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Are you a globetrotter? Do you like when your blood runs cold and the hair on the back of your neck stands up? If so, then you may be one of those tourists who get a certain kick out of exploring allegedly haunted places, like spooky castles in Europe or abandoned asylums in the US.

But that’s not all. You may have visited some locations linked to tragedies (like Chornobyl, to make an example) and enjoyed learning more about the related events. Don’t let that guilt settle in your stomach, though — humans naturally crave knowledge. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world and the history we (luckily) didn’t witness, even if these stories can be too much to digest for some.

When it comes to traveling, we’re drawn to the uncommon and unusual things that give our destinations character and purpose — although they may be a little more than we bargained for. But this type of tourism isn’t always associated with tragedy or disaster. Sometimes it can just be a creepy place that gets your adrenaline going. And trust us, there are plenty of those out there!

Whether you’re into urban legends and haunted houses, spooky museums, ghost-filled graveyards, or more sensitive locations that are cemented in our minds for their tragic past — rest assured, you’ll find what you seek right here.

#1

Gates Of Hell, Turkmenistan

Gates Of Hell Lava in the huge hole

A crater deep in a natural gas field is just the kind of place we’d expect to find Satan himself hanging out. It was set alight in 1971 to prevent the emissions of poisonous gases. The gases were estimated to burn out in a few weeks, but the crater is still on fire after 50 years.

commons.wikimedia.org Report

#2

Mount Hua Shan, China

Mount Hua Shan dangerous wooden mountain path

Ready for the deadliest hike in the world? Located in Shaanxi Province, this terrifying route is famed for being the most dangerous hike. Though no official statistics are kept, it’s been estimated that around 100 people have found death on the walk.

Aaron Feen Report

#3

The Catacombs Of Paris, France

The Catacombs Of Paris with Many skulls in the walls

If you’re looking for a place that will make your blood freeze, the Catacombs of Paris might be just the spot. The catacombs are a vast underground ossuary that holds the remains of 6 million people, created to fix the problem of Paris’ overflowing cemeteries. As you walk through the catacombs, you’ll see a sign that reads “Arrête! C’est ici l’empire de la Mort” (“Stop! This is the empire of Death”).

commons.wikimedia.org Report

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#4

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia, USA

Brown Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum with yellow inside walls bed and carpet

Originally designed to hold 250 people, this asylum ended up housing over 2,400 patients. Back in those days, patients could be admitted for even the most trivial reasons. These included asthma, laziness, and even greediness, which led to an overwhelming number of accepted patients and a shortage of staff members and beds. Now, tours in the facility give visitors a chance to see how people lived — or better, tried to survive — in this creepy building.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum , Viv Lynch Report

#5

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle at the mountain and red walls inside with paintings and people

Edinburgh Castle’s history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison, and fortress is so rich that it is literally bursting with tales of the past — some particularly grisly. We’re not gonna spoil much, just know that most of them involve ghosts, brutal executions, a gruesome underground city, and a haunted graveyard.

Dynamic Scotland , commons.wikimedia.org Report

#6

Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania, USA

Eastern State Penitentiary with huge corridors and rooms

When notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton were held there, you know you have a historic landmark in front of you. Operational until 1971, it was famous for its solitary confinement system: inmates lived alone, ate alone, and were even hooded whenever they had to leave their cell. As with most abandoned places, it has been transformed into a haunted house, and its authentic environment makes for an instantly immersive experience.

tripadvisor.com , tripadvisor.com Report

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sharonfaust avatar
Kookamunga
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've worked in Philly for over 30 years, the penitentiary is pretty awesome historical landmark. Here's an aerial view. EASTERN-ST...940890.jpg EASTERN-STATE-635aa98940890.jpg

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#7

Winchester Mystery House, California, USA

Brown Winchester Mystery House and inside with wooden floor and furniture

Often cited as one of the most haunted places in the world, Winchester Mystery House actually had a pretty normal past. Owned by Sarah Winchester, widow of magnate William Wirt Winchester, the house became a tourist spot following the woman’s death. We cannot confirm whether it’s a real haunted house, but the countless rumors and myths, added to the Victorian and Gothic architecture style, make the mansion a must-see for any horror fan.

facebook.com , tripadvisor.com Report

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Jan Dunn
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sarah was obsessed with the occult. Most of the things are multiples of 13s she was told if she ever stopped building that she would die. And that she was being haunted by the spirits of all the American Indians that the Winchester rifle murdered. She was also very short and all the steps feel really weird when you're walking on them because they were designed for her stature. I don't find it creepy at all it's a beautiful place and really cool to visit.

