When we think about this world, we get glimpses of beautiful countries with stunning beauty – from lush green forests to towering mountains, sparkling oceans, and awe-inspiring architectural wonders in our minds. We marvel at historic castles, ancient ruins, and breathtaking landscapes that captivate our senses. But among these magical places, there are places that possess a darker and unsettling allure. Some places have been known to be recognized as the most haunted in the world. These dark and haunting places have the right to be among the scariest on Earth. Such places are always imbued with tragedy or mysticism and fill ghost stories, weird noises, and a lot of strangeness. They provide a rather chilling contrast to the world's natural beauty and make each person present fearful and intrigued at the same time. So, if you are someone curious to know the story and of course, a strong-hearted person to discover spine-chilling paranormal activities, these haunted places in the world should be on your list.
A Spooky Travel Guide to the Most Haunted Places in the World
For the thrill-seeker as well as those who love supernatural things, a terrifying tour of these haunted places in the world provides the experience of a lifetime. An eerie castle or abandoned asylum or ghostly battlefields transform the moment with its inherent tension. Some places have legends running for centuries and breathe life into the paranormal activity that makes them hotspots for ghost hunters and curious travelers alike. If you dare to visit these fear-ridden places, you are going to come to experience a rush of adrenaline while working out the spooky secrets of these locations. It is indeed an opportunity to see the world from a spine-chilling new perspective that is peppered with history, mystery, and the unknown.
Here are the most haunted sites in the world that one should visit to satisfy their curious heart and mind:
- Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
- Poveglia Island, Venice, Italy
- Aokigahara Forest, Mount Fuji, Japan
- Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-under-Edge, England
- Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Tower of London, London, England
- Whaley House, San Diego, California, USA
- Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Château de Brissac, Brissac-Quincé, France
- Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana, USA
- Hoia-Baciu Forest, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Paris Catacombs, Paris, France
1. Bhangarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Bhangarh Fort, a mystery in the rugged terrain of Aravalli Range of Rajasthan, has haunted its visitors long since. Built in the 17th century by Maharaja Madho Singh I, it used to be a great fort with temples and havelis, but today, it stands in ruins. The fort is known for its picturesque surroundings, with dense forests and an aura of mystery. Despite its beauty, Bhangarh is very commonly included in the list of most haunted places in India. Travelers and thrill-seekers come to this place from all over the world. Its enormous walls and decaying structures make it the perfect spot for those who are interested in learning about the history and legends behind abandoned places. Now let me take you to the spine-chilling story that surrounds Bhangarh Fort- one of the most haunted places to visit in India.
It is said that the wonderful princess of Bhangarh, Ratnavati, was so beautiful that a Tantrik (a man practicing black magic) fell for her. He had transformed the perfume the princess was purchasing from the market into Love Potion so that she might fall in love with him too. But she was wise to his intentions and informed the king. This led to his death, being crushed under boulders. In his last moments, he cursed the fort and ever since, people have reported innumerable strange happenings there. Locals claimed that they would hear some strange noises, ghostly apparitions, and the temperature would drop all of a sudden. The fort is so haunted that officially it is not allowed to enter after sunset, and before sunrise, and many believe that the souls of those people who met their death because of the curse still haunt the ruins. The biting atmosphere with the dark history will surely charm your adventurous mind if you dare to come to one of the most haunted places in all over the world.
Location: Rajgarh Tehsil, Bhangarh, Rajasthan 301410
Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry Fees:
- For Indians – Around INR 25 Per Person
- For Foreigners – Around INR 200 Per Person
- For Video Camera – Around INR 200 Per Person
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
2. Poveglia Island, Venice, Italy
Poveglia Island is one of the most haunted places in the world, within a short boat ride of Venice - a dark history as intriguing as it is fascinating. In the 16th century, the island was used as a quarantine for those infected by the bubonic plague, while in the 1920s, it was converted into a mental asylum. Overgrown, decaying islands, and decaying buildings create a beautiful yet terrifying place of interest for those interested in the unpleasant and frightening story of death. Now, I am going to tell you the terrifying story of Poveglia Island, one of the most haunted locations in the world.
