosphere.

When To Travel

October for Halloween-themed tours.

How To Get There

The plantation is in St. Francisville, a short drive from Baton Rouge.

9. Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada

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The Banff Springs Hotel, nestled in the Canadian Rockies, is as picturesque as it is haunted. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a bride who tragically died on her wedding day and a friendly bellman ghost. The hotel’s stunning Gothic architecture and remote location contribute to its mysterious and haunting ambiance. It’s a place where luxury meets legend, offering guests a unique stay.

Insider’s Tip

Visit the ballroom and the staircase where the bride is often sighted.

When To Travel

Visit in the fall for a less crowded experience.

How To Get There

The hotel is in Banff National Park, accessible by car from Calgary.

10. The Ancient Ram Inn, England

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The Ancient Ram Inn in Gloucestershire, England, is notorious for its paranormal activity. Dating back to 1145, this former inn is said to be built on a pagan burial ground, contributing to its haunted reputation. Visitors report intense feelings of dread, sightings of spectral figures, and unexplained phenomena. The inn’s ancient architecture and eerie atmosphere make it a must-visit for those interested in the paranormal.

Insider’s Tip

Book a guided tour to learn about the inn’s chilling history.

When To Travel

Visit around Halloween for themed events.

How To Get There

The inn is in the village of Wotton-under-Edge, accessible by car from Bristol.

11. The Queen Mary, California, USA

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The Queen Mary, once a grand ocean liner and now a floating hotel in Long Beach, California, is known for its ghostly inhabitants. The ship’s history as a luxury liner and a World War II troopship contributes to its haunted reputation. Guests report seeing phantom crew members, hearing mysterious children, and experiencing unexplained noises. Exploring the ship’s historic decks and staying overnight offers a glimpse into its intriguing past.

Insider’s Tip

Join a nighttime ghost tour to explore the ship’s most haunted areas.

When To Travel

Visit any time of year, as the ship’s hauntings are not seasonal.

How To Get There

The Queen Mary is docked in Long Beach, accessible by car or public transport from Los Angeles.

12. Hoia Baciu Forest, Romania

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Hoia Baciu Forest, near Cluj-Napoca in Romania, is often referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of Transylvania due to its reputation for paranormal activity and unexplained events. Visitors to the forest have reported feelings of anxiety, unexplained physical symptoms, and sightings of ghostly figures. The forest’s dense foliage and twisted trees create an atmosphere of mystery and unease, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the supernatural.

Insider’s Tip

Explore the forest with a knowledgeable guide to learn about its mysterious history.

When To Travel

Visit in late spring or early fall for pleasant weather.

How To Get There

Fly to Cluj-Napoca and then drive or take a taxi to the forest.

The Bottom Line

Exploring the world’s most haunted places offers a thrilling adventure into the unknown. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or just enjoy a good ghost story, these destinations provide an intriguing glimpse into the unexplained mysteries of our world. Remember, while seeking out these spooky sites, respect the history and the tales behind them. So, gather your courage and embark on a journey that will chill and thrill you in equal measure.