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#8

Island Of Dolls, Mexico

Creepy dolls hanging in the island

People usually have their own “bucket list” destinations. And then there are the “I’m not sure if I want to go there” destinations. The Island of Dolls in Mexico is definitely an example of the latter. Here, Julian Santana Barrera, the owner of the island who passed away in 2001, scattered dolls everywhere — he believed they would chase away the spirit of a young girl who drowned years ago.

commons.wikimedia.org , commons.wikimedia.org Report

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#9

Jack The Ripper Tour, London, England

Jack The Ripper Tour in London Pinchin street

One of London’s bloodiest mysteries is linked to the name of Jack The Ripper. Is it worth taking a tour to investigate the key events, maybe when it’s pitch dark outside, for a unique travel experience that will make your skin crawl? Absolutely!

The Jack the Ripper Experience , Berit Watkin Report

#10

Port Arthur, Australia

Port Arthur and with many rooms inside

Port Arthur is the location of the worst massacre in modern Australian history. In 1996, Martin Bryant killed 35 people and wounded 23 others in a brutal mass shooting — which led to significant changes in Australia’s gun laws and extensive restrictions on all firearms. The place, now a UNESCO site, also served as one of the penal sites built during the British Empire.

tripadvisor.com , tripadvisor.com Report

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Robert B
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let me get this straight- they had a mass shooting and then the gun laws were changed to make it harder for numbnuts to get guns? Weird, right? (Guess where I am, win a prize!)

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#11

Brighton Asylum, New Jersey, USA

Old creepy Brighton Asylum with decorations

Now an industrial warehouse hosting haunted house attractions on Halloween, it was once an asylum with a history of disappearing people, harsh conditions, medical experiments, and brutal violence. No wonder the facility closed down in 1952 following an investigation. After years of decadence, this utterly scary place reopened in 2011 as a haunted attraction.

tripadvisor.com , tripadvisor.com Report

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#12

Corvin Castle, Hunedoara, Romania

Corvin Castle and inside place

A Gothic-Renaissance castle and one of the “Seven Wonders of Romania,” Corvin Castle is reported to be a haunted location. The palace exudes a creepy atmosphere as you explore the dungeons where prisoners were tortured.

commons.wikimedia.org , Cristian Bortes Report

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Mark Fuller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's really beautiful. I remember the bridge in particular, having visited it many years ago...

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#13

Lizzie Borden House, Massachusetts, USA

Lizzie Borden green House and inside furniture

This 19th-century home was the site of one of America’s most famous unsolved murders. In 1892, Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally killed in their home. Their daughter Lizzie was the prime suspect but was acquitted at trial due to a lack of evidence. Today, visitors can tour the house where it all happened — and even sleep there! According to Martha McGinn, one of the previous owners of this renewed bed-and-breakfast, the room where Abby Borden was found dead is the most requested room.

tripadvisor.com , Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism Report

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Nathaniel
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lizzie Borden took an axe, And gave her mother forty whacks, When she saw what she had done, She gave her father forty-one.

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#14

Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-Under-Edge, England

Old white color Ancient Ram Inn and inside brown table with chairs

If you want to experience the horror of a haunted inn, look no further than the Ancient Ram Inn, which enjoys the reputation of being one of the most haunted inns in England. This scary-looking historic building has a fascinating history and a few other-worldly visitors to boot!

tripadvisor.com , tripadvisor.com Report

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Mark Fuller
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm surprised it's allowed to start falling into disrepair. It should be a listed building.