Thousands of victims of the plague were shipped there to die alone and abandoned during the period that it operated as a quarantine station. It was afterward claimed that as a mental asylum, patients were tormented as well as turned into spectacles for vicious experiments. It is said that one of the doctors became insane himself after parading his form of madness, wherein he jumped off the bell tower. Locals say that the spirits of those who died on the island never left it, and many people visiting the island report hearing voices and a sense of dread that they just cannot explain. In case you are an actual adventure-seeker, getting inside Poveglia's dark past will surely satisfy your curiosity on the supernatural world because believe me, you will be at one of the most scary places in the world.
Address: 30100 Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Note: Poveglia Island is now permanently closed for any visitors
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3. Aokigahara Forest, Mount Fuji, Japan
Located at the foot of Japan's most prominent Mount Fuji is Aokigahara, popularly known as the "Suicide Forest." It is a quiet forest filled with tall trees and dense undergrowth, evoking a sense of isolation. Still, the forest offers natural beauty, giving it an attraction for hikers and nature lovers. However, it has also brought shame due to the suicides that occur there every year; indeed, one of the most haunted paranormal sites on earth. Its history and strange aura made it a mystery place that attracted those interested in its dark reputation. Well, now let me tell you the haunting legend of Aokigahara Forest.
Now let me tell you the haunting legend of Aokigahara Forest. For hundreds of years, the legend of the forest associates it with death because most Japanese folk tales relate this forest to ghosts or spirits. For many Japanese cultures, this forest is known to be infamous due to many people having ended their lives there; thus, its atmosphere is haunted by restless spirits. Guests often complain about hearing some kind of weird sound, getting lost, or even feeling a chill in the air. Others believe the trees themselves are "haunted," sucking people in and bewildering them. If you are bold enough to venture into a place with such an adverse history, Aokigahara is sure to challenge your courage and curiosity to give you an experience you will never get elsewhere.
Address: Narusawa, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi 401-0300, Japan
Opening Hours: 9 am to 4 pm
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4. Ancient Ram Inn, Wotton-under-Edge, England
Ancient Ram Inn is a Grade-II listed haunted place in England. This haunted location is situated in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire. Originally it was a 12th-century farmhouse later was turned into a pub and eventually transformed into a guesthouse. It carries medieval architecture with the floorboards creaking beneath the feet, adding ancient wooden beams which indeed make for a very eerie atmosphere. Over time, this inn has become famous owing to alleged paranormal activity and ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts visit the location to try and experience its haunted energy firsthand. You come to experience paranormal activity at this 1000-year-old most haunted location. Do you want to know what has happened here that would leave its trace for over a year?
Let me take you into the scary history of the Ancient Ram Inn. The inn is a site laid on an old pagan burial ground. According to local people, this has accounted for ghost happenings there. Several times, reports about activities such as poltergeist, shadowy figures, and some weird and disturbing noises appeared in the papers. The most frightening story would be about the former owner, who reported facing a demon in the attic. There are several more stories related to a "Lady in White" and an evil spirit that haunts the visitors at night. If you're interested in ghostly stories, then Ancient Ram Inn is the place you would like to visit.
Location: 8 Potters Pond, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7HF, United Kingdom
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5. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is a prison with an infamous past: it was the world's largest and costliest once. Gothic-style architecture, with its soaring walls and maze-like corridor structure, gives the penitentiary an eerie look. It now is one of the favorite city attractions where visitors come to witness its dark history and all the rumors about this "haunted" place.
So, you want to know why Eastern State Penitentiary is considered one of the most haunted places in America? Really, there are many experiences of ghost sightings and other strange things that people have witnessed coming out from behind the prison walls. Many former inmates and officers said that shadowy figures appeared in some areas or told cold drafts. Probably the most popular ghost story is in Cell Block 12, from where a prisoner reportedly went mad under the extreme conditions of isolation and cruelty. He is said to haunt the area till this day. You could experience some eerie feeling when walking through its long, dark passageways.
