12 Haunted Tourist Destinations That Are Not for the Faint of Heart

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Are you a paranormal enthusiast, a ghostbuster looking for their next catch, or someone searching for a spooky experience? If you are, you’ve come to the perfect place because we’re going to delve into the world of haunted houses, ghost sightings, mysteries, and eerie hallways.

From psychiatric hospitals in Italy and 11th-century towers in England to penitentiaries in the United States and ghostly forts in India, the world is home to countless haunted destinations. As such, deciding where to visit first is challenging. Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve compiled a list of the world’s 12 most haunted tourist destinations. These destinations are renowned for ghost sightings and mysterious happenings.

Tower of London, England

Tower of London at sunset, England, Famous Place, International Landmark — © daliu / Adobe Stock

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The first haunted destination on our list is the Tower of London, one of the English capital’s most famous tourist attractions. This 17th-century building on the banks of the River Thames, known officially as His Majesty’s Royal Palace, is renowned for its rich history, which saw it house many famous prisoners.

Some famous people held at the tower include Guy Fawkes, Queen Anne Boleyn, Thomas More, and the Kray twins. The Tower of London was also the site of various executions. As such, like many other places in London with a past filled with death, it’s believed the Tower of London is haunted. Many tourists and workers have reported seeing and hearing the ghosts of unfortunate souls who met an untimely and often unjust end at the tower.

Bhangarh Fort, India

Bhangarh Fort is an impressive 16th-century fort in the Rajasthan state of India. Beautifully preserved, it is a fine example of 16th-century Indian architecture. However, while it may look spectacular, it’s also considered one of the world’s most haunted places. It’s believed the fortress’s ruins are haunted and cursed.

So much so it has been said that the Indian government has, at times, prohibited locals from entering the fortress after sunset. There have even been local reports of people going missing in and around the fort. It’s reported that the curse on the fort was placed by a Sadhu called Guru Balu Nath, who stated that no building near the fort should be taller than his home.

The Stanley Hotel, Colorado, United States

At first glance, the Stanley Hotel in Colorado looks like a grand place to stay. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the 19th-century hotel offers breathtaking mountain views and features a beautiful Georgian interior. However, if you want to stay here, you must be willing to share your room with ghosts.

Numerous guests and hotel workers have reported hearing mysterious sounds at night, such as children laughing and running down the hotel’s corridors. One of the hotel’s most famous hauntings is the ghost of Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson, who can be heard playing the piano. Interestingly, Stephen King was inspired to write his novel ‘The Shining’ after his stay at the Stanley Hotel.

Poveglia Island, Italy

Haunted Destinations for the Brave at Heart Poveglia Island, Venice, Italy — © Jean-Patrick / Adobe Stock

When most people think about Venice, they picture awe-inspiring architecture, winding canals, and romantic gondola rides. However, just a short boat ride from the city center in the Venetian Lagoon sits a small island called Poveglia Island. While it looks relatively unassuming, Poveglia Island has a dark and dangerous past.

From 1776, the island was used as a quarantine station to treat bubonic plague victims. Later, it was used as an asylum, where it was believed many of the patients were mistreated, tortured, and treated using experimental methods, such as lobotomy. It’s widely reported that up to 160,000 people died on the island. Therefore, it is no surprise that the island is home to many ghosts and restless spirits.

The Catacombs of Paris, France

If there was only going to be one haunted place on the planet, we find it hard to believe it wouldn’t be the Catacombs of Paris, where you’ll find the remains of more than six million people. Situated under Paris’ bustling streets, the Catacombs offer a macabre journey through the city’s history.

The underground labyrinth of ossuaries and narrow passageways is lined with neatly organized bones. As you can imagine, walking the dimly lit tunnels is an eerie and haunting experience. To make matters worse, many travelers have reported hearing and seeing ghosts and spirits. It also won’t come as a surprise that the Catacombs have been featured in various horror movies, including As Above So Below.

Port Arthur, Australia

Port Arthur is a small village and historic site in Southern Tasmania, Australia. Situated on the Tasman Peninsula, British colonialists founded the village as a penal colony in the early 19th century. For those who don’t know, a penal colony is an overseas settlement established for punishing criminals.