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#15

Hoia Baciu Forest, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Hoia Baciu Forest with skulls in the forest

Stories of ghosts, aliens, and urban legends contribute greatly to the popularity of Hoia Baciu Forest, situated west of Cluj-Napoca. The unearthly atmosphere of this place is enhanced by its crooked trees, and if you want to enjoy the full spooky experience, we advise you to join one of the many night tours!

Cristian Bortes , tripadvisor.com Report

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Alexandru Bucur
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hahahaha! I grew up in Cluj Napoca and one night, when I was about 17, I grabbed my bike and decided to go check it for myself... You know what I found in the forest? Another group of kids around my age who also came to check it out, so we had a pretty nice time wandering around drinking and generally hanging out. And that was about it. XD The place is waaay over-sensationalized, but quite nice for a hike or quick bike tour. It's located here, btw: 46°46'25.3"N 23°31'09.9"E

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#16

Tower Of London, England

Brown Tower Of London and creepy inside

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower has a reputation for its grim atmosphere and as a place of torture and death. Night-shift workers at the Tower of London have reported seeing ghosts belonging to nobles from the past, including Anne Boleyn, Henry VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Margaret Pole.

Gary Todd , tripadvisor.com Report

#17

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Colorful Forbidden City and inside with many statues

The Forbidden City, built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), served as the Chinese imperial palace for a long time. It’s named for its status as forbidden to commoners, who were not allowed inside the complex. Today, it remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in China — but visitors report being creeped out by all sorts of strange phenomena.

commons.wikimedia.org , commons.wikimedia.org Report

#18

Poveglia, Venice, Italy

Poveglia and abandoned inside of building

Venice’s tiny Poveglia Island, which sits between Venice and Lido, is a place like a few others. For over a century, the island was used as a quarantine zone for those affected by plagues and later as a mental institution allegedly used to torture patients with crude lobotomies. Visitors are prohibited, except in rare cases when writers, photographers, and TV show producers are granted permission to conduct business here.

facebook.com , True British Metal Report

#19

Jonathan Corwin House, Massachusetts, USA

Black Jonathan Corwin House with nature

Known as The Witch House, this spooky-looking place is actually a historical museum and the last direct trace of Salem’s witch-hunting events still standing. It once belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in the 1692 Salem witch trials, when over 200 people were accused, and 19 were executed by hanging. We couldn’t leave this place out of a list of creepy travel destinations — if not for its appearance, at least for its dark past.

travel.usnews.com Report

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arianwen001 avatar
Deborah Harris2
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1962 Salem witch trials, wtf??? That's only 60 years ago 😱 Proof reading is your friend 😆

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#20

The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, USA

Red Color The Stanley Hotel and inside green brown interior stairs with mirrors on the wall

Despite its peaceful history, the Stanley Hotel has gained a reputation for paranormal activity, especially following the publication of Stephen King’s The Shining, which contributed significantly to its fame. The place — for its remote location, grand size, and desolation — inspired the Overlook Hotel in King’s bestselling novel and the movie adaptation. It was also the filming location of the related miniseries directed by Mick Garris.

tripadvisor.com , tripadvisor.com Report

#21

Gettysburg Battlefield, Pennsylvania, USA

Gettysburg Battlefield with statues of people

Gettysburg is the site of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle, with more than 50,000 estimated casualties, and a turning point for the conflict. Visitors are left with a sense of dread as they walk through its grounds and learn more about its history.

commons.wikimedia.org , tripadvisor.com Report

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Shyla Bouche
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The civil war was dreadful, period. The aftermath was, in many ways, worse.

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#22

Burg Wolfsegg, Germany

Brown Burg Wolfsegg Castle and inside

Wolfsegg is a charming remote town in Germany, and you know what all charming remote towns have in common: their own peculiar castles that are rumored to be possessed! Burg Wolfsegg is an 800-year-old castle, apparently haunted by a “White Woman,” whom locals say frightens off any visitors who pass by.

burg-wolfsegg.de , burg-wolfsegg.de Report

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ProgHead777
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"...apparently haunted by a “White Woman,” whom locals say frightens off any visitors who pass by." Is her name Karen by any chance?