Location: 2027 Fairmount Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19130, United States
Opening Hours:
- Wednesday to Monday- 10 am to 5 pm
- Thursday- Closed
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6. Tower of London, London, England
Everyone is used to saying that the Tower of London is one of London’s greatest landmarks and it certainly is. It has been around for over a thousand years and is an essential component of British history. Historically known as a royal tower and a prison that has witnessed a fair bit of executions, political treason and many other brutal events. The Tower possesses the Crown Jewels, and its ceremony has also retained its value even today. People come here not only to get knowledge about its history but also about its horrifying past.
We are all keen, right? I am now intent on explaining the terrible stories that have earned the Tower of London a spot on the list of the creepy places in the world. It is said that the Tower is haunted by various angry ghosts including Anne Boleyn, King Henry VIII's second wife who was killed there in 1536. Tourists have claimed to see a headless ghost of hers in a dress walking the grounds of the castle. The ghosts of princes, imprisoned politicians, and even a mysterious woman in white have also been reported. And since ghost sightings are indeed quite common, many also believe that the Tower must be one of the most haunted places on the earth.
Location: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Monday- 10 am to 4:30 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday- 9 am to 4:30 pm
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7. Whaley House, San Diego, California, USA
The Whaley House, situated in Old Town San Diego, is popularly known as "the most haunted house of America." This horrific structure which today’s generations go looking for ghosts any chance they get was built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley and his family as a family residence and is the most horror place in the world. The house bears a lovely aspect because of its Greek Revival architectural structure, but much darker things lay beneath the beauty. The structure had been the stage for regrettable tragedies such as suicides and executions which made it famous for being haunted. In this manner, the current successor of the site’s owners, the Whaley family, invites those who wish to know the history and the many events that occurred in such dreadful places.
If there is a haunted house with a fascinating backstory, it is the Whaley House. Built on the ground where the gallows once stood in the nineteenth century, it is said that there are places similar to where colonial America hung its subjects. Speaking of ghosts, the Whaley family, comprising the tenants of the structure immediately after its construction, professed to see and hear things other people could not, such as dreams of strange people talking. Many visitors to the place reported seeing figures and hearing sounds while some even said they felt the temperature drop extremely. The most famous ghost among all is Thomas Whaley who has never left his favorite home. If you are a sucker for ominous sites with a fascinating past, then the Whaley House should be on your bucket list.
Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Opening Hours: Daily 10 am to 4:30 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm
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8. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Castle is an important Scottish landmark that stands on a volcanic rock in the center of the city of Edinburgh. The history of the castle is unique, residing in this region altogether over thirteen hundred years of castle history where a British Fortress, residence of the kings and a state symbol were served. Its stunning architecture and strategic location make it one of the many must-visit places in the world for tourists. Also, Edinburgh Castle is notorious because of the terrible ghosts that seem to haunt it. With its ancient walls, dark chambers, and long history of battles, that makes it one of the most haunted locations in the UK.
Let me now tell you the ghostly tales which make Edinburgh Castle such a nice venue. Over the period, the castle has been a seat of several such occurrences, and many endorse the claim that the souls of the people who lived and died in it in the past decades still roam the place. One of the most famous seems to be the ghost of a piper who can be seen heading towards tunnels in the castle. Disturbing sounds of footsteps, shadows, and an eerie perception of anxiety in certain parts have also been felt by the observers. If getting to know more about the haunted history of Scotland interests you, then you should go for this castle as it is among the most haunted locations in the UK without a doubt.
Address: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm
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9. Château de Brissac, Brissac-Quincé, France
The remarkable castle with Renaissance construction is called Chateau de Brissac and it is located in Loire Valley in France, and it's considered one of the best places for bachelor party in the world. This castle, which was constructed in the 11th century, is the tallest in France. The Chateau de Brissac is situated among beautiful vineyards and gardens, which is another major advantage of this impressive architecture. Despite being an architectural wonder and among the most popular tourist places in France, it is also known for its chilling haunted stories.
