15 Haunted or Spooky Places Around the World That Will Give You Goosebumps
Most popular tourist destinations are famous for their jaw-dropping landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, others are better known for their dark history, whether that be tales of hauntings or an eerie history. Here are 15 of the most haunted and spooky places across the world.
Bhangarh Fort, India
Bhangarh Fort is considered to be one of the most haunted places in India. It was built during the 17th century and was once the capital of Raja Madho Singh’s kingdom until it was suddenly abandoned. Legends suggest that the fort is cursed, so visiting between sunset and sunrise is prohibited.
Winchester Mystery House, United States
This unsettling house was built by Sarah Winchester, to appease those who had been lost to the Winchester rifle, as she believed her family were cursed. The Winchester Mystery House is considered one of the most haunted houses in America, with various tales of hauntings and real-life paranormal experiences.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is thought to be one of the most haunted destinations in Scotland. The are various tales of hauntings in this castle, and the ghosts have even been named. The most well-known spirits include the Grey Lady, The Piper, The Drummer, The Castle’s Unluckiest Prisoner, and the Ghostly Good Boy (a black scruffy dog).
Poveglia Island, Italy
Poveglia is a small island in Venice, that was once a quarantine station for the bubonic plague. It’s also a mass burial ground, with approximately 160,000 victims being buried here. It later became an asylum. Poveglia is closed to the public, with many locals believing that the island is haunted by restless souls.
Port Arthur Historic Site, Australia
As one of Australia’s most haunted locations, the Port Arthur Historic Site has quite a history. This place was once a convict settlement, and it’s believed over 1,000 people have died here. Many people say that the departed never left, and their souls still live on. As such, ghost tours are popular at this site.
The Cecil Hotel, United States
Perhaps best known for the Netflix show ‘The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel’, this hotel has a dark history. Often referred to as ‘Hotel Death’, this property is notorious for its history of unexplained deaths, suicides, and murders. Two serial killers (Richard Ramirez and Jack Unterweger) even stayed here for a time.
Tower of London, England
The Tower of London is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is where the Crown Jewels are kept. This tower (and the surrounding Tower Green) has seen its fair share of tragedy and death, and is thought to be haunted by several ghosts. These include Anne Boleyn, Arbella Stuart, and Guy Fawkes, along with a huge bear!
The Paris Catacombs, France
The Paris Catacombs have to be one of the world’s spookiest destinations. This network of underground ossuaries holds the remains of over six million people. That is eerie enough, but the catacombs are also believed to be haunted. Those who dare can take a guided tour!
Castle of Good Hope, South Africa
The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town is a bastion fort that dates back to the 17th century. As the oldest building in South Africa, this place has a lot of history. It’s also thought to be the most haunted site in Cape Town, as workers tell of footsteps and voices, which sound like they’re coming from the dungeon.
Banff Springs Hotel, Canada
The historic Banff Springs Hotel is one of the largest hotels in all of Canada. Although beautiful, the property is thought to be one of the country’s most haunted locations. Those feeling brave enough can stay overnight, where you might just come face to face with some of the hotel’s ghosts, including Sam Macauley, the hotel’s bellman during the 1960s and 70s.
RMS Queen Mary, United States
The RMS Queen Mary is a retired British ocean liner that now calls the city of Long Beach home. It’s thought to be one of the most haunted places in America and offers plenty of ghoulish tales. You can head on a haunted encounter to learn all about the ship’s ghosts and their stories!
Bran Castle, Romania
Bran Castle is the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s iconic novel, Dracula. It was also the home of Vlad the Impaler, who committed all types of atrocities. Bran Castle is considered one of the world’s most haunted castles, with paranormal investigators flocking here every year.
San Bernardino alle Ossa, Italy
If you’re after creepy destinations, look no further than San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan. It’s best known for its Ossuary, where the walls are decorated with human skulls and bones. This was due to the cemetery becoming full! San Bernardino alle Ossa is certainly one of Milan’s most peculiar locations.
Valley of the Kings, Egypt
Home to at least 63 tombs (and probably many more), it’s no surprise that Valley of the Kings is thought to be haunted. Some visitors have reported seeing an Egyptian pharaoh, who is riding a fiery chariot, drawn by black phantom horses – quite a startling sight!
Salem, United States
Salem is famous for its witch trials (that started in 1692), where over 200 people were accused of practicing witchcraft. Approximately 20 people were executed too, making Salem one of the spookiest destinations in America. Some of the most haunted houses here include the Salem Witch House and the Pickman House.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.