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#23

Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada

In the winter Fairmont Banff Springs and marble inside

With its 135 years of grandeur, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel has welcomed guests from royalty to Hollywood stars. A famous urban legend about room 873 has become a staple among mystery hunters — but according to a staff member, who debunked the mystery, there are far creepier stories at Fairmont Banff Springs that people have never heard of.

Adam Fagen , tripadvisor.com Report

#24

Akershus Fortress, Norway

Akershus Fortress and inside with furniture and wooden floor


Take a medieval castle, and make it spooky. That’s Akershus Fortress for you! It’s considered one of the scary places in Norway with the highest level of ghost activity, and this is more than enough reason for us to want to visit it.

Jim G , tripadvisor.com Report

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#25

The Queen Mary, Long Beach, California, USA

The Queen Mary ship and creepy inside

The Queen Mary is a stately ship-turned-hotel in Long Beach, California. The ship was first christened in 1934 by Queen Mary herself and was retired in 1967. Following the Queen Mary’s permanent docking in California, people started to spread stories about the ship being haunted. Unfortunately, the hotel and its attractions are temporarily closed for repairs to keep it from sinking, so you’ll have to wait some more before visiting this creepy travel destination!

queenmary.com , queenmary.com Report

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kindpegasus95 avatar
The_Bipolar_Express_1225
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s just like: y’all legit think I’m haunted? Smh. You should be worried about me sinking if these repairs aren’t done in time-

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#26

Raynham Hall, Norfolk, England

Brown Raynham Hall and luxury inside with furniture and sculptures

This location provided possibly the most viral ghost photo of all time, the “Brown Lady” descending the staircase. For centuries, there have been unsettling suggestions of this ghostly figure in a brown dress wandering through the hallways of Raynham Hall. The haunting became famous when photographers from Country Life magazine claimed to have captured it on film.

John Fielding , Raynham Hall Report

#27

One If By Land, Two If By Sea, New York, USA

One If By Land wooden door and inside with white tables

What is now a chic Manhattan restaurant housed in a landmark building was once Aaron Burr’s carriage house, a creepy location with a dark past of prostitution, unsolved disappearances, and death. It’s said there are more than 20 spirits in the building today — the most famous being those of its former owner, Aaron Burr, and his daughter Theodosia.

tripadvisor.com , One if by Land, Two if by Sea Report

#28

Sallie House, Kansas, USA

White Sallie House and white inside with furniture

It can’t get creepier than this. Built in the 1800s, Sallie House is said to be haunted by the ghost of a girl named Sallie, who died there during an excruciating surgery for appendicitis. According to the story, Sallie’s mother brought her there because of severe abdominal pain. Dr. Charles Finney believed it was appendicitis and cut into her before the anesthetic took effect, killing her. The story hit the national spotlight after being featured on several paranormal TV shows.

visitatchison.com , visitatchison.com Report

#29

Casa Loma, Toronto, Canada

Casa Loma castle with fountain and inside with pictures on the walls

Toronto has its own really majestic castle that legends say could actually be haunted. We can’t confirm the claims, but we know for sure that Casa Loma is a spectacular spot for visitors — and a favorite filming location for movies and TV shows as its Gothic architecture provides a unique backdrop.

tripadvisor.com , tripadvisor.com Report

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angry_waffle
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah no it's not haunted :/ most of the time it's a bunch of 13 year old boys being stupid

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#30

Bhangarh Fort, India

Bhangarh Fort with geometrical structures

Bhangarh, one of Rajasthan’s most famous forts, is a magnet for ghostbusters and curious tourists who visit with one question in mind: Is it really haunted? There are several stories behind why this city turned into ruins overnight. Still, employees and locals say there’s nothing too spooky about the fort — the place gets unsafe for visitors after sunset only because of the wild animals. Still, the fort’s eerie aura attracts millions of tourists every year.

commons.wikimedia.org , tripadvisor.in Report

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jabonner avatar
Frando Bone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

oh totally. I was there in 2017 and it's just got a weird, cold, bad vibe.

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