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The criminals who lived at Port Arthur endured forced labor, solitary confinement, physical abuse, and psychological abuse. As a result, many prisoners died before operations ceased in 1877. Unsurprisingly, these prisoners are now believed to haunt Port Arthur and its open-air museum. Many visitors have seen empty rocking chairs moving on their own and ghosts standing in windows. If you feel brave, you can attend a ghost walk at Port Arthur.

Burg Wolfsegg, Germany

Perhaps one of the world’s most underrated haunted tourist destinations is Burg Wolfsegg in the charming German town of Wolfsegg. The town’s centerpiece, Burg Wolfsegg is an 800-year-old castle that stands proudly above the town. However, despite its beautiful appearance and charming surroundings, the castle has a spooky tale to tell.

Reportedly, the castle is haunted by the ghost of Klara von Helfenstein, who it’s believed was murdered by her jealous husband after he learned of her affair with one of his soldiers. Now, her ghost haunts the castle’s dark staircases and dimly lit hallways. If you’re lucky, or arguably unfortunate, you might encounter Klara von Helfenstein’s ghost when you explore the castle.

The Old Changi Hospital, Singapore

One of the most haunted places in Singapore is the Old Changi Hospital. The hospital was initially opened in 1935 by the British colonial government as part of a military base. However, it was seized by the Japanese in 1942 and used as a prison and torture camp during WWII.

After the war, the hospital was used until its doors closed in 1997. Today, the hospital’s decaying buildings are haunted by patients who died there, executed prisoners, and Japanese soldiers. The building’s run-down appearance, eerie corridors, and strange satanic symbols add to its haunting atmosphere. People aren’t usually allowed to enter the hospital, but night tours are held weekly.

Akershus Fortress, Norway

Built in the 13th and 14th centuries to protect Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital, Akershus Fortress is one of the country’s most impressive sights. However, its long and storied history features many dark tales that have led to the fortress being haunted by ghosts and spirits. From serving as a prison to being occupied by the Nazis during World War II, the fortress has seen it all.

The fortresses’ supernatural residents include a demon hellhound called Malcanisen, a female ghost called Mantelgeisten, and the ghost of the fort’s old gatekeeper. Many people visiting Akershus Fortress have also reported hearing battle-like screams at the fort’s drawbridge and feeling someone breathing on their neck. Unsurprisingly, you can book a ghost tour of the fortress.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

The next haunted tourist destination on our list is Edinburgh Castle, a stunning hilltop castle whose haunted reputation is linked to its dark past. This 11th-century castle has long served as a military fortress and royal residence and is now a popular tourist attraction. However, it has also been the site of various battles, civil wars, and executions.

As a result, many people believe the castle is haunted. In recent years, tourists and staff members have reported seeing the ghosts of the castle’s former prisoners and soldiers. Then there’s also the reported sightings of a piper who disappeared mysteriously while working in the castle’s tunnels. With so many ghosts walking the castle grounds, we wouldn’t be surprised if you spotted one.

Winchester Mystery House, California, United States

Haunted Destinations for the Brave at Heart Winchester Mystery House, San Jose, California — © Tatiana Morozova / Adobe Stock

The penultimate haunted tourist destination on our list is the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, United States. The House once belonged to Sarah Winchester, the widow of William Wirt Winchester, the son of Oliver Winchester, who founded the Winchester Repeating Arms Company.

Legend has it that Sarah Winchester was told that she was cursed by the spirits of the people who were killed by Winchester rifles. As such, she was advised to build a house that would appease the spirits. As a result, the strange Winchester Mystery House was born. Aside from being haunted by many spirits, this spooky house features windows that open to nowhere, stairs leading to the ceiling, floors with trap doors, and barred windows.

Tao Dan Park, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The final haunted tourist destination we have for you is Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. At first glance, this vibrant park looks like a beautiful place to relax and escape the city’s bustling streets. However, at night, the space takes on a completely different feel.

According to local legend, Tao Dan Park is haunted by the ghost of a young man who was killed in an attack. Many locals and tourists have reported seeing a ghostly figure wandering the park at night. It’s believed the man is walking around the park in search of his lost love. While he doesn’t appear to be a nasty ghost, we’re not sure we’d want to bump into him in the middle of the night.