Allow me to take you into one of those stories that are associated with the ghostly legend of Château de Brissac; The spirit of Charlotte de Brissac, the wife of the 17th Duke of Brissac, is said to be the ‘Green Lady’ and the most popular spectre of many who dwell at this castle. Legend has it that Charlotte was killed by her jealous husband, and now her spirit drifts around the fortress dressed in a green gown. Numerous visitors and castle employees have even claimed to hear her voice and movement as she roams the great halls in the middle of the night. For all those who wish to hear a different type of tragic ghost story about love gone wrong, it is recommended that you visit the French castle of Brissac and let your imagination ride before the reality of the castle.
Address: 1 RUE JEANNE SAY, 49320 Brissac-Loire-Aubance, France
Opening Hours: 2 pm to 5 pm, Tuesday Closed
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10. Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana, USA
St. Francisville, Louisiana, Myrtles Plantation is one of the most haunted plantations in the United States. It was in fact built as a grand estate in the late 18th century and then worked as a former plantation of sugarcane. Surrounded by moss draped oak trees and lush gardens it is a beautiful mansion to relax in; that is, until you hear its reputation for ghostly activity makes it the subject of all sorts of tales of the supernatural. The plantation is now a bed and breakfast, where those who are left unafraid to sleep the night away in a place rife with a dark and haunted history, can rank it among the most infamous haunted places on the planet.
I'll tell you now the terrifying stories of Myrtles Plantation that have made it so famous. Chloe, a former slave, is one of the most famous spirits, said to have poisoned the family who lived there. They say she was caught and hanged for her deed, and now her spirit lives in the plantation. Chloe’s ghost is seen by visitors, and several have experienced odd happenings, like cold spots, flickering lights, even apparitions of children playing. There is also another ghost which haunt the plantation, say a little girl that was killed on the property. Myrtles Plantation is ideal if you’re trying to find a spooky experience with a tragic, eerie past and history.
Location: 7747 US-61, St Francisville, LA 70775, United States
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11. Hoia-Baciu Forest, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Hoia-Baciu Forest, near Cluj-Napoca in Romania, is one of the world’s most mysterious and frightening forests. It is known as the 'Bermuda triangle of Romania' and also famous for 'strange occurrences and paranormal activity'. Its twisted, gnarled trees make the forest famous: twisted and contorted trees that look as if they were unnaturally bent. The forest is considered haunted by locals who have been visiting it for UFO sightings, ghost stories and the paranormal. The forest is a story of a dark history and unexplained events, making it a place of choice for thrill seekers and thus one of the most haunted places on earth.
So now it is the turn of the eerie tale of Hoia-Baciu Forest, which is among the most nerve pumping places to visit in November in the world for its gooffy views. The forest is well known for the many paranormal activity rumors, such as strange light in the sky, sudden cold, and people just going missing. There’s one of the most chilling stories of a woman who entered the forest and never came back. Years later, when her body was found, it was said to have aged rapidly, with her hair grown white and her body shriveled looking as though more decades had passed. They say they sometimes hear voices, see strange shadowy figures or feel as if someone or something is watching them. Hoia-Baciu Forest is if you are the person who loves a good mystery and a spine-tingling atmosphere.
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12. Paris Catacombs, Paris, France
The Paris Catacombs are a network of tunnels located below the city that contain the ashes of millions of people buried there. Originally established in the late 18th century to help solve the problem of overcrowded graveyards, the catacombs grew to become a rather macabre tomb. Present day, the catacombs are very famous, tourists get an opportunity to walk in tunnels with walls filled with bones and skulls of humans. It is a network of underground ossuaries, and some sections of the catacombs are still undefined because they have not been fully explored up to the present; more than two hundred (200) miles of it are still undiscovered. The baronial creepiness and association with death place the catacombs as one of the most haunted places on earth for anyone who has an interest in the macabre of history.
Now let me take you through the dark history of the Paris Catacombs, the most haunted location in the world. For many centuries of its existence, the tunnels were considered a dwelling for ghosts and any paranormal activity. Certain people have complained of hearing whispers, or cold breezes blowing past them or even seeing the shadow of a person in the corridors when it is dark. The souls of the people buried there are said to be restless wandering souls and will not leave. There is even the story of a man who went down into the catacombs and was never seen again. Today the catacombs are one of the most popular and frightening places on our planet where people can fully experience the creepy atmosphere. If you are interested in a great walking tour, Paris catacombs will definitely be thrilling if you have a thing for the eerie.
Location: 1 Av. du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, 75014 Paris, France
Opening Hours:
- Monday- Closed
- Tuesday to Sunday- 9:45 am–8:30 pm
As it is apparent, the world is full of beautifully calm and picturesque places; however, there are some haunted places in the world so creepy and mysterious that they make one’s spine tingle. These locations, known for the world’s most famous horror stories, are sites of death, tragedy, and horror, where incidents like fatal accidents, strange sounds, spirits, and fear have been reported. For those inclined and adventurous enough to visit the haunted sites, there is no scarcity of great places to explore. Whether you are a professional ghost hunter or a tourist craving something supernatural, these locations provide an experience you can’t get anywhere else. To assist you in this fascinating endeavor, we have selected the most popular tour packages that will guide you to the eeriest spots around the globe and help you uncover their chilling histories. As they say, the spirits are alive and well in these places, so just be ready—these haunted sites will take a toll on you.
Haunted Places in the World - FAQs
Yes, Bhangarh Fort is considered one of the most haunted places in India. It is said to be cursed, with reports of strange sounds, ghostly apparitions, and a chilling atmosphere. There are different stories floating in the air by the Locals who believe the fort is haunted due to the curse.
Poveglia Island is not open to tourists anymore, as it is deemed dangerous and has a dark history involving plague victims and a former mental asylum. Access is restricted, but some adventurous visitors have managed to visit the island.
Aokigahara Forest has gained a grim reputation due to the high number of suicides that occur there each year. The forest is also associated with Japanese folklore about restless spirits believed to motivate people take such steps.
Yes, the Ancient Ram Inn is open to visitors who are interested in its haunted history. The inn, built on a pagan burial ground, is known for its supernatural occurrences.
Yes, the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia is open to the public for tours. Visitors can explore the eerie, Gothic architecture and learn about its dark past.
The Tower of London is famously haunted by several historical figures, including Anne Boleyn, who was executed there in 1536. Other apparitions include the spirits of princes and political prisoners, making it one of the most haunted sites in England.
The Whaley House in San Diego is considered the most haunted house in America because it was built on the site of a former gallows. Ghosts of the Whaley family, as well as other figures from its tragic history, are said to haunt the home.
Edinburgh Castle is open for daytime visits, but nighttime tours are occasionally available. The castle is famous for ghost sightings, including a piper who is said to haunt the castle’s tunnels.
The "Green Lady" is said to be the ghost of Charlotte de Brissac, the wife of a 17th-century duke who allegedly murdered her. Visitors report seeing her apparition in a green gown, wandering the halls of the castle.
Yes, Myrtles Plantation is a bed-and-breakfast, and visitors can stay overnight in the haunted mansion. Known for its ghost stories, including that of Chloe, the former slave who poisoned the family, it is a popular spot for paranormal enthusiasts.
Hoia-Baciu Forest, often referred to as the "Bermuda Triangle of Romania," is known for strange occurrences such as UFO sightings, sudden temperature drops, and unexplained disappearances. It’s one of the most haunted forests in the world.
Yes, parts of the Paris Catacombs are open to the public and can be explored with an official tour. However, some areas of the catacombs are off-limits due to safety concerns and their eerie atmosphere, with reports of paranormal activity and ghost sightings.
No, it is officially prohibited to enter Bhangarh Fort after sunset and before sunrise. The fort is considered so haunted that local authorities have restricted access during these times to prevent any dangerous encounters.
Many visitors to Aokigahara Forest report feeling disoriented or lost due to the dense foliage and the forest's strange energy. It’s believed that the forest’s haunting history of suicides and its association with spirits may contribute to the eerie sensation of being watched.
The Ancient Ram Inn is believed to be haunted due to its location on an ancient pagan burial ground. Many visitors report poltergeist activity, shadowy figures, and unexplained noises, and it is said that a demonic entity once haunted the attic.
